NOTES FROM THE HOST
Plant pathology news
Hello {{first_name | Robigalia readers}},
Bananas were a hot topic here in Australia last week!
Australia has launched a new Hort Innovation–funded project aimed at safeguarding banana production from Fusarium wilt Tropical Race 4 (TR4), the soil‑borne disease that continues to threaten plantations worldwide.
Led by the University of Queensland, the work will screen non‑commercial banana lines with natural TR4 resistance, map the genetic basis of that resistance and convert it into molecular markers that breeders can use to select resilient seedlings. The project builds on earlier levy‑funded research and is explicitly focused on delivering durable resistance that can be stacked and validated against evolving Fusarium populations.
At the same time, University of Queensland researchers have pinpointed a key genomic region controlling resistance to Fusarium wilt Subtropical Race 4 (STR4) in the wild banana subspecies Calcutta 4. Using forward genetics, genome sequencing and bulked segregant analysis, the team showed that this wild source, while agronomically unsuitable on its own, carries strong resistance that can now be tracked with molecular markers as it is introgressed into edible backgrounds. The researchers argue that marker‑assisted selection built on this discovery should accelerate the development of commercial bananas that are both palatable and inherently protected against Fusarium wilt.
Now, onto this week’s edition:
I highlight several articles on Oidium neolycopersici
I introduce a Master’s graduate from Avignon University
I highlight four new jobs and one new event
Let’s dive in!
PATHOGEN OF THE WEEK
Oidium neolycopersici
Oidium neolycopersici is an obligate biotrophic fungus belonging to the order Erysiphales (powdery mildews) within the phylum Ascomycota. The teleomorph (sexual) stage is rarely observed, and the pathogen is primarily known through its asexual form (anamorph). It produces hyaline, septate hyphae on the leaf surface and erect conidiophores that bear single-celled conidia in chains.
The pathogen predominantly infects cultivated tomato, though certain wild Solanum species and related solanaceous hosts such as eggplant and capsicum may also exhibit susceptibility under conducive conditions. Host range studies have shown variability among isolates, suggesting some genetic adaptation to specific host genotypes.
Oidium lycopersici causing powdery mildew on Tomato. Image credit: ScienceDirect.com
Typical symptoms appear as white, powdery fungal growth on the upper leaf surface, progressing from lower, shaded leaves upward. Infected foliage may yellow, desiccate, and senesce prematurely, leading to reduced photosynthetic area and yield loss. Severe infections can also affect stems and petioles, while fruit typically remain symptomless. In glasshouse production, the disease can rapidly spread under favourable conditions, especially moderate temperatures (20–25 °C) and high relative humidity without free moisture.
Originally reported in Europe during the 1990s, O. neolycopersici has since become widespread in most tomato-producing regions worldwide. It is now present across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia, where it occurs in both protected cropping and field environments. Its rapid dispersal is attributed to airborne conidia and international trade in infected plant material.
Management relies on integrating resistant cultivars, cultural practices, and fungicide applications. Resistance genes such as Ol-1 through Ol-5 have been incorporated into commercial tomato lines, enhancing levels of field resistance. Environmental management includes maintaining adequate air circulation, reducing humidity, and removing infected foliage remains important in glasshouse systems. Fungicidal control using sulphur, strobilurins, and triazoles provides additional protection, though resistance development necessitates rotation and careful monitoring.
Continue reading to meet a Master’s graduate who studied the pathogen in France 👇
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Progress on Oidium neolycopersici
Slavica Matić et al., Electrical signalling in tomato — Oidium neolycopersici pathosystem for detection of powdery mildew
Naomi Lindner et al., Leaf Developmental Stage Influences Disease Resistance in Tomato
Lore Vervaet et al., The iolinid mite Pronematus ubiquitus controls a key tomato pest and pathogen by both predation and induction of specific plant defenses
PLANT PATHOLOGIST OF THE WEEK
Meet Mah Rukh Qamar Khan
This week, I happily introduce Mah Rukh Qamar Khan, a Master’s graduate from Avignon University.
Mah Rukh’s interest in plant pathology began during her studies in botany and plant biology, where she learned about the massive impact microorganisms can have on plant health, agriculture, and global food security.
This interest led Mah Rukh to complete a Master’s degree in International Agricultural Sciences (IMAS) at Avignon University, France. During which, she had the opportunity to complete an internship at INRAE (Unité Pathologie Végétale, Montfavet). There, she worked on tomato powdery mildew caused by Oidium neolycopersici.
Her research focused on assessing the survival of fungal spores outside their host plant and developing a molecular method (qPCR) for their quantification. She investigated how long spores remain viable under conditions relevant to aerial dispersal, with the aim of improving disease monitoring and epidemiological understanding.
Mah Rukh is particularly proud of being awarded the France Excellence Climate Change Scholarship, which allowed her to pursue my Master’s degree in France. She was also proud to present her research at the INRAE TISS3 Summer School.
Mah Rukh is actively searching for a PhD position in plant pathology, with research interests focused on fungal pathogens, disease epidemiology, and pathogen evolution. Be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn to discuss any opportunities, or to stay up to date with her research!
OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS
New Scholarships
No new scholarships this week. Open opportunities are listed on the Scholarships Board 👇
New Jobs
AI Research Scientist | Protein-Protein Interactions, ResurrectBio, London, UK, Apply ASAP
Research Assistant (Banfield Group), John Innes Centre, UK, Closes 9th March 2026
Plant Pathologist, Queensland Government, Australia, Apply ASAP
Senior Plant Pathologist, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Darwin, Australia, Apply ASAP
New Events/Seminars
Plant Health 2026, August 1, 2026 → August 4, 2026, Rhode Island, United States
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
Before you go, here are 3 ways we can help each other
Catch up on previous Robigalia interviews — Watch interviews with successful plant pathologists from around the world. New videos coming soon!
Book a coaching call — Whether it’s career advice, assistance with an application, or general advice, you can check my schedule to book time with me
Be featured in Robigalia — Every week, I introduce a plant pathologist in the Robigalia Roundups, and you can fill in your details to be featured.
See you next Monday!
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P.S. Why Robigalia? The name originates from the Ancient Roman festival dedicated to crop protection. You can read all about the history here: