Overview
Background
Dr Karl Robinson joined QAAFI’s Centre for Horticultural Science (frm. Centre for Plant Sciences) in 2012 as a molecular biologist specialising in RNAi applications against animal and plant viruses. Karl received his doctoral degree from The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science in 2009 and was awarded the 2009 UQ Deans Award. Karl has held postdoctoral research positions within Queensland Government/The University of Queensland - Agricultural Biotechnology Centre and the Viral Pathogenesis and Vaccine Group at the Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Organisation, The University of Saskatchewan, Canada, before joining The Mitter Group. In 2017, Dr Robinson was awarded the Queensland State Government - Advance Queensland Reseach Fellowship to conduct research into alternative insect and virus control methods using RNAi and nanotechnology. Currently, a senior research fellow, supported by Grains Research Development Corporation and Horticulture Innovation Australia, Karl is leading research into spray-on RNAi applications for viruses and insects in high value grain and horticultural crops. Karl supervises a team of several higher degree research students and post doctoral researchers and delivers the plant virology lectures of the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences 3rd year virology course at UQ.
PhD Scholarship are available for domestic students.
Availability
- Dr Karl Robinson is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Industrial Microbiology, Griffith University
- Masters (Coursework) of Clinical Microbiology, Griffith University
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Graduate Certificate of Food Sciences, University of Ballarat
Research interests
-
RNAi Biopesticides.
Design, production and testing of spray-on RNA interference (RNAi) solutions to control viruses and insects that affect horticultural crops grown in protected cropping environs and broad acre grains crops such as wheat, barley, and canola.
-
Development of live viral vaccines Australian animal industries.
Explore the utility of Herpesviruses as a multi-valent live viral vaccine platform for the vaccination of animals.
-
Phage therapy in agriculture.
Isolation, identification and establishment of lytic bacteriophages populations that may alleviate the bacterial disease burden in agricultural production systems.
Works
Search Professor Karl Robinson’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Journal Article
Development of a soybean leaf disc assay for determining oral insecticidal activity in the lepidopteran agricultural pest Helicoverpa armigera
Wang, Yachen, Guo, Shaodong, Ventura, Tomer, Jain, Ritesh, Robinson, Karl E., Mitter, Neena and Herzig, Volker (2024). Development of a soybean leaf disc assay for determining oral insecticidal activity in the lepidopteran agricultural pest Helicoverpa armigera. Toxicon, 238 107588, 107588. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107588
2022
Journal Article
Foliar application of clay-delivered RNA interference for whitefly control
Jain, Ritesh G, Fletcher, Stephen J, Manzie, Narelle, Robinson, Karl E, Li, Peng, Lu, Elvin, Brosnan, Christopher A, Xu, Zhi Ping and Mitter, Neena (2022). Foliar application of clay-delivered RNA interference for whitefly control. Nature Plants, 8 (5), 535-548. doi: 10.1038/s41477-022-01152-8
2021
Journal Article
Current status and potential of RNA interference for the management of tomato spotted wilt virus and thrips vectors
Nilon, Alexander, Robinson, Karl, Pappu, Hanu R. and Mitter, Neena (2021). Current status and potential of RNA interference for the management of tomato spotted wilt virus and thrips vectors. Pathogens, 10 (3) 320, 1-15. doi: 10.3390/pathogens10030320
2020
Book Chapter
The construction and evaluation of herpesvirus vectors
Robinson, K. E. and Mahony, T. J. (2020). The construction and evaluation of herpesvirus vectors. Viral vectors in veterinary vaccine development. (pp. 95-110) Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-51927-8_7
2020
Journal Article
Current scenario of RNAi ‐based hemipteran control
Jain, Ritesh G., Robinson, Karl E., Asgari, Sassan and Mitter, Neena (2020). Current scenario of RNAi ‐based hemipteran control. Pest Management Science, 77 (5) ps.6153, 2188-2196. doi: 10.1002/ps.6153
2020
Journal Article
RNAi-based functional genomics in hemiptera
Jain, Ritesh G., Robinson, Karl E., Fletcher, Stephen J. and Mitter, Neena (2020). RNAi-based functional genomics in hemiptera. Insects, 11 (9) 557, 557-22. doi: 10.3390/insects11090557
2020
Conference Publication
Tenth Scientific Biennial Meeting of the Australasian Virology Society-AVS10 2019
