Investment

This GRDC investment supports PhD candidate William Thomas who is completing his PhD at the University of Western Australia supported by a GRDC Research Scholarship (GRS). William's research focuses on using genetics and genomics to identify resistance genes in canola that protect the crop from blackleg disease.

William is identifying and validating new resistance genes (R genes) that help to reduce yield loss in canola caused by disease. Several fungal diseases, including blackleg, which is the most devastating disease, downy mildew, Alternaria leaf spot and white leaf spot cause significant yield loss to the global canola industry each year. Canola cultivars which carry R genes that correspond to a specific pathogen, will be unaffected by the fungus and disease. This research involves identifying a particular blackleg R gene called LepR2, exploring new methodologies to validate potential R genes and investigate genetic resistance to downy mildew, Alternaria leaf spot and white leaf spot, which are relatively understudied. The findings from the project will improve the understanding of plant-pathogen interactions and enable new resistance sources to be deployed in Australian canola cultivars, improving disease resistance and cultivar profitability.

A GRS supports PhD candidates in delivering innovative research that addresses constraints or builds opportunities for Australian grain growers to help improve their farm business sustainability and profitability. The three-year scholarship, worth over $35,000 per year, provides high-achieving students with the financial and industry support to complete their PhD in an area aligned with GRDC's RD&E Plan 2023-28.