Diagnosis and management of dieback in Persimmon trees

The Faculty of Science and Health is seeking a PhD candidate to investigate the causal organisms responsible for dieback in Persimmon and to provide growers information on appropriate management strategies to minimise yield loss. The project is funded by Hort Innovation and Charles Sturt University and will work closely with the Persimmon industry in Australia.

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the School of Agricultural, Environment and Veterinary Science at the Wagga Wagga Campus of Charles Sturt University under the Principal Supervision of A/Prof Sandra Savocchia.

Prospective candidates will need to apply via a competitive process (see ‘how to apply’ below).

Contact

A/Prof Sandra Savocchia
Charles Sturt University
ssavocchia@csu.edu.au
02 6933 4341

How to apply

Applications will need to apply for enrolment.

Prospective Higher Degree by Research candidates can apply for the Diagnosis and Management of Dieback in Persimmon Trees Scholarship when completing their Charles Sturt course admission application. When given the option to apply for a scholarship select 'Yes'; 'Full-time AGRTP' and 'Other'. Under 'Other' enter Diagnosis and Management of Dieback in Persimmon Trees Scholarship.

  • Eligibility

    This scholarship is for full-time study towards a Doctor of Philosophy. The scholarship is competitive, and only applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria will be considered:

    • Commencing a Charles Sturt University HDR program, or currently enrolled
    • Enrolling/enrolled as a full-time student
    • Experience in plant pathology or a related discipline

    The scholarship will not be available to those who:

    • Are enrolled concurrently in any other study program, unless it is essential to the success of the HDR, or exceptional circumstances exist and are approved.
    • Are receiving another Commonwealth-funded postgraduate research scholarship

    Charles Sturt will rank scholarship applicants according to a specified criteria. See Scholarship Application Guide for further details.

  • Award value

    The scholarship provides the following benefits:

    Stipend: This scholarship is valued at $28,854 per annum, payable in fortnightly instalments.

    Stipend  Top-Up: Hort Innovation Australia will provide a stipend top-up valued at $10,000 per annum for three years, payable in fortnightly instalments.

    Tuition Fees: Fee exemption for a period equivalent to four years (eight sessions) for PhD/Research Doctorate at full-time study.

    Operating Funds: Scholarship candidates are allocated an allowance of $15,000 per annum to assist with the reimbursement of costs associated with a candidate’s research.

  • Scholarship duration

    The scholarship tuition coverage is tenable for 4 years for Research Doctorate studies subject to satisfactory progress.

    The scholarship stipend coverage is tenable for 3.5 years and the stipend top up for 3 years for Research Doctorate studies subject to satisfactory progress.

    The scholarship operating fund allowance is tenable for three years for Research Doctorate studies subject to satisfactory progress.

    N.B. There is no opportunity to extend any of the above scholarship components.

Application closing date

The closing date for applications is Friday 29 April 2022.