The very nature of what constitutes cutting-edge research practice is changing, with the shift particularly noticeable in agricultural science.

The move is away from the concept of 'silver bullets'. Its replacement uses a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach that aims for innovation at each step in the delivery pipeline.

One research enterprise that has adopted these shifts in R&D practices is the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM), which focuses on fungal pathogens that kill host tissue and then 'feed' on the dead matter, causing 'necrotic diseases'.

Included in the centre's remit are many of the major diseases of wheat, barley, canola and the pulse crops that are vitally important to Australian crop rotations.

CCDM’s Professor Mark Gibberd explains that, traditionally, the 'silver bullet' approach to fungal disease looked to fungicides for cost-effective disease control and to new varieties for improved host resistance.

The targeted pathogens, however, are constantly evolving and do so within gene by environment by management (GxExM) interactions that can lead to changes in fungicide sensitivity and to the loss of host resistance.

"There's selection pressures on fungicide efficacy and on narrow host genetic resistance that combines with the constant genetic mutation of local pathogens and the potential for the introduction of new pathotypes from overseas," Professor Gibberd says.

"These work in concert to allow pathogens to evolve at rates that threaten to overtake industry's ability to develop and deploy new germplasm and fungicide chemistry."

An integrated approach

Since its inception in 2014, the CCDM has opted to confront these greater complexities strategically, integrating different disciplines, research platforms, stakeholder perspectives, national and global R&D resources into collaborative research networks and partnerships.

As Director of Agronomy, Agribusiness and Centre Operations, Professor Gibberd's role is to act strategically with regards to research trajectories in consultation with industry.

"We have to tackle the crop protection problem at multiple points," he says.

"That means working across all relevant areas of science, with each output contributing a building block to achieve further steps towards the ultimate outcomes."

That creates a remit that spans the entire crop protection arc, including:

• monitoring changes in pathogen virulence and genetics;
• developing a deep understanding of host and pathogen interactions and the genetic basis of host resistance or sensitivity to pathogens of interest;
• surveillance to detect and understand emerging resistance to fungicide chemistry groups;
• global linkage to research groups undertaking similar research activities;
• developing fungicide management protocols to extend the use of existing chemistry groups in conjunction with CropLife;
• acquiring knowledge of the GxExM interactions that account for observed crop protection challenges;
• consulting with all stakeholders to ensure research delivers solutions that are paddock-relevant and adoptable by industry; and
• funnelling all the acquired knowledge to develop more durable and sustainable ways to protect crops, particularly through genetic resources.

Industry responsiveness

Getting on top of such a broad remit strategically resulted in a centre with two faces.

Physically, the CCDM is based at Curtin University, in Western Australia, where most of the core research team is based.

Collaborations and partnerships, however, provide the CCDM with greater reach in the form of networks that share knowledge, techniques, facilities and skills with similar national and international groups and research centres.

In addition, CCDM operating structures were designed to respond to industry challenges and pivot quickly to address dynamically changing conditions in the paddock.

"Once a project is contracted, it's common practice to use agile project design principles to propose new directions to ensure better benefit to industry," Professor Gibberd says.

"Researchers benefit from being able to pursue a depth of understanding, while remaining open to new lines of enquiry when applicable."

The CCDM model was made possible by co-investment by the GRDC and Curtin University.

Collectively, the two parties have co-invested $140 million over eight years, with GRDC initially providing $30 million - with an additional $18 million funding extension announced in 2018.

Curtin University's contribution includes funds, laboratories, field facilities and staff, including construction of laboratory facilities that operate at the highest biosecurity standards, with access to the latest analytical technologies and equipment.

Professor Gibberd says work at the CCDM is at a critical juncture, with important advances underway relating to:

• genetic solutions to crop diseases,
• technologies to detect fungicide resistance faster,
• the development of tactical responses to crop disease at the paddock level.

More information: Mark Gibberd,m.gibberd@exchange.curtin.edu.au