The Foundation has been delighted to support some exciting work at UQ and now the team has published: “Exogenous double-stranded RNA inhibits the infection physiology of rust fungi to reduce symptoms in planta”. Go to the paper online here or go to the Projects page here and check out the various Myrtle Rust projects.
A new report, led by Helen McGregor, Redefining Agriculture. The findings in this project offer insight into both the value and limitations of the community garden networks in Melbourne as a representative model for evaluating plant health education and engagement at a local level. Most notably the importance of a tailored, strategic, integrated approach to […]
Australia’s native plants are experiencing their own pandemic. The myrtle rust fungus is silently killing our seedlings, saplings and established trees. Hundreds of Australian species in the Myrtaceae family are susceptible including bottlebrushes, eucalypts and tea trees with 16 species set to become extinct within a generation. This new short film shares first-hand stories on […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2022-11-02 02:25:472022-11-02 02:25:48Myrtle Rust - The Silent Killer explained in a new short film
The Foundation is calling for nominations for new Non-executive Directors. As the Foundation enters a new phase with decisions about the future of it’s commercial investment approaching rapidly, the terms of 4 of our 5 Directors are expiring… want to join us and make a difference? Please email the CEO for further information or a […]
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Geoff Pegg (QDAF) and crew have just finished a two-year study, concluding the impacts of Myrtle Rust on regeneration of native species following fire can be severe, leading to death of many species and potential loss of ecosystem function. Impact from A. psidii infection was identified on all species monitored as part of this study. […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2022-06-06 06:31:122022-06-06 06:35:31Fire and Myrtle Rust - a deadly combination!
Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, Michelle Moffitt and team from the University of Western Sydney identified a unique molecular fingerprint in A. psidii infected Melaleuca quinquenervia leaves during the early stages of infection. Further analysis of the metabolome at 24 hours and 48 hours after infection identified a unique subset of 19 metabolites that are unique to the resistant […]
A new report led by Dr angus Carnegie of NSW DPI has shown the potential of using new technologies in combination could save significant time and money for urban forest biosecurity surveillance. This study evaluated high-resolution airborne ArborCam imagery for tree species classification in a complex urban environment. An object instance segmentation of tree crowns […]
Geoff Pegg and his team have significantly enhanced the capacity to protect K’gari with a two year Foundation project. Working with partners from the Butchulla Land and Sea Rangers and Qld DES, the team also undertook valuable myrtle rust assessments, particularly following the devastating fires in 2020. Check out the fantastic work here including wonderful […]
Another successful Schools Plant Science Competition by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility (HRF): over 3,600 participants from 130 schools across Australia and 155 competition entries that was all part of the 2021 International Year of the Fruit and Vegetable. Great work Kerrie Rubie and partners! See the Project Page […]
Michelle Moffitt and her project partners have confirmed their metabolomics methods from PBSF027 are suitable for differentiating Myrtle Rust resistant and susceptible phenotypes in Eucalytpus grandis. Find out more about the project here and watch this space for further developments in coming months.
Fundamental to the operation of any biosecurity system is to have an accurate host-pathogen registry and one of the main tasks achieved in this project was to review the virus and viroid records from ornamental, turf and native plant species in Australia. A remarkable diversity of viruses was detected in this project, most of which […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2021-12-20 09:23:282021-12-19 06:26:40Helping address the biosecurity threat posed by the trade of ornamental plant species
Trials evaluating the impact of the exotic pathogen Austropuccinia psidii (causing myrtle rust) and the endemic pathogen Quambalaria pitereka (causing Quambalaria shoot blight: QSB) were established. Three fungicides were evaluated (one commercial fungicide and two novel fungicides) and all had beneficial effects against the fungal diseases in terms of disease incidence or tree growth. The […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2021-12-19 03:37:532021-12-19 03:38:46Fungicides and Myrtle Rust ... early trials show some promise.
The Foundation is delighted to continue it’s focus on urban and peri-urban biosecurity. Following the comprehensive and high quality first project in this space (PBSF027), the team of Helen McGregor (Redifining Agriculture) and Jess Lye (now Citrus Australia) have again combined to investigate learning and engagement strategies using community gardens in culturally diverse communities … […]
Read about our latest call for proposals, some project updates, welcome to Darren Cundy as the new CEO of Davren Global, and more … Download the newsletter here.
The Australian Plant Biosecurity Science Foundation is calling for new investment proposals. The Foundation aims to support research, development, extension and capacity building activities that support our vision of Australian plant production systems, markets and environments are protected from invasive pests and diseases through an effective plant biosecurity system. Investments proposals must have a very […]
Responses of a wet sclerophyll forest in southern Queensland to repeated infestation showed significant mortality in keystone species, and after a relatively short period of time there are pronounced changes in canopy gaps, species composition and vegetation cover. Associate Professor Jennifer Firn from QUT has just submitted her Final Report and you can read more […]
Associate Professor David Lee of the University of the Sunshine Coast has established three trials in a young environmental planting at Doonan and baseline data collected on the impact of myrtle rust and Quambalaria shoot blight on these plantings before and after fungicide treatment. In addition, a thinning treatment has been conducted on a 13-year-old […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2021-05-03 02:12:412021-05-03 02:18:34Impact of myrtle rust on regrowth in disturbed forests ...
Dr Angus Carnegie is progressing remote sensing technologies, coupled with machine learning to improve the efficiency of host-tree surveillance in urban biosecurity hot-spots. His progress report, working with ArborCarbon Pty Ltd can be found here.
