Overview
Background
I am a plant molecular physiologist in the Mitter Lab at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation. Our team primarily focuses on innovating tissue culture technologies for plant species in close partnership with industry and stakeholders. We deliver world-first propagation protocols for difficult and recalcitrant crops species as well as biotechnologies for crop improvement and cryobanking of recalcitrant plant germplasm. We also have a dedicated research stream in crop genomics and molecular biology. We aim to improve efficiency and resilience in our plant industries as well as support conservation of our key germplasm and endangered species. Our flagship species has been the avocado, and our team has been involved with producing the first genome sequence for avocado as well as the world's first commercial tissue culture pipelines for avocado propagation and cryopreservation. We are now extending this to other key crop species such as macadamia, as well as endangered native species with collaborators. Our ongoing vision is continued extension of these technologies to new species and crops for both horticultural and environmental outcomes.
**We are always looking for motivated Honours, MPhil and PhD applicants - get in contact if this is you!**
Availability
- Dr Alice Hayward is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Plant tissue culture
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Plant molecular biology
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Plant cryopreservation
Works
Search Professor Alice Hayward’s works on UQ eSpace
2018
Conference Publication
Adventitious Rooting in Avocado - Unravelling the Bottleneck to Propagation
Gleeson, Madeleine , Hayward, Alice , Hiti Bandalarage, Jayeni , Fletcher, Stephen and Mitter, Neena (2018). Adventitious Rooting in Avocado - Unravelling the Bottleneck to Propagation. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXIV, San Diego, CA, United States, 13-17 January 2018. San Diego, CA, United States:
2017
Journal Article
Micropropagation of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.)
Hiti-Bandaralage, Jayeni , Hayward, Alice and Mitter, Neena (2017). Micropropagation of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.). American Journal of Plant Sciences, 8 (11), 2898-2921. doi: 10.4236/ajps.2017.811197
2017
Conference Publication
Micropropagation: The Future of Clonal Propagation of Avocado
Hiti Bandalarage, Jayeni , Hayward, Alice , O'Brien, Christopher and Mitter, Neena (2017). Micropropagation: The Future of Clonal Propagation of Avocado. International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 20-22 November 2017. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: TropAg.
2016
Journal Article
Analysis of the genome sequence of the medicinal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza
Xu, Haibin, Song, Jinyuan, Luo, Hongmei, Zhang, Yujun, Li, Qiushi, Zhu, Yingjie, Xu, Jiang, Li, Ying, Song, Chi, Wang, Bo, Sun, Wei, Shen, Guoan, Zhang, Xin, Qian, Jun, Ji, Aija, Xu, Zhichao, Luo, Xiang, He, Liu, Li, Chuyuang, Sun, Chao, Yan, Haixia, Cui, Guanghong, Li, Xiwen, Li, Xian'en, Wei, Jianhe, Liu, Juyan, Wang, Yitao, Hayward, Alice, Nelson, David ... Chen, Shilin (2016). Analysis of the genome sequence of the medicinal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza. Molecular Plant, 9 (6), 949-952. doi: 10.1016/j.molp.2016.03.010
2015
Journal Article
Identification and characterization of miRNAs in ripening fruit of lycium barbarum L. Using high-throughput sequencing
