The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW

The University of New South Wales

A leading research and teaching school with expertise in biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, environmental microbiology, medical microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, protein chemistry and other areas of biological science.

Evolution of the Virulence of Plant Parasites in Changing Environments

The formation of plant galls by insects is a kind of herbivory that resembles host-pathogen interactions. The ecology and evolution of gall formation can therefore by studied to some extent within the framework of the evolution of virulence of parasites and pathogens. The ecology of plants will be altered under climate change, with possible consequences for the evolution of gall-forming insects. 

In this project we will study the effect of changing environments on the virulence of gall-forming insects.  Efforts to mathematically model this system will be complemented by analysis of data collected in the field. This project will be carried out in collaboration with the research groups of Dr Stephen Bonser and Prof Gerry Cassis in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences.

References: 

  • Harvell, D., Mitchell, C.E., Ward, J.R., Altizer, S., Dobson, A., Ostfeld, R.S., & Samuels, M.D. 2002, Climate warming and disease risks for terrestrial and marine biota. Science 296: 2158-2162.
  • Stone, G.N. & Schönrogge, K., 2003, The adaptive significance of insect gall morphology, Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 18 (10), pp. 512-522.

BABS personnel that are responsible for this project