Dr Angus Carnegie provides a report on how he has been working to enhance indigenous community capacity to assess the impacts of myrtle rust on rainforest Myrtaceae in ecologically and culturally significant lowland subtropical rainforests … More here.
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2021-04-26 01:12:312021-04-26 01:12:41Working with indigenous communities on Myrtle Rust
The Foundation hosted the Myrtle Rust National Symposium this week, bringing together over 200 delegates to share share insights and hear about the latest research on the disease from within Australia and overseas. “We had great turnout, in-person and online: and we all learnt so much about Myrtle Rust, and who is doing what around […]
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The Foundation and friends are pleased to announce a National Myrtle Rust Symposium to galvanise action and conserve native plant species threatened by myrtle rust. Myrtle Rust is a plant disease caused by the introduced fungal pathogen Austropuccinia psidii and it poses a serious and urgent threat to Australia’s native biodiversity. The Myrtle Rust in Australia: National Action […]
The Foundation Chair Prof John Lovett was delighted to welcome Dr Olivia Reynolds to the Board of the Foundation. Dr Reynolds, currently working with Cesar Australia, was voted onto the Board by the Members at our recent AGM, following the retirement of Initial Director Robinson. Prof Lovett said “Dr Reynolds has an impressive track record […]
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Jessica Lye (Cesar Australia) and Helen McGregor (Redefining Agriculture) have just completed a great report outlining how people in the urban per-urban environments can form an integral part of Australia’s biosecurity system. These residents offer a potentially powerful pool of interested individuals if plant health training and engagement is offered in line with major motivators […]
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Many species of Myrtaceae exhibit varying sensitivity to infection by Austropuccinia psidii, placing many vulnerable Australian ecosystems at risk of decline. More research is needed to identify the defenses that enable some plants to resist A. psidii infection so that we can survey priority species in the field for resistant populations and prioritise germplasm collection. Small molecules called […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2020-12-16 02:02:102020-12-16 02:02:11Can we use metabolites as biomarkers for the identification of innate resistance to myrtle rust across the Myrtaceae
A new Foundation project is aiming to quantify the effect of myrtle rust on forest growth, and then test novel fungicides to manage these impacts, encouraging ecosystem recovery and forest establishment. Associate Professor David Lee from the University of the Sunshine Coast will lead the project, which complements other Foundation investments (specifically PBSF029) working with […]
Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) is a serious pathogen which has a myriad of hosts among Australian native and industry plant species. As of the end of 2020, the pathogen hasn’t ben found in Western Australia (WA), despite there being suitable habitat for its establishment. The current strategy in WA regarding myrtle rust is to ‘keep […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2020-12-14 04:03:302020-12-14 04:03:32Preparing for Myrtle Rust in WA ...
Geoff Pegg and his team have been looking at how various plants and ecosystems are recovering from last summer’s fires in myrtle rust affected areas. The recent progress report shows the damage that can be done with some species significantly affected.
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2020-12-10 06:22:492020-12-10 06:22:50Understanding the devastating impacts of myrtle rust on plant recovery from the Black Summer fires ...
Building on PBSF012, Geoff Pegg has continued his training in partnership with the Butchulla Land and Sea Rangers (BLSR) to extended the modules to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) staff and community rangers including Landcare groups from Hervey Bay and Sunshine Coast (Gubbi Gubbi). Additionally, training in myrtle rust assessment and monitoring has been […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2020-12-10 04:29:042020-12-10 04:29:05Expanding mrytle rust training at K'gari - so important in the context of the current wildfire.
A new Foundation project led by Dr Anne Sawyer of the University of Queensland is looking at exactly this question. The early stage, proof of concept project will address Objective 4.3 of the National Myrtle Rust Action plan, focusing on two High Priority Species Decaspermum humile and Syzygium hodgkinsoniae. We hope this project may ultimately […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2020-11-19 04:33:592020-11-19 04:34:02Can RNAi vaccine provide a novel control option for myrtle rust?
Dr Geoff Pegg, recently named ‘Environmental Biosecurity Award’ winner in the 2020 National Biosecurity Awards, has just completed a wonderful project with the Butchulla Land and Sea Rangers. The project increased their biosecurity capacity, and developed a number of training modules that can be adapted for other training groups. ‘Protecting our native environments, and the […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2020-11-19 01:46:072020-11-19 01:51:10Geoff Pegg leads the way in increasing capacity of Traditional Owners (TO) to detect, monitor and report priority environmental exotic plant pest and disease threats in a World Heritage Area
The Foundation supported Jordan Bailey of NSW DPI to raise the profile of biosecurity to schools during the International Year of Plant Health. We love what she has done .. you can read more here, or download the full report. Well done Jordan!
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2020-11-19 00:05:582020-11-19 00:09:20Biosecurity Warrior working with kids, supported by the Foundation ...
The planthopper, spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula: SLF), is an emerging pest of agricultural, urban and environmental biosecurity concern, attacking over 70 plant species. It recently spread from its native range of China, Vietnam & India into South Korea, Japan, and the northeastern US and is considered a significant ecological and economic threat to ornamental plants, forests […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2020-11-11 10:08:002020-11-09 06:08:20Preparing for the spotted lanternfly ...
Ten new projects have been approved for investment by the Foundation. The Board was delighted to receive lots of high quality proposals, and spent some time sifting through to get the best mix of investments. The ten approved projects were worth $284k in requests, an amount more than matched by the project partners. They included […]
The Foundation’s winter newsletter is out now and can be downloaded here… Can our current reliance on science become the new norm? Call for proposals Myrtle Rust National Action Plan finalised and with Minister Ley Blood disease in bananas – reducing risk to Australia Remote sensing and machine learning for improved biosecurity in forest and […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2020-07-29 02:03:252020-07-29 04:09:23Winter news - call for proposals, project updates and more ...
