THE UWA INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE Annual Research Report 2013 Vision To be recognized for excellence in serving agriculture and the management of natural resources through research, education and training in a regional, national and international context. Mission To advance research, education, training and communication in agriculture and natural resource management for the benefit of mankind. Objectives To enhance The University of Western Australia’s contribution to agriculture and to the management of natural resources in Western Australia, and in selected national and international settings. Strategies · Integrating: Bringing together UWA’s agricultural research, teaching, training and communication activities; integrating complementary activities across disciplines and organizational units, and providing a focus for leading- edge Research and Development (R&D); · Connecting: Fostering national and international linkages and alliances that bring new knowledge and expertise to UWA and allow the university to share its knowledge with the world · Resourcing: Increasing the pool of resources available for investment in critical R&D in Western Australia; · Communicating: Strengthening communication links with regional industry, farmer groups and the broader regional and scientific communities.

ioa.uwa.edu.au Contents The UWA Institute of Agriculture Annual Research Report 2013

Vision

Mission

Objectives

Strategies

Executive Summary | 02

1. Integrated Land and Water Management Program | 04

2. Plant Production Systems Program | 18

3. Animal Production Systems Program | 36

4. Rural Economy, Policy and Development Program | 48

5. Education, Outreach and Technology Exchange Program | 58

Research Projects and Research Training | 71

The UWA Institute of Agriculture Team | 75

The UWA Institute of Agriculture Members 2013 | 79

The UWA Institute of Agriculture Publications 2013 | 81

Acronyms | 91

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 01 Executive Summary Throughout 2013 the IOA continued to build its reputation for innovation and excellence with a diverse range of new and ongoing research projects and training activities in local, national and international arenas.

Collaboration with universities and Plant Production Systems has rarely been examined in this research institutions in Australia Program context. Another option is to breed and overseas produced positive sheep which emit less methane. Given that the world’s population outcomes, with a high level of keen Genetic studies are also looking is expected to reach nine billion co-operation which bodes well for at breeding sheep with more by 2050, breeding cereals with a the future. IOA researchers and physical resilience to breech strike, higher yield is vital for food security. academics forged links with their a problem currently controlled by Disease resistance is an important peers in China, India, Korea, Africa, shearing, mulesing and chemical part of the issue. Research was the USA, Canada, Europe and New treatment. One project concerns conducted on the development Zealand. semiochemicals which repel or are of cereal varieties with good toxic to the flies that cause breech resistance to Fusarium crown rot. Listed below are some of the strike. The goal is to synthesise As this disease causes large losses highlights of IOA’s five research and these semiochemicals or extract in bread wheat, durum wheat development programs in 2013. them to be bred in sheep. and barley worldwide, breeding resistant varieties would greatly Rural Economy, Policy Integrated Land and assist national and international Water Management and Development crop industries. Other projects Program Program investigated how to improve disease Projects covered a range of Among the subjects investigated in resistance in canola, strawberries carbon-related topics such as 2013 were the relationship between and other crops including carbon-biodiversity issues in native increased soil carbon and nitrous chickpeas resistant to Ascochyta, shrubs on farmland, the economics oxide emissions, the effects of with trials of the last achieving of carbon emissions in agriculture, nitrification and biochar, and the positive results. Working with and the factors which influence efficient use of water and nutrients. partners in India IOA researchers whether or not farmers are willing An exciting addition to the IOA’s also studied the abiotic stresses to adopt carbon-farming practices. portfolio was the establishment of (e.g. drought, heat and salinity) that limit chickpea productivity. The feasibility of multi-peril crop a Critical Zone Observatory at UWA insurance was examined, with Farm Ridgefield. About 50 Critical the interesting conclusion that Zone Observatories already exist Animal Production Systems Program shifting the risk of crop failure to an in Europe and the USA, providing insurance company could mean a network for scientists studying The Ruminant Pangenome Project that farmers lose their incentive to Earth’s ‘outer skin’ - but this is the saw the IOA collaborate with make prudent decisions to protect first in the Southern Hemisphere. international partners in 2013. It is the crops themselves. Another On the home front a project named one of several projects focusing project studied the factors that MicroBlitz connects with the on ways to reduce methane influence the sustainability and general public by inviting volunteer in livestock, whose emissions competitiveness of co-operative ‘citizen scientists’ across WA to contribute to greenhouse gas; the enterprises. In international terms collect soil samples for analysis. northern rangelands beef herd the establishment of the Australia- The goal is to better understand alone accounts for 6% of Australia’s Africa Universities Network is a how microbial communities total emissions. Options include most significant venture which maintain and improve soil replacing traditional forage plants prioritises food security, public sustainability when climate change, with different species which, as they health and education. population growth and agriculture ferment, cause less methane to put the land under pressure. form. Plant methanogenic potential

02 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Education, Outreach and I would like to express my utmost Technology Exchange appreciation to everyone involved in Program IOA research and training activities, and in particular to our national and Television audiences learned international collaborators, funding more about UWA’s Future Farm bodies and industry partners. thanks to a segment filmed for the ABC’s ‘Catalyst’, broadcast in February, and UWA’s Centre for Integrated Bee Research featured in – and provided a scientific advisory team for – a multi-award winning documentary titled ‘More than Honey’ by Oscar-nominated Winthrop Professor director Markus Imhoof. Kadambot Siddique AM FTSE FAIA Hackett Professor of Agriculture Major internal events hosted by Chair and Director the IOA included the Postgraduate The UWA Institute of Agriculture Showcase, six public lectures and The University of Western Australia the seventh consecutive annual Industry Forum which in 2013 was themed ‘Food 2050’. Thirteen new PhD students commenced their research in 2013.

A training course took place in Bangladesh in February, while in May UWA enhanced its links with China when the Centre for Dryland Agricultural Ecosystems was launched at Lanzhou University.

Fifty-two new research projects were approved in 2013. The IOA issued 57 media statements, and research by the IOA was published in 182 refereed journals, five book chapters, one refereed conference proceedings and one book.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 03 1. Integrated Land and Water Management Program

Of the global challenges that society currently faces the basic requirement to feed the increasing world population is Greenhouse gas emissions and soil carbon of critical importance. Farming systems that are based on Does increasing soil carbon has been shown to increase soil

sound scientific and practical in sandy soils increase soil N2O emissions. Understanding knowledge need to be designed nitrous oxide emissions the possible consequences of to support an environmentally from grain production? increasing soil C on GHG is critical and economically sustainable when assessing the effectiveness Australia, while addressing the Project team: Assoc/Prof Louise of soil C sequestration to abate need for soil, water and food Barton1 (leader; email: louise. GHG emissions from the agricultural security. This necessitates that [email protected]), Prof Daniel land sector. Our knowledge of benefits from applied fertilisers Murphy1, Ms Debra Donovan1, Mr GHG emissions from cropped are maximised while off-site Chris Swain1, Dr Frances Hoyle2,1, soil is largely derived from impacts, including nutrient flow Dr Craig Scanlan2, Prof Dr Klaus agricultural systems in the Northern to waterways and greenhouse Butterbach-Bahl3 Hemisphere, and their applicability gas emissions, are minimised. Collaborating organisations: to southern Australian cropping At the same time the climate is 1UWA; 2DAFWA; 3Atmospheric systems remains poorly understood. altering and farming systems Environmental Research, Karlsruhe need to be able to respond to Institute of Technology, Germany; The aim of this study is to investigate climate change and variability. DAFWA; Liebe Grower Group; if increased soil organic C levels National Australian Nitrous Oxide result in an increase of N2O Within the Integrated Land and Research Program emissions from a cropped soil at Water Management Program Buntine in the Western Australian researchers within the IOA Crop production is often a (WA) grainbelt. This is being studied are collaborating with leading source of greenhouse gas (GHG) by continuously measuring GHG national and international emissions including nitrous emissions over a two and a half organisations to address these oxide (N O), which is almost 300 year period using automated gas global concerns. 2 times more potent than carbon collection chambers on plots at the Liebe Group’s long-term soil dioxide (CO2). Agricultural soils

can also be a sink for CO2 via biology trial where soil organic soil carbon (C) sequestration. C levels have been increased by However, increasing soil C levels approximately 0.6%.

