- Researcher Louisa Parkinson, from Queensland, studies avocados for a living
- She discovered three new species of pathogens that causes disease in avocados
- This will help scientists get a better understanding of black root rot in avocados
- The disease could wipe out the entire plantings, which affects avocado industry
- But Ms Parkinson has developed a molecular diagnostic to prevent shortage
As millennials enjoy their smashed avocados on toast, one woman has been studying the popular fruit in a bid to prevent a world shortage.
Meet Louisa Parkinson – she’s a real-life avocado scientist working with our favourite breakfast topping for a living.
And the researcher, from Queensland, has discovered three new species of fungi and fungal pathogens that causes disease in avocado trees.
Scientist Louisa Parkinson (pictured) has been studying the popular fruit to prevent a shortage
The researcher has discovered three new species of fungi and fungal pathogens that causes disease in avocado trees – the disease could affect the avocado industry
She uses plant science to solve food shortages around the world.
And the discovery of the new species will help scientists get a better understanding of the fungal pathogens which causes black root rot in avocados.
The disease found in the trees could wipe out the entire new orchard plantings, which will affect the avocado industry.
Ms Parkinson has developed a molecular diagnostic that can help growers test for the presence of these pathogens in their avocados (stock image)
But Ms Parkinson has developed a molecular diagnostic that can help growers test for the presence of these pathogens in their avocados.
‘Diagnosing diseases is all about problem solving,’ Ms Parkinson said.
‘I developed a molecular test to diagnose the presence of these pathogens which will help avocado growers quickly put strategies in place to manage disease.
‘I feel like my work will help make a difference to the avocado industry.’
Ms Parkinson has been recognised for her incredible work and she’s also the face of a billboard at her campus as part of the Create Change advertising campaign.
Ms Parkinson has been recognised for her incredible work and she’s also the face of a billboard (pictured) at her campus as part of the Create Change advertising campaign
The Filipino-Australian woman said her favourite avocado recipe is a Filipino dessert made of smashed avocado mixed with sugar or honey and a splash of evaporated milk (stock image)
‘My family have taken photos at my billboards. The number of selfies Mum and I have taken with my picture is quite funny,’ she said.
The Filipino-Australian woman said her favourite avocado recipe is a Filipino dessert made of smashed avocado mixed with sugar or honey and a splash of evaporated milk.
‘This may not sound appetising as avocados are famously made in savoury recipes. But it is actually very delicious,’ Ms Parkinson said.
‘Mum used to make this dessert for me as a child and I still love to eat it.’
She’s currently working for the University of Queensland at the EcoSciences Precinct in Dutton Park as a research officer for the avocado industry.