The Foundation is calling for new investment proposals, with applications due 27 August Investments proposals must have a very specific and defined purpose, clear benefits to plant biosecurity in Australia, and be consistent with the Foundation’s Vision and Mission (apbsf.org.au). Proposals are welcome from any organization or individual. This 2020 funding round will focus on […]
Recently, the Foundation supported a workshop “Tracking and forecasting of pest and pathogen movements”, led by CSIRO’s Hazel Parry. During the workshop, participants learned about novel research and networked with other researchers, gained insights on the integration of technologies and identified current applications for this research and possible collaborations. Workshop participants have since developed collaborative […]
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The Foundation is delighted to welcome the Indonesian Biosecurity Foundation as a new Member. The IBF was created in 2018, building off the substantial co-investment in biosecurity over many years between various Indonesian partners, the PBCRC and CRCNPB. Foundation Chair, Professor John Lovett, said “we are delighted with the many years of collaboration on biosecurity, […]
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Dr Angus Carnegie from NSW DPI will lead a new project that will assess the feasibility of remote sensing technologies and machine learning applications for detection and mapping of urban trees to assist in forest biosecurity surveillance. The Foundation is delighted to co-invest with Foundation Member NSW DPI, the Greater Sydney Local Land Service and […]
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Professor Andre Drenth has just finished and important study into blood disease of bananas, collaborating with key scientists and partners in Indonesia. The disease originated in Indonesia some 100 years ago, but has recently spread widely amongst the archipelago and was recently reported in Malaysia. It’s further spread is a major threat to South East […]
The Foundation has invested in a new project to enhance urban biosecurity in Australia, contracting Jess Lye at cesar to use a foundational approach to understand emerging risks, support resilient cities and safeguard rural industry (PBSF027). Australian cities are undergoing a high rate of growth. Creating ‘urban forests’ to boost resilience is becoming more common, […]
Alistair McTaggart has wasted no timing in leveraging his Foundation project (PBSF018) by publishing already in the European Journal of Plant Pathology. His paper is ‘Sexual reproduction in populations of Austropuccinia psidii’. The project aims to: 1.Foster collaborations between researchers from Australia, the USDA (United States of America), Scion (New Zealand) and FABI (South Africa), […]
Laura Fernandez-Winzer is a doctor in Biology who successfully finished her PhD in 2018 with the support of the Plant Biosecurity CRC. She focused her thesis on the Impacts of the invasive pathogen myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) on the Australian native communities. She graduated in April 2019, and further developed her teaching skills, tutoring for […]
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The Foundation was delighted to support the 2019 Annual Crawford Fund Conference: “Weathering the ‘Perfect Storm’: Addressing the Agriculture, Energy, Water, Climate Change Nexus.” The proceedings are now available on-line and can be downloaded here and individual papers are also available on speaker pages. Individual presentations will also be made available more broadly through CABI […]
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The Foundation sponsored Regional Biosecurity Conference (PBSF008) has been cancelled due to the challenges and uncertainties of COVID-19. The Conference was originally to be held last year, but was delayed until last month; following bushfires over summer, it was further delayed. Now, the pragmatic decision has bene to cancel the Conference with the ongoing uncertainties […]
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Dr David Murphy et al (PBSF010) explored the use of strontium isotopes as markers of provenance for biosecurity purposes. The work showed some potential and certainly added to our knowledge base. David and his colleagues have now published the work: Murphy DT, Allen CM, Ghidan O, et al. Analysing Sr isotopes in low-Sr samples such […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2020-03-21 06:44:172020-03-21 06:44:19Great to see our project exploring the use of isotopes in biosecurity being published ...
Fire is a natural part of Australia’s landscape, but while the recent fires were completely unprecedented, they do allow us an opportunity to examine the impact A. psidii might have on regeneration. A new project (PBSF029) headed by Geoff Pegg from QDAF should give us some answers – see the projects page for more information.
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The Foundation’s first round focussed on delivering further impact from PBCRC investments. The Board was delighted to receive over 50 applications, totalling over $1.4m in requests, highlighting the significant need for national investment in plant biosecurity science.
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The 2019 funding round called for proposals in the following areas: environmental biosecurity (with clear overlap with social and community biosecurity), and in particular myrtle rust (with clear linkages to the Draft National Action Plan – below); building on the social biosecurity program of the PBCRC, including indigenous engagement; urban and peri-urban biosecurity; opportunities to […]
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This Foundation-funded project delivered Masterclasses to Australian strawberry growers to increase their awareness and adoption of farm biosecurity practices. Growers considered most of the farm biosecurity practices discussed as ‘easy’ to adopt, particularly those that were not costly or time consuming to implement. 75% of participants adopted one or more of the biosecurity practices on […]
The Foundation supported NSW DPI to undertake a program of activity for biosecurity in the post-border freight and logistics industry. This came on the back of two post-border detections of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) in 2017-18 in NSW. These detections led to a cost-shared emergency response between agricultural industries and government under the […]
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The 2019 ‘Pest Invaders’ competition, sponsored by the Foundation, was a huge success with 153 schools registered from across Australia and just over 3,600 students directly engaged in experiments and activities to help them discover the impact invasive pests have on the native environment and agricultural production, on both a national and international level. A […]
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The 2019 funding round called for proposals in the following areas: environmental biosecurity (with clear overlap with social and community biosecurity), and in particular myrtle rust building on the social biosecurity program of the PBCRC, including indigenous engagement urban and peri-urban biosecurity opportunities to promote and celebrate the International Year of Plant Health; and scholarships […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2019-10-02 06:36:072019-10-02 06:36:08Foundation call for investment proposals proves popular again!