Zeng, Shaohua, Liu, Yongliang, Pan, Lizhu, Hayward, Alice and Wang, Ying (2015). Identification and characterization of miRNAs in ripening fruit of lycium barbarum L. Using high-throughput sequencing. Frontiers in Plant Science, 6 (September) 778, 778. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00778
2015
Journal Article
Microspore culture reveals complex meiotic behaviour in a trigenomic Brassica hybrid
Mason, Annaliese S., Takahira, Junko, Atri, Chhaya, Samans, Birgit, Hayward, Alice, Cowling, Wallace A., Batley, Jacqueline and Nelson, Mattew N. (2015). Microspore culture reveals complex meiotic behaviour in a trigenomic Brassica hybrid. BMC Plant Biology, 15 (1) 173, 1-15. doi: 10.1186/s12870-015-0555-9
2015
Journal Article
Chromosome-level genome map provides insights into diverse defense mechanisms in the medicinal fungus Ganoderma sinense
Zhu, Yingjie, Xu, Jiang, Sun, Chao, Zhou, Shiguo, Xu, Haibin, Nelson, David R., Qian, Jun, Song, Jingyuan, Luo, Hongmei, Xiang, Li, Li, Ying, Xu, Zhichao, Ji, Aijia, Wang, Lizhi, Lu, Shanfa, Hayward, Alice, Sun, Wei, Li, Xiwen, Schwartz, David C., Wang, Yitao and Chen, Shilin (2015). Chromosome-level genome map provides insights into diverse defense mechanisms in the medicinal fungus Ganoderma sinense. Scientific Reports, 5 (1) 11087, 1-14. doi: 10.1038/srep11087
2015
Journal Article
Integration analysis of quantitative trait loci for resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Brassica napus
Li, Jiqiang, Zhao, Zunkang, Hayward, Alice, Cheng, Hongyu and Fu, Donghui (2015). Integration analysis of quantitative trait loci for resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Brassica napus. Euphytica, 205 (2), 483-489. doi: 10.1007/s10681-015-1417-0
2015
Journal Article
Enhanced seed oil content by overexpressing genes related to triacylglyceride synthesis
Liu, Fang, Xia, Yuping, Wu, Lei, Fu, Donghui, Hayward, Alice, Luo, Junling, Yan, Xiaohong, Xiong, Xiaojuan, Fu, Ping, Wu, Gang and Lu, Changming (2015). Enhanced seed oil content by overexpressing genes related to triacylglyceride synthesis. Gene, 557 (2), 163-171. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.12.029
2015
Conference Publication
Synergistic effect of Gibberellin and Cytokinin for a rapid nodal multiplication system of Avocado
Hiti Bandalarage, Jayeni , Hayward, Alice and Mitter, Neena (2015). Synergistic effect of Gibberellin and Cytokinin for a rapid nodal multiplication system of Avocado. International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 16-18 November 2015. Brisbane, Australia: International Tropical Agriculture Conference.
2015
Conference Publication
Gibberellin and cytokinin in synergy for a rapid nodal multiplication system of avocado
Hiti Bandaralage, J., Hayward, A., O'Brien, C. and Mitter, N. (2015). Gibberellin and cytokinin in synergy for a rapid nodal multiplication system of avocado. VIII World Avocado Congress, Lima, Peru, 13- 18 September 2015. Lima Peru: World Avocado Congress.
2015
Journal Article
Molecular marker applications in plants
Hayward, Alice C., Tollenaere, Reece, Dalton-Morgan, Jessica and Batley, Jacqueline (2015). Molecular marker applications in plants. Methods in Molecular Biology, 1245, 13-27. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1966-6_2
2015
Conference Publication
Factors affecting avocado shoot health in culture
Mohd Rodzi, A., Hayward, A., Hiti Bandaralage, J., O'Brien, C., Gleeson, M. and Mitter, N. (2015). Factors affecting avocado shoot health in culture. VIII World Avocado Congress, Lima, Peru, 13- 18 September 2015. Lima Peru: World Avocado Congress.
