PhD Scholarship in the School of Plant Biology at The University of Western Australia
Ecophysiology of a canker-affected eucalypt species This PhD project is part of a larger ARC linkage project entitled: “Understanding the underlying causes and practical management solutions to marri (Corymbia calophylla) decline in the South West of Western Australia”. Marri is an iconic overstory eucalypt species which is widely distributed throughout the south-west of WA. Stem cankers on marri have been found to occur throughout SW Australia since the late 1960’s, with increasing rates of mortality attributed to cankers in the 1970’s and recommendations to urgently determine cause and effect and to develop options for disease control in the 1990’s. More recently it was shown that the incidence and severity of the disease was increasing and that large bleeding cankers on the trunk and branches were caused by a novel pathogen (Quambalaria coyrecup). Today more than 80% of trees of all age classes are infected in some areas by a range of Quambalaria species, with the potential for major economic, social and ecological implications. The increase in disease occurrence and severity is likely to be at least partly associated with the decreasing rainfall in the SW of Australia which has resulted in declining groundwater tables and severely drought-stressed ecosystems. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to determine how genotype and environment interact to influence plant condition and disease progression, and how disease affects plant condition. Drought stress will be of particular interest. Experimental work will involve glasshouse trials, common garden experiments as well as work in natural stands and will involve a range of techniques including measurements of gas-exchange, sapflow rates and water potential. A background in plant ecophysiology, with experience in plant water relations or in plant phytopathology is desirable. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with other partners on the Linkage grant (i.e. at Murdoch University and the Department of Environment and Conservation) and will be part of the multidisciplinary state-funded Centre of Excellence for Climate Change Woodland & Forest Health. For information about the position and how to apply, please see: http://www.scholarships.uwa.edu.au/search?sc_view=1&id=3161&page=1&q=marri&s=1&old_key= For more information about the Centre of Excellence for Climate Change Woodland & Forest Health: http://www.foresthealth.com.au/ Closing date for the position is 20 July 2013.
