Detecting Triazole Resistance

This proof-of-concept project seeks to investigate a rapid electrochemical diagnostic tool for detecting triazole resistance in agricultural and environmental contexts. Triazole fungicides are widely used in horticulture and broadacre cropping systems, but their extensive application has led to the emergence of resistant fungal strains in soils, compost, irrigation water, and post-harvest environments. Among these, Aspergillus fumigatus, a thermotolerant fungus with known triazole resistance, poses a growing threat to food safety, crop health, and biosecurity in Australia’s primary industries. Current diagnostic methods, such as culture-based assays and PCR, are time-consuming, require specialised laboratory infrastructure, and are unsuitable for rapid, on-site detection.

Led by Dr Jowenna Sim, this project will establish an in-vitro proof-of-concept for electrochemical detection using PEDOT (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene))-coated electrode substrates. The study combines microbiological, molecular, and electrochemical methodologies to evaluate whether PEDOT-based interfaces can distinguish resistant from wild-type/non-resistant A. fumigatus strains. Resistant and wild-type strains will be obtained from established culture collections and grown under controlled laboratory conditions. Resistance phenotypes will be confirmed using antifungal susceptibility testing. Quantitative PCR targeting key resistance genes will be used to establish molecular benchmarks. PEDOT-based electrodes will be exposed to A. fumigatus strains, and their electrochemical responses will be evaluated.

This exploratory study will assess signal specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility in controlled, in-vitro settings, providing foundational data for future development of a functional detection platform. If successful, this work will support the design of rapid, field-deployable diagnostic tools suitable for complex environmental matrices such as soil, compost, and irrigation water. The anticipated outcomes will enhance biosecurity and fungicide resistance stewardship by enabling earlier detection and better monitoring of resistance in agricultural supply chains. Future phases will involve collaborative scaling and validation in real-world settings, with industry partners contributing to further development and integration into resistance management frameworks.

University of South Australia (UniSA)

Twelve months