Although proteins are often considered the functional output of genes, approximately 99% of RNA molecules transcribed from plant genomes do not encode proteins. These non-coding RNAs, together with chemical modifications of RNA molecules, form powerful regulatory systems that control plant and animal growth, reproduction, adaptation, and evolution.

Our laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms by which non-coding RNAs, RNA modifications, and epigenetic pathways regulate gene expression in plants using next-generation RNA sequencing, bioinformatics, molecular genetics, biochemistry and CRISPR genome editing, we uncover how plants integrate genetic, epigenetic, and environmental information to control developmental outcomes.

Our group has produced numerous high-impact publications in leading international journals on the biology of non-coding RNAs and RNA modifications. We were the first group to publish transcriptome-wide maps of RNA modifications in plants, helping establish the emerging field of plant epitranscriptomics. Today, our research continues to explore how RNA-based regulatory mechanisms can be leveraged to improve crop performance, resilience, and reproductive success.

Students joining the laboratory gain training in state-of-the-art genomics and genome engineering while addressing some of the most exciting questions in modern plant biology. Honours, Master of Research, MPhil, PhD and postdoctoral projects in epigenetics are available. Email me at, iain.searle@adelaide.edu.au, for further information.

The development of environmentally sustainable alternatives to chemical disease control is a critical challenge for modern agriculture. Our research focuses on discovering and deploying beneficial microorganisms that protect crops from economically important bacterial and fungal diseases.

Our laboratory developed GTI-5813, the world's first biological control agent for grapevine crown gall disease, one of the most destructive bacterial diseases affecting grapevine nurseries and vineyards worldwide. GTI-5813 was engineered from the naturally occurring biocontrol strain Allorhizobium vitis F2/5 and successfully retains disease-suppressive activity while reducing undesirable tissue necrosis. The technology has progressed to commercial-scale field evaluation in partnership with industry and nursery stakeholders.

Relevant highlights include:

• Development of the GTI-5813 biocontrol strain for grapevine crown gall disease.
• Complete genome sequencing of the crown gall-inhibiting bacterium Allorhizobium vitis F2/5.

Featured news: Work on controlling crown gall disease bears fruit.

Ensuring food and fibre production under increasingly challenging climatic conditions is one of the defining agricultural challenges of the twenty-first century. Our research seeks to identify the genes, molecular pathways, and breeding technologies needed to develop crops adapted to drought, heat, salinity, and low-fertility environments.

A major focus of the laboratory is common vetch (Vicia sativa), a strategically important legume crop for low-rainfall farming systems. We lead the International Vetch Genome Consortium, which generated the first high-quality reference genome for common vetch and established genomic resources that are accelerating crop improvement globally.

Our group also leads the ambitious 1001 Vetch Genomes Project, which aims to capture the genetic diversity of vetch germplasm worldwide and identify naturally occurring alleles associated with agronomically important traits.

In addition to genomics, we pioneered the first efficient transformation system for common vetch and established CRISPR genome editing tools for functional genomics and trait development in this previously under-resourced crop. By integrating next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, molecular genetics, and genome engineering, we are building the resources needed to transform vetch into a next-generation crop for sustainable agriculture in arid Australia.

Students working in this area participate in internationally collaborative research spanning crop genomics, biotechnology, breeding, and climate adaptation.

Relevant highlights include:

• Chromosome-level assembly of the common vetch (Vicia sativa) reference genome (2021)
• Genome‐Wide Association Study Reveals the Genetic Architecture and Key Drought and Yield Related Genes in Common Vetch (2026)

Outcrossing is a fundamental biological process that generates genetic diversity, drives adaptation, and underpins modern crop breeding. Understanding how plants promote cross-pollination provides opportunities to improve hybrid production systems and accelerate crop improvement.

Our laboratory investigates the genetic, molecular, and developmental mechanisms that regulate floral architecture and reproductive success. Combining molecular genetics, biochemistry, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, advanced microscopy, and CRISPR genome editing, we study how floral organs develop and function to maximise reproductive fitness.

A major recent breakthrough for the field from our group was the identification of the first gene shown to control stamen direction, revealing a novel mechanism regulating pollen presentation and outcrossing. This discovery has opened exciting new opportunities to understand reproductive evolution and to manipulate floral traits for crop improvement.

Our research sits at the intersection of developmental biology, cell wall biology, reproductive genetics, and agriculture, offering students a unique opportunity to work on discoveries that connect fundamental science with real-world applications. Within the field of plant development we have published in tope journals like Science, Genes & Development and The Plant Cell.

Student & Postdoctoral Success and Research Training

A central goal of our research program is to provide outstanding training opportunities for the next generation of plant scientists. Students in our laboratory are encouraged to develop independence, critical thinking, technical expertise, and strong scientific communication skills while working on research questions at the forefront of plant biology and agricultural innovation.

Our laboraty's students regularly present their work at national and international conferences and have been recognised through Dean's Commendations for Academic Excellence, competitive research scholarships, conference presentation awards, and postgraduate research prizes. Many have co-authored publications in leading international journals, reflecting the collaborative and high-performing culture of the laboratory.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive international research environment where students can thrive academically and professionally. Whether pursuing careers in academia, biotechnology, agriculture, government, or industry, our laboratory's graduates leave with the skills, confidence, and international networks required to succeed.

The greatest measure of our success is the success of our students, and we take pride in seeing them develop into future scientific leaders. Graduating PhD students have had positions are prestigious global institutions like The University of Cambridge, The University of Nottingham (UK), The Laboratory for Molecular Biology (UK), The Max Planck Institute (Germany), been awarded prestigious postdoctoral research fellowships in Europe or Australia, or hold independent research positions in China, Vietnam or Europe.