Interactions between plant parasites & their hosts
Join the investigation into the use of parasites as biological control agents.
We investigate the interactions between Cassytha pubescens - a native coiling hemi-parasite - and their host, particularly invasive species. The parasite infects weeds such as Scotch broom, gorse, and blackberry, on which it has much stronger negative effects than on native hosts.
Study terrestrial plant ecology
Our research focuses on applying ecological knowledge to address management and restoration of natural vegetation.
We focus our work on arid lands and Mediterranean-type environments; the last including woodlands, grasslands and wetlands in the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Our approach always includes a strong conceptual framework and rigorous experimental design to investigate ecological issues ranging from the theoretical to the applied.
Supervisors
Associate Professor José (Jope) Facelli
Co-supervisors: Dr Evelina Facelli | Dr Jasmin Packer | Dr John Goodfellow | Dr Rob Cirocco
Research area: Terrestrial plant ecology
Recommended honours enrolment: Honours in Ecology and Environmental Science