2014
Journal Article
Genome-wide identification of phenolic acid biosynthetic genes in Salvia miltiorrhiza
Wang, Bo, Sun, Wei, Li, Qiushi, Li, Ying, Luo, Hongmei, Song, Jingyuan, Sun, Chao, Qian, Jun, Zhu, Yingjie, Hayward, Alice, Xu, Haibin and Chen, Shilin (2014). Genome-wide identification of phenolic acid biosynthetic genes in Salvia miltiorrhiza. Planta, 241 (3), 711-725. doi: 10.1007/s00425-014-2212-1
2014
Journal Article
BraLTP1, a lipid transfer protein gene involved in epicuticular wax deposition, cell proliferation and flower development in Brassica napus
Liu, Fang, Xiong, Xiaojuan, Wu, Lei, Fu, Donghui, Hayward, Alice, Zeng, Xinhua, Cao, Yinglong, Wu, Yuhua, Li, Yunjing and Wu, Gang (2014). BraLTP1, a lipid transfer protein gene involved in epicuticular wax deposition, cell proliferation and flower development in Brassica napus. PLoS ONE, 9 (10) e110272, 1-12. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110272
2014
Journal Article
A high-throughput SNP array in the amphidiploid species Brassica napus shows diversity in resistance genes
Dalton-Morgan, Jessica, Hayward, Alice, Alamery, Salman, Tollenaere, Reece, Mason, Annaliese S., Campbell, Emma, Patel, Dhwani, Lorenc, Michał T., Yi, Bin, Long, Yan, Meng, Jinling, Raman, Rosy, Raman, Harsh, Lawley, Cindy, Edwards, David and Batley, Jacqueline (2014). A high-throughput SNP array in the amphidiploid species Brassica napus shows diversity in resistance genes. Functional and Integrative Genomics, 14 (4), 643-655. doi: 10.1007/s10142-014-0391-2
2014
Journal Article
What is crop heterosis: new insights into an old topic
Fu, Donghui, Xiao, Meili, Hayward, Alice, Jiang, Guanjie, Zhu, Longrong, Zhou, Qinghong, Li, Jiqiang and Zhang, Min (2014). What is crop heterosis: new insights into an old topic. Journal of Applied Genetics, 56 (1), 1-13. doi: 10.1007/s13353-014-0231-z
2014
Journal Article
Phylogenetic analyses provide the first insights into the evolution of OVATE family proteins in land plants
Liu, Di, Sun, Wei, Yuan,Yaowu, Zhang, Ning, Hayward, Alice, Liu, Yongliang and Wang, Ying (2014). Phylogenetic analyses provide the first insights into the evolution of OVATE family proteins in land plants. Annals of Botany, 113 (7), 1219-1233. doi: 10.1093/aob/mcu061
2014
Journal Article
Utilization of crop heterosis: a review
Fu, Donghui, Xiao, Meili, Hayward, Alice, Fu, Ying, Liu, Gui, Jiang, Guanjie and Zhang, Haihuan (2014). Utilization of crop heterosis: a review. Euphytica, 197 (2), 161-173. doi: 10.1007/s10681-014-1103-7
2014
Journal Article
Comparative analysis of anthocyanin biosynthesis during fruit development in two Lycium species
Zeng, Shaohua, Wu, Min, Zou, Caiyun, Liu, Xiaomin, Shen, Xiaofei, Hayward, Alice, Liu, Chunzhao and Wang, Ying (2014). Comparative analysis of anthocyanin biosynthesis during fruit development in two Lycium species. Physiologia Plantarum, 150 (4), 505-516. doi: 10.1111/ppl.12131
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Alice Hayward is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Cryobiotechnology to Save Australian Macadamia
Want to do a PhD in conservation with real-world outcomes and close industry links?! Join our team of industry and academic leaders at the Australian PlantBank and The University of Queensland and be the first to develop cryobiotechnology to help save Australia’s macadamia species.
Our lab is dedicated to developing cryopreservation (cryostorage at -196C) protocols to save plant species from climate-change, disease pandemics (e.g. myrtle rust), deforestation and ultimately extinction. This is essential for plants that do not survive seed-banking – including our food species such as macadamia. This technology allows us to safely freeze plant cells and tissues at -196C and then revive them to grow into whole new plants. This provides an insurance bank to conserve incredible genetic diversity of precious species including crops and endangered species that cannot be seed-banked.
You must be an Australian resident and will be based at the Australian PlantBank in NSW and Enrolled through the University of Queensland. Students will learn techniques of plant tissue culture and cryopreservation in close connection with industry and real end-user funders in plant conservation. The student(s) will develop real-world protocols to save these species in Australian cryobanks. The student(s) will also have opportuity to travel, conduct field work, and investigate molecular physiological apsects of cellular cryostorage behaviour.