The Foundation is entering an exciting next phase: some of our initial investments are starting to deliver their work and sponsorships have been completed; our call for a second round of proposals is open until 30 August; the Board is about to meet again to assess proposals, undertake some professional development in IP and commercialization, […]
The Foundation supports a range of activities focused on environmental biosecurity, and in particular Myrtle Rust. We are supporting a Myrtle Rust Masterclass run by the Biosecurity Centre of Excellence at the Box Hill Institute to raise awareness and understanding … Dr Louise Shuey, Senior Forest Pathologist, Forest Production & Protection from the Queensland Department […]
There is an urgent need for a method of provenance determination of biosecurity samples, insect incursions in particular. Biogeochemical markers, which are non-inherited but linked to geographic variation, are presently the only viable option for this. However, the existing techniques are not fit-for-purpose, as they are too slow, expensive, and lack the required analytical sensitivity. […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2019-08-21 04:59:312019-08-21 04:59:32Pursuing sensitivity limits of biochemical geographic discrimination as generic tool for high risk pest plants ...
Dr Penny Wurm from Charles Darwin University joined forces with the ABARES Social Sciences team to review the current the ‘ENV521 – Community Engagement for Biosecurity and Natural Resource Management’ master’s unit in order to update it with the latest academic literature about behaviour change and on approaches for involving communities in biosecurity and natural […]
The Indonesian Regional Masterclass project (PBSF006) has now published a report outlining the key concepts for a range of projects that are either completed, commenced or proposed that will add to biosecurity, biodiversity and food security in Indonesia. The Foundation Project continues to build biosecurity capacity and networks in Indonesia, strengthen ties between Australia and […]
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The Foundation is calling for new investment proposals that support research, development, extension and capacity building activities in line with our Vision and Mission. The 2019 funding round will focus on the following areas, although all proposals will be considered: environmental biosecurity, and in particular myrtle rust; building on the social biosecurity program of the […]
The Plant Biosecurity Science Foundation is supporting the Crawford Fund’s 2019 Annual Conference titled “Weathering the Perfect Storm: Addressing the Agriculture, Energy, Water, Climate Change Nexus” being held on 12 and 13 August 2019 in Canberra. There is a networking dinner and the Sir John Crawford Memorial Address at the Realm Hotel ballroom on 12 […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2019-07-11 04:09:432019-07-11 04:09:44Foundation delighted to support the Crawford Fund Annual Conference (PBSF017)
The Foundation is delighted to see that Tam Doung has completed her PhD. Tam’s project explored Vietnamese farmers’ perceptions of biosecurity threats and assessment of risk management strategies towards biosecurity. We congratulate Tam and admire her tenacity for completing an important piece of work, publishing for papers and having a baby! More detail can be […]
Myrtle Rust, a plant disease caused by the introduced fungal pathogen Austropuccinia psidii, poses a serious and urgent threat to Australia’s native biodiversity. Myrtle Rust affects plant species in the family Myrtaceae (paperbarks, tea-trees, eucalypts, and lillipillies), which are key and often dominant species in many Australian ecosystems. To date it has proved capable of […]
http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.png00adminhttp://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PBSF-logo-inline.pngadmin2019-06-03 00:08:062019-06-03 00:08:08Myrtle Rust … a plant disease that poses a serious and urgent threat to Australia’s native biodiversity
Each newsletter we hope to profile a Director. We were delighted to welcome Jane Frances to the Board – she brings a wealth of biosecurity experience to the role: you can read her short bio here (http://www.apbsf.org.au/governance/). I asked Jane a few questions … How important is the science that underpins Australia’s biosecurity system? “Science […]
The Members voted in six new Director to take charge of the Foundation and deliver on its objective. The six new Directors provide a great balance of skills, experiences, and age and gender diversity. They are Mariana Campos Phil Clamp Andre Drenth Gary Fitt Jane Frances Kylie Ireland John Lovett and I remain as continuing […]
The Foundation’s was established to support plant biosecurity research, development, extension and capacity building, particularly focused where there is a need for investment in environmental, capacity building, international linkages, non-levy payer, cross-sectoral, and strategic plant biosecurity research. The Foundation will also invest in commercial IP developed by and inherited from PBCRC. It is hoped in […]
Myrtle rust – reducing symptoms with double stranded RNA.
NewsThe Foundation has been delighted to support some exciting work at UQ and now the team has published: “Exogenous double-stranded RNA inhibits the infection physiology of rust fungi to reduce symptoms in planta”. Go to the paper online here or go to the Projects page here and check out the various Myrtle Rust projects.
Demographic mapping across gardening communities to inform urban and periurban plant biosecurity engagement strategies
News, UncategorizedA new report, led by Helen McGregor, Redefining Agriculture. The findings in this project offer insight into both the value and limitations of the community garden networks in Melbourne as a representative model for evaluating plant health education and engagement at a local level. Most notably the importance of a tailored, strategic, integrated approach to […]
Myrtle Rust – The Silent Killer explained in a new short film
News, UncategorizedAustralia’s native plants are experiencing their own pandemic. The myrtle rust fungus is silently killing our seedlings, saplings and established trees. Hundreds of Australian species in the Myrtaceae family are susceptible including bottlebrushes, eucalypts and tea trees with 16 species set to become extinct within a generation. This new short film shares first-hand stories on […]
Non-Executive Directors wanted – make your contribution!
