In this episode, I am joined by Professor Treena Burgess, Executive Director of the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University, and one of the world’s foremost experts on Phytophthora, to unravel the fascinating biology and devastating impact of this plant pathogen. Together, they explore what makes it so persistent, how it spreads, and why climate change and human activity have amplified its reach.

From the challenges of containment and restoration to new research uncovering potential resistance and soil microbiome defenses, this conversation shines a light on both the scale of the problem and the growing hope for solutions.

Whether you’re a scientist, conservationist, or simply someone who loves the Australian bush, this episode offers a powerful look at how one tiny organism can reshape an entire ecosystem and what we can do to protect what remains.