Professor Elizabeth Aitken
Professor

Elizabeth Aitken

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 54775

Background

Professor Elizabeth Aitken (Liz) obtained her BSc Hons in Agricultural Science (Crop Science) from Edinburgh University where she specialised in Plant Pathology. She then went on to undertake her PhD studies at Aberdeen University in conjunction with the UK Forestry Commission on a study of dieback on Scots pine trees. This was followed with postdoctoral studies at Birmingham University and the Sainsbury Lab, aiming to identify a rust resistance gene by transposon tagging. In 1993 she moved to Australia and joined UQ as an academic staff member.

Much of Liz’s research at UQ has focused on diseases of tropical crops in particular banana, ginger, cotton and sunflower. Research topics have included the genetics of plant-pathogen interactions, molecular aspects of pathogenicity and disease diagnostics. This research has been undertaken with strong collaborations with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and with CSIRO. Research topics have included the genetics of plant-pathogen interactions, molecular aspects of pathogenicity and disease diagnostics. This work has assisted in the identification of disease incursions in particular in banana and of cryptic plant pathogen species of Pythium in ginger and Phomopsis in sunflower. One current research focus includes identification of resistance to Fusarium wilt in diploid banana lines for potential deployment against TR4 in commercial banana cultivars; this has received funding from BMGF in collaboration with the International Institute of Topical Agriculture in Africa as well as from Hort Innovation Australia. Other studies include analysis of putative pathogenicity genes including Six genes in Fusarium oxysporum affecting banana, strawberry and ginger and in collaboration with colleagues at CSIRO studies on Fusarium spp on wheat particularly with regard to influence of environmental factors related to climate change.

Since commencing at UQ in 1993, Liz has supervised numerous postgraduate and honours students and participated in undergraduate teaching at all levels in plant science and in particular in plant pathology and fungal biology. She has also taken on various roles and committee membership in postgraduate student mentoring, research integrity and biosafety.

Availability

Professor Elizabeth Aitken is:
Not available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences Biological Sciences Horticultural crop protection (incl. pests, diseases and weeds) Horticultural production Plant biology

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Edinburgh
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Aberdeen
  • Fellow, Australasian Plant Pathology Society, Australasian Plant Pathology Society

Research interests

  • Fusarium oxysporum

    Analysis of the role of endophytic Fusarium oxysporum among members of the Zingeberales

  • Putative effector genes in Fusarium oxysporum

    Analysis of putative pathogenicity genes including "Six" genes in Fusarium oxysporum that affect a range of crop species including strawberry and ginger

  • Resistance to Fusarium wilt in banana

    Identification and characterization of resistance to Fusarium wilt in seeded diploid banana lines for potential deployment against TR4

  • Verticillium dahliae on cotton

    Histological and molecular interaction of Verticillium dahliae on cotton

  • Diversity of macrofungi

    I am very keen to help in expanding our knowledge of Australian macrofungi and lichens

Research impacts

Much of Prof. Aitken’s research at UQ has focused on diseases of tropical crops in particular banana, ginger and sunflower. Research topics have included the genetics of plant-pathogen interactions, molecular aspects of pathogenicity and disease diagnostics. This work has assissted in the identification of disease incursions in particular in banana and of cryptic plant pathoegn species in ginger and sunflower. Current research focus includes identification of resistance to Fusraium wilt in diploid banana lines for potential deployment against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense race 4 in commercial banana cultivars.

Search Professor Elizabeth Aitken’s works on UQ eSpace

158 works between 1989 and 2024
All (158) Journal Article (103) Book Chapter (2) Conference Publication (50) Book (2) Other Outputs (1)

101 - 120 of 158 works

2009

Journal Article

The Mediator Complex Subunit PFT1 Is a Key Regulator of Jasmonate-Dependent Defense in Arabidopsis

Kidd, Brendan N., Edgar, Cameron I., Kumar, Krish K., Aitken, Elizabeth A., Schenk, Peer M., Manners, John M. and Kazan, Kemal (2009). The Mediator Complex Subunit PFT1 Is a Key Regulator of Jasmonate-Dependent Defense in Arabidopsis. Plant Cell, 21 (8), 2237-2252. doi: 10.1105/tpc.109.066910

The Mediator Complex Subunit PFT1 Is a Key Regulator of Jasmonate-Dependent Defense in Arabidopsis

2009

Conference Publication

Molecular identification of Pythium isolates of ginger from Fiji and Australia

Lomavatu, M. F., Conrey, J. and Aitken, E. (2009). Molecular identification of Pythium isolates of ginger from Fiji and Australia. 17th Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia, 29 September - 1 October 2009. APPSnet.

