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Cina Zachariah

PHD Student
School School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Location Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga
Phone 02 6938 1659
Fax 02 6938 1809
EMAIL cina.zachariah@industry.nsw.gov.au

 

Project

Development of Molecular Markers for Resistance to Pleiochaeta setosa in Albus Lupins

Summary

Lupins belong to the genus Lupinus and are the members of the pulse family or Leguminosae. In Australia Lupins are mainly grown in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Lupin grain is high in protein (30-40%) and dietery fibre (30%) and low in oil (6%) and used for animal and human consumption. Lupin plants have an ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia that, in turn, can have a fertilising effect in the soil for subsequent non legume crops and pasture.

Soil borne fungus, Pleiochaeta setosa which causes Pleiochaeta Root Rot (PRR) is an important root pathogen to albus lupins and is major threat to lupin industry. My PhD will focus on the development of molecular markers for resistance to PRR which will enable faster and efficient screening for PRR resistance in albus lupin breeding programs. This goal will be accomplished via comprehensive phenotyping and DNA marker analysis in an intercross population of lupin. I am utilising genic markers previously developed at the Australian Centre for necrotrophic pathogens, Murdoch University, Western Australia, in collaboration with NSW DPI.

Supervisors

Dr David Luckett, Dr Harsh Raman, Prof Gavin Ash, Dr John Harper

Funding source

EH Graham Centre Postgradulate Research Scholarship