A research project to improve mango plant disease resistance has been successful in the first round of the new National Industry PhD Program.
The project, “Genetic investigation into mango defence responses to safeguard the future of the Australian mango industry”, will be led by tree genomics expert Dr Stephanie Kerr (pictured) from the QUT Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy who will supervise a PhD research candidate from the Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.
The project will use advanced molecular tools to investigate disease resistance and growth enhancement to support Australia’s $217 million mango industry.
Dr Kerr said pests and diseases were major factors influencing commercial mango production which is located mainly in northern Australia.
“Diseases and pests affect the trees’ vigour and survival and can impact canopy and root growth, fruit set, the quality of the fruit and, of course, the crop yield,” Dr Kerr said.
“Australia’s four or five main varieties of mango differ significantly in their responses towards major pests and diseases which is why a well-researched genomic study of these differences is critical for appropriate interventions.
“Our aim is to identify which cultivars are susceptible or resistant to several different pathogens in various growing regions and then to test plant defence activators on each cultivar.
“Understanding how mango varieties respond to disease and to defence activators will allow growers to make informed decisions about which varieties to use in future plantings, particularly in disease-prone areas.”