04 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Mitigating greenhouse gases decreasing N2O emission from both with nitrification inhibitors sites during the winter crop growing and biochar in fallows season; however, the nitrification

inhibitors did not decrease N2O Project team: Dr Ken Flower1 emissions from harvested wheat (leader; email: ken.flower@uwa. and pea crops in the 2013 summer edu.au ), Dr Sudheesh Manalil1, season. The results also suggest Dr Matthew McNee2, Mr James that under (relatively) wet conditions Eastern3 during the hot summer fallow period, post-harvest crop residue generates Collaborating organisations: N O emissions. 1UWA; 2WANTFA; 3CSBP 2

This project aims to demonstrate Biochar on nitrous oxide the capacity of on-farm practices emissions

to decrease N2O emissions and The project examined the effects of increase the sequestration of organic nitrification inhibitors and biochar C in soil. Nitrification inhibitors, treatments in 2012 and 2013 at the biochar and fallow-crop rotations Pingelly and Cunderdin locations. (including legumes in no-till cropping Biochar is reported under soil systems) were tested for their and environmental conditions greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement to sequester C, decrease N2O potential, and for any beneficial emissions and improve soil effect on soil organic C levels, at two properties leading to improved crop sites in the grain belt of WA. production. Therefore the project tested a combination of biochar In 2013 the team completed Nitrification inhibitors on nitrous and nitrification inhibitors for any collecting the first 12 months of N2O oxide emissions combined benefits in reducing 2N O emissions data. Preliminary findings Nitrification inhibitors are known emissions in 2013. The trial results indicate increasing soil organic C from 2012 showed no difference in to decrease N2O emissions in has increased N2O emissions at broadacre cropping by inhibiting N2O emissions between chemical Buntine, with greatest emissions microbes capable of converting fallow and biochar that was occurring following summer and ammonium into hydroxylamine, the incorporated into the soil. The 2013 autumn rain. However, after one first step of the nitrification process. data is not yet available. year of measurements annual Research gaps exist regarding emissions were found to be low the effectiveness of nitrification Winter fallow systems and nitrous

(0.02–0.16 kg N2O -N/ha/yr) by inhibitors under varying soil types oxide emissions international standards. Globally, and environments. There is also The project monitored fallows for and across a variety of climatic a lack of knowledge surrounding their GHG emission levels. While regions, annual N2O losses from the effectiveness of nitrification fallows are an important moisture cropped mineral soils have ranged inhibitors in summer time where conservation strategy in rainfed from 0.3 to 16.8 kg N2O -N/ha/yr. there is a flush of ammonium, from agriculture, their high soil water Thus the Buntine data is below or at mineralisation following rainfall, content – compared to soil where the lowest levels reported globally. which is available for nitrification. crops are grown – may increase

The annual N2O emission reported N2O and hence increase GHG for Buntine is also within the range This project tested the effectiveness emissions from agricultural soils. of nitrification inhibitors under of values previously reported by the The N2O emissions from fallow plots team for two other study sites at varying soil types at two trial sites, were lower than those from wheat Cunderdin and Wongan Hills in the Pingelly (duplex sand over clay) and during the winter cropping season in Western Australian grain belt. Cunderdin (heavy red soil) in 2012 2012. The higher nitrous oxide from and 2013. In addition, the role of the wheat plots occurred following This research is supported by the nitrification inhibitors in decreasing fertiliser application, whereas the Australian Government and the emissions when the soil is fallow fallow plots were not fertilised. The Grains Research Development over summer under wet conditions 2013 data is not yet available. Corporation (GRDC). was tested in 2013. The trial results from 2012 showed nitrification This project is funded by the inhibitors to be effective in Australian Government.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 05 Research Station to assess the long- term impact of liming on soil carbon; re-liming and sampling is continuing at this site in 2014.

The team is also comparing claying to the emerging practice of soil inversion (by one-off mouldboard ploughing or spading) for influence on soil C storage capacity. C and N cycling are slower at depth than on the surface – thus burying SOM through mouldboard ploughing and spading has potential for increasing C storage in soil as the buried SOM may decompose at a slower rate. In addition the ‘new’surface soil layer is likely to have a C content below saturation; thus enabling further soil C capture.

Sampling of claying and soil inversion trials will continue in 2014, with emphasis on long-term lime trials and emerging spading and mouldboard ploughing trial sites.

The project is supported by funding from the Australian Managing biological, Program (SCaRP) WA component Government (2013-2016). physical and chemical (see IOA Annual Research Report constraints to soil carbon 2012, page 7) which highlighted that Maintenance of soil organic storage the surface soil layer (0–10 cm) of carbon levels supporting many WA agricultural soils is largely grain production systems Project team: Assoc/Prof Deirdre saturated and that if further gains Gleeson1 (leader; email: deirdre. in soil C storage are to be made Project team: Dr Frances Hoyle1,2 [email protected]), Prof Daniel then soils at depth (10–30 cm) (leader; email: frances.hoyle@agric. Murphy1; Assoc/Prof Peta Clode1, need to be targeted. The project is wa.gov.au), Prof Daniel Murphy2, Dr Dr Yoshi Sawada1, Dr Hazel Gaza1, assessing the potential to increase Yichao Rui2, Xiaodi Li2 Dr Frances Hoyle1,2, Dr Clayton soil C via management practice by Collaborating organisations: Butterly3, Prof Cixian Tang3, Dr. using: (i) existing practices such as 1DAFWA; 2UWA; National Soil Samantha Grover3, Dr Lynne claying and liming (i.e. increasing Carbon Program (NSCP) Macdonald4, Dr Jeff Baldock4 pH) and (ii) emerging practices such as one-off soil inversion using Long-term viability of sequestering Collaborating organisations: mouldboard ploughing or spading. 1UWA; 2DAFWA; 3La Trobe C in soil hinges on the stability and University; 4CSIRO availability of C to microorganisms in The team is investigating lime soil. Although some of the biological Sustainable management of soil management as a strategy to mechanisms influencing C and N carbon (C) is essential for the overcome constraints on C storage turnover in soil have been identified, continued viability of Australian in acid soils and assessing the information is still required on the agriculture. This project aims to impact of liming and liming history soil C levels (quality and quantity) provide options to overcoming on soil organic matter (SOM), required to maintain long-term C constraints to C storage in coarse- decomposition and stability. Initial storage in agricultural soils. textured agricultural soils. It builds soil sampling from historical lime on the Australian Government’s trials (1994 to 1998) took place at This project investigates the critical previous Soil Carbon Research the end of 2013 at the Wongan Hills point in soil C levels required to

06 | ioa.uwa.edu.au maintain productivity and C storage Nutrient use efficiency While the majority of the samples in dryland grain production systems. are still being processed, it Improved nitrogen use is clear that a large positive During 2013, a meta-analysis was efficiency in wheat and response to increased N conducted on data from 1050 sites barley fertilisation was obtained at both (4500 samples) from across the anthesis (vegetative yield) and WA wheatbelt that was collected as Project team: W/Prof Zed maturity (grain yield). There was part of the Australian Government’s Rengel1 (leader; email: zed. a significant difference in N use previous Soil Carbon Research [email protected] ), Asst/Prof efficiency of various genotypes Program (SCaRP). Analysis of Hossein Khabaz-Saberi 1 of wheat and barley. For wheat, previous site histories, management the DH population showed a Collaborating organisations: and soil physio-chemical data typical bell-shaped curve of N use 1UWA confirmed that soil depth, rainfall, efficiencies extending beyond the temperature, soil type (i.e. texture/ Modern crop varieties have range of N use efficiencies of the clay content) and land use were the relatively poor N fertiliser use parents. The next step will be to primary drivers of total soil organic efficiency – rarely better than about identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) C (SOC) in these agricultural soils, 30-40%. Such poor usage rates associated with N use efficiency. with a number of soil and agronomic cost growers money in wasted variables (e.g. pH, stock, fertiliser fertiliser and potentially lead to This research is supported by application) also having a significant environmental damage via N GRDC. effect. The data has been used leaching into waterways. by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) within a soil- In the first phase of the project, the Modelling spatial and landscape mapping framework variation in N use efficiency was temporal dynamics of to produce a report card for SOC characterised in a large number of rhizosphere exudation stocks (0-0.1 m) in WA agricultural wheat and barley genotypes. Based 1 soils (www.agric.wa.gov.au/soil- on these data, 12 genotypes each Project team: W/Prof Z Rengel constraints/report-card-south-west- of wheat and barley were selected (leader; email: zed.rengel@uwa. western-australia). for their extreme difference in N use edu.au), Adj/Assoc/Prof Arthur 1,2 1 efficiency. In addition, a doubled- Diggle , Dr Yinglong Chen This research is supported by haploid (DH) wheat mapping Collaborating organisations: the Australian Government and population from parents differing 1UWA; 2DAFWA DAFWA. in N use efficiency was tested. All these genotypes were grown This project includes two major at Wongan Hills and Esperance components: experimental work Downs in WA at two N fertilisation and simulation modelling exercises. rates. In 2013 research was focused on rhizosphere exudation of various narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) genotypes for parameterising root models.

Large variation in phosphorus (P) efficiency was found among the tested genotypes with 3.9 times (shoot growth), 4.7 times (relative shoot growth rate) and 2.2 times (P uptake efficiency) greater values in the most efficient genotype than in the least efficient genotype.

Genotypes with contrasting P efficiency with consideration of differential root architecture were used in characterising rhizosphere exudation. The rhizotron system containing a removable clear panel

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 07 enabled non-destructive collection of exudates from individual root tips as well as measuring and photographing root development over time. The results showed that lactic, acetic, maleic, fumaric and citric acids were commonly present in all tested genotypes, while trace amounts of malonic, cis-aconitic, succinic and trans-aconitic acids were detected in some samples. The P-efficient genotype exuded significantly higher concentration of lactic, acetic, citric and fumaric acids than the P-inefficient genotype, while the inefficient genotype had about threefold higher concentration of maleic acid than the efficient one.

