Development of LAMP assay to detect husk spot

Husk spot is a unique disease of macadamia in Australia. It leads to premature abscission of the macadamia nut. Existing conventional or traditional diagnostic methods for husk spot are laborious and take 4 to 6 weeks. Lack of diagnostic tools for early detection of infection before symptom expression hinders studies on the infection process.

This study aims to improve the detection and quantification of husk spot infection. You'll develop a simple and rapid diagnostic tool using the LAMP assay for early detection and characterisation of macadamia cultivars. You'll use existing DNA sequence data for husk spot fungusisolates to develop the LAMP assay.

Location: St Lucia and Gatton

Expected outcomes: advanced plant science and molecular skills and the opportunity to contribute to publications from the research

Supervisors: Dr Femi Akinsanmi

Before you apply: contact the primary supervisor for more details