Investigating the plant growth/defence trade-off

Plant diseases cause major crop losses in Australia and worldwide, significantly impeding the Ag2030 vision of delivering a $100 billion agricultural sector by 2030. This project is about understanding the relationship between plant productivity and the ability of crops such as wheat to resist damaging diseases. Its not known why plants cannot grow and defend against pathogens simultaneously, and here, we hope to expose some of the mechanisms by adjusting growth conditions and analysing their effects on plant performance. If successful, the research will help breed better crops by identifying new stable sources of disease resistance and understanding how plant growth and disease resistance interact. The outcomes of this research will allow better, more environmentally friendly methods for controlling crop disease, helping farmers, consumers and exporters to enjoy the benefits of higher crop productivity, ultimately strengthening Australias economy and supporting local a