Welcome to another edition of the Robigalia Roundup!

If you’re new here, Robigalia is your weekly roundup of the latest research, researchers, scholarships, and opportunities in plant pathology globally. Make sure you’re a subscriber to have these opportunities and events delivered directly to your inbox every Monday.

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NOTES FROM THE HOST

Hello {{first_name | Robigalia readers}},

As you all know, since starting Robigalia, I have highlighted the work and achievements of research students from across the world.

So, I was pleased to see the work of two research students recognised by the British Society of Plant Pathology through their Plant Pathology and Molecular Plant Pathology journals earlier this month.

The Best Student Paper in Plant Pathology was awarded to William Thomas for their paper entitled First Report of Genomic Regions Associated With White Leaf Spot Resistance in Brassica napus.

Over in Molecular Plant Pathology, Corrie Vincent won Best Student Paper for their paper entitled Concanamycins Are Key Contributors to the Virulence of the Potato Common Scab Pathogen Streptomyces scabiei.

Be sure to read William Thomas’ paper in Plant Pathology and Corrie Vincent's paper in Molecular Plant Pathology.

Now, onto this week’s edition:

  • I highlight several articles on the use of peptides as antifungal agents

  • I introduce a PhD candidate from The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Edith Cowan University and Nufarm Australia

  • I highlight 2 new PhD scholarships and 4 new jobs

Let’s dive in!

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Progress on peptides as antifungal agents

  • Ambika Pokhrel et al., NCR13 peptide protects soybean against Cercospora sojina using multi-faceted modes of action and additive interaction with chemical fungicides

  • Raviraj M Kalunke., Modes of action and bio-fungicide potential of peptides derived from the Medicago truncatula bi-domain defensin MtDef5

  • Li Fan et al., The Antifungal Ability of Amino Acid Substitution of Antimicrobial Peptide Epinecidin-1 to Botrytis cinerea in Peach Fruit

PLANT PATHOLOGIST OF THE WEEK

Meet Annalise Taylor

This week, I’m excited to introduce Annalise Taylor, a PhD candidate completing her research through The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Edith Cowan University and Nufarm Australia.

Annalise began her career in science by enrolling in a Bachelor of Advanced Science with Honours at the Auckland University of Technology, specialising in biomedical science. At the time, her career aspirations were to conduct cancer research. However, during this time, an opportunity for a summer studentship at Plant and Food Research was offered to her, which she jumped at despite having little to no knowledge of plant science. This led Annalise down a new road, where two summer studentships, an honours project and now a PhD have focused on using peptides to improve the agricultural industry.

Annalise describes her pathway into plant pathology as far from linear. After completing her Honours degree, she decided to step away from science and try something different. After 18 months working in the meat industry, she learned many new skills but was drawn back to a career in science.

At this point, she was fortunate to be employed at an agrochemical research site, where she conducted lab work and field trials of pesticides and biopesticides on a variety of crops, including cereals, apples, grapes, and brassicas. These experiences gave Annalise the confidence that her PhD project was the right fit for her, and where she could see herself in the future. Annalise describes this industry experience as highly beneficial, and she feels incredibly proud of her courage in changing her career path when the current path didn’t feel quite right.

❝

The path doesn't have to be linear, you are allowed to chop and change when opportunities arise, and if they don't arise, make your own opportunities.

Annalise Taylor

Now completing her first year of an Industry PhD with CSIRO, Edith Cowan University and industry partner Nufarm, Annalise is developing peptides for efficient crop protection. The aim is to demonstrate that peptides can serve as a natural, safer, and more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides.

Annalise’s advice for other plant pathologists, and any new graduate, is “to trust your instincts and don't be afraid to try new things. The path doesn't have to be linear, you are allowed to chop and change when opportunities arise, and if they don't arise, make your own opportunities. Talk to people, ask questions and be bold with your intentions".

Annalise is open to connecting on LinkedIn, where you can keep up to date with her research.

OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS

New plant pathology opportunities are listed below. For the complete list of live opportunities and events, head to my Opportunities and Events Board using the buttons below.

New Scholarships

VIEW ALL SCHOLARSHIPS

New Jobs

VIEW ALL OPEN JOBS

New Events/Seminars

  • No new listings today, all upcoming events are listed on the events board 👇

VIEW ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

Have a job, scholarship or event to advertise? List a scholarship, job, or event in Robigalia. I help you promote your opportunity or event to a global network of plant pathologists for free.

MEME OF THE WEEK

THAT’S A WRAP

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See you next Monday!

P.S. Why Robigalia? The name originates from the Ancient Roman festival dedicated to crop protection. You can read all about the history here:

History of Robigalia

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