Molecular identification of Pythium isolates of ginger from Fiji and Australia

2009

Journal Article

Infection, colonisation and sporulation by Pseudocercospora macadamiae on macadamia fruit

Miles, A.K., Akinsanmi, O.A., Sutherland, P.W., Aitken, E. A.B. and Drenth, A. (2009). Infection, colonisation and sporulation by Pseudocercospora macadamiae on macadamia fruit. Australasian Plant Pathology, 38 (1), 36-43. doi: 10.1071/AP08074

Infection, colonisation and sporulation by Pseudocercospora macadamiae on macadamia fruit

2009

Conference Publication

The diversity of Colletotrichum infecting lychee in Australia

Anderson, J. M., Coates, L. M., Dann, E. K. and Aitken, E. A. B. (2009). The diversity of Colletotrichum infecting lychee in Australia. 17th Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia, 29 September - 1 October 2009. AAPSnet.

The diversity of Colletotrichum infecting lychee in Australia

2009

Book

Assessing the potential of silicon in the control of Fusarium wilt in banana

Aitken, Elizabeth (2009). Assessing the potential of silicon in the control of Fusarium wilt in banana. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Horticulture Australia.

Assessing the potential of silicon in the control of Fusarium wilt in banana

2009

Conference Publication

Genetic diversity of Pseudocercospera macadamiae populations by PCR-RFLP

Miles, A. K., Akinsami, O. A., Aitken, E. A. and Drenth, A. (2009). Genetic diversity of Pseudocercospera macadamiae populations by PCR-RFLP. 17th Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia, 29 September - 1 October 2009. APPSnet.

Genetic diversity of Pseudocercospera macadamiae populations by PCR-RFLP

2008

Journal Article

Acibenzolar-S-methyl-induced alteration of defence gene expression and enzyme activity in cotton infected with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum

Whan, Jennifer A., Dann, Elizabeth K., Smith, Linda J. and Aitken, Elizabeth A. B. (2008). Acibenzolar-S-methyl-induced alteration of defence gene expression and enzyme activity in cotton infected with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 73 (6), 175-182. doi: 10.1016/j.pmpp.2009.06.003

Acibenzolar-S-methyl-induced alteration of defence gene expression and enzyme activity in cotton infected with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum

2008

Journal Article

First report of Glomerella cingulata (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) causing anthracnose and tip dieback of Lygodium microphyllum and L. japonicum in Australia

Ireland, K. B., Noor, N. A. Haji Mohamad, Aitken, E. A. B., Schmidt, S. and Volin, J. C. (2008). First report of Glomerella cingulata (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) causing anthracnose and tip dieback of Lygodium microphyllum and L. japonicum in Australia. Plant Disease, 92 (9), 1369-1369. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-92-9-1369A

First report of Glomerella cingulata (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) causing anthracnose and tip dieback of Lygodium microphyllum and L. japonicum in Australia

2008

Journal Article

QTL analysis of ergot resistance in sorghum

Parh, DK, Jordan, DR, Aitken, EAB, Mace, ES, Jun-ai, P and Godwin, ID (2008). QTL analysis of ergot resistance in sorghum. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 117 (3), 369-382. doi: 10.1007/s00122-008-0781-8

QTL analysis of ergot resistance in sorghum

2008

Journal Article

Potential Sources of Pythium inoculum into Greenhouse Soils with no Previous History of Cultivation

Al-Sa'di. A.M., Drenth, A., Deadman, M.L., Al-Said, F.A., Khan, I. and Aitken, E. A.B. (2008). Potential Sources of Pythium inoculum into Greenhouse Soils with no Previous History of Cultivation. Journal of Phytopathology, 156 (7-8), 502-505. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0434.2008.01396.x

