Alec Forsyth

I am the School Director of Quality and am a former Section Director of NAS and Course Director

I am a well rounded plant scientist having undertaken postdocs in plant pathology, plant genomics and photosynthesis, and have developed and taught plant science for the last 15years.

As section director I was responsible for the validation of the NAS suite- 9 degree courses- and also drove forward and delivered Royal Society Biology accreditation of our degrees.

As well rounded plant scientist with broad research expertise I teach across the plant science modules but especially those involved with molecular biology and plant pests and pathogens.

I was external examiner for Askham Bryan (Harper Adams University) Horticulture courses between 2018-2022, and have been external examiner for postgraduate degrees at University of Greenwich

My main interest is in understanding the relationship of plants with pathogens, and how basic knowledge of these interactions can be used to improve crop performance and deliver effective control of disease.

My current research can be broadly divided into three areas:

a) Genetics underpinning plant pathogen interactions of viral, bacterial and fungal diseases.

b) Plant secondary metabolites and the genetic, biochemical and physical responses of plants to attack by pathogens.

c) Plant tissue culture: the use of this technique for overexpression of compounds and regeneration of disease free material.

Current research:

a) Viral diseases of perennial plants: we are using molecular techniques to identify and investigate viral infections of commercial bulb populations and other perennials.

b) Identification of soil borne micro-organisms with special interest in understanding the spread and host range of Pythiums and Phytophthora species.

c) Investigating the molecular basis of viral host range.

d) Plant tissue culture to regenerate virus free plants of commercial importance.

Supervision:

If you are interested in undertaking research in any of these or related areas, please contact me. We have opportunities for undergraduate interns, MRes and PhD projects

Research Projects

Changes in apple orchard microbial communities, and soil quality, in response to climate change. Researcher(s): Ms Maya Sollen-Norrlin. Supervisor(s): Dr Naomi Rintoul-Hynes, Dr Alec Forsyth, Dr Rodrigo Vega. [Postgraduate Research Project]
Determining proteins that interact with NIa-Pro from nerine yellow stripe virus, the method behind this interaction and whether this determines the host range. Researcher(s): Mr Adam Scanlon. Supervisor(s): Dr Alec Forsyth, Dr Kristofer Leslie, Professor Simon Harvey. [Postgraduate Research Project]
IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF VIRUSES ISOLATED FROM NERINE. Researcher(s): Dr Naomi Beddoe. Supervisor(s): Dr Alec Forsyth, Dr Lee Byrne. [Postgraduate Research Project]
Identifying Oomycetes in a Public Garden. Researcher(s): Mrs Louise Jones. Supervisor(s): Dr Alec Forsyth, Dr Naeem Syed. [Postgraduate Research Project]
Risk-benefit assessment of staples in Central Africa and the effect of climate change: Case study of Maize (Zea mays L) in Cameroon.. Researcher(s): Mr Shey Ndogmi Yoniwo. Supervisor(s): Dr Joseph Hubert Galani, Dr Alec Forsyth, Dr Naeem Syed. [Postgraduate Research Project]