Applied Mycology Laboratory
Research Field
Dr. Hiran Ariyawansa has been a faculty member in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan Univerity, since 2017. As a phytomycologist, his primary research and extension efforts focus on managing diseases associated with tropical fruits and Allium crops in Taiwan. He has undertaken various studies to enhance the diagnostics of causal pathogens, comprehend pathogen epidemiology, and formulate effective disease management strategies. Additionally, Hiran Ariyawansa is intrigued by intra- and interspecies variation and its correlation with host specificity and speciation. His interest lies in understanding the vast diversity of fungi, the reasons certain groups have more species than others, the evolution of different traits, and the factors influencing speciation and the emergence of novel fungal lineages. To accomplish these objectives, his research group employs comparative genomics, analyzes morphological features, and profiles secondary metabolites to determine relationships, create classification systems, and unravel the features driving fungal evolution.
The Applied Mycology Laboratory focuses on generating new knowledge to understand the fundamental basis of emerging diseases caused by plant pathogenic fungi. Our goal is to develop tools that enable a rapid response to contain and limit the potential damage posed by these emerging threats. We are particularly interested in understanding the factors that contribute to the emergence and persistence of destructive pathogens as they adapt to new environments and hosts—especially those that were historically considered weak pathogens or endophytes.
Our research primarily centers on diseases affecting fruits (such as guava, wax apple, strawberry, mango, kiwi, loquat, and grape) and Allium crops in Taiwan, caused by emerging pathogenic fungi. Specifically, we investigate the biology, epidemiology, and management of pre- and postharvest fruit, foliar, and root diseases caused by fungal pathogens. This work encompasses studies in mycology, the ultrastructure of host-pathogen relationships, soil fungal biology, and the use of genetic and genomic data to understand the ecology and evolution of plant pathogen populations and plant-associated microbes. We also focus on developing both biological and molecular techniques for pathogen detection and identification, as well as creating disease forecasting programs and innovative management practices.
In addition, we are interested in fungal biodiversity, particularly species that are pathogens of insects. Our research employs comparative genomics, morphological features, and secondary metabolites profiling to determine relationships, devise classification systems, and understand the evolutionary drivers of these fungi.
Our specific research objectives are to:
- Understand the pathogenicity and lifestyle transitions of Pestalotiopsis sensu lato.
- Manage fruit diseases caused by Pestalotiopsis sensu lato species using chemical, cultural, and biocontrol approaches.
- Control diseases of Welsh onion using chemical, biocontrol, and microbiome manipulation approaches.
- Determine the diversity, comparative genomics, and biological activity of entomopathogenic fungi in Taiwan.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
- Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University (2021,2022, 2023 and 2024)
- Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate Analytics (2018)
- Best Teacher Award (2023 and 2024) by National Taiwan University
- Best performance award 2022 by National Taiwan University
- Best Teacher Award 2019 (English medium) by the College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Associate Editor for Fungal Diversity (2015- Present)
- Editor for Mycological Progress (2019- Present)
- Editor for Journal of Fungi (2022- Present)
- Editor for Plant Pathology (2024- Present)
- Editor for Research in Plant Disease (2020- Present)
- Editor for AGRIVITA, Journal of Agricultural Science (AJAS) (2018- Present)
- Scientific Editor for Mycosphere (2015- 2018)
- Associate Editor for Studies in Fungi (2015- Present)
- Ad-Hoc reviewer of Fungal Diversity, Plant diseases, Studies in Mycology, Persoonia, Journal of Crop, Protection, Sydowia, Mycological Progress, PLOS one, Phytotaxa, Fungal Biology and Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, Scientific Reports, Biodiversity (2013- Present)
MEMBER OF SCIENTIFIC COUNCILS
- Members of the International Commission on the Taxonomy of Fungi (ICTF) (2018- Present)
- Member of the Taiwan Mycological Society (2017- Present)
- Member of the Taiwan Phtyopathological Society (2020 - Present)
- Member of the American Plant Pathological Society (2019- Present)
- Member of the British Society for Plant Pathology (2024- Present)
Ph.D. in Bio-Science: April 2015, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand. Title: Taxonomy and Phylogenetic Evolution of Pleosporales
M.Sc. in Biotechnology: Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya (PGIA), Sri Lanka. (2009-2011)
B.Sc. in Biological Science: Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. (2005-2009)
Certificate in Molecular Biology and Gene Technology: Gene-tech, Sri Lanka (2010)
2 Vacancies
Job Description
What You Can Learn:
Comparative Genomics and Species Differentiation
Learning how genomic studies help classify fungal species more accurately than traditional morphological methods.
Understanding how comparative genomics can reveal the genetic basis for host colonization and disease mechanisms.
Implications for Disease Management
Exploring how genomic insights can lead to:
More precise fungal identification and classification.
Improved predictions of fungal pathogenicity and host interactions.
Better disease control strategies based on fungal genomic adaptations.
Unresolved Questions in Fungal Genomics
Recognizing that despite recent advances, the genomic differences underlying lifestyle transitions in Pestalotiopsis and Pseudopestalotiopsis remain largely unknown.
Understanding the need for further research to uncover genetic factors influencing virulence, host specificity, and environmental adaptation.
Preferred Intern Education Level
We are looking for motivated graduate students in the areas of Biology, Agriculture and chemistry.
Skill sets or Qualities
The basic skill of handling microbes.
Basic knowledge about Fungal Phylogenetics and Evolution
PCR
2 Vacancies
Job Description
Members of Neopestalotiopsis display considerable ecological plasticity and infect a large number of hosts. However, the host range and pathogenicity of Neopestalotiopsis species under elevated temperatures have been poorly studied in Taiwan and worldwide. Therefore in this study, we are also aiming to understand the host range, cross-infection potential and virulence under various temperatures of Neopestalotiopsis species. Finally, this study will investigate in vitro secondary-metabolite production of Neopestalotiopsis and understand their host-specific and non-host-specific phytotoxins under room and elevated temperatures.
What You Can Learn:
Ecological Plasticity and Pathogenicity
Understanding how Neopestalotiopsis species adapt to various environmental conditions and infect a broad range of hosts.
Exploring the concept of host range and cross-infection potential, which is crucial for predicting the spread of fungal diseases.
Effects of Climate Change on Fungal Pathogens
Investigating how elevated temperatures influence the virulence and host specificity of Neopestalotiopsis.
Learning about the importance of studying fungal pathogenicity under different temperature conditions to predict potential future disease outbreaks.
Secondary Metabolites and Phytotoxins
Understanding in vitro secondary metabolite production and its role in fungal pathogenicity.
Exploring the difference between host-specific and non-host-specific phytotoxins and their potential effects on plant health.
Investigating how temperature variations influence metabolite production and toxin activity.
Plant-Pathogen Interactions and Disease Management
Learning how fungal metabolites contribute to plant disease and their role in virulence.
Understanding the potential for cross-infection between different plant hosts, which is vital for developing effective disease control strategies.
Exploring the implications of these findings for biosecurity and agricultural disease prevention.
Preferred Intern Education Level
We are looking for motivated graduate students in the areas of Biology, Agriculture and chemistry.
Skill sets or Qualities
The basic skill of handling microbes.
Basic knowledge about Fungal Phylogenetics and Evolution
PCR