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Doctor of Philosophy Student
Current Research
The population biology of the fungal grapevine pathogen Phaeomoniella chlamydospora
The main objective of this thesis is to increase the level of understanding of the biology of P. chlamydospora in Australia. Two approaches will be used to address this objective:- (1) an indirect method using the tools of population genetics and (2) a direct approach using microscopy
1. A study will be undertaken of the genetic variation of P. chlamydospora from within and between plants, vineyards, and regions of south-eastern Australia, using novel microsatellite markers. A parallel study using the same markers will be done to compare Australian and international genotypes. The specific aims are i. To determine the structure of an Australian population, ii. To determine the ratio of clonal V recombination events, iii. To determine the amount of genetic variation due to mutation, iv. To determine the dispersal scale of the pathogen, v. To examine the potential for an association between grapevine cultivar and pathogen genotype and vi. To examine the risk posed by the introduction of international isolates into the Australian population.
2. Microscopic studies of P. chlamydospora will determine the number of nuclei per conidia, and the movement of nuclei between isolates of the pathogen. The aim is to examine the potential for heterokaryon formation and parasexual recombination, and to provide information that can assist in the interpretation of the genetic data
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science (Honours - Botany)
The University of Melbourne. 2003.
Bachelor of Pharmacy
University of Queensland. 1980.
Publications
Theses
Smetham, G. M. (2003) The mode of action of phosphonate in Kennedia prostrata when challenged by Phytophthora cinnamomi. Honours Thesis. The University of Melbourne.
Conference Abstracts
Oral
Smetham G., Ades, P. and Ford, R. (2006) Development of microsatellite markers for the grapevine fungal pathogen Phaeomoniella chlamydospora. Proceeding of the Melbourne School of Land and Environment Postgraduate Conference, 8-9 November 2006, Parkville Victoria.
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