(1963 – 2024)
In late May the sugarcane world lost one of their significant plant pathologists with Dr Kathy Braithwaite succumbing to a brain tumour at the age of only 61.
Kathy grew up in Brisbane and graduated from the University of Queensland with a PhD investigating variation and specialisation in the plant pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. She explored an exciting new field of science where molecular biology was used to understand plant pathogen diversity and to determine how new plant pathogen variants would arise. After a short postdoc appointment, she joined the Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations (later Sugar Research Australia) where she remained until 2019.
In sugarcane, Kathy’s most significant achievement was co-discovering the causal agent of sugarcane chlorotic streak disease, which had baffled pathologists since the 1920s. The organism turned out to be a novel member of the phylum Cercozoa, explaining field observations of movement in irrigation and flood waters. This work saw her awarded a Best Paper prize at the 2016 ISSCT Congress in Thailand, and a President’s Medal at the 2013 ASSCT conference.
Kathy’s work spanned many other diseases, Ramu stunt, orange rust, sugarcane smut, sugarcane bacilliform virus, with 23 papers/posters contributed to ASSCT. She played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in the response to the sugarcane smut incursion in Australia, confirming the field identification with molecular assays to meet the requirements of the government quarantine notices. Kathy’s sequencing of the genome of Ramu Stunt was another major achievement. Kathy also demonstrated her skill and meticulous work by conducting studies of variation and species identification of a number of fungi and insects that have increased our understanding and have been a basis for control programs. Her work on diseases in Papua New Guinea that threaten the Australian industry won her a second ASSCT President’s Medal in 2018.
Kathy’s life wasn’t all science. She enjoyed craft work, vintage fashions and accessories, picnics, dinners out and dancing (where she met husband Ray). After leaving SRA, Kathy and Ray bought a motorhome and used it to explore many parts of Australia.
Kathy was a talented researcher and a great team member, liked by all, and always available to help others in the laboratory. She contributed significantly to the social life at BSES/SRA and was never reticent in speaking her mind (which sometimes grated on her managers!). Delivering results that impacted on the viability of the Australian industry, Kathy, you will be remembered.
Dr. Peter Allsopp
ISSCT, Editor