Location: The Australian PlantBank Mt Annan, NSW.
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Tissue culture to feed the world
The Mitter Lab has received global media coverage for developing the world’s first tissue-culture production system for avocado plants - the world's most instagrammed fruit. This is important as a sustainable, cost-effective and climate-secure way to produce plants. The team has also developed systems for pharma crops, hyperacumulating species for industrial application and endgangered species under threat of climate change and disease pandemics.
Dedicated students will be part of our expanding research in a new $20M tissue-culture facility at UQ, developing systems for other high-value crop species as well as endangered native species where prior research is lacking or proved too challenging. Students will work very closely with internationally leading researchers, industry and partners to deliver real-world outcomes and value-add student experience. There is also opportunity for students to discover novel aspects of plant genetics and molecular physiology in relation to tissue culture and crop function.
**We are NOW searching for**:
-Honours student in Custard Apple Tissue Culture -PhD students in Macadamia Tissue Culture -MPhil Student in macadamia molecular biology and informatics
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The next generation of avocado crop improvement
Our Lab in QAAFI has been part of a large effort sequencing the genomes of major sub-tropical fruit crops including avocado. We have developed a DNA marker set that can distinguish avocado cultivars available in Australia – this is important for industry to be able to rapidly identify and track plants. We are also producing the first chromosome level genome for avocado, set to signfcantly enhance future assisted breeding and gene-editing tech for avocado. Combining our world-leading strengths in avocado tissue culture innovation and genomics, this project will develop novel platform technologies for avocado crop improvement exploring options for mutatgenesis breeding and gene-editing. The outcomes if successfull could be a game changer for avocado crop development into the future.
**We are now searching for: PhD students in Avocado transformation and mutagenesis!**
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Innovating Cryopreservation for Conservation of Endangered Gossia gonoclada
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neena Mitter, Dr Chris O'Brien
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Doctor Philosophy
Impacts of Nursery Practices on Root-Crown Disorders in Blueberries
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Chris O'Brien, Professor Neena Mitter, Professor Paul Gauthier, Dr Eveline Kong
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Master Philosophy
Developing cryopreservation for endangered Myrtaceae
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Steve Adkins, Dr Chris O'Brien, Professor Neena Mitter, Dr Eveline Kong
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Doctor Philosophy
Novel propagation and conservation technologies for Australian macadamia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neena Mitter, Dr Chris O'Brien
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Master Philosophy
Unravelling the identity and relationships of Australian apple varieties
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Craig Hardner
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Doctor Philosophy
Novel Propagation and Conservation Technologies for Australian Macadamia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Chris O'Brien, Dr Albert Wong, Professor Neena Mitter
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Doctor Philosophy
Establishment of avocado genome editing: Dwarfing avocado
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neena Mitter, Dr Chris O'Brien
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the mechanism responsible for zeaxanthin accumulation in orange-coloured Capsicum.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Stephen Harper, Professor Neena Mitter
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Genome Sequencing, annotation and application in avocado (Persea americana Mill.)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Mr Stephen Fletcher, Professor Robert Henry, Professor Neena Mitter
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
The development of purple-pericarp super-sweetcorn
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Henry, Professor Neena Mitter
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Cryopreservation of avocado shoot tips for the conservation of Persea germplasm
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neena Mitter
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Topical application of biomolecules to manipulate the adventitious rooting pathway
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Brett Ferguson, Professor Neena Mitter
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Micropropagation as an Alternative for Avocado Clonal Propagation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Christine Beveridge, Professor Neena Mitter
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Molecular regulation of phase transition and flowering in tropical/subtropical tree crops.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Christine Beveridge, Professor Neena Mitter
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Regulation of adventitious rooting in avocado for improved clonal propagation technologies
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bernard Carroll, Professor Christine Beveridge, Professor Neena Mitter
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Alice Hayward directly for media enquiries about:
- horticulture
- plant genetics
- Plant science
- tissue culture
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