Helbig, Karla J., Bull, Rowena A., Ambrose, Rebecca, Beard, Michael R., Blanchard, Helen, Böcking, Till, Chua, Brendon, Colmant, Agathe M. G., Crosse, Keaton M., Purcell, Damian F. J., Fraser, Johanna, Hayward, Joshua A., Hamilton, Stuart T., Husain, Matloob, MacDiarmid, Robin, Mackenzie, Jason M., Moseley, Gregory W., Nguyen, Thi H O, Quiñones-Mateu, Miguel E., Robinson, Karl, Rodrigo, Chaturaka, Rodriguez-Andres, Julio, Rudd, Penny A., Werno, Anja, White, Peter, Young, Paul, Speck, Peter, Hibma, Merilyn, Drummer, Heidi E. and Tachedjian, Gilda (2020). Tenth Scientific Biennial Meeting of the Australasian Virology Society-AVS10 2019. Tenth Scientific Biennial Meeting of the Australasian Virology Society, Queenstown, New Zealand, 2–5 December 2019. Basel, Switzerland: M D P I AG. doi: 10.3390/v12060621
2019
Conference Publication
RNAi-mediated management of whitefly Bemisia tabaci by oral delivery of double-stranded RNAs
Jain, Ritesh G., Robinson, Karl and Mitter, Neena (2019). RNAi-mediated management of whitefly Bemisia tabaci by oral delivery of double-stranded RNAs. The Third International Tropical Agriculture Conference TropAg 2019 , Brisbane, QLD Australia, 11-13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036011
2019
Journal Article
Exogenous application of RNAi-inducing double-stranded RNA inhibits aphid-mediated transmission of a plant virus
Worrall, Elizabeth A., Bravo-Cazar, Ana, Nilon, Alexander T., Fletcher, Stephen J., Robinson, Karl E., Carr, John P. and Mitter, Neena (2019). Exogenous application of RNAi-inducing double-stranded RNA inhibits aphid-mediated transmission of a plant virus. Frontiers in Plant Science, 10 265, 265. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00265
2017
Journal Article
Induction of virus resistance by exogenous application of double-stranded RNA
Mitter, Neena , Worrall, Elizabeth A., Robinson, Karl E., Xu, Zhi Ping and Carroll, Bernard J. (2017). Induction of virus resistance by exogenous application of double-stranded RNA. Current Opinion in Virology, 26, 49-55. doi: 10.1016/j.coviro.2017.07.009
2017
Journal Article
Clay nanosheets for topical delivery of RNAi for sustained protection against plant viruses
Mitter, Neena, Worrall, Elizabeth A., Robinson, Karl E., Li, Peng, Jain, Ritesh G., Taochy, Christelle, Fletcher, Stephen J., Carroll, Bernard J., Lu, G. Q. (Max) and Xu, Zhi Ping (2017). Clay nanosheets for topical delivery of RNAi for sustained protection against plant viruses. Nature Plants, 3 (2) 16207, 16207.1-16207.10. doi: 10.1038/nplants.2016.207
2016
Journal Article
Diet-delivered RNAi in Helicoverpa armigera – progresses and challenges
Lim, Zhi Xian, Robinson, Karl E., Jain, Ritesh G., Chandra, G. Sharath, Asokan, R., Asgari, Sassan and Mitter, Neena (2016). Diet-delivered RNAi in Helicoverpa armigera – progresses and challenges. Journal of Insect Physiology, 85, 86-93. doi: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.11.005
2015
Book Chapter
Herpesvirus mutagenesis facilitated by infectious bacterial artificial chromosomes (iBACs)
Robinson, Karl E. and Mahony, Timothy J. (2015). Herpesvirus mutagenesis facilitated by infectious bacterial artificial chromosomes (iBACs). Bacterial artificial chromosomes. (pp. 181-197) edited by Kumaran Narayanan. New York, NY, United States: Springer Science+Business Media. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1652-8_8
2014
Journal Article
Double stranded RNA expression and its topical application for non-transgenic resistance to plant viruses
Robinson, Karl E., Worrall, Elizabeth A. and Mitter, Neena (2014). Double stranded RNA expression and its topical application for non-transgenic resistance to plant viruses. Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Online First (3), 1-7. doi: 10.1007/s13562-014-0260-z
2012
Journal Article
Expression of Two N1 Clones with Single Amino Acid Dissimilarity of Avian Influenza H5N1 Virus
Hartawan, Risza, Dharmayanti, Ni Luh Putu Indi, Robinson, Karl, Mahony, Timothy and Meers, Joanne (2012). Expression of Two N1 Clones with Single Amino Acid Dissimilarity of Avian Influenza H5N1 Virus. HAYATI Journal of Biosciences, 19 (4), 169-176. doi: 10.4308/hjb.19.4.169
2011
Journal Article
In vitro expression of native H5 and N1 genes of avian influenza virus by using Green Fluorescent Protein as reporter
Hartawan, Risza, Robinson, K., Mahony, T. and Meers, J. (2011). In vitro expression of native H5 and N1 genes of avian influenza virus by using Green Fluorescent Protein as reporter. Indonesian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 16 (3), 234-241. doi: 10.14334/jitv.v16i3.618
2010
Journal Article
Polyvalent Alphaherpesvirus vectors in veterinary vaccine research
Robinson, K. E., Meers, J. and Mahony, T. J. (2010). Polyvalent Alphaherpesvirus vectors in veterinary vaccine research. Current Topics in Virology, 8, 71-88.
