Overview
Background
Alice is a plant molecular physiologist leading a strong outcome-driven team at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation. Her team focuses on plant tissue culture as a platform technology delivering solutions for agriculture and ecosystems. This includes developing commercial-scale methods for year-round propagation of clean, true-to-type plants for horticultural industries, with impacts for growers, supply chains and breeding programs. This technology is also being adapated to accelerate horticultural crop improvement using gene editing and non-GM in vitro breeding tools for trees and vegetables. Her team boasts leading experts in cryopreservation for long-term conservation of plant genetic diversity - essenital to secure the breeding materials critical for Australia's tropical crops and endangered biodiveristy. Example projects with impact include: 1) Commercial-scale tissue culture pipelines for propagation of species including avocado, turmeric and macadamia, 2) Cryopreservation success for securing the germplasm of avocado and macadamia, and 3) The first in vitro conservation tools developed for Australian native plants critically impacted by pandemic myrtle rust - one of the biggest biosecurity threats to Australia's ecosystems. She is also exploring exciting innovations in plant tissue culture including cellular horticulture. She is passionate to support industry access to highest quality disease free planting materials and preserve the plant species that are core to our ecosystems and food production systems. Her vision is to support the adaptibility and security of our food- and eco- systems in response to global change.
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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Platform tools for horticultural advancement
Developing platform technologies to advance horticultural production and sustainability nationally and globally
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Plant molecular biology to understand the physiological and molecular basis of plant development and productivity
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Plant cryopreservation - conservation of plant species that can not be seed banked
critical for insuring the germplasm of our recalcitrant tropical crops for the future of our industries and food production. Also critical to conserve the genetics of endangered species under extraordinary threats in situ
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Plant tissue culture as a platform technology for crop advancement and sustainable producition
Works
Search Professor Alice Hayward’s works on UQ eSpace
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
2014
Journal Article
Functional and evolutionary analysis of the AP1/SEP/AGL6 superclade of MADS-box genes in the basal eudicot Epimedium sagittatum
Sun, Wei, Huang, Wenjun, Li, Zhineng, Song, Chi, Liu, Di, Liu, Yongliang, Hayward, Alice, Liu, Yifei, Huang, Hongwen and Wang, Ying (2014). Functional and evolutionary analysis of the AP1/SEP/AGL6 superclade of MADS-box genes in the basal eudicot Epimedium sagittatum. Annals of Botany, 113 (4), 653-668. doi: 10.1093/aob/mct301
2014
Journal Article
High-resolution molecular karyotyping uncovers pairing between ancestrally related Brassica chromosomes
Mason, Annaliese S., Batley, Jacqueline, Bayer, Philipp Emanuel, Hayward, Alice, Cowling, Wallace A. and Nelson, Matthew N. (2014). High-resolution molecular karyotyping uncovers pairing between ancestrally related Brassica chromosomes. New Phytologist, 202 (3), 964-974. doi: 10.1111/nph.12706
2013
Journal Article
New insights into helitron transposable elements in the mesopolyploid species Brassica rapa
Fu, Donghui, Wei, Lijuan, Xiao, Meili and Hayward, Alice (2013). New insights into helitron transposable elements in the mesopolyploid species Brassica rapa. Gene, 532 (2), 236-245. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.09.033
2013
Journal Article
Applications and challenges of next-generation sequencing in Brassica species
Wei, Lijuan, Xiao, Meili, Hayward, Alice and Fu, Donghui (2013). Applications and challenges of next-generation sequencing in Brassica species. Planta, 238 (6), 1005-1024. doi: 10.1007/s00425-013-1961-6
2013
Journal Article
Identifying genetic diversity of avirulence genes in Leptosphaeria maculans using whole genome sequencing
Zander, Manuel, Patel, Dhwani A., Van de Wouw, Angela, Lai, Kaitao, Lorenc, Michal T., Campbell, Emma, Hayward, Alice, Edwards, David, Raman, Harsh and Batley, Jacqueline (2013). Identifying genetic diversity of avirulence genes in Leptosphaeria maculans using whole genome sequencing. Functional and Integrative Genomics, 13 (3), 294-308. doi: 10.1007/s10142-013-0324-5