This study will enable comprehensive analysis of genotypic variability in rhizosphere Management of (C:N) on the P release capacity of exudation, and will provide a microorganisms to unlock the soil microbial community. database for the ROOTMAP the phosphorus bank in soil model to simulate spatial and The team applied mixtures of simple temporal dynamics of exudation Project team: Assoc/Prof Deirdre organic compounds at different C:N in response to low P supply. This Gleeson1 (leader; email: deirdre. ratios to test the hypotheses that: project contributes to developing [email protected] ), Prof (i) organic matter inputs with low ROOTMAP into a 3-D computer Daniel Murphy1, Asst/Prof Suman C:N would increase the microbial simulation tool that will aid breeders George1, Mr Pu Shen2, Prof biomass until it exhausted the in producing new genotypes with Xu Minggang2, Dr Chris Guppy3 supply of easily available P forcing root system optimised for specific it to access fixed P in soil and (ii) environments and efficient in Collaborating organisations: organic matter inputs with high C:N capturing soil resources (water and 1 2 UWA; Chinese Academy of would support a smaller but more nutrients). Agricultural Sciences (CAAS); diverse microbial community with 3 University of New England more strategies to access fixed P. This research is supported by Australian grain producers apply the Australian Research Council $1 billion worth of phosphorus Analysis of the data broadly (ARC). (P) fertilisers each year, but the support the hypotheses and where fertiliser use efficiency of grain a higher C:N ratio substrate was production in Australia is at applied (C:N=50:1) the resultant best 50%, and can be as low microbial biomass was smaller but as 10%. Much of the remaining had a higher diversity than the soil fertiliser P becomes fixed in soil and microbial biomass where substrates the P ‘bank’ in Australian arable with a lower C:N ratio (12.5:1) were soils is estimated to be worth applied. The team is currently $10 billion. The project aims to assessing further how the soil P provide grain growers with practical cycle is altered as a consequence management options that harness of changes in diversity and biomass soil microorganisms to unlock part relative to C:N ratio of inputs into of this fixed P bank. these systems.

The current research has focused This project is supported with on studying the influence of plant funding from the GRDC and ARC residue carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (2011-2015).

08 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Climate change and water use efficiency

Evaluating the potential The team has been analysing the Polymers for improving soil for groundwater trading in regulations and policies influencing moisture management and the Gnangara groundwater groundwater transfers in a case cropping productivity system of Western Australia study area – the Gnangara groundwater system around Perth, Project team: Prof Daniel Murphy1 WA – and has identified significant Project team: W/Prof David (leader; email: daniel.murphy@ impediments to groundwater uwa.edu.au), Dr Falko Mathes1, Pannell1 (leader; email: david. markets, namely: (i) property Dr Jeremy Bougoure1, Assoc/Prof [email protected]), Mr James rights are conditional, temporary Matthias Leopold1, Assoc/Prof Skurray1, Assist/Prof Ram Pandit1 and vulnerable to amendment; Louise Barton1, Dr Gavan McGrath1, Collaborating organisations: (ii) regulatory approval is required W/Prof Tony O’Donnell1, Assoc/ 1UWA for all transfers; (iii) facilitating Prof Peta Clode1 infrastructure is lacking; (iv) price Collaborating organisations: This study examines the potential information is unavailable; (v) 1UWA; CRC-Polymers; Swinburne for trading of groundwater to management area boundaries University of Technology; BASF; be an effective policy response reflect land ownership and use CSIRO; University of New England to groundwater shortages in rather than hydrogeological a horticultural region of Perth. realities; the limitation of transfers to The project aims to develop new The development of a market in within these boundaries eliminates products that will help farmers groundwater usage rights can be much of the potential for gains better manage water and nutrients inhibited by constraints arising from trade; (vi) over-allocation and in the soil and thereby improve from the institutional context. Such weak monitoring also impede the dryland productivity. Development is impediments may reduce the development of a market; and (vii) occurring in: (i) surfactant-enhanced potential gains from trade and may the current management system soil wetting; and (ii) functionalised generate high transaction costs for is likely to obscure unmet demand soil polymers. This collaboration prospective traders. for water-rights transfers between marks an important step in building users and usage types. technology that demonstrates our commitment to farmers in Australia This research is supported by the and around the world. National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training. Non-wetting soils comprise up to 30% of Australia’s cropping land and produce only 10% of the nation’s

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 09 broadacre crops, which is well measures such as soil moisture Farming in a biodiversity below their water-limited potential, or water-holding capacity. This is hotspot – harnessing native because of run-off and poor furrow being achieved by the integration plants to reduce deleterious efficiencies. Research is targeting of soil matric potential techniques off-site phosphorus flows the management of soil moisture into micro-computed tomography (controlling soil wettability and scanning instrumentation, which Project team: Assoc/Prof Megan nutrient delivery) and optimising the provides both visualisation and Ryan1 (leader; email: megan. physical, chemical and biological quantification of water and soil [email protected]), W/Prof responses, both in the plant root spatial distribution and connectivity. Hans Lambers1, Prof Ed Barrett- zone and the soil biota. It includes At a larger laboratory scale, electrical Lennard1, Mr Dion Nicol1, Assist/ the effects of different soil types, resistivity tomography is being Prof Carlos O’Campo1, Prof Mark crops and growing conditions on used on experimental plots to act Tibbett2, Prof Phillip Brookes 3 crop yield benefits. The output as an intermediate step between Collaborating organisations: from this research will be a range laboratory experimentation and field 1UWA; 2Cranfield, UK; of polymers for improving crop trials, for providing, under controlled 3Rothamstead, UK; Greening productivity by controlling soil conditions, early indications of Australia; the Harvey River wettability. During this initial specific influences of scale on Restoration Taskforce; DAFWA; year research has focused on surfactant performance. the National Measurement establishing laboratory experimental Institute; Alcoa Farmlands techniques together with their In the area of agricultural validation with model and real WA functionalised soil polymers, the Flow of P from farmland into soils. All techniques have been development of techniques has waterways is contributing towards designed to provide information focused on understanding their eutrophication, that is a process that allows the results obtained behaviour within contrasting soil where waterways and estuaries from the collaborating laboratories environments. Measurements of (around the world) receive excess of the project’s three universities physical polymer properties and nutrients that stimulate excessive and CSIRO Plant Industry to be the corresponding shear rheology plant growth. In WA this is a serious directly correlated across a range have shown the importance of problem in many areas, including of agricultural soil parameters. the mechanical stability of soil the Peel Harvey. A reduction in Additionally, the project team polymers when under stresses of flow of P into waterways is urgently participated in a field visit to one of imposed soil osmotic and physical required in this region. the WA grower group test regions pressures. A reliable method to examine non-wetting soils, and for assessing the effects of the This project investigates whether to discuss their impact on cropping functionalised polymers of plant uptake of P by P-resistant perennial yields and implementable technical performance in a greenhouse native plants can reduce flow of solutions with farmers. environment has been developed. P into shallow groundwater and The influence of functionalised soil waterways in the Peel Harvey region With respect to surfactant-enhanced polymers within the rhizosphere (a seasonally variable landscape soil wetting, a suite of physical- is being investigated in terms of which consists of a patchwork of chemical test methods have been quantitative wheat shoot and root pastures and highly biodiverse developed and validated with the behaviour, growth and nutrient remnant native vegetation). This aim of providing key information status. The impact of imposed soil project was preceded by an 18 on the surfactant parameters osmotic pressures on soil bacterial month seed project (funded by that define effective soil wetting ingress rates into functionalised Greening Australia using funds from agents based on these WA soil soil polymers was quantified. DNA the US-based Alcoa Foundation) samples. The test methods from around the functionalised soil conducted from 2011 to mid 2012. address the molecular architecture polymers was extracted, quantified controlling surfactant performance and subsequently analysed using An efficient start to research was at the advancing wetting front metagenomics. It was noted that soil achieved: three field sites in the to guide rational formulation for in the region of the functionalised coastal Peel Harvey region (pasture enhanced soil moisture transport. polymers behaves differently, forming to be revegetated to forest; low Developments in soil science soil gradients in the rhizosphere. input beef; high input dairy) were techniques have focused on the use fully instrumented for collection of soil moisture matric potential and This research is supported by of groundwater, and preliminary solute sorptivity, rather than on the Cooperative Research Centre for soil data was collected to a depth more conventional non-functional Polymers and GRDC. of 3 to 4 metres. A wide range of

10 | ioa.uwa.edu.au plant species including current Soil quality monitoring commercial pasture species and native and exotic alternatives Molecular indicators of soil Understanding the role of with unusual P-uptake and P-use quality microorganisms in regulating key characteristics were established soil functions is also important in at two field sites - low P and high Project team: W/Prof Tony alleviating below ground constraints P. Growth and P uptake were O’Donnell1 (leader; email: tony. to crop yield. This is a national measured. At the low P site, plants [email protected]), Dr Sasha program that uses the techniques were harvested before and seven Jenkins1, Prof Daniel Murphy 1 of molecular biology to identify a and 28 days after a pulse of fertiliser set of microbial variables that best P was applied. Measurements of Collaborating organisations: describe a healthy and productive groundwater P levels and overland 1UWA; Victorian DPI soil and how management impacts flow were taken at three sites. It was on these variables. found that shallow groundwater Soils are widely recognised as tables link up across the landscape being among the most biologically This project aims to determine in winter, providing hydraulic complex systems on Earth and whether molecular methods used connectivity and that P is strongly one gram of soil can contain to quantify the relative abundance concentrated in the surface 5 cm of thousands of millions of individual of bacteria, fungi, archaea, the soil profile. organisms and tens of thousands actinobacteria, mycorrhizae and of species. These organisms play a nitrifiers can be used as indicators Twenty five postgraduate students key role in maintaining agricultural of soil quality. It investigates from UWA visited two of the sites productivity by recycling nutrients, whether relative gene abundance, and the Alcoa Landcare Education fixing nitrogen, suppressing either singly or in combination Centre at Yarloop as part of the unit disease, building soil structure and with other indicators, can be ‘Advanced Cropping Systems’. The transforming soil organic matter. used to develop a minimum set of students integrated the information gained from the fieldsites into assignments on how to ameliorate eutrophication in the Peel Harvey.

