Research interests
Eithne works in NIAB’s Pest and Pathogen Ecology group at East Malling investigating the diversity of Phytophthora and oomycete pathogens affecting red raspberry through field surveying, traditional isolation methods and high throughput sequencing.
Eithne completed her BSc and MSc in Botany and Plant Science at the National University of Ireland, Galway, studying ‘Novel algal-derived antifungal reagents to extend the shelf life of soft fruits’. Eithne’s research interests lie in developing sustainable and efficient management strategies for plant pathogenic fungi and oomycetes.
Research Projects (Current and recent)
Incidence, pathogenicity, and management of Phytophthora root rot of raspberry in the UK; Duration: 2020-2023; Partners: Harper Adams University, CTP-FCR; Funding BBSRC and Industry. PhD project.
Semi-automatic trapping of fungal spores causing strawberry fruit rot; Duration: 2019-2020; Partners: NIAB, Mologic Limited, Berry Gardens Growers Limited, Warwickshire College; Funding: Innovate UK. Role of Research Plant Pathologist.