On this page:
Growing salt tolerant wheat
In Australia soil salinity can lead to decreased grain yields. Researchers from APPF have recently had some success in a study to find salt tolerant genes in different plants. The team have identified several beneficial alleles that have produced good results in field trials. Crossing these alleles with high quality germplasm has the potential to increase salt tolerance in wheat.
More information available
Drought tolerant traits in wild barley
The Australian Plant Phenomics facility supported a study which revealed drought tolerant traits in wild barley. Barley is Australia’s second most important cereal crop; its yield is threatened by dry conditions. Wild barley is accustomed to dry conditions and is a valuable source of genes that can improve adaptation of cultivated barley to drought stress.
More information available
Early detection of Grapevine virus infection
Grapevine leaf-roll viruses (GLRV) are a major problem for grape growers in Australia. Unlike humans when a plant catches a disease it carries it for the rest of its life. Successfully managing the spread of disease in a vineyard is dependent on early detection. Pawsey’s super computing resources have improved the diagnostic capability for GLRV. Grape growers are now able to identify and remove infected vines before GLRV begins to spread.
More information available
Understanding salt tolerance in the world's most important food crop
The Australian Plant Phenomics facility (APPF) have been conducting research to help us understand the traits that cause salt tolerance in rice. Rice is the most important food crop in the world and its yield is being threatened by increased soil salinity and other environmental factors. APPF’s research will identify variants that will be able to feed the global population.
More information available
Helping mango farmers improve their harvest
Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) worked with the University of Queensland to develop an innovative tool for farmers called Fruitmaps. The tool translates data collected from sensors and provides estimates on the crop size, fruit size and the best time for harvesting. Fruitmaps has been widely adopted by mango farmers in Queensland and has increased some farms performance by 40%.
More information available
Working hard to save our bacon from African Swine Fever
Researchers at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) have been testing pork products seized at international airports for African Swine Fever (ASF). ASF kills 80% of the pigs it infects, and outbreaks have been noted just outside Australia’s borders. Authorities are using the results from ACDP’s testing to refine and strengthen Australia’s border security measures.
More information available