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Ray Cowley

PhD Student
School School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Location Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga
Phone 02 6938 1900
Fax 02 6938 1809
Email ray.cowley@industry.nsw.gov.au

 

Project

Investigating the interaction between Diaporthe toxica and Lupinus albus

Summary

Phomopsis on lupins is a serious disease. Toxins produced by the fungus are responsible for causing lupinosis which, if consumed in quantity, can result in high stock losses. Narrow-leaf lupin is more prone to phomopsis infection then albus lupins. However, in 2004 stock losses from grazing infected albus plant material were reported at Tarcutta, NSW. Isolates were collected and consequently research has been commenced to investigate the disease on albus lupins. The research began with developing screening assays for pod, leaf and stems. To date we have identified a large number of genotypes that have resistance to the Tarcutta strain of the pathogen. It appears in albus lupins that there are different phases to the disease with pod, leaf and stem resistance being identified. Each phase may be under different genetic control. Mapping populations segregating for each phase of the disease have been developed. These populations form the basis of the next stage of the research project which is to identify molecular markers for the various resistance genes. In addition work is underway to pyramid the resistance genes into a single genotype.

Supervisors

Prof. Gavin J. Ash, Dr John Harper, Dr David J. Luckett

Funding source

Part-time Research Training Scheme