A5018227632- Plant and fungal interactions
- Botanical Research and Chemistry
- Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control
- Plant Toxicity and Pharmacological Properties
- Plant Physiology and Cultivation Studies
- Biological Control of Invasive Species
- Horticultural and Viticultural Research
- Insect-Plant Interactions and Control
- Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions
- Fermentation and Sensory Analysis
- Plant biochemistry and biosynthesis
- Turfgrass Adaptation and Management
- Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life Management
- Plant Taxonomy and Phylogenetics
- Nematode management and characterization studies
- Bioenergy crop production and management
AgResearch
2020-2025
Lincoln University
2024-2025
Plant & Food Research
2020-2021
Following cell division, fruit growth is characterized by both expansion through increases in volume and biomass accumulation cells. Fruit limited carbon starvation; however, the mechanism controlling under restricted carbohydrate supply poorly understood. In a previous study using red-fleshed kiwifruit, we showed that long-term starvation had detrimental effects on carbohydrate, anthocyanin metabolism, growth. To elucidate mechanisms underlying reduction during kiwifruit development,...
The increasing expenses and environmental repercussions associated with phosphorus (P) fertiliser underscore the necessity for precision-managed application methods. These changes affect pastoral systems, where cool-season grasses like perennial ryegrass meadow fescue form beneficial relationships Epichloë endophytes. Understanding how fertilisers influence these endophytes, host grasses, insect pests is crucial, as endophytes enhance resistance to some herbivorous insects. This study...
Fungal <i>Epichloë</i> endophytes form symbiotic associations with many temperate grasses, such as <i>Lolium</i> and <i>Festuca</i>, giving their host grasses an ecological advantage. The importance of specific in providing varying levels protection against invertebrate pests has been well documented. Similarly, but fewer studies, the benefits to drought events shown. Endophyte-infected show improved persistence herbivore insect attack resilience under drought. However, there are relatively...
Asexual Epichloë are obligate fungal mutualists that form symbiosis with many temperate grass species, providing several advantages to the host. These include protection against vertebrate and invertebrate herbivores (i.e., grazing livestock pests, respectively), improved resistance phytopathogens, increased adaptation drought stress, nutrient deficiency, heavy metal-containing soils. Selected strains utilised in agriculture mainly for their pest traits, which moderated via production of...
Abstract Climate change is anticipated to lead an increase in the occurrence and intensity of drought fluctuations insect cycles that will challenge modern pasture systems. Feeding by root aphids such as Aploneura lentisci Pass. can be a significant pastures. These below-ground living are commonly found New Zealand Australia, feeding year-round on roots graminaceous plants perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.). Some strains fungal endophyte Epichloë festucae var. lolii provide protection...
Abstract BACKGROUND Fertiliser applications are well‐established tools in pasture‐based agricultural landscapes. This study focuses on the impact of phosphorus (P) fertiliser grass grub ( Costelytra giveni ), a major pasture pest. research investigates interplay between P, plant growth, and fitness Epichloë endophyte‐infected perennial ryegrass sp. LpTG‐3 strain AR37) meadow fescue infected with E. uncinata (strain MaxR; AR1017), alongside their endophyte‐free counterparts. In glasshouse...
interactions between plants, herbivorous insects and fungal Epichloë endophytes. However, water availability fluctuates, a phenomenon intensified by climate change, challenging the success of NewZealand’s pastoral industry. The impacts climatic changes, such as intensifying drought, on insect pests have received little attention. In no-choice bioassay, African black beetle (ABB) were fed semi-synthetic diets containing freeze-dried foliage material from drought-exposed well-watered perennial...
Plant metabolomics within field-based food production systems is challenging owing to environmental variability and the complex architecture metabolic growth cycles of plants. Kiwifruit cultivars Actinidia chinensis are vigorous perennial vines grown as clones in highly structured orchard environments, intensively managed maximize fruit yield quality. To understand responses management practices, we needed better various sources encountered orchard. Triplicate composite leaf, internode...
The literature on the importance of Epichloë grass endophytes during pasture renewal is reviewed. Perennial ryegrass endophyte strains such as AR1, NEA2, and Standard Endophyte (SE) well tall fescue meadow endophytes, significantly increase seedling survival at establishment under insect pressure, for example from adult Argentine stem weevil, grub, African black beetle. However, in endophyte-infected ryegrass, insect-derived plant damage increases 10–43 days after sowing despite presence...
Abstract Climate change is anticipated to lead an increase in the occurrence and intensity of drought fluctuations insect cycles that will challenge modern pasture systems. Feeding by root aphids such as Aploneura lentisci Pass. can be a significant pastures. These below-ground living are commonly found New Zealand Australia, feeding year-round on roots graminaceous plants perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.). Some strains fungal endophyte Epichloë festucae var. lolii provide protection...