Travis
Glare

Biography

My research has focused on questions that relate to the reduction of damage to plants by invertebrate pests, plant diseases and weeds.  I lead a research team that investigates the biology, ecology and use of insect pathogens as control options for pest insects. My research interests span from genomics to field use. We use several model systems, mainly the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria and Metarhizium, and entomopathogenic bacteria Brevibacillus. Much of the fundamental research is using whole genome approaches and investigating why some strains/species have the ability to both kill insects directly and also live inside plants as endophytes. We also investigate the mode of action of novel insect pathogens, finding new toxins and potential bioactives for biopesticides. My research involvement extends to practical application of biopesticides and has includes production and formulation of products, especially through fermentation. I am a Council member of Better Border Security (B3), a scientific collaboration to improve plant-based border biosecurity.  I am also the Director of the Research Management Office at Lincoln University

Projects