2013
Conference Publication
Characterising diversity in the brassica genomes
Golicz, A. A., Bayer, P. E., Martinez, P. A., Lai, K., Lorenc, M. T., Alamery, S., Hayward, A., Tollenaere, R., Batley, J., Edwards, D., Long, Y. and Meng, J. (2013). Characterising diversity in the brassica genomes. 6th International Symposium on Brassicas / 18th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Catania, Italy, 12-16 November 2012. Leuven, Belgium: International Society for Horticultural Science. doi: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2013.1005.1
2012
Journal Article
Second-generation sequencing for gene discovery in the Brassicaceae
Hayward, Alice, Vighnesh, Guru, Delay, Christina, Samian, Mohd Rafizan, Manoli, Sahana, Stiller, Jiri, McKenzie, Megan, Edwards, David and Batley, Jacqueline (2012). Second-generation sequencing for gene discovery in the Brassicaceae. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 10 (6), 750-759. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-7652.2012.00719.x
2012
Journal Article
Characterization and functional annotation of nested transposable elements in eukaryotic genomes
Gao, Caihua, Xiao, Meili, Ren, Xiaodong, Hayward, Alice, Yin, Jiaming, Wu, Likun, Fu, Donghu and Li, Jiana (2012). Characterization and functional annotation of nested transposable elements in eukaryotic genomes. Genomics, 100 (4), 222-230. doi: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2012.07.004
2012
Journal Article
Identification and characterization of candidate Rlm4 blackleg resistance genes in Brassica napus using next-generation sequencing
Tollenaere, Reece, Hayward, Alice, Dalton-Morgan, Jessica, Campbell, Emma, Lee, Joanne R. M., Lorenc, Michal T., Manoli, Sahana, Stiller, Jiri, Raman, Rosy, Raman, Harsh, Edwards, David and Batley, Jacqueline (2012). Identification and characterization of candidate Rlm4 blackleg resistance genes in Brassica napus using next-generation sequencing. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 10 (6), 709-715. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-7652.2012.00716.x
2012
Journal Article
Interactions between plant hormones and light quality signaling in regulating the shoot growth of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings
Kurepin, Leonid V., Walton, Linda J., Hayward, Allison, Emery, R. J. Neil, Pharis, Richard P. and Reid, David M. (2012). Interactions between plant hormones and light quality signaling in regulating the shoot growth of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. Botany, 90 (3), 237-246. doi: 10.1139/b11-108
2012
Journal Article
Genomic advances will herald new insights into the Brassica: Leptosphaeria maculans pathosystem
Hayward, A., McLanders, J., Campbell, E., Edwards, D. and Batley, J. (2012). Genomic advances will herald new insights into the Brassica: Leptosphaeria maculans pathosystem. Plant Biology, 14 (Supp. 1), 1-10. doi: 10.1111/j.1438-8677.2011.00481.x
2012
Book Chapter
Introduction - Oilseed Brassicas
Hayward, Alice (2012). Introduction - Oilseed Brassicas. Genetics, genomics and breeding of Oilseed Brassicas. (pp. 1-13) edited by David Edwards, Jacqueline Batley, Isobel Parkin and Chittaranjan Kole. Enfield, United States: Science Publishers.
2012
Journal Article
SNP discovery and applications in Brassica napus
Hayward, Alice, Mason, Annaliese S., Dalton-Morgan, Jessica, Zander, Manuel, Edwards, David and Batley, Jacqueline (2012). SNP discovery and applications in Brassica napus. Journal of Plant Biotechnology, 39 (1), 49-61. doi: 10.5010/JPB.2012.39.1.049
2011
Journal Article
The genome of the mesopolyploid crop species Brassica rapa
The Brassica rapa Genome Sequencing Project Consortium, Wang, Xiaowu, Wang, Hanzhong, Wang, Jun, Sun, Rifei, Wu, Jian, Liu, Shengyi, Bai, Yinqi, Mun, Jeong-Hwan, Bancroft, Ian, Cheng, Feng, Huang, Sanwen, Li, Xixiang, Hua, Wei, Wang, Junyi, Wang, Xiyin, Freeling, Michael, Pires, J. Chris, Paterson, Andrew H., Chalhoub, Boulos, Wang, Bo, Hayward, Alice, Sharpe, Andrew G., Park, Beom-Seok, Weisshaar, Bernd, Liu, Binghang, Li, Bo, Liu, Bo, Tong, Chaobo ... Zhang, Zhonghua (2011). The genome of the mesopolyploid crop species Brassica rapa. Nature Genetics, 43 (10), 1035-1040. doi: 10.1038/ng.919
2010
Journal Article
Targeted identification of genomic regions using TAGdb
Marshall, Daniel J., Hayward, Alice, Eales, Dominic, Imelfort, Michael, Stiller, Jiri, Berkman, Paul J., Clark, Terry, McKenzie, Megan, Lai, Kaitao, Duran, Chris, Batley, Jacqueline and Edwards, David (2010). Targeted identification of genomic regions using TAGdb. Plant Methods, 6 (19) 19, 1-6. doi: 10.1186/1746-4811-6-19
2010
Journal Article
Axillary bud outgrowth in herbaceous shoots: How do strigolactones fit into the picture?
