Dr. Fiona Constable leads the Microbiology group of Agriculture Victoria Research (AVR), part of the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) and is located at the Centre for AgriBioscience (AgriBio).

AgriBio is one of the premier bioscience facilities in Australia and focuses on cutting-edge research to improve plant and animal productivity, biosecurity, and reduce environmental impact.

Dr. Constable has more than 30 years’ experience in plant virology and phytoplasmas, including ecology, diagnostics and biosecurity. Her expertise is recognised and highly respected both nationally and internationally.

The Microbiology group supports the national strawberry breeding program and certified runner production through the management and testing of new Australian breeding lines and high-health strawberry plants. They also hold, and test as needed, other high-health berry fruit species. These biosecurity services are provided through Crop Hygiene and the state government plant diagnostics laboratory, Crop Health Services.