Camellia petal blight: Mechanisms of resistance

Camellia Petal Blight is a major fungal disease problem for growers and exporters in many parts of the world. Camellia flowers infected with the causal pathogen Ciborinia camelliae show brown discolouration characteristic of this disease. Fungicide applications, and other horticultural methods aimed at reducing disease levels, have failed to provide adequate control. The development of resistant camellia varieties is the best long-term strategy for management of this disease. We have shown that some Camellia species and varieties show resistance but this trait is not a simple monogenic trait. In addition, our genomic and transcriptomic analysis of the disease has uncovered a wide variety of plant and fungal factors involved in disease resistance and susceptibility.

A PhD position is available to study mechanisms of resistance and susceptibility of Camellia spp. to petal blight. In addition to bioinformatics analysis, the project will involve field collection of samples, microbiological and plant pathology work in the laboratory, molecular cloning and PCR.

Principal supervisors will be Paul Dijkwel, Rosie Bradshaw and Murray Cox (Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University) with advisory input from breeders and growers associated with the Camellia Memorial Trust. This team combines internationally-recognised expertise in molecular and classical plant pathology, plant physiology and bioinformatics. Training will involve the acquisition of valuable skills in high-throughput sequence data handling and their application to the critically important area of plant health, providing a solid foundation for further relevant international employment opportunities.

Applicants should have a background in plant biology with a genuine interest in disease resistance. Relevant experience in bioinformatics or fungal biology is an advantage. Applicants should hold, or expect to hold, a high grade Honours or Masters-level degree (or equivalent) in relevant life sciences.

Applications should be e-mailed to [Email Address Removed] and should include a full CV, a cover letter outlining your interests in relation to this research, and the names and contact details of two academic referees.