Silencing Fungal diseases: unlocking RNAi as novel tool to control Agricultural Pathogens

The Organisation

AgResearch is the Crown Research Institute tasked with delivering cutting-edge agricultural science and innovation to benefit the wider New Zealand economy. Our internationally recognised scientists work across the agricultural sectors in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, putting science and innovation at the forefront. We are proud to be a unique organisation that is driving prosperity by transforming agriculture.

The Project

Globally, fungi pose a significant threat to animal and plant species, causing 65% of pathogen-driven host losses. The estimated annual global economic burden of fungal crop diseases is ~US$200B, whereas in farm animals it is poorly reported globally. For instance, Pithomyces chartarum, the causal organism of Facial Eczema (FE), costs NZ$332M p.a. in New Zealand. Traditional agriculture heavily relies on chemical agents to combat fungal pathogens, but this approach harms the environment. Surprisingly, targeted non-chemical tools to combat fungal pathogens including P. chartarum are scarce, unlike advances in plant-focused approaches.

The aim of the advertised PhD project is to develop an environmentally safe control method for P. chartarum based on spray-induced gene silencing. This control method will be based on the use of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules that transcriptionally silence virulence (toxin gene cluster) genes of P. chartarum. As part of the PhD project, the candidate will optimize the translocation of dsRNA molecules into P. chartarum and evaluate dsRNA formulations for effectiveness, with the goal of also minimizing off-target effects.

This research will yield new knowledge and technologies that enhance both plant and animal production systems, promote chemical-free practices and improve animal welfare, whilst bolstering global confidence in New Zealand’s animal products. It will support the globally recognised team in developing RNAi therapeutics and technology platforms for emerging agricultural applications.

The research will be undertaken within the Resilient Agriculture Science Group based at AgResearch Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North City, New Zealand, in conjunction with a unique team of national and international collaborators. To read more about the AgResearch, Resilient Agriculture Science Group go to https://www.agresearch.co.nz/science-areas/plants-and-animals/plants/. Although based at AgResearch, the PhD candidate will be enrolled at Massey University and have supervisors from both Massey University and the Resilient Agriculture Science Group.

The successful candidate will have:

A BSc (Hons) or MSc degree (or an equivalent qualification) in Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, or related disciplines. Experience in microscopy, plant pathology, fungal biology, proteomics, bioinformatics, or genomics/transcriptomics would be an advantage. Minimum academic requirements for entry into the PhD programme at Massey University are available at https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/about-postgraduate-study/phds-and-professional-doctorates/how-to-apply-for-a-doctoral-degree/.

Excellent written and oral communication skills. Minimum English requirements for entry into the PhD programme at Massey University are available at https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/about-postgraduate-study/phds-and-professional-doctorates/how-to-apply-for-a-doctoral-degree/.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Diligence, resilience and enthusiasm.

How to apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply on-line via the link, or send an email to Dr Carl Mesarich (c.mesarich@massey.ac.nz), before the closing date of February 3 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by Zoom or Teams. The intended start date for this project is 3 March 2025, or as soon as possible after this date. In your application, please include the following:

–         A curriculum vitae.

–         A motivation letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this project.

–         A copy of your undergraduate and postgraduate academic transcripts.

–         The contact details (preferably email addresses) of at least two academic referees.

For more information about the project, or for a confidential discussion, please contact: Dr Kwasi Adusei-Fosu, Senior Scientist & Science Team Leader, via email Kwasi.adusei-fosu@agresearch.co.nz.