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CANBERRA ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA
Biography
Dr John Roberts works on pests and diseases of honey bees.
He joined CSIRO at Black Mountain ACT in 2010 and now leads our bee pathology research area. His research applies molecular approaches and tools to address a variety of health and biosecurity issues that impact Australia's honey bee population and the valuable pollination services it provides.
His research has included studies on the genetics, pathogens and management of emerging Varroa and Tropilaelaps mite pests in Papua New Guinea, conducting the first Australia-wide study of honey bee viruses and other pathogens affecting honey bees, examining genetic and nutritional factors associated with the honey bee fungal pathogens, Nosema and chalkbrood, and developing diagnostic tools for bee mites and viruses.
John is also investigating how we can use hive environmental DNA or 'eDNA' collected by honey bees as they gather nectar and pollen for cross-industry surveillance of bee pests and diseases, plant pathogens and noxious weeds.
He is also working with industry to improve the current importation protocols for honey bee genetics (semen and live queens) and support development of a Varroa-resistant bee breeding program in Australia.
His research has been supported by the Honeybee and Pollination R&D of AgriFutures Australia, Hort Innovation and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Professional Areas
Current Roles
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Project lead on honey bee industry (AgriFutures) projects
Factors influencing chalkbrood outbreaks in Australia (2019-2020); Reducing the impact of Nosema and viruses through nutrition (2016-2018); Australia wide pest and disease survey of honeybee pathogens (2013-2015); Disease status of invasive Asian honey bee in northern Australia (2012); Genetics and viruses of Varroa jacobsoni an emerging parasite in Papua New Guinea (2010-2013). -
Supervisor of CSIRO postdoctoral researchers
Genomics of Varroa resistant honey bee genetics imported into Australia (Angel Popa-Baez); Cross industry surveillance using hive eDNA (Erin Hill); RNAi for honey bee pests and pathogens (Biko Muita) -
Researching biosecurity threats in our region
Management strategies for Varroa and Tropilaelaps in Papua New Guinea (ACIAR); Virome of honey bees in the Pacific -
Contributor to the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program
Molecular diagnostics for exotic mites (Varroa, Tropilaelaps, tracheal mites) and bee viruses (DWV, SBPV). Conducting bee pest & disease surveillance on Norfolk Island. -
Project lead for biosecure importation of Varroa resistance honey bee genetics (Hort Innovation)
This project aims to trial the current importation guidelines for honey bee genetics (semen and live queens) and develop recommendations for industry and government that can be of use to future importers (2019-2021) -
Investigating honey bees for plant pathogen surveillance
Demonstrated the potential for NGS of honey bees to detect exotic plant viruses (e.g. CGMMV and ToRSV) before field observations. Surveillance for Avocado sun blotch viroid with pollination hives (UQ/Hort Innovation). -
Co-investigator for biopesticides to control fall armyworm
Investigating microbial pathogens and RNAi control options for fall armyworm (DAWR)
Academic Qualifications
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2005
Bachelor of Science (Honors)
University of Melbourne -
2010
PhD (Genetics)
University of Melbourne
Grants
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2022-2023
eDNA technology for detecting priority pest bees and bee mites (DAFF)
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2022-2025
Hive eDNA surveillance for bee and plant pathogens and weeds (Environomics FSP)
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2022-2024
Rapid molecular diagnostics for Varroa, Tropilaelaps and Tracheal mites (DAFF)
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2021-2024
Genomic selection for Varroa tolerance traits in Australian honey bees (CSIRO R+ postdoc grant)
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2021-2022
Norfolk Island bee pest & disease survey (DITRDC)
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2021-2023
Biopesticides for control of fall armyworm (DAWE)
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2020-2021
The enemy of my enemy is my friend: viral biopesticides for invasive fall armyworm (CSIRO Acorn grant)
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2019-2021
Development and implementation of protocols to enable importation of improved honey bee genetics to Australia (Hort Innovation MT18019)
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2019-2021
Avocado sunblotch viroid survey - using bees for surveillance (Hort Innovation AV18007)
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2018-2020
Investigating factors that influence chalkbrood outbreaks in Australia (AgriFutures PRJ-10815)
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2018-2019
A novel approach to plant virus surveillance using honey bees (CSIRO Acorn grant)
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2018-2019
Novel Approaches for Increasing Participation in the Honeybee Industries of the Pacific (ACIAR LS/2017/100)
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2017-2021
Systems biology approach to honey bee nutrigenomics (CSIRO R+ postdoc grant)
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2016-2017
Improving honey bee diagnostics in Australia (Plant Health Australia)
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2015-2017
Reducing the impact of Nosema and viruses by improving honeybee nutrition (AgriFutures PRJ-9987))
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2015-2016
Training and surveillance for Tropilaelaps mites in PNG (ACIAR)
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2013-2015
Upgrading knowledge of pathogens (particularly viruses) in Australian honeybees (AgriFutures)
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2012-2013
Establishing the disease status of Apis cerana in Cairns (AgriFutures PRJ-8433)
Publications
We have publications by Dr John Roberts