Waldie, Tanya, Hayward, Alice and Beveridge, Christine Anne (2010). Axillary bud outgrowth in herbaceous shoots: How do strigolactones fit into the picture?. Plant Molecular Biology, 73 (1-2), 27-36. doi: 10.1007/s11103-010-9599-2
2009
Journal Article
Interactions between Auxin and Strigolactone in Shoot Branching Control
Hayward, A, Stirnberg, P, Beveridge, C and Leyser, O (2009). Interactions between Auxin and Strigolactone in Shoot Branching Control. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY, 151 (1), 400-412. doi: 10.1104/pp.109.137646
2009
Other Outputs
Interactions between auxin and strigolactone in the control of arabidopsis shoot branching
Hayward, Alice Catherine (2009). Interactions between auxin and strigolactone in the control of arabidopsis shoot branching. PhD Thesis, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland.
2003
Conference Publication
Finding partners of the GmNARK Protein Kinase
Hayward, A. C. (2003). Finding partners of the GmNARK Protein Kinase. The Inaugural Retreat for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Inh, Moreton Bay Research Station, North Stradbroke Island, 27th February to 2nd March, 2003. UQ: ARC Centre of Excellence For Integrative Legume Research.
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!**
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Understanding the Physiology and Cause of Blueberry Crown Disorders
Want to do a PhD in horticulture with real-world outcomes and close industry links?! Join our team of industry and academic leaders at The University of Queensland and be the first in Australia to help explore the cause of an emerging issue in blueberry related to root wrapping and crown disorder(s). This project will focus on the physiology of the disorder(s) and the potential relationship to plant nutrition and root and shoot architecture. You will work very closely with industry partners to come up with hypotheses, and work on the solutions.
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Propagation innovation for foods, fibers and ecosystems
The QAAFI tissue culture lab pioneered by Prof Neena Mitter (ATSE) has received global media coverage for developing the world’s first tissue-culture production system for avocado plants. The team has also developed systems for pharma crops, tuber species, corm species and Australian native 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**:
- A PhD student focused on innovating propagation for Australia's emerging vanilla industry
- Honours/coursework students interested in saffron, turf, native Australian endangered species!
-
The next generation of horticultural crop improvement
Our Lab in QAAFI has been part of a large effort sequencing the genomes of major sub-tropical fruit crops including avocado. Combining our world-leading strengths in tissue culture innovation with genetics, projects are available to develop novel platform technologies for crop improvement exploring options for mutatgenesis breeding and gene-editing. The outcomes if successfull could be a game changer for horticultural crop development into the future.
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Understanding the Physiology and Cause of Blueberry Crown Disorders
���� Exciting PhD Scholarship Opportunity - Australian Citizens and Residents Eligable! ����
We're thrilled to announce a new PhD scholarship for a domestic student focused on an intriguing project: "Impact of Nutrition on Blueberry Root Wrapping-Crown Disorder."
This research aims to uncover the role of plant nutrition on an emerging disorder that impacts root and crown structure and ultimately yield of blueberry plants. If you’re passionate about plant physiology and working closely with industry on a significant problem, this is your chance to contribute to Australian agriculture while advancing your academic career!
���� What’s in it for you?
- Engage in cutting-edge research
- Collaborate with leading experts in the field
- Work on a real-world problem for the global blueberry industry
- Make a tangible impact in horticulture
���� Applications now open! Commence no later than 1 Oct 2025 (R4 2025)!
���� Apply here: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/impact-nutrition-blueberry-root-wrapping-crown-disorder
For more information or to express your interest in this project, please contact Dr. Eveline Kong at e.kong@uq.edu.au.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to deepen your knowledge and drive innovation in agricultural science!
