Kauri Dieback and Host Defenses: Investigating Susceptibility Across Agathis Species
Application process
A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm 22 September 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
Project number
121
Project description
This interdisciplinary project studies the susceptibility of various Agathis species to Phytophthora agathidicida, the pathogen that causes kauri dieback.
You will work in the laboratory of Dr. Monica Gerth, alongside her team and collaborators, using molecular tools such as quantitative PCR and conducting plant trials with Agathis seedlings.
The aim is to determine whether kauri dieback is specific to New Zealand kauri or also affects other Agathis species, and to explore potential natural resistance mechanisms. This research combines molecular microbiology and plant pathology to address important questions about host-pathogen interactions and kauri protection.
This project is suitable for students with an interest and some experience in microbiology. Preference will be given to those who have completed BIOL236: Microbes & Their Environments or have equivalent experience in microbial culturing, molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR), and bioinformatics analysis using R.
This project is for a single student.
Location
Mainly at the University.
Supervisor
Deputy Head of School · Associate Professor of Microbiology
School of Biological Sciences