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Second crop of canola poses a huge risk
9 February 2012
The planting of a second crop of canola in the same ground needs to be avoided at all cost as there is a huge risk of it succumbing to blackleg disease. This was one of the key messages to emerge from a conference dedicated to the number one canola threat held at Wagga Wagga on 7 February. All sections of the industry were represented at the well attended event which heard the latest research and control measures to fight blackleg. The conference was jointly hosted by Ag Institute Australia and the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation. Read more
Fleabane a cross border weed issue
9 February 2012
Fleabane is fast becoming a major weed of economic importance in crops and pastures in southern Australia.
The latest information on fleabane and its management is the target of a workshop to be hosted by the Graham Centre (an alliance between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries) at Wagga Wagga on 21-22 March. The workshop is part of a national fleabane research project funded by GRDC and lead by Dr Michael Widderick from DEEDI, Queensland. Read more
Centre Deputy Directors appointed
9 February 2012
Graham Centre members Professor Gavin Ash (CSU) and Dr Edward Clayton (NSW DPI) have recently been appointed as Deputy Directors of the Centre. The Deputy Directors will support the Director in Centre operations and lead their appropriate teams in developing profitable and sustainable agricultural systems. They will assist in identifying and communicating potential research projects to industry and facilitate the development of high quality research project applications that address industry issues.
Forming collaborative links with industry
7 February 2012
Graham Centre Director Professor Deirdre Lemerle and Centre Member Professor Peter Wynn recently travelled to La Trobe University, Melbourne, to meet Professor Terry Spithill, developing collaborative links in agriculture and animal production and to view the new AgriBiosciences Centre facilities at La Trobe University.
Students gain experience in the workforce
7 February 2012
Over November-December 2011, a number of local senior science school students participated in the Primary Industries Centre for Science Education (PICSE) Industry Placement Scholarship (IPS). The IPS connects tertiary bound science students with primary industry scientists, university professionals and exciting pathways. Students attended a five day Industry Placement Camp showcasing a variety of careers in primary industry, and gained experience working in a primary industry of their choice, working side-by-side with industry professionals. The scholarship culminated on 3 February with the PICSE Reporting Back Session, where the 12 participating students shared their experiences and received Certificates of Participation. Read more
Chinese visit strengthens overseas partnerships
31 January 2012
A delegation from the NorthEast Institute of Geography and Agro-ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, visited the Graham Centre on 30 January, 2012. Professor Xingyuan He, Director, Professor Pingyu Zhang, Deputy Director and Professor Daowei Zhou, Head Grassland Farming Group NorthEast Institute of Geography and Agro-ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences toured Graham Centre facilities including the Ryziolysimeter and met with Dr Guangdi Li and Centre Director Professor Deirdre Lemerle to discuss potential collaboration between the Graham Centre and the NorthEast Institute of Geography and Agro-ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Graduations
20 January 2012
A number of Graham Centre members participated in the Faculty of Science graduation ceremony at Wagga Wagga during December. Congratulations are extended to the following people who received a Doctor of Philosophy:
Kah Yaw EE 'Characterisation and bioactive properties of protease inhibitors and phenolics components from Australian Wattle (Acacia Victoriae Bentham) seed'.
Karen Kirkby 'The chemistry of ascorbic acid and sulfur dioxide as an antioxidant system relevant to white'.
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Jeff McCormick 'Growth, development and yield of dual purpose canola (Brassica napus) in the medium rainfall zone of south eastern Australia'.
Congratulations are also extended to Ross Gilbert who graduated at CSU, Orange campus with a Doctor of Philosophy in December. Ross' thesis was titled 'Determination and evaluation of endemic fungi found on alligator weed in Australia for the development of a bioherbicide'.
Talent recognised by RAS
11 January 2012
Mr David Gale has been awarded one of eight Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) 2012 Rural Achiever Awards. David was a Graham Centre Intern during 2009, working with Associate Professor Phil Eberbach, Dr Mark Conyers and Dr Iain Hume. In 2010 David received an Honours scholarship from GRDC and the Graham Centre researching the agronomic benefits of decreasing inorganic fertiliser use through the utilisation of composts. His supervisors were Dr Jason Condon, Dr Alison Southwell and Dr Mark Conyers. David is currently employed with NSW DPI as a graduate trainee at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle.
Stratgic plan sets direction through to 2016
11 January 2012
The Graham Centre's strategic plan 2011-16 focuses on eight key strategic areas and outcomes to consolidate and expand the Centre during the next five years. This includes identifying 2-3 key priority knowledge areas; developing strong partnerships with farmer groups; reviewing and streamling membership based on performance; evaluating the Centre profile by improved communication and industry links; developing a Monitor, Evaluate and Improve (MERI) plan, to determine the Centre's success; and streamling administrative processes. Contact the Graham Centre for hard copies or download here.
Snail biocontrol trial results fast-track new weapon for growers
11 January 2012
Encouraging results from southern field trials of a new biological agent to combat snails in grain crops have researchers on track for development of a commercial control.
Recent GRDC funded field trials of the nematode-based control on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, where snails are a major pest, have been declared a success, enabling scientists to progress with more refined field trials to be conducted this year in SA and Victoria.
The Victorian trials will also target slugs which were a significant problem in that state’s cropping regions during the 2011 growing season.
Professor Gavin Ash from the Graham Centre said the biocontrol was applied in high and low rates against conical and round snails and was compared with application of metaldehyde-based baits. Read more