Causes of tree death

Dr Treena Burgess

My research field is the biology, ecology and genetics of beneficial and detrimental micro-organisms in natural ecosystems and plantation forestry, with a focus on biodiversity and biosecurity issues.

In Australia, I am particularly interested in the exchange or movement of pathogens between natural forests and plantations and on the role of endophytes in climate mediated declines in natural ecosytems. I have recently developed and interest in the role of Oomycetes in natural ecosystems.

In partnership with the Department of Conservation we have re-examined the Phytophthora culture collection of the Vegetation Health survey and discovered many new species associated with dead and dying vegetation within natural ecosystems in western Australia. This has led to the description of nine new species and kicked off a whole range of projects examining the biology of the new species, their distribution, host range and impact.

Morphological features of Phytophthora fluvialis

Furthermore, recent studies have revealed an even greater biodiversity than already expected. Additionally, several unique Phytophthora hybrids exist in WA native ecosystems. This recent explosion of information regarding the biodiversity of Phytophthora (and other oomycetes) in WA raises numerous research questions and we have Honours and PhD projects available. To enquire about opportunities in Phytophthora research, you can email me at tburgess@murdoch.edu.au

A dying banksia infected with Phytophthora arenaria and a typical river from where various Phytophthora species have been isolated