Prof. Neena Mitter, Prof. Zhi Ping (Gordon) Xu, Prof. Bernard Carroll and Associate Professor Ralf Dietzgen (2021–2024)
Prof. Neena Mitter, Prof. Zhi Ping (Gordon) Xu, Professor Peta Ashworth, Prof. Bernard Carroll, Professor Elizabeth Aitken and Associate Professor Pedro Fidelman (2020–2025)
The Hub aims to develop and commercialise an innovative biological alternative to chemical fungicides targeting economically significant diseases of broadacre and horticultural crops. It addresses industry challenges of fungicide resistance, chemical residues in food, off-target effects and environmental harm. It builds on groundbreaking `BioClay' platform to deliver pathogen targeting RNA using clay particles as non-genetically modified crop protection. An expert multi- disciplinary team uniting science, commercial and social licence pathways ensures industry and consumer uptake advancing $60B Australian Agriculture. The Hub translates to increased productivity, market access and enhanced environmental credentials of Australian food.
Prof. Zhi Ping (Gordon) Xu (2019–2022)
Topical application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for induced RNA interference (RNAi) represents an attractive alternative to genetically engineered crops. However, naked dsRNA is unstable and furthermore, is not efficiently taken up by plants. For these reasons, topical application of dsRNA has thus far produced only modest induction of RNAi in plants. This project aims to identify the most effective form of dsRNA for inducing systemic RNAi in plants, and develop clay nanoparticles to facilitate the uptake and movement of dsRNA in plants for maximal systemic RNAi. The key outcome from the project will be robust strategies for nanoparticle-mediated non-transgenic trait modification, including improved crop protection and productivity.
Prof. Neena Mitter, Prof. Zhi Ping (Gordon) Xu and Prof. Bernard Carroll (2018–2021)
Dr Li Li (2016–2019)