NewsThe Foundation is calling for nominations for new Non-executive Directors. As the Foundation enters a new phase with decisions about the future of it’s commercial investment approaching rapidly, the terms of 4 of our 5 Directors are expiring… want to join us and make a difference? Please email the CEO for further information or a […]
Fire and Myrtle Rust – a deadly combination!
NewsGeoff Pegg (QDAF) and crew have just finished a two-year study, concluding the impacts of Myrtle Rust on regeneration of native species following fire can be severe, leading to death of many species and potential loss of ecosystem function. Impact from A. psidii infection was identified on all species monitored as part of this study. […]
The fingerprint of Myrtle Rust – an identification tool …
NewsUsing an untargeted metabolomics approach, Michelle Moffitt and team from the University of Western Sydney identified a unique molecular fingerprint in A. psidii infected Melaleuca quinquenervia leaves during the early stages of infection. Further analysis of the metabolome at 24 hours and 48 hours after infection identified a unique subset of 19 metabolites that are unique to the resistant […]
Remote sensing and machine learning applications offer real potential for urban forest biosecurity surveillance
NewsA new report led by Dr angus Carnegie of NSW DPI has shown the potential of using new technologies in combination could save significant time and money for urban forest biosecurity surveillance. This study evaluated high-resolution airborne ArborCam imagery for tree species classification in a complex urban environment. An object instance segmentation of tree crowns […]
Protecting our unique ecosystems on K’gari (Fraser Island) by expanding environmental biosecurity capacity …
NewsGeoff Pegg and his team have significantly enhanced the capacity to protect K’gari with a two year Foundation project. Working with partners from the Butchulla Land and Sea Rangers and Qld DES, the team also undertook valuable myrtle rust assessments, particularly following the devastating fires in 2020. Check out the fantastic work here including wonderful […]
Grow it, Taste it, Don’t Waste it!
NewsAnother successful Schools Plant Science Competition by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility (HRF): over 3,600 participants from 130 schools across Australia and 155 competition entries that was all part of the 2021 International Year of the Fruit and Vegetable. Great work Kerrie Rubie and partners! See the Project Page […]
Differentiating Myrtle Rust resistant and susceptible phenotypes … (PBSF037)
NewsMichelle Moffitt and her project partners have confirmed their metabolomics methods from PBSF027 are suitable for differentiating Myrtle Rust resistant and susceptible phenotypes in Eucalytpus grandis. Find out more about the project here and watch this space for further developments in coming months.
Helping address the biosecurity threat posed by the trade of ornamental plant species
NewsFundamental to the operation of any biosecurity system is to have an accurate host-pathogen registry and one of the main tasks achieved in this project was to review the virus and viroid records from ornamental, turf and native plant species in Australia. A remarkable diversity of viruses was detected in this project, most of which […]
Fungicides and Myrtle Rust … early trials show some promise.
NewsTrials evaluating the impact of the exotic pathogen Austropuccinia psidii (causing myrtle rust) and the endemic pathogen Quambalaria pitereka (causing Quambalaria shoot blight: QSB) were established. Three fungicides were evaluated (one commercial fungicide and two novel fungicides) and all had beneficial effects against the fungal diseases in terms of disease incidence or tree growth. The […]
Urban and peri-urban plant biosecurity engagement
NewsThe Foundation is delighted to continue it’s focus on urban and peri-urban biosecurity. Following the comprehensive and high quality first project in this space (PBSF027), the team of Helen McGregor (Redifining Agriculture) and Jess Lye (now Citrus Australia) have again combined to investigate learning and engagement strategies using community gardens in culturally diverse communities … […]
Winter Newsletter: call for proposals, project updates, …
NewsRead about our latest call for proposals, some project updates, welcome to Darren Cundy as the new CEO of Davren Global, and more … Download the newsletter here.
Call for proposals …
NewsThe Australian Plant Biosecurity Science Foundation is calling for new investment proposals. The Foundation aims to support research, development, extension and capacity building activities that support our vision of Australian plant production systems, markets and environments are protected from invasive pests and diseases through an effective plant biosecurity system. Investments proposals must have a very […]
Myrtle Rust impacts ecosystem significantly …
NewsResponses of a wet sclerophyll forest in southern Queensland to repeated infestation showed significant mortality in keystone species, and after a relatively short period of time there are pronounced changes in canopy gaps, species composition and vegetation cover. Associate Professor Jennifer Firn from QUT has just submitted her Final Report and you can read more […]
Impact of myrtle rust on regrowth in disturbed forests …
NewsAssociate Professor David Lee of the University of the Sunshine Coast has established three trials in a young environmental planting at Doonan and baseline data collected on the impact of myrtle rust and Quambalaria shoot blight on these plantings before and after fungicide treatment. In addition, a thinning treatment has been conducted on a 13-year-old […]
Using remote sensing & machine learning applications for urban forest biosecurity surveillance
NewsDr Angus Carnegie is progressing remote sensing technologies, coupled with machine learning to improve the efficiency of host-tree surveillance in urban biosecurity hot-spots. His progress report, working with ArborCarbon Pty Ltd can be found here.
Working with indigenous communities on Myrtle Rust
NewsDr Angus Carnegie provides a report on how he has been working to enhance indigenous community capacity to assess the impacts of myrtle rust on rainforest Myrtaceae in ecologically and culturally significant lowland subtropical rainforests … More here.
