Dr Rosalie Daniel

Summary

I am interested in the way in which cells and microorganisms interact and communicate. My research interests include the cellular mechanisms and signalling networks by which plants defend themselves against pathogen attack. At a macroscopic level, I am interested in the dynamics of disease in natural ecosystems.

Research interests

Projects that I am currently involved in include:

Plant signalling networks following pathogen challenge
Using a tobacco-Phytophthora and Arabidopsis-Phytophthora pathosystems, we are investigating the cellular signalling networks involved in early plant defence responses following pathogen challenge.

Effect of high nutrient loads on dieback due to Phytophthora in natural plant communities
Phytophthora has been reported to cause significant dieback in bushland around Sydney Harbour. Many of the highly built up areas are subject to high nutrient loads in drainage and runoff. This project explores the interaction between high nutrient loads and the severity of dieback due to Phytophthora.

Enhancing Papua New Guinea smallholder cocoa production through greater adoption of disease control practices (ACIAR)
Over 80% of cocoa in PNG is produced by smallholder farmers who traditionally invest little time or money in their cocoa blocks, resulting in low yields and low incomes. This project extends four IPDM options to smallholder farmers using a participatory action research based approach. IPDM farmers have experienced yield increases of more than 100% and significant reduction in disease due to Phytophthora. For more information, visit www.aciar.gov.au/project/ASEM/2003/015

Integrated management of Phytophthora diseases of durian and jackfruit in the southern Philippines (ACIAR)
Durian and jackfruit are popular and high value fruits in the Philippines. Production of durian is constrained by Phytophthora diseases. This project will identify the cause of jackfruit decline. Farmer trials to test farm management strategies on yield, disease losses and productivity are being implemented. Based on these trials, a series of series of disease management options designed for farmers of various backgrounds and capacity will be developed. For more information, visit www.aciar.gov.au/project/HORT/2007/067

Background

Rosalie received her Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Melbourne in 1998, her PhD from Deakin University in 2002 and was a postdoctoral research associate at Murdoch University in 2002. From 2004 to 2007 She was at the University of Sydney as a research fellow, and in 2007 took a position as a plant pathologist at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney. Rosalie re-joined the faculty in 2008 and is currently a research fellow.

Since completing her PhD on the interaction between Phytophthora cinnamomi and the native Australian plant Xanthorrhoea australis she has continued working with Phytophthora in natural Australian plant communities and in tropical horticultural systems. In 2007 she received a DAAD scholarship to spend 6 months at the Max Planck Institute in Cologne, Germany investigating the role of myosin in plant defence.

Rosalie is the NSW Councillor for the Australasian Plant Pathology Society. You can learn more about the APPS at www.australasianplantpathologysociety.org.au

Recent publications

• Konam J, Namaliu Y, Daniel R and Guest DI (2008). Integrated pest and disease management for sustainable cocoa production: a training manual for farmers and extension workers. ACIAR Monograph No 131, 36 pp.
• Suddaby T, Alhussaen K, Daniel R & Guest D (2008). Defence responses of two Lambertia species following challenge by Phytophthora cinnamomi. Australian Journal of Botany 56, 550–556.
• Daniel R, Taylor J & Guest DI (2006). Distribution and occurrence of Phytophthora cinnamomi at Middle Head and North Head, Sydney Harbour. Australasian Plant Pathology 35, 569-571.
• Daniel R & Guest DI (2006). Defence responses induced by potassium phosphonate in Phytophthora palmivora- challenged Arabidopsis thaliana. Physiological & Molecular Plant Pathology. 67, 194-201.
• Daniel R, Wilson, BA & Cahill DM (2005). Potassium phosphonate alters the defence response of Xanthorrhoea australis following infection by Phytophthora cinnamomi. Australasian Plant Pathology, Vol 34, 541-548.
• Daniel R, Wilson, BA & Cahill DM (2003). Morphological variation and paragyny in Victorian isolates of Phytophthora cinnamomi. Australasian Journal of Plant Pathology. 32, 403-409.

Contact

Email: