# Elizabeth Aitken

**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/352
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246

Professor

# Elizabeth Aitken

Email:
:   [e.aitken@uq.edu.au](mailto:e.aitken@uq.edu.au)

Phone:
:   [+61 7 336 54775](tel:+61 7 336 54775)

## Positions

Affiliate of ARC Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection
:   ARC Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection
:   Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation

Professor
:   School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability
:   Faculty of Science

## Overview

### Background

Professor Elizabeth Aitken (Liz) obtained her BSc Hons in Agricultural Science (Crop Science) from Edinburgh University where she specialised in Plant Pathology. She then went on to undertake her PhD studies at Aberdeen University in conjunction with the UK Forestry Commission on a study of dieback on Scots pine trees. This was followed with postdoctoral studies at Birmingham University and the Sainsbury Lab, aiming to identify a rust resistance gene by transposon tagging. In 1993 she moved to Australia and joined UQ as an academic staff member.

Much of Liz’s research at UQ has focused on diseases of tropical crops in particular banana, ginger, cotton and sunflower. Research topics have included the genetics of plant-pathogen interactions, molecular aspects of pathogenicity and disease diagnostics. This research has been undertaken with strong collaborations with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and with CSIRO. Research topics have included the genetics of plant-pathogen interactions, molecular aspects of pathogenicity and disease diagnostics. This work has assisted in the identification of disease incursions in particular in banana and of cryptic plant pathogen species of *Pythium* in ginger and *Phomopsis* in sunflower. One current research focus includes identification of resistance to Fusarium wilt in diploid banana lines for potential deployment against TR4 in commercial banana cultivars; this has received funding from BMGF in collaboration with the International Institute of Topical Agriculture in Africa as well as from Hort Innovation Australia. Other studies include analysis of putative pathogenicity genes including *Six* genes in *Fusarium oxysporum* affecting banana, strawberry and ginger and in collaboration with colleagues at CSIRO studies on *Fusarium* spp on wheat particularly with regard to influence of environmental factors related to climate change.

Since commencing at UQ in 1993, Liz has supervised numerous postgraduate and honours students and participated in undergraduate teaching at all levels in plant science and in particular in plant pathology and fungal biology. She has also taken on various roles and committee membership in postgraduate student mentoring, research integrity and biosafety.

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### Availability

Professor Elizabeth Aitken is:
:   Not available for supervision
:   Media expert

### Fields of research

[Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4767)
[Biological Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4771)
[Horticultural crop protection (incl. pests, diseases and weeds)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5592)
[Horticultural production](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4873)
[Plant biology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4799)

### Qualifications

- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Edinburgh
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Aberdeen
- Fellow, Australasian Plant Pathology Society, Australasian Plant Pathology Society

### Research interests

- #### Fusarium oxysporum

  Analysis of the role of endophytic Fusarium oxysporum among members of the Zingeberales

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- #### Putative effector genes in Fusarium oxysporum

  Analysis of putative pathogenicity genes including "Six" genes in Fusarium oxysporum that affect a range of crop species including strawberry and ginger

  Read more
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- #### Resistance to Fusarium wilt in banana

  Identification and characterization of resistance to Fusarium wilt in seeded diploid banana lines for potential deployment against TR4

  Read more
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- #### Verticillium dahliae on cotton

  Histological and molecular interaction of Verticillium dahliae on cotton

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- #### Diversity of macrofungi

  I am very keen to help in expanding our knowledge of Australian macrofungi and lichens

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View all research interests
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### Research impacts

Much of Prof. Aitken’s research at UQ has focused on diseases of tropical crops in particular banana, ginger and sunflower. Research topics have included the genetics of plant-pathogen interactions, molecular aspects of pathogenicity and disease diagnostics. This work has assissted in the identification of disease incursions in particular in banana and of cryptic plant pathoegn species in ginger and sunflower. Current research focus includes identification of resistance to Fusraium wilt in diploid banana lines for potential deployment against *Fusarium oxysporum* f.sp.  *cubense*  race 4 in commercial banana cultivars.

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## Works

[Search Professor Elizabeth Aitken’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/626)

[All
(162)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/352/all)
[Book
(2)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/352/4747)
[Journal Article
(106)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/352/4748)
[Other Outputs
(2)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/352/4749)
[Conference Publication
(50)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/352/4751)
[Book Chapter
(2)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/352/4752)

Featured

2014

Journal Article

##### Sequence variation in the putative effector gene SIX8 facilitates molecular differentiation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense

Fraser-Smith, S., Czislowski, E., Meldrum, R. A., Zander, M., O'Neill, W., Balali, G. R. and Aitken, E. A. B. (2014). Sequence variation in the putative effector gene SIX8 facilitates molecular differentiation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense. Plant Pathology, 63 (5), 1044-1052. doi: 10.1111/ppa.12184

[Sequence variation in the putative effector gene SIX8 facilitates molecular differentiation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:342815)

Featured

2012

Journal Article

##### Presence of putative pathogenicity genes in isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp cubense from Australia

Meldrum, R. A., Fraser-Smith, S., Tran-Nguyen, L. T. T., Daly, A. M. and Aitken, E. A. B. (2012). Presence of putative pathogenicity genes in isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp cubense from Australia. Australasian Plant Pathology, 41 (5), 551-557. doi: 10.1007/s13313-012-0122-x

[Presence of putative pathogenicity genes in isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp cubense from Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:286645)

Featured

2010

Journal Article

##### Production and fitness of Fusarium pseudograminearum inoculum at elevated carbon dioxide in FACE

Melloy, Paul, Hollaway, Grant, Luck, Jo, Norton, Rob, Aitken, Elizabeth and Chakraborty, Sukumar (2010). Production and fitness of Fusarium pseudograminearum inoculum at elevated carbon dioxide in FACE. Global Change Biology, 16 (12), 3363-3373. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2010.02178.x

[Production and fitness of Fusarium pseudograminearum inoculum at elevated carbon dioxide in FACE](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:222737)

2025

Journal Article

##### De Novo long-read assembly and annotation for genomes of two isolates of Berkeleyomyces rouxiae

Chen, Andrew, Aitken, Elizabeth A. B., Le, Duy P. and Gardiner, Donald M. (2025). De Novo long-read assembly and annotation for genomes of two isolates of Berkeleyomyces rouxiae. Australasian Plant Pathology, 54 (5), 511-518. doi: 10.1007/s13313-025-01075-w

[De Novo long-read assembly and annotation for genomes of two isolates of Berkeleyomyces rouxiae](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e58d354)

2025

Journal Article

##### De novo long-read assembly and annotation for genomes of two cotton-associated Fusarium oxysporum isolates

Gardiner, Donald M., Aitken, Elizabeth A. B., van Dam, Peter, Le, Duy P., Smith, Linda J. and Chen, Andrew (2025). De novo long-read assembly and annotation for genomes of two cotton-associated Fusarium oxysporum isolates. Australasian Plant Pathology, 54 (3), 1-10. doi: 10.1007/s13313-025-01057-y

[De novo long-read assembly and annotation for genomes of two cotton-associated Fusarium oxysporum isolates](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:01ed965)

2025

Journal Article

##### Long-read draft genome sequences of two Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense isolates from banana (Musa spp.)

