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Louise Jones

I research plant diseases affecting 911±¬ÁÏ and member gardens, and provide plant health advice through our the 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Advice Service. I believe sustainable disease management is vital to protect the species that share our gardens

What do you do?

I’m fascinated by the interactions between plants and the pathogens that cause plant diseases. As an 911±¬ÁÏ plant pathologist, I study microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria and viruses, with my research focusing on diseases that affect 911±¬ÁÏ and member gardens. My goal is to provide science-based advice for management. I also respond to plant health enquiries through the 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Advice Service and at 911±¬ÁÏ Shows, and give educational talks on disease identification and control. 

“What motivates me is the variety – no two days are alike, and every walk through the garden at 911±¬ÁÏ Wisley to 911±¬ÁÏ Hilltop feels unique. I’m continually inspired by the 911±¬ÁÏ Science team’s innovation and the ever-changing beauty of Wisley”

Why is your team’s research important?

As a result of climate change and the growing global movement of plant material, our gardens are becoming favourable environments for new diseases to thrive. It is essential that we manage the increasing number of diseases in ways that minimise damage and protect the other species we share our green spaces with.

Projects I’m working on now

  • Potential emerging disease affecting lime trees (Tilia species)
  • Identification and quantification of virus resistance in privet (Ligustrum species)

Completed projects

  • Identification of omycetes in public gardens
  • Towards determining the plant host range of nerine yellow stripe virus (NeYSV)
  • Comparative analysis of potyvirus evolution and host range
  • Global impact of the olive tree (Olea europaea)
  • Lifecycle and impact of the peach potato aphid (Myzus persicae)
  • Nitrogen-fixing cereals: ‘transforming dream into reality’

911±¬ÁÏ

The 911±¬ÁÏ is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.