Myrtle Rust symposium a great success …
NewsThe Foundation hosted the Myrtle Rust National Symposium this week, bringing together over 200 delegates to share share insights and hear about the latest research on the disease from within Australia and overseas. “We had great turnout, in-person and online: and we all learnt so much about Myrtle Rust, and who is doing what around […]
Project updates, Myrtle Rust Symposium, … latest newsletter
NewsRead the latest Foundation Newsletter to catch up up on our latest project updates and more …
Myrtle Rust National Symposium: Galvanising Action
NewsThe Foundation and friends are pleased to announce a National Myrtle Rust Symposium to galvanise action and conserve native plant species threatened by myrtle rust. Myrtle Rust is a plant disease caused by the introduced fungal pathogen Austropuccinia psidii and it poses a serious and urgent threat to Australia’s native biodiversity. The Myrtle Rust in Australia: National Action […]
Foundation welcomes Dr Olivia Reynolds to the Board …
NewsThe Foundation Chair Prof John Lovett was delighted to welcome Dr Olivia Reynolds to the Board of the Foundation. Dr Reynolds, currently working with Cesar Australia, was voted onto the Board by the Members at our recent AGM, following the retirement of Initial Director Robinson. Prof Lovett said “Dr Reynolds has an impressive track record […]
Engaging the urban and peri-urban community in biosecurity …
NewsJessica Lye (Cesar Australia) and Helen McGregor (Redefining Agriculture) have just completed a great report outlining how people in the urban per-urban environments can form an integral part of Australia’s biosecurity system. These residents offer a potentially powerful pool of interested individuals if plant health training and engagement is offered in line with major motivators […]
Can we use metabolites as biomarkers for the identification of innate resistance to myrtle rust across the Myrtaceae
NewsMany species of Myrtaceae exhibit varying sensitivity to infection by Austropuccinia psidii, placing many vulnerable Australian ecosystems at risk of decline. More research is needed to identify the defenses that enable some plants to resist A. psidii infection so that we can survey priority species in the field for resistant populations and prioritise germplasm collection. Small molecules called […]
Investigating ecosystem recovery and forest establishment after myrtle rust …
NewsA new Foundation project is aiming to quantify the effect of myrtle rust on forest growth, and then test novel fungicides to manage these impacts, encouraging ecosystem recovery and forest establishment. Associate Professor David Lee from the University of the Sunshine Coast will lead the project, which complements other Foundation investments (specifically PBSF029) working with […]
Preparing for Myrtle Rust in WA …
NewsMyrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) is a serious pathogen which has a myriad of hosts among Australian native and industry plant species. As of the end of 2020, the pathogen hasn’t ben found in Western Australia (WA), despite there being suitable habitat for its establishment. The current strategy in WA regarding myrtle rust is to ‘keep […]
Understanding the devastating impacts of myrtle rust on plant recovery from the Black Summer fires …
NewsGeoff Pegg and his team have been looking at how various plants and ecosystems are recovering from last summer’s fires in myrtle rust affected areas. The recent progress report shows the damage that can be done with some species significantly affected.
Expanding mrytle rust training at K’gari – so important in the context of the current wildfire.
NewsBuilding on PBSF012, Geoff Pegg has continued his training in partnership with the Butchulla Land and Sea Rangers (BLSR) to extended the modules to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) staff and community rangers including Landcare groups from Hervey Bay and Sunshine Coast (Gubbi Gubbi). Additionally, training in myrtle rust assessment and monitoring has been […]
Can RNAi vaccine provide a novel control option for myrtle rust?
NewsA new Foundation project led by Dr Anne Sawyer of the University of Queensland is looking at exactly this question. The early stage, proof of concept project will address Objective 4.3 of the National Myrtle Rust Action plan, focusing on two High Priority Species Decaspermum humile and Syzygium hodgkinsoniae. We hope this project may ultimately […]
Geoff Pegg leads the way in increasing capacity of Traditional Owners (TO) to detect, monitor and report priority environmental exotic plant pest and disease threats in a World Heritage Area
NewsDr Geoff Pegg, recently named ‘Environmental Biosecurity Award’ winner in the 2020 National Biosecurity Awards, has just completed a wonderful project with the Butchulla Land and Sea Rangers. The project increased their biosecurity capacity, and developed a number of training modules that can be adapted for other training groups. ‘Protecting our native environments, and the […]
Biosecurity Warrior working with kids, supported by the Foundation …
NewsThe Foundation supported Jordan Bailey of NSW DPI to raise the profile of biosecurity to schools during the International Year of Plant Health. We love what she has done .. you can read more here, or download the full report. Well done Jordan!