#PhD #Scholarship #BlueberryResearch #Agriculture #DomesticStudents
-
Propagation innovation for foods, fibers and ecosystems
The QAAFI tissue culture lab pioneered by Prof Neena Mitter (ATSE) has received global media coverage for developing the world’s first tissue-culture production system for avocado plants. The team has also developed systems for pharma crops, tuber species, corm species and Australian native 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**:
- A PhD student focused on innovating propagation for Australia's emerging vanilla industry
- Honours/coursework students interested in saffron, turf, native Australian endangered species!
-
The next generation of horticultural crop improvement
Our Lab in QAAFI has been part of a large effort sequencing the genomes of major sub-tropical fruit crops including avocado. Combining our world-leading strengths in tissue culture innovation with genetics, projects are available to develop novel platform technologies for crop improvement exploring options for mutatgenesis breeding and gene-editing. The outcomes if successfull could be a game changer for horticultural crop development into the future.
-
Understanding the Physiology and Cause of Blueberry Crown Disorders
���� Exciting PhD Scholarship Opportunity - Australian Citizens and Residents Eligable! ����
We're thrilled to announce a new PhD scholarship for a domestic student focused on an intriguing project: "Impact of Nutrition on Blueberry Root Wrapping-Crown Disorder."
This research aims to uncover the role of plant nutrition on an emerging disorder that impacts root and crown structure and ultimately yield of blueberry plants. If you’re passionate about plant physiology and working closely with industry on a significant problem, this is your chance to contribute to Australian agriculture while advancing your academic career!
���� What’s in it for you?
- Engage in cutting-edge research
- Collaborate with leading experts in the field
- Work on a real-world problem for the global blueberry industry
- Make a tangible impact in horticulture
���� Applications now open! Commence no later than 1 Oct 2025 (R4 2025)!
���� Apply here: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/impact-nutrition-blueberry-root-wrapping-crown-disorder
For more information or to express your interest in this project, please contact Dr. Eveline Kong at e.kong@uq.edu.au.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to deepen your knowledge and drive innovation in agricultural science!
#PhD #Scholarship #BlueberryResearch #Agriculture #DomesticStudents
-
Propagation innovation for foods, fibers and ecosystems
The QAAFI tissue culture lab pioneered by Prof Neena Mitter (ATSE) has received global media coverage for developing the world’s first tissue-culture production system for avocado plants. The team has also developed systems for pharma crops, tuber species, corm species and Australian native 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**:
- A PhD student focused on innovating propagation for Australia's emerging vanilla industry
- Honours/coursework students interested in saffron, turf, native Australian endangered species!
-
The next generation of horticultural crop improvement
Our Lab in QAAFI has been part of a large effort sequencing the genomes of major sub-tropical fruit crops including avocado. Combining our world-leading strengths in tissue culture innovation with genetics, projects are available to develop novel platform technologies for crop improvement exploring options for mutatgenesis breeding and gene-editing. The outcomes if successfull could be a game changer for horticultural crop development into the future.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing cryopreservation for endangered Myrtaceae
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Steve Adkins, Dr Chris O'Brien, Dr Eveline Kong
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Doctor Philosophy
Innovating Cryopreservation for Conservation of Endangered Gossia gonoclada
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: 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 Paul Gauthier, Dr Eveline Kong
-
Master Philosophy
Developing cryopreservation for endangered Myrtaceae
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Steve Adkins, Dr Chris O'Brien, Dr Eveline Kong
-
Doctor Philosophy
Accelerating in vitro Plant Biodiversity Conservation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Chris O'Brien
-
Doctor Philosophy
Novel propagation and conservation technologies for Australian macadamia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Chris O'Brien
-
Doctor Philosophy
Fast-tracking genetic gains for E. smithii pulp plantations
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Craig Hardner
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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 Albert Wong, Dr Chris O'Brien
-
Doctor Philosophy
Establishment of avocado genome editing: Dwarfing avocado
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: 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
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Genome Sequencing, annotation and application in avocado (Persea americana Mill.)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Henry
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
The development of purple-pericarp super-sweetcorn
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Henry
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Cryopreservation of avocado shoot tips for the conservation of Persea germplasm
Associate Advisor
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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
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Micropropagation as an Alternative for Avocado Clonal Propagation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Christine Beveridge
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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
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Regulation of adventitious rooting in avocado for improved clonal propagation technologies
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Christine Beveridge
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Alice Hayward directly for media enquiries about:
- horticulture
- plant genetics
- Plant science
- tissue culture
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team: