Alice Hayward

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.