Robigalia Roundup #25

Hello Robigalia Reader and welcome to another week of Robigalia! If you’re new here, Robigalia is your weekly roundup of the latest research, researchers, scholarships, and opportunities in plant pathology globally.

This week, we learn about the development of a “tattoo” for plant immune response monitoring. And we introduce Jovarn Sullivan, a PhD student investigating effector proteins of Austropuccinia psidii.

As always, Robigalia subscribers can access my online database with summaries of Robigalia featured articles. This week, I’m also unveiling new digital offerings. Keep reading to find out how you can access them!

Weekly Plant Pathology Highlights

• Inter- and Intrapathogen Interactions Emanating from Coinfection with Different Fungal and Viral Strains in Canola Cultivars with Differing Host Resistances
  

• Epidermal electronic-tattoo for plant immune response monitoring
  

• Avocado Scab Caused by Elsinoe perseae: A Diagnostic Guide
  

• Leaf epicuticular wax and hormone-mediated resistance to Alternaria brassicicola in broccoli

Research Student of the Week

⭐ Meet Jovarn Sullivan⭐

This week’s student of the week is Jovarn Sullivan, a PhD candidate at the University of Canterbury's Biomolecular Interactions Centre. Jovarn’s research focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind Austropuccinia psidii (myrtle rust), an invasive fungal pathogen that poses a significant threat to Myrtaceae species globally.

Jovarn is investigating the role of effector proteins produced by A. psidii during the early stages of infection. Myrtle rust is unique among biotrophic plant pathogens due to its remarkably broad host range, currently affecting over 500 species. Despite its widespread impact, little is known about the molecular interactions between A. psidii and its hosts, particularly the functions of its effector proteins. Jovarn’s work aims to bridge this knowledge gap by uncovering how myrtle rust achieves such severe infections across diverse hosts.

Jovarn’s fascination with plant pathology stems from his interest in understanding the evolutionary "arms race" between plants and pathogens—a conflict that has unfolded over millions of years. His passion for research has led him to present his findings at several conferences through oral presentations and posters. These opportunities have allowed him to connect with fellow researchers, sparking innovative ideas and new approaches to tackling complex scientific questions.

In the long-term, Jovarn looks forward to contributing to a deeper understanding of myrtle rust and aiding in the development of effective treatments. Jovarn also hopes to continue his career in research, as he loves being in the lab!

Jovarn encourages aspiring plant pathologists to stay persistent despite challenges. Reflecting on his own experience, he shares: “It took me a whole year just to obtain soluble protein. The reward will be worth the effort—don’t give up!”

Outside of his academic pursuits, Jovarn recently achieved a personal milestone: running his first marathon in the Netherlands! Impressively, he only began running a year ago—a testament to his determination both inside and outside the lab.

If you want to find out more about Jovarn’s research, you can reach him via LinkedIn.

PhD Scholarships and Jobs

New opportunities below are indicated by two asterisks at the start of the entry **

🌟 If you have a scholarship or job available in your group, fill in this form to have it listed in Robigalia 🌟

PhD/Masters Scholarships

• ** PhD fellowship in Plant-Microbe-Insect Interactions at the The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

• PhD position in Lipopeptide-Based Biocontrol Strategies Against Septoria Tritici Blotch in Wheat

• Apply for a scholarship at The Sainsbury Laboratory for a one-year taught MSc in Global Plant Health

Jobs

• ** Postdoctoral Research Associate – Systemic Immunity and Growth-Defense Trade-offs, Brookhaven National Laboratory (Open until filled)

• ** Postdoctoral fellow to investigate a link between plant disease resistance and primary metabolism, ANU (Closes 4th May)

• ** Postdoctoral research associate position on fungal pathogens in vegetable crops at the University of Georgia (Closes 15th April)

• ** Research Associate - Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, NC State University (Open until filled)

• ** Tree Fruit Extension Educator – Tree Fruit Post Harvest Pathology and Physiology, Washington State University (Closes 22nd April)

• ** Head of Pest & Pathogen Surveillance – AFBI Newforge, Belfast, UK (Closes 18th April)

• Professor - Microbial Interactions in Plant and Environmental Systems, University of Copenhagen (Closes 27th April)

• Postdoctoral research associate position on fungal pathogens in vegetable crops, University of Georgia (Closes 15th April)

• Assistant Extension Specialist in Fruit Pathology, Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers University (No date listed)

• Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track in Plant Pathology at Washington State University (Closes 21st April)

• 2-year postdoc position in fruit pathology, with a mixture of field trials and basic molecular mycology in Windsor, CT (no close date listed)

• Research Assistant Professor in mycotoxin fungal biology in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (Open until position is filled)

• The Plant Pathology Department at the University of Florida is advertising for a Assistant or Associate Professor in Plant Pathology (Open until position filled)

Other News and Opportunities

New opportunities below are indicated by two asterisks at the start of the entry **

• Register your abstract by 14th April for the 19th FPS Biennial Meeting at the University of Florida - Indian River Research and Education Center May 6-8, 2025

• Enter the AIPP-IAAS Italia video award “Plant protection in a minute” V Edition

• Register now for the Annual conference of the Oomycete Molecular Genetics Network 

• Register for Plant Pathology 2025 and Early Careers Plant Pathology 2025, the main annual meetings of the British Society for Plant Pathology

• Register for the 20th Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, in Cologne, Germany​

• Save the date for the Australasian myrtle rust conference happening 16th - 17th June 2025 in Auckland, NZ

• Apply to attend the 17th International Cereal Rusts and Powdery Mildews Conference in Vancouver which offers opportunities for early-career researchers to share their research with the agricultural community

• Register for the 8th International Workshop on Resistance Mechanisms and Breeding in forest trees in Canada, June 1-6, 2025

• Register for the 25th Australasian Plant Pathology Society conference in Sydney in May 2025.

• Submit your abstracts by 31st March for the Congress of the Mediterranean Phytopathological Union happening July 6 - 10th in Italy

• Register your interest for the 17th Australasian Plant Breeding Conference in Sydney in June 2025

Meme of the week

Before you go…

• Like or didn’t like this newsletter format? Let me know if the comments!

Until next week,

Alyssa