This research is supported through an ARC linkage project with Greening Australia, the Harvey River Restoration Taskforce, DAFWA, Alcoa Farmlands and the National Measurement Institute.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 11 indicators for assessing soil quality. It also aims to use data modelling approaches to identify management options to sustain or enhance soil quality and crop yield.

Approaches include the quantification and diversity of microbial populations using quantitative PCR and high throughput small subunit Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) sequencing. Functional differences between soils subject to different managements (e.g. till, no-till and till with organic matter additions, different fertiliser N and P inputs) are being assessed using shotgun sequencing of soil metagenomes. Ecosystems’ response to dimentional structure (where are More than 200 soil samples climate and anthropogenic they located?) is a major challenge from farms across Australia have disturbances: implications for microbial ecologists. Yet this is been analysed to date. These for greenhouse gas the scale at which microorganisms have been sourced through the emissions and nutrient and plants interact, decompose GRDC’s National Soil Quality cycling organic matter and cycle nutrients Monitoring Program, which has including the production of soil quality data from 1700 sites. Project team: Prof Daniel greenhouse gases. It requires study The sampling and analyses are Murphy1 (leader; email: daniel. of the links between soil physical now complete and an extensive [email protected]), Assoc/ and chemical heterogeneity and database relating microbial diversity Prof Deirdre Gleeson1, Dr Jeremy biological processes. Unravelling (relative abundance of bacteria, Bougoure1, Assoc/Prof Peta this complexity at scales 1 1 fungi and actinobacteria) with Clode , Prof Matt Kilburn relevant to the microorganisms in question requires working function (e.g. N cycling, nutrient Collaborating organisations: at nano-, micro-, meso- and availability and microbial biomass) 1UWA; Bangor University, Wales; macro-scales. This is now has been developed. These data Chinese Academy of Agricultural possible through the application are currently being analysed using Sciences (CAAS),China; University of high resolution microanalysis PROCRUSTES rotations and of Vienna, Austria linked to isotopic analysis using Structured Equation Modelling Humanity is challenged with climate nano-scale secondary ion mass (SEM) to investigate the link change, greenhouse gas emissions, spectrometry (NanoSIMS). This between microbial diversity, nutrient declining fertiliser reserves and a instrument, located within the status and the capacity to enhance need to feed the world’s growing world-class Centre for Microscopy, soil productivity and crop yield. This population. Central to these Characterisation and Analysis has already provided novel insights challenges is the functioning of (CMCA) at UWA is the only into differences in below-ground soil microorganisms as they are such instrument in the Southern microbial diversity in soils under responsible for the many ecosystem Hemisphere. The aim of this different managements and on services that we take for granted. project is to utilise NanoSIMS and marked and unexpected impacts Linking the physical heterogeneity molecular techniques to advance on nutrient cycling. of soil to microbial processes marks scientific understanding of how a current frontier in plant and soil the microorganisms responsible This research is supported by sciences. Simultaneous analysis of for ecosystem function respond GRDC. identity (who are they?) and function to climate and anthropogenic (what are they doing?) of microbial (i.e. human) disturbance. The populations with consideration mechanisms for soil-microbial- for maintaining the soil three- plant interactions are being studied

12 | ioa.uwa.edu.au in the context of the cycling of C, Grazing into the future: pasture production should occur in nutrients (N, P) and the greenhouse building soil health and tandem with increased root growth gases CO2 and N2O. This research carbon with pasture and potential for below-ground C focuses on three ecosystems: management allocation. (i) agricultural soils in WA; (ii) agricultural soils in China; and (iii) Project team: E/Prof Lynette Perennial grasses may increase tundra ecosystems in the Arctic. Abbott1 (leader; email: lynette. soil C storage, due to their deeper [email protected]), Dr Zakaria and more extensive root systems In association with this research Solaiman1, Assist/Prof Natasha compared with annual grasses, Professor Daniel Murphy holds a Pauli1, Mr Rob Rex2, Mr Michael and at the same time decrease High-end Foreign Expert visiting Harcourt-Smith2, Mr Warren soil C losses through erosion. Professorship with CAAS. China is Pensini2, Ms Sally Thompson2 Some studies have reported the largest consumer of fertiliser in reduced respiratory loss of soil Collaborating organisations: the world and is WA’s main export carbon in perennial pastures, as 1UWA; 2Bugs and Biology Grower destination; a reflection of the perennial pastures can utilise soil Group expanding Chinese economy. This moisture from summer rains which research collaboration is quantifying This project investigates innovative would otherwise fuel increased how nutrient applications (inorganic on-farm practices to increase the decomposition by soil microbes. fertilisers versus organic manures) sequestration of carbon (C) in and climate change scenarios soil through a range of pasture This project studies soil at three regulate C sequestration and the and grazing strategies, including properties in WA, situated at functioning of the soil microbial cell grazing management (where Wagin, Woodinalling and Boyup communities responsible for pastures are grazed briefly but Brook for a range of pasture and greenhouse gas emissions. intensively), and continuously grazing strategies. During 2013 Historical change in soil organic C grazed (annual) pastures. the team analysed soil samples stocks from long-term field trials for a sequence of six intensively that represent major soil types Cell grazing management has been grazed (cell grazed) permanent and climatic conditions of northern associated with increased pasture pastures containing both perennial China were used to validate production compared with set- and annual pasture species both soil C and climate general stocking. Increased above-ground established between 2003 and circulation models. These models were then used to predict future change in soil C stocks to the end of the century. Predictions indicated that these Chinese (upland) soils will be a net source of CO2 under no fertiliser inputs. However, even when inorganic fertilisers were applied the additional C input from increased plant growth could not meet the depletion of soil organic C (due to microbial decomposition) in parts of northern China. Manure or straw application could however improve the soil organic C sequestration potential at all sites. These findings highlight the need to maintain, and where possible increase, organic C inputs into these farming systems which are rapidly becoming inorganic fertiliser intensive.

This research is supported by the Australian Government and GRDC.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 13 environment as they collect soil samples, which are then sent to a centralised laboratory for DNA sequencing and basic chemical analysis.

The key objectives of the scientific component of the research are: (i) to establish a shared and public knowledge base; (ii) to perform as a benchmark for future monitoring; and (iii) to generate information that will help develop a better understanding of the ecological links between soil microbial communities and their impact on maintaining and improving the sustainability of soils in an environment under increasing pressure (arising from climate change, agriculture and exponential 2012. In addition, soil was collected potential for soil C storage acting as population growth). from a comparison of cell grazed a catalyst for change. and continuously grazed annual The main objectives of the pastures, and a comparison of The project is funded by the community engagement component are: (i) to promote an cell grazed perennial and annual Australian Government. awareness of the applications of pastures was made. soil science and biotechnology MicroBlitz – social soil to the environment; and (ii) to Soil C at the perennial site science actively engage the general public established in 2003 was higher in in ‘cutting edge’ research, which the surface soil layers and at depth Project team: W/Prof Andy happens in real-time. than at any of the other five sites Whiteley1 (leader; email: within the sequence of pastures [email protected]), During the first six months of established more recently. The Ms Deborah Bowie1, Dr Christine the project, the team set up perennial pasture plants are well Whiteley1, Dr Deepak Kumaresan1 the parameters, protocols and established at each site, but the community interface of MicroBlitz, ground cover is dominated by Collaborating organisations: 1 which included developing the annual pasture species which are UWA; Argonne National ‘Microblitz’ branding and a Laboratory, USA; Karara growing between the perennial dedicated website (www.microblitz. Mining; Centre for Ecology and species. Other soil properties com.au). associated with location in the Hydrology, UK landscape may influence soil C ‘MicroBlitz’, also known as The next phase focused on retention in this sequence and this the ‘citizen science project’ promoting the project by partnering is being investigated. comprises a scientific component with various community groups and a community engagement and the media to attract ‘sampler’ This project is establishing a component: it investigates the registrations from the community. monitoring programme for soil C genetic biodiversity, distribution that can extend beyond the three and functionality of microbial The team developed sampling years of this project. It includes communities within Western kits and took part in numerous measurement of a broad suite Australian soils and extends the community events. By the end of soil chemical, physical and outreach capabilities of UWA’s of 2013 over 750 kits had been biological properties. This approach School of Earth and Environment. issued to registered participants recognises that for many farmers, from a range of community sectors the real long-term benefit of ‘carbon MicroBlitz engages volunteer including agriculture, education, farming’ may be through improved citizen scientists throughout WA by conservation and ‘the grey soil health and productivity, with the connecting them with the natural nomads’.

