We work predominantly in sub-tropical and tropical regions of Australia, servicing all agricultural and horticultural industries in Queensland and northern NSW. However, our research also involves crops that are grown in temperate regions of Australia, and we receive diagnostic samples from all states. Our plant pathology, nematology and microbiology laboratories are located in Brisbane, and our staff maintain collaborative relationships with scientists employed by the Queensland Government, the Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations, CSIRO and various universites.
Our Staff
Dr Graham Stirling B. Ag.Sc. (Hons), MAg.Sc., PhD. (Research Director/Soil Biologist)
Dr Stirling has 35 years experience in research, has published more than 70 scientific papers and has been made an Honorary Member and Fellow of the Australasian Plant Pathology Society for his services to the Society and to Nematology. He has extensive experience in both temperate and tropical agriculture, having worked in Queensland, South Australia and California on many crops, including wheat, rice, stonefruit, apples, citrus, grapes, pineapples, ginger, sugarcane, tomatoes, potatoes, and other vegetables. Dr. Stirling is recognised internationally for his work on nematodes, particularly biological control, and is also an experienced plant pathologist and soil biologist.
Dr. Marcelle Stirling B. Appl. Sc., MSc.St., Ph.D.(Microbiologist/Plant Pathologist)
Dr. Stirling has 25 years experience in plant pathology, entomology, nematology and microbiology. She has worked extensively with bacteria and fungi and one of her main interests is the use of microorganisms as biological control agents of soil-borne pathogens such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora. Her work on sawdust and bark as soil amendments has led to a better understanding of their value in suppressing diseases caused by fungi and nematodes. More recently she studied seed germination problems in ginger (caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. zingiberae and the bacterium Erwinia chrysanthemi). Currently she is identifying and counting free-living nematodes and measuring soil enzyme activities, and assessing their value as indicators of soil health.
