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21 July 2006
Highlights from the Charles Sturt University postgraduate workshop
The 12th annual Charles Sturt University Faculty of Science and Agriculture Postgraduate Workshop was held on the 19th of July at the University's Wagga Wagga campus. The workshop included presentations by a number of Graham Centre postgraduate students, covering a diverse range of topics including metagenome analyses, irrigation, canola agronomy and the antioxidant properties of food flavours. Students Bree Wilson and Alison Southwell presented posters - congratulations to Alison for winning the award for best poster.
Chris O'Neill presented the latest findings on research investigating contrasts in the yield variability of maize crops under drip, furrow and sprinkler irrigation. Although there are differences between the treatments in terms of spatial variability and overall yield, identification of the most efficient approach will depend on costs such as labour input. Chris' future work will include investigation of spatial relationships between soil and yield characteristics.
Richard Hayes provided an excellent presentation on the role of his PhD research in a larger project designed to assess the ability of perennial pasture species to efficiently use soil moisture. So far his field trials have been confounded by dry seasons. From the results to date there appears to be little difference between species in terms of their water use characteristics. Richard's future work will examine the longevity, effects on soil water content and agronomic traits of the perennial pastures he is trialling.
Shaun Curtin presented the results of research examining the role of double-stranded RNA binding proteins in the model plant, Arabidopsis. These proteins have been found in all Eukaryotes (animals, plants, fungi, algae and protozoa) and are important for regulating gene expression. In plants, these proteins are of great importance as a defence mechanism against viruses. The aim of Shaun's future work will be to further refine models that define the role of double-stranded RNA binding proteins in the biological pathways of plants.
Shiying Yang gave a presentation on the use of DArT genotyping applied to the pigeon pea. Her work involved the collection and analysis of the genome of pigeon pea varieties from around the world and the construction of a genetic linkage map describing the genetic distance between the varieties. Shiying found that amongst most cultivars there is very little genetic diversity, a great contrasts to wild-types.
Phil Bowden explained that his research on the impact of pesticides on arthropod communities in canola took a surprising twist when he examined communities before and after stubble burning. Stubble burning appears to have a bigger impact on arthropod communities than commonly recommended pesticides. The future challenge of his research will be to identify alternatives to stubble burning that have the potential to control pests but minimally impact on arthropod species that are beneficial to canola crops.
Cathy Waters' research is part of a new field of science known as landscape genetics, a combination of landscape ecology and population genetics. Cathy is examining the morphological, physiological, cytological and genetic differences of wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia spp.) populations from central New South Wales. Her research has highlighted the importance of matching the genetic characteristics of Austrodanthonia spp. to fine scale landscape characteristics.
Joel Thogersen has been investigating the antioxidant properties of extracts from a selection of native vegetation (the flavours used in Charles Sturt University's range of cheeses). Joel has designed a system in which liquid chromatography is used to separate compounds present in the extracts and then automatically determine the oxidative/reductive potential of these compounds. Interestingly, Joel explained that large variations in the antioxidant properties of extracts within species could be explained by processes such as fungal infection of the plant.
Jeff McCormick explained the goals of his research on dual-purpose canola. Canola has an indeterminate growth characteristic which permits developing plants to be grazed without necessarily impacting on yield. Jeff is assessing the impact of grazing on yield under different agronomic options, such as planting winter cultivars earlier or delaying the sowing of spring cultivars. Due to seasonal conditions Jeff's current work is glasshouse based: evaluating the effect of defoliation on development and the time taken to flower.