Up to 30% of the yield of our major global crops is lost each year to pests and disease. If we could prevent these losses, we could save the global economy $540 billion every year.

We aim to investigate the molecular mechanisms which underpin the interactions between plants and pests and diseases, as well as beneficial microbes, to enhance plant immunity, facilitate durable disease control and improve plant health.

Our anticipated long-term impacts are:

• Develop durable disease control of the most serious pathogens and pests and sustainably enhance plant health and productivity.
• Strengthen the plant health workforce for the future by providing early career training.
• Increase engagement with policy makers to achieve a greater uptake of plant health research.
• Extend international reach to create societal impact where it is needed most.

Examples of both planned research projects and our impacts can be found below.