Preparing for the spotted lanternfly …
NewsThe planthopper, spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula: SLF), is an emerging pest of agricultural, urban and environmental biosecurity concern, attacking over 70 plant species. It recently spread from its native range of China, Vietnam & India into South Korea, Japan, and the northeastern US and is considered a significant ecological and economic threat to ornamental plants, forests […]
New projects being contracted …
NewsTen new projects have been approved for investment by the Foundation. The Board was delighted to receive lots of high quality proposals, and spent some time sifting through to get the best mix of investments. The ten approved projects were worth $284k in requests, an amount more than matched by the project partners. They included […]
Winter news – call for proposals, project updates and more …
NewsThe Foundation’s winter newsletter is out now and can be downloaded here… Can our current reliance on science become the new norm? Call for proposals Myrtle Rust National Action Plan finalised and with Minister Ley Blood disease in bananas – reducing risk to Australia Remote sensing and machine learning for improved biosecurity in forest and […]
Call for proposals …
NewsThe Foundation is calling for new investment proposals, with applications due 27 August Investments proposals must have a very specific and defined purpose, clear benefits to plant biosecurity in Australia, and be consistent with the Foundation’s Vision and Mission (apbsf.org.au). Proposals are welcome from any organization or individual. This 2020 funding round will focus on […]
Understanding long-distance atmospheric movement of pests … a collaborative workshop …
NewsRecently, the Foundation supported a workshop “Tracking and forecasting of pest and pathogen movements”, led by CSIRO’s Hazel Parry. During the workshop, participants learned about novel research and networked with other researchers, gained insights on the integration of technologies and identified current applications for this research and possible collaborations. Workshop participants have since developed collaborative […]
The Indonesian Biosecurity Foundation joins us …
NewsThe Foundation is delighted to welcome the Indonesian Biosecurity Foundation as a new Member. The IBF was created in 2018, building off the substantial co-investment in biosecurity over many years between various Indonesian partners, the PBCRC and CRCNPB. Foundation Chair, Professor John Lovett, said “we are delighted with the many years of collaboration on biosecurity, […]
Remote sensing and machine learning for improved biosecurity in forest and urban environments
NewsDr Angus Carnegie from NSW DPI will lead a new project that will assess the feasibility of remote sensing technologies and machine learning applications for detection and mapping of urban trees to assist in forest biosecurity surveillance. The Foundation is delighted to co-invest with Foundation Member NSW DPI, the Greater Sydney Local Land Service and […]
Reducing risk to Australia’s banana industry – banana blood disease now better understood …
NewsProfessor Andre Drenth has just finished and important study into blood disease of bananas, collaborating with key scientists and partners in Indonesia. The disease originated in Indonesia some 100 years ago, but has recently spread widely amongst the archipelago and was recently reported in Malaysia. It’s further spread is a major threat to South East […]
Foundation news in isolation …
NewsDownload our latest Newsletter here … Biosecurity during and post COVID-19, latest project updates, and a full list of our investments.
Foundation seeking to improve urban biosecurity …
NewsThe Foundation has invested in a new project to enhance urban biosecurity in Australia, contracting Jess Lye at cesar to use a foundational approach to understand emerging risks, support resilient cities and safeguard rural industry (PBSF027). Australian cities are undergoing a high rate of growth. Creating ‘urban forests’ to boost resilience is becoming more common, […]
McTaggart publishing on Myrtle Rust already …
News, UncategorizedAlistair McTaggart has wasted no timing in leveraging his Foundation project (PBSF018) by publishing already in the European Journal of Plant Pathology. His paper is ‘Sexual reproduction in populations of Austropuccinia psidii’. The project aims to: 1.Foster collaborations between researchers from Australia, the USDA (United States of America), Scion (New Zealand) and FABI (South Africa), […]
Capacity building is a continuous story – Foundation/PBCRC PhD off to South Africa … soon!
News, UncategorizedLaura Fernandez-Winzer is a doctor in Biology who successfully finished her PhD in 2018 with the support of the Plant Biosecurity CRC. She focused her thesis on the Impacts of the invasive pathogen myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) on the Australian native communities. She graduated in April 2019, and further developed her teaching skills, tutoring for […]
Crawford Fund Conference Proceedings released …
NewsThe Foundation was delighted to support the 2019 Annual Crawford Fund Conference: “Weathering the ‘Perfect Storm’: Addressing the Agriculture, Energy, Water, Climate Change Nexus.” The proceedings are now available on-line and can be downloaded here and individual papers are also available on speaker pages. Individual presentations will also be made available more broadly through CABI […]
Burnett Mary Regional Biosecurity Conference cancelled due to COVID-19
NewsThe Foundation sponsored Regional Biosecurity Conference (PBSF008) has been cancelled due to the challenges and uncertainties of COVID-19. The Conference was originally to be held last year, but was delayed until last month; following bushfires over summer, it was further delayed. Now, the pragmatic decision has bene to cancel the Conference with the ongoing uncertainties […]
Great to see our project exploring the use of isotopes in biosecurity being published …
NewsDr David Murphy et al (PBSF010) explored the use of strontium isotopes as markers of provenance for biosecurity purposes. The work showed some potential and certainly added to our knowledge base. David and his colleagues have now published the work: Murphy DT, Allen CM, Ghidan O, et al. Analysing Sr isotopes in low-Sr samples such […]
Fire and rust – Foundation determined to better understand the impact myrtle rust is having on species and ecosystem regeneration after fire
NewsFire is a natural part of Australia’s landscape, but while the recent fires were completely unprecedented, they do allow us an opportunity to examine the impact A. psidii might have on regeneration. A new project (PBSF029) headed by Geoff Pegg from QDAF should give us some answers – see the projects page for more information.
APBSF first funding round in 2018 showed the demand for plant biosecurity science
NewsThe Foundation’s first round focussed on delivering further impact from PBCRC investments. The Board was delighted to receive over 50 applications, totalling over $1.4m in requests, highlighting the significant need for national investment in plant biosecurity science.
Foundation call for investment proposals proves popular again!