Sun, Jiaman, Zhang, Jinzhong, Gardiner, Donald M., van Dam, Peter, Fu, Gang, Ferguson, Brett J., Aitken, Elizabeth A. B. and Chen, Andrew (2025). Long-read draft genome sequences of two Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense isolates from banana (Musa spp.). Journal of Fungi, 11 (6) 421, 1-14. doi: 10.3390/jof11060421

[Long-read draft genome sequences of two Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense isolates from banana (Musa spp.)](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8153392)

2025

Other Outputs

##### Long-read draft genome sequences of two Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense isolates from banana (Musa. spp)

Sun, Jiaman, Zhang, Jinzhong, Gardiner, Donald M., van Dam, Peter, Fu, Gang, Ferguson, Brett J., Aitken, Elizabeth A.B. and Chen, Andrew (2025). Long-read draft genome sequences of two Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense isolates from banana (Musa. spp). doi: 10.20944/preprints202503.1789.v1

[Long-read draft genome sequences of two Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense isolates from banana (Musa. spp)](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ff41434)

2024

Journal Article

##### Toward marker-assisted selection in breeding for Fusarium wilt tropical race-4 type resistant bananas

Ferreira, Claudia Fortes, Chen, Andrew, Aitken, Elizabeth A. B., Swennen, Rony, Uwimana, Brigitte, Rocha, Anelita de Jesus, Soares, Julianna Matos da Silva, Ramos, Andresa Priscila de Souza and Amorim, Edson Perito (2024). Toward marker-assisted selection in breeding for Fusarium wilt tropical race-4 type resistant bananas. Journal of Fungi, 10 (12) 839, 1-10. doi: 10.3390/jof10120839

[Toward marker-assisted selection in breeding for Fusarium wilt tropical race-4 type resistant bananas](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a230140)

2024

Journal Article

##### Histological dissection of fusarium-banana interaction using GFP-tagged subtropical race 4 strain of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense on banana cultivars with differing levels of resistance

Chen, Andrew, Chou, Ting-Yan, Chen, Yi, Fallatah, Sumayyah M. A., Anderson, Jay, Sun, Jiaman, Cosgrove, Harry, Gao, Siyuan, Ferguson, Brett J., Soper, Amelie, Gardiner, Donald M. and Aitken, Elizabeth A. B. (2024). Histological dissection of fusarium-banana interaction using GFP-tagged subtropical race 4 strain of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense on banana cultivars with differing levels of resistance. Microorganisms, 12 (12) 2472, 1-21. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms12122472

[Histological dissection of fusarium-banana interaction using GFP-tagged subtropical race 4 strain of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense on banana cultivars with differing levels of resistance](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c4c7cef)

2024

Journal Article

##### Assessing the pathogenicity of Berkeleyomyces rouxiae and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) using a rapid and robust seedling screening method

Chen, Andrew, Le, Duy P., Smith, Linda J., Kafle, Dinesh, Aitken, Elizabeth A. B. and Gardiner, Donald M. (2024). Assessing the pathogenicity of Berkeleyomyces rouxiae and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) using a rapid and robust seedling screening method. Journal of Fungi, 10 (10) 715, 1-21. doi: 10.3390/jof10100715

[Assessing the pathogenicity of Berkeleyomyces rouxiae and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) using a rapid and robust seedling screening method](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6ca6ed0)

2024

Journal Article

##### The genomes of two Australian isolates of Verticillium dahliae recovered from cotton fields

Gardiner, Donald M., Smith, Linda J., Rusu, Anca and Aitken, Elizabeth A. B. (2024). The genomes of two Australian isolates of Verticillium dahliae recovered from cotton fields. Australasian Plant Pathology, 53 (5), 435-441. doi: 10.1007/s13313-024-00993-5

[The genomes of two Australian isolates of Verticillium dahliae recovered from cotton fields](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:330b0fd)

2024

Journal Article

##### The pathogenic diversity and host range of Colletotrichum spp. causing pepper spot and anthracnose of lychee (Litchi chinensis) in Australia

Anderson, Jay M., Coates, Lindy M., Aitken, Elizabeth A. B., Mitchell, Roger W., McTaggart, Alistair R. and Dann, Elizabeth K. (2024). The pathogenic diversity and host range of Colletotrichum spp. causing pepper spot and anthracnose of lychee (Litchi chinensis) in Australia. Plant Pathology, 73 (6), 1334-1348. doi: 10.1111/ppa.13901

[The pathogenic diversity and host range of Colletotrichum spp. causing pepper spot and anthracnose of lychee (Litchi chinensis) in Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ae3f551)

2024

Journal Article

##### Fluorescently tagged Verticillium dahliae to understand the infection process on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and weed plant species

Chen, Andrew, Morrison, Sabrina, Gregson, Aphrika, Le, Duy P., Urquhart, Andrew S., Smith, Linda J., Aitken, Elizabeth A. B. and Gardiner, Donald M. (2024). Fluorescently tagged Verticillium dahliae to understand the infection process on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and weed plant species. Pathogens, 13 (6) 442, 1-21. doi: 10.3390/pathogens13060442

[Fluorescently tagged Verticillium dahliae to understand the infection process on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and weed plant species](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5892f65)

2023

Journal Article

##### Impact of inoculum density of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. zingiberi on symptomatic appearances and yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Matthews, Andrea, Muthukumar, Sharan P. T., Hamill, Sharon, Aitken, Elizabeth A. B. and Chen, Andrew (2023). Impact of inoculum density of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. zingiberi on symptomatic appearances and yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Access Microbiology, 5 (9) 000605.v3, 1-16. doi: 10.1099/acmi.0.000605.v3

[Impact of inoculum density of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. zingiberi on symptomatic appearances and yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c68d622)

2023

Journal Article

##### Diaporthe gulyae colonizes seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) systematically through leaf, petiole and stem infection

Thompson, Susan M., Neate, Stephen M., Gulya, Thomas J. and Aitken, Elizabeth A. B. (2023). Diaporthe gulyae colonizes seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) systematically through leaf, petiole and stem infection. European Journal of Plant Pathology, 167 (1), 41-58. doi: 10.1007/s10658-023-02683-2

[Diaporthe gulyae colonizes seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) systematically through leaf, petiole and stem infection](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6f6e930)

2023

Journal Article

##### Genetic mapping, candidate gene identification and marker validation for host plant resistance to the race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense using Musa acuminata ssp. malaccensis

Chen, Andrew, Sun, Jiaman, Viljoen, Altus, Mostert, Diane, Xie, Yucong, Mangila, Leroy, Bothma, Sheryl, Lyons, Rebecca, Hřibová, Eva, Christelová, Pavla, Uwimana, Brigitte, Amah, Delphine, Pearce, Stephen, Chen, Ning, Batley, Jacqueline, Edwards, David, Doležel, Jaroslav, Crisp, Peter, Brown, Allan F., Martin, Guillaume, Yahiaoui, Nabila, D’Hont, Angelique, Coin, Lachlan, Swennen, Rony and Aitken, Elizabeth A. B. (2023). Genetic mapping, candidate gene identification and marker validation for host plant resistance to the race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense using Musa acuminata ssp. malaccensis. Pathogens, 12 (6) 820, 1-27. doi: 10.3390/pathogens12060820

[Genetic mapping, candidate gene identification and marker validation for host plant resistance to the race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense using Musa acuminata ssp. malaccensis](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5854654)

2023

Other Outputs

##### Data associated with publication "Impacts of myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) induced tree mortality on species and functional richness within seedling communities of a wet sclerophyll forest in Eastern Australia"

Stevenson, Kristy and Aitken, Elizabeth (2023). Data associated with publication "Impacts of myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) induced tree mortality on species and functional richness within seedling communities of a wet sclerophyll forest in Eastern Australia". The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/1e3afb5

[Data associated with publication "Impacts of myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) induced tree mortality on species and functional richness within seedling communities of a wet sclerophyll forest in Eastern Australia"](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1e3afb5)

2023

Journal Article

##### Identification of a major QTL-controlling resistance to the Subtropical Race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense in Musa acuminata ssp. malaccensis