Potential Sources of Pythium inoculum into Greenhouse Soils with no Previous History of Cultivation

2008

Journal Article

Association of a second phase of mortality in cucumber seedlings with a rapid rate of metalaxyl biodegradation in greenhouse soils

Al-Sa'di, A. M., Drenth, A., Deadman, M. L., Al-Said, F. A., Khan, I. and Aitken, E. A. B. (2008). Association of a second phase of mortality in cucumber seedlings with a rapid rate of metalaxyl biodegradation in greenhouse soils. Crop Protection, 27 (7), 1110-1117. doi: 10.1016/j.cropro.2008.01.007

Association of a second phase of mortality in cucumber seedlings with a rapid rate of metalaxyl biodegradation in greenhouse soils

2008

Journal Article

Genetic diversity, aggressiveness and metalaxyl sensitivity of Pythium aphanidermatum populations infecting cucumber in Oman

Al-Sa'di, A. M., Drenth, A., Deadman, M. L. and Aitken, E. A. B. (2008). Genetic diversity, aggressiveness and metalaxyl sensitivity of Pythium aphanidermatum populations infecting cucumber in Oman. Plant Pathology, 57 (1), 45-56. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3059.2007.01700.x

Genetic diversity, aggressiveness and metalaxyl sensitivity of Pythium aphanidermatum populations infecting cucumber in Oman

2008

Journal Article

First report of Pythium splendens associated with severe wilt of muskmelon (Cucumis melo) in Oman

Al-Sa'di, A. M., Deadman, M. L., Al-Said, F. A., Khan, I., Al-Azri, M., Drenth, A. and Aitken, E. A. B. (2008). First report of Pythium splendens associated with severe wilt of muskmelon (Cucumis melo) in Oman. Plant Disease, 92 (2), 313-313. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-92-2-0313C

First report of Pythium splendens associated with severe wilt of muskmelon (Cucumis melo) in Oman

2008

Journal Article

Genetic Diversity, Aggressiveness and Metalaxyl Sensitivity of Pythium spinosum Infecting Cucumber in Oman

Al-Sa'di, A.M, Drenth, A., Deadman, M.L., De Cock, A.W.A.M., Al-Said, F.A. and Aitken, E. A.B. (2008). Genetic Diversity, Aggressiveness and Metalaxyl Sensitivity of Pythium spinosum Infecting Cucumber in Oman. Journal of Phytopathology, 156 (1), 29-35. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0434.2007.01318.x

Genetic Diversity, Aggressiveness and Metalaxyl Sensitivity of Pythium spinosum Infecting Cucumber in Oman

2008

Conference Publication

Production of pathogen-free plants from infected sugarcane by direct plant regeneration from young leaf tissue

James, A., Krisiti, A., Aitken, E., Croft, B. and Lakshmanan, P. (2008). Production of pathogen-free plants from infected sugarcane by direct plant regeneration from young leaf tissue. Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.

Production of pathogen-free plants from infected sugarcane by direct plant regeneration from young leaf tissue

2007

Journal Article

Molecular characterization and pathogenicity of Pythium species associated with damping-off in greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in Oman

Al-Sa'di, A. M., Drenth, A., Deadman, M. L., de Cock, A. W. A. M. and Aitken, E. A. B. (2007). Molecular characterization and pathogenicity of Pythium species associated with damping-off in greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in Oman. Plant Pathology, 56 (1), 140-149. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3059.2006.01501.x

Molecular characterization and pathogenicity of Pythium species associated with damping-off in greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in Oman

2007

Journal Article

Pre-transplanting treatment of cucumber seedlings with metalaxyl reduces Pythium-induced damping-off disease

Al Sa'di, A. M., Deadman, M. L., Drenth, A., Al-Said, F. A., Khan, I. A. and Aitken, E. A. (2007). Pre-transplanting treatment of cucumber seedlings with metalaxyl reduces Pythium-induced damping-off disease. Phytopathology, 97 (7), S2-S2.