NewsThe 2019 funding round called for proposals in the following areas: environmental biosecurity (with clear overlap with social and community biosecurity), and in particular myrtle rust (with clear linkages to the Draft National Action Plan – below); building on the social biosecurity program of the PBCRC, including indigenous engagement; urban and peri-urban biosecurity; opportunities to […]
Australian Strawberry growers equipped with biosecurity knowledge
NewsThis Foundation-funded project delivered Masterclasses to Australian strawberry growers to increase their awareness and adoption of farm biosecurity practices. Growers considered most of the farm biosecurity practices discussed as ‘easy’ to adopt, particularly those that were not costly or time consuming to implement. 75% of participants adopted one or more of the biosecurity practices on […]
Boosting biosecurity awareness and action in the international post-border freight and logistics industry
NewsThe Foundation supported NSW DPI to undertake a program of activity for biosecurity in the post-border freight and logistics industry. This came on the back of two post-border detections of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) in 2017-18 in NSW. These detections led to a cost-shared emergency response between agricultural industries and government under the […]
2019 Pest Invaders competition and big hit with the kids
NewsThe 2019 ‘Pest Invaders’ competition, sponsored by the Foundation, was a huge success with 153 schools registered from across Australia and just over 3,600 students directly engaged in experiments and activities to help them discover the impact invasive pests have on the native environment and agricultural production, on both a national and international level. A […]
Foundation call for investment proposals proves popular again!
NewsThe 2019 funding round called for proposals in the following areas: environmental biosecurity (with clear overlap with social and community biosecurity), and in particular myrtle rust building on the social biosecurity program of the PBCRC, including indigenous engagement urban and peri-urban biosecurity opportunities to promote and celebrate the International Year of Plant Health; and scholarships […]
Foundation’s latest update …
NewsThe Foundation is entering an exciting next phase: some of our initial investments are starting to deliver their work and sponsorships have been completed; our call for a second round of proposals is open until 30 August; the Board is about to meet again to assess proposals, undertake some professional development in IP and commercialization, […]
Myrtle Rust Masterclass – register now!
NewsThe Foundation supports a range of activities focused on environmental biosecurity, and in particular Myrtle Rust. We are supporting a Myrtle Rust Masterclass run by the Biosecurity Centre of Excellence at the Box Hill Institute to raise awareness and understanding … Dr Louise Shuey, Senior Forest Pathologist, Forest Production & Protection from the Queensland Department […]
Pursuing sensitivity limits of biochemical geographic discrimination as generic tool for high risk pest plants …
NewsThere is an urgent need for a method of provenance determination of biosecurity samples, insect incursions in particular. Biogeochemical markers, which are non-inherited but linked to geographic variation, are presently the only viable option for this. However, the existing techniques are not fit-for-purpose, as they are too slow, expensive, and lack the required analytical sensitivity. […]
ABARES Review enhances Masters Course …
NewsDr Penny Wurm from Charles Darwin University joined forces with the ABARES Social Sciences team to review the current the ‘ENV521 – Community Engagement for Biosecurity and Natural Resource Management’ master’s unit in order to update it with the latest academic literature about behaviour change and on approaches for involving communities in biosecurity and natural […]
Indonesian Regional Masterclasses results in publication of Biosecurity and Biodiversity concepts …
NewsThe Indonesian Regional Masterclass project (PBSF006) has now published a report outlining the key concepts for a range of projects that are either completed, commenced or proposed that will add to biosecurity, biodiversity and food security in Indonesia. The Foundation Project continues to build biosecurity capacity and networks in Indonesia, strengthen ties between Australia and […]
Call for Investment Proposals – closing 30 August 2019
NewsThe Foundation is calling for new investment proposals that support research, development, extension and capacity building activities in line with our Vision and Mission. The 2019 funding round will focus on the following areas, although all proposals will be considered: environmental biosecurity, and in particular myrtle rust; building on the social biosecurity program of the […]
Foundation delighted to support the Crawford Fund Annual Conference (PBSF017)
NewsThe Plant Biosecurity Science Foundation is supporting the Crawford Fund’s 2019 Annual Conference titled “Weathering the Perfect Storm: Addressing the Agriculture, Energy, Water, Climate Change Nexus” being held on 12 and 13 August 2019 in Canberra. There is a networking dinner and the Sir John Crawford Memorial Address at the Realm Hotel ballroom on 12 […]
Tam Duong finishes her PhD, and Papori Barua graduates …
NewsThe Foundation is delighted to see that Tam Doung has completed her PhD. Tam’s project explored Vietnamese farmers’ perceptions of biosecurity threats and assessment of risk management strategies towards biosecurity. We congratulate Tam and admire her tenacity for completing an important piece of work, publishing for papers and having a baby! More detail can be […]
Myrtle Rust … a plant disease that poses a serious and urgent threat to Australia’s native biodiversity
NewsMyrtle Rust, a plant disease caused by the introduced fungal pathogen Austropuccinia psidii, poses a serious and urgent threat to Australia’s native biodiversity. Myrtle Rust affects plant species in the family Myrtaceae (paperbarks, tea-trees, eucalypts, and lillipillies), which are key and often dominant species in many Australian ecosystems. To date it has proved capable of […]
Director profile: Jane Frances …
NewsEach newsletter we hope to profile a Director. We were delighted to welcome Jane Frances to the Board – she brings a wealth of biosecurity experience to the role: you can read her short bio here (http://www.apbsf.org.au/governance/). I asked Jane a few questions … How important is the science that underpins Australia’s biosecurity system? “Science […]
A new Board …
News, UncategorizedThe Members voted in six new Director to take charge of the Foundation and deliver on its objective. The six new Directors provide a great balance of skills, experiences, and age and gender diversity. They are Mariana Campos Phil Clamp Andre Drenth Gary Fitt Jane Frances Kylie Ireland John Lovett and I remain as continuing […]
The Foundation’s Strategic Directions ..
News, UncategorizedThe Foundation’s was established to support plant biosecurity research, development, extension and capacity building, particularly focused where there is a need for investment in environmental, capacity building, international linkages, non-levy payer, cross-sectoral, and strategic plant biosecurity research. The Foundation will also invest in commercial IP developed by and inherited from PBCRC. It is hoped in […]