Chen, Andrew, Sun, Jiaman, Martin, Guillaume, Gray, Lesley-Ann, Hřibová, Eva, Christelová, Pavla, Yahiaoui, Nabila, Rounsley, Steve, Lyons, Rebecca, Batley, Jacqueline, Chen, Ning, Hamill, Sharon, Rai, Subash K., Coin, Lachlan, Uwimana, Brigitte, D’Hont, Angelique, Doležel, Jaroslav, Edwards, David, Swennen, Rony and Aitken, Elizabeth A. B. (2023). Identification of a major QTL-controlling resistance to the Subtropical Race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense in Musa acuminata ssp. malaccensis. Pathogens, 12 (2) 289, 1-13. doi: 10.3390/pathogens12020289

[Identification of a major QTL-controlling resistance to the Subtropical Race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense in Musa acuminata ssp. malaccensis](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:664707c)

2023

Journal Article

##### Fusarium yellows of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. zingiberi is associated with cultivar-specific expression of defense-responsive genes

Prasath, Duraisamy, Matthews, Andrea, O’Neill, Wayne T., Aitken, Elizabeth A. B. and Chen, Andrew (2023). Fusarium yellows of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. zingiberi is associated with cultivar-specific expression of defense-responsive genes. Pathogens, 12 (1) 141, 141. doi: 10.3390/pathogens12010141

[Fusarium yellows of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. zingiberi is associated with cultivar-specific expression of defense-responsive genes](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6e38214)

2022

Conference Publication

##### Topical application of RNAi to improve crop health against fungal pathogens

Ravichander, Pratyush, Czislowski, Elizabeth, Aitken, Elizabeth, Gardiner, Donald and Mitter, Neena (2022). Topical application of RNAi to improve crop health against fungal pathogens. TropAg Internation Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October - 2 November 2022.

[Topical application of RNAi to improve crop health against fungal pathogens](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:03ce2e2)

## Funding

### Current funding

- 2022 - 2027

  Building an advanced genomics platform for Australian horticulture

  Murdoch University

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/57174)
- 2021 - 2027

  Technical assistance to enable acceleration of the identification of the resistance genes in banana and the generation of markers for the banana breeding program

  Bayer Cropscience Pty Ltd

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/53389)

### Past funding

- 2024 - 2025

  Development of Molecular Diagnostic for Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. zingiberi (Foz)

  Agrifutures Australia

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/64446)
- 2024

  Testing banana germplasm with molecular markers

  NQ Banana Research Pty Ltd

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/63625)
- 2022 - 2024

  Identifying new resistance genes for Panama Tropical Race 4

  Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/55065)
- 2021 - 2023

  Impact of myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infection on community composition and ecological function

  Australian Plant Biosecurity Science Foundation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/49780)
- 2020 - 2025

  ARC Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection

  ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hubs

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/38250)
- 2019 - 2023

  Accelerated breeding of better bananas (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant led by IITA)

  International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/39066)
- 2019 - 2021

  Development of molecular markers for Fusarium wilt resistance in banana

  Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/37724)
- 2018 - 2020

  Development of GFP transformants of Verticillium and assessment in plants

  New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/35214)
- 2017 - 2022

  Strengthening the banana industry diagnostic capacity

  Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/30952)
- 2016 - 2020

  BA14014 Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 Research Program

  Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/29722)
- 2014 - 2019

  Improvement of banana for smallholder farmers in the Great Lakes Region of Africa

  International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/23374)
- 2014 - 2019

  PRJ-008308 - Improved tissue culture production of ginger clean planting material

  Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/23756)
- 2013

  Accelerated crop development and environmental compliance of agricultural and food systems

  UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/15681)
- 2012 - 2015

  Assessment of Pythium diversity in ginger

  Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/14641)
- 2012

  Confocal Microscopy Infrastructure for Plant Sciences

  UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/14246)
- 2010 - 2016

  Rapid introgression of crown rot resistance into hexaploid wheat

  Grains Research & Development Corporation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/12926)
- 2009 - 2010

  Analyses of the effect of silicon on Fusarium wilt on banana

  Horticulture Australia Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/11929)
- 2008 - 2009

  Assessing the potential of silicone in the control of Fusarium wilt in banana

  Horticulture Australia Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/9961)
- 2008

  Controlled Environment Facilities for the Challenges of the 21st Century

  UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/9985)
- 2007

  Potential novel biological control agents of the invasive weed Lygodium microphyllum: exploratory surveys and testing of possible pathogenic microbes in Australia and SE Asia

  Florida Atlantic University

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/9209)
- 2006 - 2011

  Strengthening disease detection, diagnosis and surveillance in the Australian banana industry

  Horticulture Australia Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/8413)
- 2002 - 2005

  Identification and analysis of banana defence genes confering resistance to soil borne pathogens

  Horticulture Australia Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/6203)
- 2002 - 2004

  PCR primer verification and analysis of the black Sigatoka outbreak in Tully

  Horticulture Australia Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/5559)
- 2002

  CAPITAL ITEM GRANT: PCR MACHINE (THERMAL CYCLER)

  Cotton Research & Development Corporation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/5853)
- 2001

  Travel grant for Ms Elizabeth Miric to attend the Australasian Plant Pathology Society 13th Biennial Conference - September 2001.

  Grains Research & Development Corporation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/5212)
- 1998

  Travel grant for Ms BC Engel to attend 7th International Congress of Plant Pathology, Edinburgh 1998

  Grains Research & Development Corporation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/3191)
- 1998 - 2000

  Population and pathogenicity studies of the Black Sigatoka fungus

  Horticultural Research & Development Corporation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/3200)
- 1998

  Study of genes involved in initiating trap production in nematode-trapping fungi

  ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/2987)
- 1997 - 1998

  Mapping disease resistance genes in banana

  Horticultural Research & Development Corporation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/2369)
- 1997 - 1998

  Population and pathogenicity studies of Mycosphaerella spp: pathogenicity studies

  Horticultural Research & Development Corporation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/2368)
- 1997 - 1998

  Population and pathogenicity studies of Mycosphaerilla spp.

  Queensland Department Primary Industries

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/2261)
- 1997

  Travel grant for Ms BC Engel to attend and present a paper at the Australasian Plant Pathology Society 11th Biennial Conference

  Grains Research & Development Corporation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/2359)
- 1997

  Analysis of constitutive and induced peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase levels in a Banana population segregating for reaction to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp cubense

  ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/2094)
- 1995 - 1997

  Molecular identification of strains of Sclerotinia spp.

  Horticultural Research & Development Corporation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/710)
- 1995 - 1996

  Population and pathogenicity studies of Mycosphaerella spp.

  Queensland Department Primary Industries

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/641)
- 1995 - 1997

  Population and pathogenicity studies of Mycosphaerella spp.

  Horticultural Research & Development Corporation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/711)
- 1995

  Genetic variation and sexual recombination in Australian field populations of the bean rust fungus

  UQ External Support Enabling Grant

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/674)

View all 37 past funded projects
View less

## Supervision

### Availability

Professor Elizabeth Aitken is:
:   Not available for supervision

### Supervision history

#### Current supervision

- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Diversity of Fusarium oxysporum on ginger and assessment of tissue culture derived plants to infection

  Principal Advisor
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Histological analysis of banana-Fusarium interactions

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Donald Gardiner](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/31567), [Dr Shi Wei Chen](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13555)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Improving forest restoration by integrating soil microbial interactions with tree seedlings in a global biodiversity hotspot

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Paul Dennis](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2433), [Dr John Dwyer](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Pathology and Ecology of Fusarium Wilt Subtropical Race 4

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Andre Drenth](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/386), [Dr Lilia Carvalhais](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2457)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Molecular analysis of novel CLE peptide hormones that respond to legume pathogens

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr April Hastwell](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24094), [Professor Brett Ferguson](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1608)

View all 5 current supervisions
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#### Completed supervision

- 2025

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Need for Speed: Enhancing Productivity through Light at Different Production Stages to Fast Track Generational Cycles in Banana](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0257d27)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Lee Hickey](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1694)
- 2021

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Genetic analyses of Australian Fusarium pseudograminearum populations causing crown rot in wheat](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e91e454)

  Principal Advisor
- 2021

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Characterisation of putative pathogenicity SIX genes in Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6dd6e07)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Donald Gardiner](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/31567)
- 2020

  Master Philosophy

  ##### [Pathogenicity studies on strawberry to identify sources of resistance against Macrophomina phaseolina](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0bba43e)

  Principal Advisor
- 2020

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Diaporthe species associated with sunflower and other broad-acre crops and weeds in eastern Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8f7e9a6)

  Principal Advisor
- 2020

  Master Philosophy

  ##### [Southern Sting Nematode (Ibipora lolii) on Turf Grass in Western Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8a2d3e4)

  Principal Advisor
- 2019

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Mango anthracnose in Australia associated with varietal resistance, phenolic compounds and novel antifungal products](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:9609a4a)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Elizabeth Dann](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2470)
- 2018

  Master Philosophy

  ##### [Fusarium species associated with grain sorghum and mungbean in Queensland](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:716902)

  Principal Advisor
- 2016

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [CHARACTERIZATION OF SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH PYTHIUM SOFT ROT OF GINGER AND EVALUATION OF <i>PYTHIUM OLIGANDRUM</i> AS A BIOCONTROL](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:399464)

  Principal Advisor
- 2015

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The effect of CO2 and temperature on Fusarium crown rot incidence, severity, pathogen colonisation, toxigenic potential and host resistance in a selection of wheat germplasm.](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:374511)

  Principal Advisor
- 2015

  Master Philosophy

  ##### [Impact of Increasing Temperature on the Fitness of Fusarium pseudograminearum Causing Crown Rot in Wheat](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:372185)

  Principal Advisor
- 2015

  Master Philosophy

  ##### Breeding resistance in strawberry cultivars for Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae

  Principal Advisor
- 2014

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Silicon in banana plants: uptake, distribution and interaction with the disease fusarium wilt](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:344886)

  Principal Advisor
- 2013

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Epidemiological and biological studies of Fusarium wilt of banana caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense tropical race 4](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:303189)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Andre Drenth](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/386)
- 2012

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The diversity of Colletotrichum infecting lychee in Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:275614)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Elizabeth Dann](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2470)
- 2010

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Silicon and acibenzolar-S-methyl induced defence responses in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) infected with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:205532)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Elizabeth Dann](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2470)
- 2008

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### The aetiology of pineapple mealybug wilt disease in Australia

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Andrew Geering](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1587)
- 2007

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### POPULATION DIVERSITY, SOURCES AND EVALUATION OF METALAXYL-BASED MANAGEMENT OF PYTHIUM DAMPING-OFF OF CUCUMBER IN OMAN

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Andre Drenth](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/386)
- 2006

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF INDUCED RESISTANCE IN THE CONTROL OF FUSARIUM WILT OF BANANA

  Principal Advisor
- 2004

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### STUDIES ON CHARCOAL ROT OF MUNGBEAN

  Principal Advisor
- 2003

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Comparative studies of pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum in relation to developing disease management strategies for Fusarium wilt of banana

  Principal Advisor
- 2003

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### HOST-PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE FUNGAL PATHOGEN Phloeospora mimosae-pigrae, AND Mimosa pigra, GIANT SENSITIVE PLANT

  Principal Advisor
- 2003

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### A GENETIC STUDY OF IMPORTANT AGRONOMIC TRAITS IN MUNGBEAN (Vigna radiata (L.) WILCZEK) USING A MAP-BASED QTL APPROACH