14 | ioa.uwa.edu.au The project also generated Climate change and water use efficiency significant media interest including radio interviews, newspaper articles spaces are also needed for mental and a spot on GWN TV news. Effectively utilising water allocations for managing health and well-being. In 2014, the team plans to further turfgrass in open spaces Water allocation is a key water broaden the project’s impact in planning method being utilised for the wider community with the Project Team: Assoc/Prof Louise 1 irrigating public open spaces in development of an ‘app’ for data Barton (leader; email: louise. southern Australia. Understanding capture in the field, the release of [email protected]), Prof Tim 1 1 a short film and the generation of Colmer , Mr Sam Flottmann how to best manage turfgrass on current and possible lower future more opportunities for volunteers to Collaborating organisations: water allocations is critical for engage in the project. 1UWA managing these community areas. This project is funded by UWA, Southern Australia is expected to the Office of Science at the experience a significant decrease The overall objective of this field- Department of Premier and in water resources due to changing based project is to investigate Cabinet and receives generous climate. Turfgrass managers approaches to best manage in-kind sponsorship from are under continued pressure current and possible future water Life Tech, Grow Safe AMF, to restrict water use, while also allocations to turfgrass in public The Sunday Times, Bunnings maintaining high quality surfaces. open spaces. Consequently, Warehouse Subiaco and the The importance of maintaining the project is: (i) investigating if Perth Caravan and Camping sports turfgrass so as to encourage turfgrass can be maintained with -1 Show. physical activity is well recognised a water allocation (7500 kL ha within the community; however, per year), and the implications of there is increasing evidence that further lowering the allocation on well designed and maintained green turfgrass quality; (ii) evaluating how

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 15 Cross-jurisdictional approaches to regulating for groundwater use efficiency: analysing the experiences of Colorado, New South Wales, and Western Australia

Project Team: Prof Alex Gardner1 (leader; email: alex.gardner@uwa. edu.au), Ms Madeleine Hartley1

Collaborating organisations: 1UWA; The Sturm College of Law (SCOL), Denver University, Colorado

Across the globe, burgeoning populations, climate variability, and reductions in groundwater recharge are placing increased stress on groundwater resources. With reduced groundwater reliability comes a need to ensure its use is efficient. Legal frameworks can play an important role in controlling and improving water use efficiency.

This project seeks to identify the requirements of water use efficiency in legal frameworks, focusing on the hypothesis that a crucial link exists between sustainable development and water use efficiency. This is so that increased efficiency does not result in increased consumptive use beyond sustainable limits. The three an annual water allocation is best Furthermore, simple approaches primary aims of the research are distributed during the year; and (iii) utilising historical climate data can to determine: (i) the ways in which assessing if using a wetting agent be used to effectively distribute an regulatory measures can be used can improve the effectiveness of a annual water allocation during the to achieve improvements in water water allocation. irrigation season. The suitability of use efficiency; (ii) which of these irrigation strategies evaluated in the measures combine to represent The first year of field assessment project’s first year will continue to best practice in regulating for water was completed in 2013. Preliminary be assessed for another two years. use efficiency; and (iii) the role of findings indicate turfgrass can be sustainable development principles maintained on the current water This research is supported by in defining regulatory standards of allocation (7500 kL ha-1 per year), Horticulture Australia Limited water use efficiency. if it does not experience excessive (HAL) in partnership with the wear. Lowering the water allocation Local Government and members Preliminary project findings suggest will have a negative impact on of the Australian Turf Industry. that groundwater law frameworks turfgrass quality, although this may will be most effective at regulating be partially mitigated by using an for its efficient use when founded effective wetting agent as these on principles of sustainability. soils are water-repellent and water The best way for this to occur is loss by runoff and evaporation through a toolbox approach to decreased water use efficiency. regulating for water use efficiency, as it permits the integrated use

16 | ioa.uwa.edu.au of regulatory measures that can Critical Zone Observatory ensure sustainability. Although market forces assume a central role Avon River Catchment Critical Zone at sites around the world in facilitating efficiency, they can be Zone Observatory that are known as ‘Critical Zone weakened by ineffective regulatory Observatories’(CZO). There are Project team: Asst/Prof Matthias frameworks and government inertia. approximately 50 CZOs globally, but Leopold1 (leader; email: matthias. A regulated approach to improving most are in Europe and the United [email protected]), Assoc/Prof water use efficiency therefore States. To make the study of Earth’s Deirdre Gleeson1 retains merit in situations with critical zone truly global CZOs are undeveloped or nascent market Collaborating organisations: needed in locations where climate, structures. 1UWA; Critical Zone Observatories soils and land management differ from that of Europe and the United The Critical Zone is Earth’s outer This research was supported States. skin, where soil interacts with rock, by the National Centre for water, the atmosphere and living Groundwater Research and In 2013, a new CZO was organisms. This zone is essential Training (Flinders University, established by the Soil Science for terrestrial life on Earth because SA), and the Cotton Research discipline within the School of it produces food, influences water and Development Corporation Earth and Environment at the UWA quality and regulates local micro- (Narrabri, NSW). Future Farm in Pingelly (www.czen. climate. An international network org/content/uwa-czo-avon-river- of scientists study Earth’s Critical catchment). The new Avon River Catchment CZO is the first in the Southern Hemisphere and UWA is the first Australian university to be a part of the network of research sites. The site will provide a focus for local, national and international researchers who study this critical part of the environment.

UWA hosted an International Workshop in April 2014 (to mark the establishment of Australia’s first CZO. The workshop brought together local researchers and international experts in CZOs for two days of presentations, workshops and planning future research. Participants visited the UWA Future Farm to hear about the unique landscape, geology and soils at the site.

This research is supported by UWA, the World Universities Network, the Perth USAsia Centre and the Perth Convention Centre.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 17 2. Plant Production Systems Program

The Plant Production Systems Program is made up of a large number of projects in various Improving disease resistance (in crop plants) disciplines (e.g. weed science, pasture science, plant pathology, Characterisation of a major Breeding varieties with good FCR crop physiology and abiotic stress quantitative trait locus on resistance would benefit the crop tolerance, genetics and pre- wheat chromosome 3B industry worldwide. Following breeding) that aim to contribute to responsible for Fusarium on from the team’s previous improvements in productivity and crown rot resistance research, which identified a major sustainability of agriculture. Most quantitative trait locus (QTL) of the of the research focus is on issues Project team: Assoc/Prof Guijun disease on wheat chromosome impacting on plant production Yan1 (leader; email: guijun.yun@ arm 3BL and developed nine pairs systems in rain-fed annual uwa.edu.au), Dr Jun Ma1, Prof of near isogenic lines (NIL), this temperate crops, and pastures for Chunji Liu2, Dr Catherine Feuillet3, project focuses on transcriptomic livestock, but with some work also Dr Daniel Mullan4, Ms Tresslyn characterisations of the NILs and on perennial plants (e.g. vines) in Walmsley4, Mr Jinkao Guo5, Ms the development of a large fine areas of high rainfall and/or other Yanxia Wang5, Dr John Manners2 mapping population from the NILs. horticultural crops with irrigation Collaborating organisations: inputs. Current challenges from Using genome sequence 1UWA; 2CSIRO; 3National Institute biotic and abiotic stresses, as well information on wheat and other for Agricultural Research, France; as preparation of robust options in closely related species the project 4InterGrain; 5Shijiazhuang the face of climate change have, aims to develop tightly-linked DNA Academy of Agriculture and again, set the direction for much of markers which can be used in Forestry Science, China the research in 2013, with particular marker-assisted selection to ensure focus on weed management, With the world population predicted resistance is quickly incorporated disease risks, crop adaptation, crop to rise to 9 billion by 2050 breeding into breeding populations. The improvement and farming practices. cereals with improved yield is project also aims to understand the gaining in importance for future genetic mechanism of resistance food security. Fusarium crown and identify genes responsible for rot (FCR) is a cereal disease that resistance to the disease. causes worldwide yield losses averaging 25% in bread wheat, During 2013 the team developed 58% in durum wheat and 20% in a large fine-mapping population barley. (around 2000 individuals) mainly segregating around the FCR locus on 3BL. They also established

18 | ioa.uwa.edu.au The role of soil factors and Part of this project aims to provide transmission on propagation new information about these material of fungal pathogens two fungal pathogens (Fof and in the severity of strawberry Rhizoctonia spp) and the resistance root and crown disorders in mechanisms associated with them Western Australia for strawberry. In two separate studies, the project team set out to Project team: W/Prof Martin J. identify the resistance mechanisms Barbetti1 (leader; email: martin. of strawberry against Fof and to [email protected]), Dr Xiangling generate information about the Fang1 genetic diversity and evolutionary history (phylogenetic status) of Organisation: 1UWA Rhizoctonia spp., to help develop Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) superior disease management is one of the most important berry strategies and new strawberry crops in the world, with Western cultivars with improved disease Australia (WA) producing up to 90% resistance. of Australia’s strawberry exports in some seasons. Devastating The first study focused on the outbreaks of root and crown disease resistance mechanism against in WA have impacted severely on Fof. The researchers undertook strawberry production with up to a comparative proteome analysis 50% plant losses on worst-affected of Fof to reveal early activation colinearity between the wheat 3BL properties in some seasons. As of defence responses crucial QTL interval and a model species a result, WA’s role as Australia’s in determining host resistance. (Brachypodium). As a result, new major and most reliable exporter The researchers identified 79 gene-based wheat genetic markers ($11 million p.a.) is currently under proteins involved predominantly are being designed based on the threat from such disease outbreaks. in primary, secondary and protein sequences of Brachypodium genes Of the root and crown diseases on metabolism, stress and defence in the colinear region. strawberry, Fusarium wilt caused by responses, antioxidant and In addition, the team developed a Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae detoxification mechanisms, and procedure capable of generating (Fof) and root rot caused by the hormone biosynthesis. Among up to eight generations of wheat Rhizoctonia spp. pose serious the 79 proteins, certain groups and nine generations of barley threats to commercial strawberry showed great potential in mediating per annum (see also cover production. strawberry resistance against Fof. story of IOA News April 2013 edition: http://www.ioa.uwa. edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0004/2292322/104678_IOA- newsletter-v7-web.pdf).