2010
Journal Article
Characterisation of the H5 and N1 genes of an Indonesian highly pathogenic avian influenza virus isolate by sequencing of multiple clone approach
Hartawan, Risza, Robinson, Karl, Mahony, Timothy and Meers, Joanne (2010). Characterisation of the H5 and N1 genes of an Indonesian highly pathogenic avian influenza virus isolate by sequencing of multiple clone approach. Indonesian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 15 (3), 240-251. doi: 10.14334/jitv.v15i3.663
2010
Conference Publication
Vectoring of avian influenza antigens using a recombinant avian herpes virus vector
Hartawan, Risza, Meers, Joanne, Mahony, Tim and Robinson, Karl (2010). Vectoring of avian influenza antigens using a recombinant avian herpes virus vector. Global Biosecurity 2010, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 28 February-3 March 2010.
2009
Other Outputs
Essential and Nonessential Genes of Bovine Herpesvirus-1
Karl Robinson (2009). Essential and Nonessential Genes of Bovine Herpesvirus-1. PhD Thesis, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland.
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Karl Robinson is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
-
Translating RNAi technology for virus and whitefly management in protected cropping systems
We are looking for domestic (Australia and New Zealand) PhD applicants passionate about applied plant virology research in high value horticultural crops. This project aims to investigate the effectiveness of RNA-based biopesticides as a potential control strategy for viruses and insects of importance to protected cropping production systems. Working closely with industry partners and Horticulture inovation Australia this project will accelerate the translation of RNAi-based biopesticide applications as novel viricides to Australian hort industries.
-
Effective virus management in grain crops
We are looking for domestic (Australia and New Zealand) PhD applicants passionate about applied plant virology research in cereal grain crops. This project aims to investigate the effectiveness of RNA-based sprays as a potential control strategy for BYDV (wheat and barley), TuYV (canola and pulses) and their aphid vectors to reduce viral load in planta and quantify the associated reduction in yield loss following application pre- and post-infection. Working closely with partners at DPIRD, Macquarie University and DAF QLD, this project will accelerate the translation of RNAi-based biopesticide applications as novel viricides to Australian grains industries.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Application of RNAi to viruses and insects of importance to Australian horticultural industries.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neena Mitter
-
Doctor Philosophy
Effective virus management in crops
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neena Mitter
-
Doctor Philosophy
Translating RNAi technology for virus and whitefly management in protected cropping systems/Effective virus management in grain crops
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neena Mitter
-
Doctor Philosophy
Identification of the host and viral transcripts that are post-transcriptionally regulated by the microRNAs encoded by bovine herpesvirus 1
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Timothy Mahony
-
Doctor Philosophy
Innovative RNAi for ectoparasites of livestock
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Timothy Mahony, Professor Neena Mitter, Dr Karishma Mody
Completed supervision
-
2024
Master Philosophy
The Development of a Novel Approach for the Differentiation of Bovine herpesvirus 1 field and vaccine strains
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Timothy Mahony
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Topical application of RNA interference to manage insect pests
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sassan Asgari, Professor Neena Mitter
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
BioClay for Control of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neena Mitter
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
RNAi-based management of Helicoverpa armigera
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sassan Asgari, Professor Neena Mitter
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Dr Karl Robinson's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: