Associate Professor Jonathan Plett

I joined the team at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment in October 2012. I hold a Ph.D. in biology from Queen's University in plant developmental biology where I specialized in the molecular dissection of hormone signaling pathways.

In January of 2009 I began my postdoctoral research at L'Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), France, where I worked on functionally characterizing small secreted protein signals that coordinate symbiosis between plants and soil-borne mutualistic fungi – an interaction that is essential for the continued health and productivity of forests.

Presently I am undertaking a project with the aim to better understand the role of small proteins secreted of the mutualistic fungus Pisolithus in mediating the establishment of symbiosis with Eucalyptus tree species. Further I wish to understand how environmental extremes such as heat and elevated levels of CO₂ affect the interaction between Pisolithus and Eucalyptus with the aim to identifying what mechanisms both organisms employ to mitigate the negative effects of abiotic.

All living organisms depend on communication and perception in order to survive. Perception of signals such as heat, humidity and nutrient availability allow for response to abiotic stimuli, while communication with other organisms, whether consciously or passively given or received, allows for reaction to the ecosystem in which they are found.

How these different stimuli are interpreted and acted upon aids an organism in finding food and shelter, avoiding predators and defending against a variety of pathogens. As humans we pride ourselves on the interconnectivity of our species and the advancements that this has allowed us in our specific niche.

Within the plant world, too, success of an individual or species within an ecosystem has depended in large part on transcending simple dependence on self and involves a very complex interplay in communication and symbiosis with other plants, animals, fungi and bacteria.

The broad aim of my research is to identify and understand how signals are sent and perceived by plants and their associated microbiota to coordinate development and enable this ecosystem to survive under less than ideal conditions.

Areas of Research/Teaching Expertise

My areas of teaching specialty include genetics, molecular and cellular biology (plant, animal and fungal), plant physiology and development, plant signal transduction, plant:microbe interactions as well as fungal proteomics. Past courses that I have taught include genetics, general biology and biological diversity.

Awards and Recognition

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Enterprise and Global, Excellence in Research Impact - Commended, Western Sydney University, 2024
Research Impact Competition Winner, Western Sydney University, 2022
Awarded the 2018 Daniel McAlpine Medal for the promotion of mycology through the innovation of his research program, the national and international impact of his publications, and due to his service to the discipline through his commitment to sustained communication with a broad audience, 2018
Awarded the Goldacre Award for pioneering work in decoding the genetic basis enabling plants to form symbiotic relationships with beneficial rather than pathogenic microbes, 2017
Awarded a Young Tall Poppy Science Award, issued by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science and recognised promising young scientists achieving both scientific excellence and demonstrating a commitment to sharing their passion and knowledge, 2016
Awarded a travel grant to attend the Science in the Shine Dome Symposium event in Canberra, 2016
Awarded a Thomas Davies Fellowship (Australian Academy of Science), 2015
Awarded a Science and Innovation Award (Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries), 2014

Grants / Current Projects

Biologically informed control of Gummy Stem Blight in glasshouse cucurbits
Partner/Funding Body: Perfection Fresh
Period: 2023-2027

Management of foliar bacterial diseases in vegetables
Co-Researcher: Uffe Nielsen
Partner/Funding Body: Hort Innovation [via NSW Dept of Primary Industries]
Period: 2023-2026

Diversification of eEF1 by an elongation factor of protein translation in ectomycorrhizal fungi from disturbed soils: from protein synthesis to cell detoxification functions
Partner/Funding Body: Agence National de la Recherche
Period: 2022-2024

Microbiome management: Leveraging advances in microbiome research
Co-Researcher: Ian Anderson
Partner/Funding Body: Forest and Wood Products Australia
Period: 2022-2027

Innovative nursery management solutions to sustainably manage root disease, improve nursery utilisation, and enhance resilience and productivity of planted pines
Co-Researchers: Ian Anderson, Krista Plett, Angus Carnegie
Partner/Funding Body: National Institute for Forest Products Innovations (NIFPI) Gippsland Centre, co-funded by Australia's large forest managers
Period: 2022-2024

Are Secreted Proteins determinants of host range in ectomycorrhizal fungi?
Co-Researcher: Ian Anderson
Partner/Funding Body: Australian Research Council Discovery
Period: 2022-2024

Develop novel integrated disease management strategies for delivering solutions to mitigate the impact of major broccolini diseases
Co-Researchers: Ian Anderson and Jeff Powell
Partner/Funding Body: Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre
Period: 2022-2026

Developing molecular ‘fingerprinting’ of myrtle rust disease to facilitate strategies in monitoring and control
Co-Researcher: Michelle Moffit
Partner/Funding Body: Plant Biosecurity Science Foundation
Period: 2020-2021

Fruit body differentiation in mushrooms and truffle-like fungi Co-Researcher: David Orlovitch
Partner/Funding Body: Royal Society of New Zealand
Period: 2019

Improving management of Phytophthora root rot of chickpea
Partner/Funding Body: NSW Department of Primary Industries
Period: 2019-2020

National Tree Genomics Program – Genotype Prediction Toolbox
Co-Researchers: Roger Hellens, Alexie Papanicolaou and Chris Cazzonelli
Partner/Funding Body: Horticulture Innovation Australia
Period: 2019-2024

Factors controlling ectomycorrhizal contributions to plant N nutrition
Co-Researcher: Ian Anderson
Partner/Funding Body: Australian Research Council Discovery
Period: 2019-2022

Linking epigenomic regulation of carbon acquisition to nutrient use in fungi
Partner/Funding Body: United States Department of Energy - Joint Genome Institute
Period: 2018

Improving management of Phytophthora root rot of chickpea
Partner/Funding Body: Grain Research Development Corporation
Period: 2018-2020

Sustainable pasture systems under climate extremes Co-Researchers: Sally Power, Mark Tjoelker, Elise Pendall, David Tissue, Jeff Powell, Ian Anderson, Ben Moore, Catriona Macdonald, Brajesh Singh and Yolima Carrillo
Partner/Funding Body: Meat & Livestock Australia Donor Company and Dairy Australia
Period: 2017-2020

Characterising controls of carbon flow from trees into mycorrhizal fungi
Co-Researcher: Ian Anderson
Partner/Funding Body: Australian Research Council Discovery
Period: 2016-2018

Understanding plant:fungal communication to increase plant productivity
Partner/Funding Body: Australian Research Council DECRA
Period: 2015-2017

Identification and characterisation of genetic markers in pulse crops that promote disease resistance without compromising symbiotic interactions Partner/Funding Body: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Period: 2014

Enhancing root health through a better understanding of plant genetics that enable mutaliltistic beneficial relationships with soil microbes Co-Researchers: Ian Anderson and Sara Hortal
Partner/Funding Body: Australian Academy of Science and Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Period: 2014

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Eucalyptus Leaf

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