Funding was recently awarded by the Council of Grain Growers Organisation (COGGO) for another project that will implement the newly developed ‘fast generation technology’ (see also page xx) for the Australian wheat/barley industry.

This project was funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) with CSIRO, INRA, InterGrain and Shijiazhuang Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 19 Furthermore, the team found that Factors responsible for host rapid and destructive under the protein modification may also play resistance to the pathogen disease-conducive environments of an important part in the resistance Sclerotinia sclerotiorum for Australia. Effective host resistance mechanism. developing effective disease to this pathogen is urgently needed management in vegetable if Sclerotinia rot is to be successfully This study has provided the first Brassicas managed across diverse oilseed, insights into strawberry resistance forage and vegetable crucifer crops mechanisms against Fof, opening Project team: W/Prof Martin J. worldwide. novel avenues to engineer new Barbetti1 (leader: email martin. strawberry cultivars with improved [email protected]), Ms This project focuses on identifying disease resistance and to develop Margaret B. Uloth1, Dr Mingpei new sources of resistance to S. more effective and sustainable You1, Assoc/Prof Patrick sclerotiorum for crucifer crops, disease management strategies. Finnegan1, Dr Surinder S. Banga2, through two separate experiments. Dr Shashi K. Banga2, Dr Prabhjot The first experiment involved field The second study focused on the S. Sandhu2; Dr Huang Yi 3 screening 127 diverse cruciferous genetic diversity and phylogenetic genotypes to S. sclerotiorum; Collaborating organisations: status of the fungus Rhizoctonia the second experiment involved 1UWA; 2Punjab Agricultural spp. The researchers examined screening a set of 55 Brassica University, India; 3The Chinese diseased strawberry plants in WA napus lines carrying one or more B. Academy of Agricultural Sciences and found that 96 Rhizoctonia carinata B genome introgressions. (CAAS), China spp. isolates recovered from the diseased plants were binucleate Sclerotinia rot, caused by the fungal For the first time worldwide, Rhizoctonia (BNR). Testing pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the researchers succeeded in revealed 65 of these isolates to be is an endemic and serious disease determining responses to this pathogenic on strawberry, but with across the vegetable Brassica- pathogen on 15 specificBrassica wide variation in virulence, with growing regions worldwide. Recent species, and on B. napus with 25 isolates having high virulence. surveys of Western Australian introgression(s) from B. carinata. There was no significant association Brassica producers revealed The responses ranged from highly between genetic diversity and Sclerotinia rot to be the most resistant to highly susceptible virulence of these BNR isolates. important yield-limiting and least across the genotypes tested, while controllable of the various diseases a selection of genotypes across This study showed wide genetic that threaten vegetable production, different Brassica species showed diversity of the pathogenic BNR causing yield reductions in Brassica very high-level resistance against isolates associated with root crops of up to 30%. The invasion a highly virulent and prevailing rot of strawberry in WA; it also patterns of S. sclerotiorum are highlighted new genetic groups not previously associated with root rot of strawberry. The wide variation in virulence and genetic diversity identified in this study will be of high value for strawberry breeding programs in selecting, developing and deploying new cultivars with resistance to these multi-genetic groups of BNR.

This project is funded by the ARC, the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) and the Strawberry Growers Association of WA.

20 | ioa.uwa.edu.au pathogen pathotype. Furthermore, some forage and/or vegetable crucifers also showed high-level resistance to natural epidemics in WA.

In addition, there appeared to be separate genetic control for stem versus leaf resistance, crucial to the understanding needed in developing resistant cultivars across different cruciferous crop types; findings indicated that genotypes with high-level stem or leaf resistance are of high value for developing new disease-resistant cultivars of oilseed, forage and vegetable crucifers.

This project is funded by the ARC and DAFWA.

Determination of factors responsible for aphid-borne pea seed-borne mosaic virus epidemics in pea and development of effective virus management tools project is focused on understanding and climatic conditions throughout these relationships within the the growing season strongly Project team: Prof Roger Jones1 PSbMV pathosystem in order to correlated with aphid arrival and (leader; email: roger.jones@uwa. accurately forecast epidemics using buildup in the crop. The data also edu.au), Assist/Prof Michael a predictive model. This will act as showed that early aphid arrival and Renton1, Ms Brenda Coutts2, Dr a decision support system when build up led to higher rates of early Joop van Leur3, Mr Benjamin growers are deciding what control spread of PSbMV. Congdon1 measures to use and to use these In addition to the field trials, a Collaborating organisations: to higher efficacy through better series of glasshouse experiments 1UWA; 2DAFWA; 3NSW-DPI timing of employment. are underway to analyse the Field pea is part of crop rotations in While this project only commenced relative importance of different the grainbelt of Western Australia in June 2013 (with the appointment aphid species as vectors and to (WA) and is worth more than $50 of Benjamin Congdon who is examine the possibility of wind/ million a year. It provides weed undertaking the research under his contact transmission of the virus control options and disease breaks PhD project), the project makes as an alternative to transmission by for our important cereal crops use of good quality validation data aphids. as well as enhancing available from field trials setup in Esperance This project is funded by an soil nitrogen via nitrogen fixation. and Avon districts for the fourth ARC Linkage grant with DAFWA Epidemics of pea seed-borne consecutive year. and the New South Wales mosaic virus (PSbMV) can cause Five field plots were sown in the Department of Primary Industries up to 50% losses in field pea yield 2013 growing season at two sites (NSW DPI). and seed quality defects, which can in WA and three sites in New South lead to downgrading at the market. Wales. Aphid and virus samples Climatic variables are hypothesised were collected at one to two weekly to strongly affect aphid arrival intervals and tested for aphid vector and build-up in the crop, which in numbers and virus spread. Rainfall turn influences virus spread. This from late summer to early autumn

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 21 UWA-CSIRO collaboration on legume genomics and and hence reduce the ability of the molecular plant pathology pathogens to cause disease.

During 2013 the project advanced Innovative approaches to The overall objective of this project significantly, as reflected by three resistance to necrotrophic is to reduce the impact of existing major accomplishments: the fungal pathogens and sap- and new (exotic) problems for the team (i) recognised the plant’s sucking insect pests Australian grains industry caused role in utilising reactive oxidative by necrotrophic diseases and species to provide resistance to the Project team: W/Prof Karam insect pests. The project team has necrotrophic pathogen, R. solani; Singh1,2 (leader; email: karam. previously identified genes in the (ii) generated an excellent reference [email protected]), Assist/Prof model legume Medicago truncatula genome sequence for R. solani Jonathan Anderson1,2 that are able to provide resistance AG8 and conducted comparative genomics to identify candidate Collaborating organisations: to R. solani and some other effectors and pathogenicity genes, 1UWA; 2CSIRO; ICRISAT; Curtin necrotrophic pathogens as well as and (iii) generated a comprehensive University candidate genes with the potential to provide resistance to aphids. In genome assembly for model legume-infecting Fusarium wilt The root-infecting necrotrophic this project the characterisation pathogen and initiated collaboration fungal pathogen Rhizoctonai solani of these genes and their potential with the International Crops causes $77 million damage to use in providing resistance to Research Institute for the Semi-Arid wheat and barley and significant recalcitrant necrotrophic diseases Tropics (ICRISAT) to compare to a losses to legumes and canola while in crops is investigated further. In chickpea infecting isolate. sap sucking insect pests cause addition to studying the plant side about $240 million damage every of interactions with pathogens and This project is funded by year for field crops and pastures pests, this project tackles diseases the Grains Research and in Australia. In addition to these caused by R. solani and Fusarium Development Corporation existing problems devastating oxysporum by sequencing the (GRDC). exotic pathogens and pests, genomes of these pathogens to including Fusarium wilt of legumes allow prediction of genes important (chickpea, lupin and lentils) and for the ability of these pathogens to Genome sequencing in Russian wheat aphid (which causes infect their host plants, followed by narrow-leafed lupins $US 1 billion total damage to wheat functional testing. This knowledge crops internationally), are a threat will be used to formulate strategies Project team: W/Prof Karam to the continued profitability of the to limit the impact of these Singh1,2 (leader; email: karam. Australian grains industry. pathogen genes in crop plants [email protected]), Assoc/Prof Lars Kamphuis1,2, Asst/Prof Matt Nelson1, E/Prof Craig Atkins1, W/ Prof Grant Morahan1

Collaborating organisations: 1UWA ; 2CSIRO; BGI, China; Proteomics International; WAIMR

Narrow-leafed lupin (NLL) is the main grain legume grown in WA and forms an important part of sustainable farming systems, reducing the need for nitrogenous fertiliser, providing valuable disease breaks and boosting cereal yields. There are exciting opportunities to accelerate NLL breeding that are opening up through the genomic/ sequencing revolution. NLL has only been recently domesticated and there is tremendous scope

