Australasian Mycological Society (AMS) Research Grants are awarded annually to support mycologists in pursuing innovative and impactful research. The AMS is committed to fostering the growth of the mycology community and is thrilled to support these talented researchers as they explore new frontiers in fungal science.
These grants are a key part of our commitment to advancing fungal research in the region.
Big Congratulations to the 2024 AMS Research Grant winners: Eric Asare and Ramalka Kasige!
Eric Kumi Asare (Edith Cowan University)
Research Title: Investigating myrtle rust and other foliar fungal pathogens on Agonis flexuosa
Endemic to south-west of Western Australia (swWA), Agonis flexuosa (commonly called the WA peppermint) is an important tree species that provides habitat, food, and protection for fauna, particularly the vulnerable Western Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis). However, this tree species is threatened by diseases caused by fungi including Phytophthora and Neofusicoccum australe. Commonly, these fungal pathogens cause dieback resulting in tree death. Recent detection of Austropuccinia psidii (myrtle rust) in the Kimberley adds to fungal pathogens threatening A. flexuosa in WA. It is uncertain how A. flexuosa will respond to a myrtle rust incursion in swWA, given that A. flexuosa has high rust susceptibility but is genetically diverse across native range. The strategic approach towards species conservation, which forms part of my PhD thesis, includes identification of resistant A. flexuosa individuals through artificial inoculations. Phenology studies will also be undertaken to identify species vulnerability periods. Further, my PhD investigates other fungal pathogens causing diseases on A. flexuosa, aiming to build a reference library of disease symptoms and existing pathogenic fungi. The findings of this study will facilitate disease differentiation from myrtle rust and increase our knowledge of fungal pathogens on A. flexuosa.
Eric Kumi Asare has gained experience during his research career in plant pathology as a mycologist. He has special interest in understanding how fungal pathogens spread and develop into epidemics, and management using cultural, biological and chemical control methods. However, he grows fungi for food and money. Simply, he is a mushroom farmer!
Ramalka Heshani Kasige (Western Sydney University)
Research Title: Build a better plant: the role of silicon and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to augment crop defense against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) in Australia
Ramalka has been captivated by the insect world since childhood. She completed her Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Zoology with First Class honors from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, focusing on the ecology and behavior of the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) (FAW). She served as an Assistant Lecturer in university while being a volunteer, a journalist, and a Toastmaster. As she embarked on her PhD journey, her research interests shifted towards studying insect-plant interactions and uncovering natural biocontrol for pests. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Biology at Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, under the guidance of Prof. Scott N. Johnson and Dr. Adam Frew, aiming to develop an innovative approach with silicon (Si) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to manage FAW in maize.
Australian agriculture encounters serious challenges from invasive pests, especially armyworms. In the context of grasses, employing Si accumulation alongside AM fungi offers a dual approach for enhancing physical and chemical defenses against insect herbivory. Recent investigations suggest a potential augmentation of Si accumulation in the host by AM fungi while Si availability influences fungal colonization in roots. However, the implications of different fungal taxa and Si interactions on FAW remain unclear.
Using the AMS Research Grant, Ramalka will assess how AM fungal-enhanced Si uptake varying among different AM fungi in maize, different AM fungal families differentially affect plant Si, their effects on FAW and how Si and FAW effect on root-colonizing AM fungal diversity and composition. The findings will disentangle emerging patterns of the tripartite interaction and develop a framework for how fungi can alter defences in plants based on susceptibility to plant enemies. X: @Rama_Kasige
Exciting News Ahead: 2025 AMS Research Grants
And for those with research ideas in the pipeline—stay tuned! The 2025 AMS Research Grants is coming soon, providing another opportunity to advance your mycological research. Keep an eye on our channels for updates!
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