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Dr Kathy Ophel Keller
Research Chief, Sustainable Systems
Phone: + 61 8 8303 9417 or 8303 9368
Email: kathy.ophelkeller@sa.gov.au
Roles and expertise:
- Head of SARDI plant and soil health science program
- Development and delivery of molecular diagnostics for soil-borne plant pathogens
Experience:
- Developed and commercialised (with Alan McKay) diagnostic service for soil-borne plant pathogens, currently licensed internationally to Bayer Crop Science (Predicta B). The core technology of DNA extraction and quantitation from large soil samples underpinning this service is unique worldwide.
- Established and maintained (with Alan McKay) strategic alliance with CSIRO Entomology for further development of RDTS core technology. This Alliance has been very successful and has been maintained actively by substantial joint research projects including the Bayer Crop Science research contract since 1999.
- Established projects using core RDTS technology for application in pastures, horticulture, poultry health, aquaculture compliance monitoring and detection of tuna pathogens. Established research linkages across disciplines within SARDI and externally in a broad range of non-pathology research areas.
Current and recent projects:
- Processing Potato R & D Program- DNA Monitoring Tools
- Scoping Study for GRDC- Future Directions for Rhizoctonia Management
- Development of DNA monitoring tools- Australian Poultry CRC
- Management of bacterial wilt of lucerne (RIRDC).