22 | ioa.uwa.edu.au for rapid improvements through Genome sequencing in sequencing technologies there are applying modern pre-breeding and chickpea new powerful tools available to the breeding technologies. modern plant breeder that could Project team: W/Prof Karam rapidly accelerate pre-breeding and The scope of this project is to Singh1, 2 (leader; email: karam. breeding programs for chickpea provide the research and breeding [email protected]) and a large and other legume crops and community with extensive number of international scientists lead to major advances in crop information on the NLL genome from collaborating institutions improvement. sequence. Its major focus is to below decipher as much of the gene As part of the International Collaborating organisations: space sequence as possible and Chickpea Genome Sequencing 1UWA ; 2CSIRO Plant Industry; to use this valuable sequence Consortium (ICGSC), this project ICRISAT; BGI, China; University information to greatly accelerate aimed to generate a genome marker discovery and identification of Queensland; Curtin University; sequence using next generation of candidate genes of interest for University of California- Davis, sequencing technology for a kabuli lupin crop improvement. Highlights USA; University of Saskatchewan, genotype that can serve as a in 2013 were: (i) the in-depth tissue- Canada; University of Córdoba, reference genome for this important specific transcriptome sequencing Spain; NCGR, USA pulse species and help accelerate for three NLL accessions molecular based pre-breeding Legumes are a critical component (two domesticated and a wild and breeding efforts for crop for Australian agriculture as they accession); (ii) a draft genome improvement. sequence at 45x coverage that provide disease breaks, help with has provided 521 MB of genome weed control and fix nitrogen, In 2013, the chickpea genome sequence; and (iii) the generation thereby reducing the economic sequence for a kabuli genotype of large numbers of SSR and and environmental costs of was achieved through Australian SNP markers from lupin genome/ using industrial fertilisers for their participation in ICGSC, to generate transcriptome sequence and using cultivation and for subsequent a reference chickpea genome them to genotype NLL recombinant cereal crops. An important grain sequence. In partnership with inbred line (RIL) populations. legume grown in Australia is BGI, ICGSI used powerful next chickpea which is also the third generation sequencing to: (i) This project is funded by the most important pulse crop in the generate a high standard genome GRDC. world covering an area of 11.08 assembly for kabuli chickpea; (ii) million ha. Through the genome re-sequence another 90 chickpea revolution and next generation genotypes, including desi, kabuli

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 23 and wild genotypes; and (iii) begin collaborators in India (led by Dr to training of the next generation to identify genes for important Rajeev Varshney) of pulse breeders, molecular traits to greatly accelerate marker geneticists and crop physiologists discovery and identification of Abiotic stresses limit chickpea for India and Australia. candidate genes of interest. productivity. The project objectives are to work as a collaborative multi- The UWA component during 2013 This collaborative chickpea disciplinary team in Australia, and focused on field evaluations of genome sequencing project is a in collaboration with the project’s numerous lines in replicated field critical first step that will provide Indian partners, to: (i) refine plots in water-limited environments pulse geneticists and breeders and apply field and controlled- (two sites), and of a smaller set a foundational resource for this environment phenotyping to of lines in field rows for salinity important crop. The work will identify unique and shared tolerance. This information provides have benefits nationally and differential responses within Indian the basis for association to be made internationally. and Australian germplasm to between phenotype and genotype. drought, heat and salinity stresses; This trial comprised chickpea lines This research was funded by the (ii) identify tolerant genotypes specifically selected for adaption GRDC and several international and enhance understanding of to water-limited environments, as partners. the physiological and genetic well as current check varieties. The mechanisms governing stress parentage was made up of Indian- responses (including evaluation derived and Australian breeding Genomic approaches for of the inheritance of key traits); lines, strengthening the focus of stress tolerant chickpea (iii) identify candidate genes the project on collaboration and the associated with the tolerance acquisition of knowledge regarding Project team (in Australia): Dr pathways through trait mapping germplasm relevant to both Tim Sutton2, W/Prof Tim Colmer1, and positional cloning with the view Australia and India. W/Prof Kadambot Siddique1, for marker assisted selection and Assoc/Prof Victor Sadras3, Prof genes for genetic engineering; (iv) Seed of each line was sent to David Edwards4, Assoc/Prof identify functional alleles through the Australian Centre for Plant Rebecca Ford5, Dr Nitin Mantri6, genome-wide selection and RNA Functional Genomics (ACPFG) for Dr Jiayin Pang1, Mr John Quealy1 sequencing, enabling screening and genotyping. The field trial evaluated Collaborating organisations: evaluation of alleles at multiple loci plot yields (machine-harvested), as 1UWA; 2ACPFG; University of that contribute to stress tolerance; well as plant traits (hand-harvested) Adelaide; 3SARDI; 4ACPFG; (v) develop gene databases and of seed yield per plant, yield University of Queensland; selection tools that have application components, harvest index and 5University of Melbourne; 6RMIT; to chickpea improvement; and (vi) biomass. Crop establishment, plant ICRISAT and several other make a significant contribution types, and phenology (flowering

24 | ioa.uwa.edu.au and podding at maturity) were also by 1999. In the same year, the walks were held at all trials, evaluated. The lines displayed a Ascochyta blight disease (caused with one or more of the project range of flowering and podding by the fungus Ascochyta rabiei) researchers demonstrating the new times, plant types, yield component appeared and the severity of the varieties and their management to traits and yield. outbreak caused the industry to more than 150 growers and agri- all but disappear in WA over the industry representatives. The data will enable selection of subsequent decade. contrasting genotypes for more All trials were sown at optimum detailed glasshouse studies of New high yielding varieties with dates but suffered from prolonged physiological processes, and with resistance to Ascochyta blight lack of rain soon after sowing. two years of data also will enable and good seed quality have now Commencing in July, rainfall genotype x environment analyses become available and, as a result, increased and all trials (apart of chickpea in water-limited chickpea has the potential to from Wubin) received average to become the most widely grown environments. above spring rainfall. The mean grain legume in WA. This project yields in trials varied from 373 kg/ aims to rekindle the interest of During 2013, the UWA team ha at Mullewa to 1479 kg/ha at growers in chickpea through participated in a project planning Mingenew. meeting of Australian partners held targeted demonstration of new Ascochyta resistant varieties in the in Melbourne. The UWA team also The three new cultivars southern (chickpea-growing) parts hosted, in WA, the annual project complemented each other in of Australia. meeting of all Australian and Indian adaptation and displayed adequate team members, with organisation resistance to the Ascochyta blight The team conducted six of the meeting coordinated by disease for WA, and these positive demonstration trials at Mullewa, ACPFG. Several of these scientists results were disseminated further also participated in the InterDrought Mingenew, Wubin, Merredin, Doodlakine and Corrigin, in through media releases and IV Conference held in Perth in publicity in rural periodicals and September. collaboration with local grower groups and industry. through the grower groups’ internal communication and reporting This project is funded by The trials compared three new channels. the Australia-India Strategic (Ascochyta-resistant) desi chickpea Research Fund Grand Challenge. cultivars, ‘Ambar’, ‘Neelam’ Research will continue during the and ‘PBA Striker’ along with 2014 season in partnership with Enhancing the WA chickpea standard cultivars ‘PBA Slasher’ grower groups and industry. industry through targeted and ‘Genesis 836’, following demonstration and district practices using broadacre This project is funded by the extension of new Ascochyta machinery. Field days and field COGGO. resistant improved varieties and lines in partnership with grower groups

Project Team: W/Prof Kadambot Siddique1 (leader; email: [email protected]. au), Prof Tanveer Khan1, Mr Alan Meldrum2

Collaborating organisations: 1UWA; 2Pulse Breeding Australia; WA Grower Groups

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is the third most widely grown grain legume in the world, and in the mid 1990s WA developed a rapidly growing chickpea industry which covered about 80,000 hectares

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 25 The work undertaken in this project comprises three components, and each of them had major achievements during the past 12 months:

The UWA component identified three breeding lines with salt tolerance higher (20-27% higher yield under saline conditions) than the most salt tolerant local variety ‘Genesis 836’. This is of significance since the salt tolerance was expressed in the field and Genesis 836 has already performed very well against other international germplasm.

The ICRISAT component conducted screening of drought tolerance for a sub-set of chickpea lines (i.e. genotypes) previously identified as having superior heat or salinity tolerance. The screenings have revealed that some sub-sets also show more drought tolerance than standard genotypes.

The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) component conducted experiments evaluating salinity and Securing chickpea or salinity stress can each have a heat stress individually, and when productivity under severe impact on yield, but these in combination. High temperature contemporary abiotic stresses also often coincide in the markedly increased the sensitivity of stresses: improvement of field. chickpea to salinity, but genotypes podding and seed-filling contrast in their sensitivity. under heat, drought and This project aims to: (i) determine Biochemical studies indicated salinity the physiological bases of sensitivity severe inhibition of sucrose and and tolerance of chickpea at the starch metabolism in all genotypes Project team: W/Prof Tim reproductive stage to heat, drought studied, but to varying degrees, Colmer1 (leader; email: timothy. and salinity stress; (ii) unravel providing insight into possible [email protected]), W/Prof combined effects of stresses on the tolerance mechanisms. Kadambot Siddique1, W/Prof performance of chickpea (e.g. heat Neil Turner1, Dr Vincent Vadez2, combined with drought; drought During 2013, the UWA team visited Dr Pooran Gaur2, Dr Rajeev combined with salinity) and identify ICRISAT and PAU in Ludhiana Varshney3, Prof Harsh Nayyar3, Mr parental genotypes for future for discussions on progress and John Quealy1, Dr Lukasz Kotula1 multi-stress tolerance breeding; (iii) planning for the year. Presentations evaluate promising Ascochyta blight- highlighted the substantial progress Collaborating organisations: resistant lines already in Australia made and enabled discussions of 1 2 3 UWA; ICRISAT; Punjab that have ICCV 96836 as a parent a large joint data set obtained in Agricultural University, India for salinity tolerance and then for collaborative experiments which drought and heat tolerance; and involved research officer John Abiotic stresses are key limiting (iv) further the understanding of the Quealy sampling tissues at ICRISAT factors to chickpea productivity, but effect of salinity on the reproductive with chemical analyses conducted also more widely to all major staple processes of chickpea and validate at UWA and experimental work by crops worldwide. Heat, drought existing salinity tolerance QTL. ICRISAT PhD student Pushpavalli.