Pre-transplanting treatment of cucumber seedlings with metalaxyl reduces Pythium-induced damping-off disease

2007

Journal Article

Aggressiveness among isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum from sunflower

Ekins, M. G., Aitken, E. A. B. and Goulter, K. C. (2007). Aggressiveness among isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum from sunflower. Australasian Plant Pathology, 36 (6), 580-586. doi: 10.1071/AP07062

Aggressiveness among isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum from sunflower

2006

Journal Article

Identification and characterization of non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum capable of increasing and decreasing Fusarium wilt severity

Forsyth, L. M., Smith, L. J. and Aitken, E. A. B. (2006). Identification and characterization of non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum capable of increasing and decreasing Fusarium wilt severity. Mycological Research, 110 (8), 929-935. doi: 10.1016/j.mycres.2006.03.008

Identification and characterization of non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum capable of increasing and decreasing Fusarium wilt severity

2006

Conference Publication

Genetics of ergot resistance in sorghum

Parh, D. K., Jordan, D., Aitken, E A B, McIntyre, and Godwin, I D (2006). Genetics of ergot resistance in sorghum. 5th Australian Sorghum Conference, Gold Coast, 30 January - 2 February, 2006. Gold Coast: Range Media Pty Ltd.

Genetics of ergot resistance in sorghum

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    Development of Molecular Diagnostic for Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. zingiberi (Foz)
    Agrifutures Australia
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Building an advanced genomics platform for Australian horticulture
    Murdoch University
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2027
    Technical assistance to enable acceleration of the identification of the resistance genes in banana and the generation of markers for the banana breeding program
    Bayer Cropscience Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2025
    ARC Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection
    ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hubs
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024
    Testing banana germplasm with molecular markers
    NQ Banana Research Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Identifying new resistance genes for Panama Tropical Race 4
    Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Impact of myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infection on community composition and ecological function
    Australian Plant Biosecurity Science Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Accelerated breeding of better bananas (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant led by IITA)
    International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Development of molecular markers for Fusarium wilt resistance in banana
    Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    Development of GFP transformants of Verticillium and assessment in plants
    New South Wales Department of Primary Industries
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2022
    Strengthening the banana industry diagnostic capacity
    Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2020
    BA14014 Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 Research Program
    Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2019
    Improvement of banana for smallholder farmers in the Great Lakes Region of Africa
    International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2019
    PRJ-008308 - Improved tissue culture production of ginger clean planting material
    Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Accelerated crop development and environmental compliance of agricultural and food systems
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Assessment of Pythium diversity in ginger
    Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Confocal Microscopy Infrastructure for Plant Sciences
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2016
    Rapid introgression of crown rot resistance into hexaploid wheat
    Grains Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Analyses of the effect of silicon on Fusarium wilt on banana
    Horticulture Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Assessing the potential of silicone in the control of Fusarium wilt in banana
    Horticulture Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Controlled Environment Facilities for the Challenges of the 21st Century
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2011
    Strengthening disease detection, diagnosis and surveillance in the Australian banana industry
    Horticulture Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2005
    Identification and analysis of banana defence genes confering resistance to soil borne pathogens
    Horticulture Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    PCR primer verification and analysis of the black Sigatoka outbreak in Tully
    Horticulture Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2002
    CAPITAL ITEM GRANT: PCR MACHINE (THERMAL CYCLER)
    Cotton Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Travel grant for Ms Elizabeth Miric to attend the Australasian Plant Pathology Society 13th Biennial Conference - September 2001.
    Grains Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Travel grant for Ms BC Engel to attend 7th International Congress of Plant Pathology, Edinburgh 1998
    Grains Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Population and pathogenicity studies of the Black Sigatoka fungus
    Horticultural Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Study of genes involved in initiating trap production in nematode-trapping fungi
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 1998
    Population and pathogenicity studies of Mycosphaerilla spp.
    Queensland Department Primary Industries
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Travel grant for Ms BC Engel to attend and present a paper at the Australasian Plant Pathology Society 11th Biennial Conference
    Grains Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Analysis of constitutive and induced peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase levels in a Banana population segregating for reaction to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp cubense
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1997
    Molecular identification of strains of Sclerotinia spp.
    Horticultural Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1997
    Population and pathogenicity studies of Mycosphaerella spp.
    Horticultural Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 1995
    Genetic variation and sexual recombination in Australian field populations of the bean rust fungus
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Elizabeth Aitken is:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Elizabeth Aitken directly for media enquiries about:

  • Banana
  • Mycology
  • Plant Pathology

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