Plant diseases routinely reduce yields of major food crops such as wheat, barley, maize and soybean, often in the order of 10–40% depending on crop and region. These losses have direct economic consequences for growers and contribute to wider food security risks.
Aim
The aim of this project is to build a quantitative evidence base linking plant disease severity to crop yield and economic losses in major field crops.
Objectives
The project will:
Compile and curate existing data sets reporting disease severity with corresponding yield or yield loss.
Quantify relationships between disease severity and yield outcomes under different environments and management.
Express these relationships in economic terms using relevant price and cost information.
Significance
Crop pathogens and pests cause substantial yield and quality losses worldwide, with major food crops experiencing large reductions in potential production, and associated economic damage. Yet, quantitative links between disease severity, yield loss and economic impact remain fragmented.
By synthesising existing data, this project will provide clearer, standardised relationships that can be used to improve disease management decisions, refine crop loss models and inform discussions on the economic burden of plant diseases.
Ideal Candidate
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a First Class Honours degree, or a Master’s with a substantial research component, in statistics, biometry, data science, applied mathematics, agricultural science or economics, plant pathology, plant biology, or a related quantitative discipline. The ideal applicant will have strong quantitative and data‑analysis skills, experience with (or willingness to learn) R and/or Python, good written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team. Experience with plant disease, crop or economic data, or evidence synthesis is desirable but not essential. Additionally, the applicants should meet the eligibility criteria for entry into a PhD program at Curtin University.
This project is open to International and Domestic applicants.
Scholarship
If you are identified as the preferred candidate for this project, you may be considered for an RTP scholarship.
Enquires and How to Apply
For enquires about this opportunity contact Dr Zhanglong Cao at Zhanglong.Cao@curtin.edu.au
To formally apply submit an Expression of Interest to Dr Zhanglong Cao during the Central Scholarship round (July 1st – July 31st 2026)