  Principal Advisor
- 2002

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### THE IDENTIFICATION OF WORLD WIDE DISTRIBUTION OF Phoma AND Phomopsis OF SUNFLOWER

  Principal Advisor
- 2026

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Developing an RNA-based fungicide to control Fusarium head blight in cereals](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:d13ce81)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Chris Brosnan](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/20789), [Dr Donald Gardiner](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/31567)
- 2024

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Soil Microbiome Modulation for Improved Plant Growth and Abiotic Stress Tolerance](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:d70558b)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Lilia Carvalhais](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2457)
- 2024

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Impacts of myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) induced tree mortality on forest structure and ecosystem functioning in a wet sclerophyll forest in eastern Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0ed4bf9)

  Associate Advisor
- 2023

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Functional analyses of plant-microbe interactions for improved vegetable plant growth and disease resistance](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:50f6add)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Lilia Carvalhais](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2457)
- 2021

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The Microbiome of Musa spp.](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ffd9621)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Paul Dennis](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2433)
- 2020

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Mining the Vavilov wheat diversity panel for new sources of adult plant resistance to stripe rust](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5f0a6e6)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Ian Godwin](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/79), [Professor Lee Hickey](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1694)
- 2019

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [RNAi-based Management for Fusarium Wilt of Banana](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:50867f3)

  Associate Advisor
- 2018

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Clonal propagation of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) for elite seedling production and germplasm exchange](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5f8a4c7)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Jitka Kochanek](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1157)
- 2018

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The role of fungi and their associated volatiles in the ecology of Tribolium castaneum](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8d6bd7e)

  Associate Advisor
- 2018

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Unlocking new sources of adult plant resistance to wheat leaf rust](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:715784)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Lee Hickey](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1694)
- 2016

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Field and Postharvest Biology of Dendritic Spot and Stem End Rot of Mango](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:388658)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Victor Galea](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/200)
- 2014

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Development and validation of molecular markers for Phytophthora medicaginis resistance in Lucerne](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:344258)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Emeritus Professor John Irwin](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/7318), [Dr Christopher Lambrides](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/846), [Dr Karen Aitken](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/51057)
- 2014

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### The defense response of Arabidopsis thaliana roots against the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum

  Associate Advisor
- 2013

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Phyllosticta species causing freckle disease of banana](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:313200)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Andre Drenth](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/386)
- 2012

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Australian macrofungi as a source of antimicrobial compounds](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:266564)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Ben Ross](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/602), [Associate Professor Kathryn Steadman](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1732)
- 2012

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Genomic regions controlling the expression of adult plant resistance to leaf rust, partial resistance to powdery mildew and grain dormancy in a barley population](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:275402)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Ian Godwin](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/79)
- 2011

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Novel genes regulating susceptibility to Fusarium oxysporum in Arabidopsis thaliana](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:242574)

  Associate Advisor
- 2011

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### The biology, epidemiology and variability of Quambalaria shoot blight of Corymbia species

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Andre Drenth](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/386)
- 2011

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Husk Spot Disease of Macadamia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:245616)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Andre Drenth](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/386), [Professor Femi Akinsanmi](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1041)
- 2005

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### DNA BASED MARKERS FOR ERGOT RESISTANCE IN SORGHUM

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor David Jordan](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1168), [Professor Ian Godwin](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/79)

View all 44 completed supervisions
View less

## Media

### Enquiries

Contact Professor Elizabeth Aitken directly for media enquiries about:

- Banana
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology

#### Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

[communications@uq.edu.au](mailto:communications@uq.edu.au)

## External profiles

- [ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3792-4229)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/B-9905-2016)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=7003609934)
- [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user= )

## Personal links

- [Personal profile](http://www.uq.edu.au/agriculture/elizabethaitken)

Log in to Academic Portal to update your profile

[Update my profile](https://academicportal.app.uq.edu.au/profile/)