26 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Pushpavalli had also visited UWA In 2013, 220 Brassica rapa During 2013, the project team on a Crawford Fund award. accessions were genotyped. The published several papers on Biochemical data from experiments single nucleotide polymorphism heat and drought tolerance and at PAU were also discussed. Joint (SNP)-based genetic diversity genetic diversity in B. rapa in the publications are underway. analysis is on-going. This SNP international journals: Functional genotyping data will be used for Plant Biology, Journal of Agronomy This project is funded by association mapping analysis and Crop Science, and Crop and the Australia-India Strategic together with phenotyping data Pasture Science. Research Fund. under heat and/or drought stress. The project team conducted Improving heat and drought One hundred and fifty of the SNP- an experiment on transcriptase tolerance in canola through genotyped B. rapa accessions analysis of drought stress by genomic selection in from different parts of the world RNAseq. Using an in vitro Brassica rapa were characterised for several cultivation system the team physiological traits related to heat investigated two B. rapa genotypes Project team: W/Prof Wallace tolerance. At the early flowering showing contrasting physiological Cowling1 (leader; email: wallace. stage, each genotype was treated responses to drought stress. Whole [email protected]), W/Prof for seven days under normal (25°C) genome transcriptome sequencing 1 Kadambot Siddique , W/Prof Neil (RNA-Seq) was used to analyse 1 and high (35°C) temperature in Turner , Assoc/Prof Matthew differential gene expression in 1 2 controlled environment rooms. Nelson , Dr Robert Furbank , shoots and roots responding 1 Important physiological traits viz. Assist/Prof Sheng Chen , Ms to drought stress. A paper for Yiming Guo1, Dr Shyam Dey3 leaf temperature depression, bud publication is in preparation. temperature depression, stomatal Collaborating organisations: conductance, and leaf chlorophyll 1UWA; 2CSIRO Plant Industry This research is funded through were measured. The biomass and Canberra; 3Indo-Australia S&T; an ARC Linkage Project with the seed yield data will be collected Norddeutsche Pflanzenzucht support from COGGO and NPZ- in February 2014; by then relevant Hans-Georg Lembke KG (NPZ- Lembke, Germany. association analysis will be applied Lembke), Germany; University to identify the heat tolerance genes/ of Queensland; Justus Liebig University, Germany QTLs.

Canola is vulnerable to heat and drought stress due to its narrow genetic base, and the canola breeding industry is determined to find sources of heat and drought tolerance to secure the future of the crop. Brassica rapa, the field mustard/turnip ancestor of canola, has extremely high global genetic diversity and some types flourish in heat and drought affected regions.

This project aims to develop effective protocols for large- scale screening for heat and drought tolerance in B. rapa that can be applied to a rapid-cycle breeding program. The project will exploit genomic selection to build a dynamic population of B. rapa enriched for drought and heat tolerance genes that can be transferred to canola.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 27 Importance of nitrate in at the effects of regular ingestion phenolic acids. Important dietary vegetables for vascular of nitrate-rich vegetables on blood sources of flavonoids include tea, health in humans pressure in people with normal and apples and other fruit. The main elevated blood pressure. dietary sources of phenolic acids Project team: Res/Prof are coffee and fruits. Jonathan Hodgson1 (leader; This research has funding email: jonathan.hodgson@ support from the National Health There are many hundreds of uwa.edu.au), Prof Kevin Croft1, and Medical Research Council classes of polyphenols present in Dr Catherine Bondonno1, Prof (NHMRC). the human diet. However, bioactivity Richard Prince1, Assoc/Prof related to human health is likely to Richard Woodman2, W/Prof Ian be restricted to fewer compounds. Understanding the Puddey1, Dr Natalie Ward1, Prof Many polyphenols are powerful importance of dietary Joseph Vita3, Mr Alex Liu1, Ms antioxidants in vitro, but it is their flavonoids for human health Lisa Rich1 effects on nitric oxide and vascular function that is a basis for health Collaborating organisations: Project team: Res/Prof Jonathan benefit. 1UWA; 2Flinders University; Hodgson1 (leader; email: 3Boston University, USA [email protected]. Data from meta-analyses of au)’ Prof Kevin Croft1, Assist/Prof observational epidemiological Plant food-rich diets result in lower Michael Considine1, Dr Catherine studies indicate that particular blood pressure and reduced risk Bondonno1, Prof Richard Prince1, flavonoids and their food sources of vascular disease. Australian Assoc/Prof Richard Woodman2, W/ are related to 10 to 20% lower risk dietary guidelines encourage Prof Ian Puddey1, Dr Natalie Ward1, of cardiovascular disease. Our intake of vegetables generally and Ms Lisa Rich1, Ms Kerry Ivey1, Dr research in the area is directed to green leafy vegetables specifically. Joshua Lewis1, Prof Xinbin Yang 6, improving understanding of which Green leafy vegetables are the Ms Aidilla Mubarak1, Prof Geoffrey bioactive compounds contribute to most important dietary source of Head2, Dr Elena Lukoshkova3, Prof human health and the mechanisms inorganic nitrate, providing two Peter Thompson1, Prof Roland involved, as well as establishing the thirds or more of total intake. Their Stocker4, Dr Yu Shen 1, Ms Diana efficacy of approaches to increase nitrate content may help to explain Fisher5 blood pressure lowering on a diet intake of polyphenols. It involves rich in green leafy vegetables. Collaborating institutions: 1UWA; extensive collaboration with a 2Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes number of stakeholders. There is now convincing evidence Institute; 3Russian Cardiology that the reduction of dietary- Research Centre; 4Victor Chang This research has been derived nitrate to nitrite is a major Cardiac Research Institute; supported by grants from contributor to the nitric oxide 5DAFWA; 6Shaanxi Normal NHMRC, Unilever Research and pool in the body (responsible University, Xi’an, China Development, ARC and DAFWA for relaxation of blood vessels), (via the Australian National and that this can benefit blood Polyphenols (polyhydroxyl phenols) Apple Breeding Program). pressure. However, there remains are secondary plant metabolites Current sources of funding little data on the effects of regular associated with health benefits in include support from NHMRC, ingestion of a diet high in inorganic humans. The two main classes of Horticulture Australia Limited, nitrate from green leafy vegetables polyphenols are flavonoids and and Fruit West, WA. on blood pressure and other outcomes related to nitric oxide metabolism.

Recent trials undertaken as part of this project have shown that nitrate supplementation can cause a dose-dependent increase in nitric oxide status, and that ingestion of nitrate-rich green leafy vegetables can reduce arterial stiffness and blood pressure. Studies underway are now looking

28 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Development of conservation cropping systems in the dryland of northern Iraq

Project team: Hackett Prof Kadambot Siddique1 (leader; email: kadambot.siddique@uwa. edu.au), Assist/Prof Ken Flower1, Assist/Prof Amin Mugera1, Ms Cara Alan1, Dr Jens Berger 1,2, Adj/ Prof Wal Anderson2

Collaborating organisations: 1 UWA; 2CSIRO; University of Mosul and the Iraqi Ministries, Iraq; ICARDA; University of South Australia; University of Adelaide

UWA, through its Institute of Agriculture (IOA) and with funding support from Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is playing an important role in the rehabilitation of agricultural sector in Iraq. Since 2005, IOA has participated in a project to assist the re-establishment of agriculture, and enhance cropping practices in the dryland areas of northern Iraq.

The work has involved various phases including crop variety development, field trials on tillage methods, in-country and overseas same process and zero tillage, and delivery of new and renovated training and most recently the the cornerstone of conservation zero tillage seeders for all the adoption of aspects of conservation agriculture (CA), has been eagerly collaborators during the new cropping. Partners in the work, adopted in both countries. season and has taken steps to in addition to UWA, include the introduce other components of University of Mosul, the Iraqi The current phase of the project is conservation cropping, such as Ministries, the International Centre managed by UWA graduate and returning of crop residues to the soil for Agricultural Research in Dry former member of the IOA Industry each year and the use of diversified Areas (ICARDA), the University of Advisory Board, Dr Stephen Loss rotation crops (including legumes). South Australia and the University employed at ICARDA in Amman. The project team believes that of Adelaide. when CA is more fully implemented, The project partners met in this will lead to even greater benefits During the first two phases of the Amman, Jordan in September 2013 through improvement in soil fertility project farmers in Ninevah Province for a review of last year’s activities in and grain yields. in Iraq witnessed the project Ninevah Province in Iraq, northern team using zero till seed drills and Syria and the establishment of new As part of the project, the UWA they were so impressed with the sites in Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan and team is currently investigating the technology that they immediately Jordan. impact of stubble retention and began constructing and modifying grazing on soils and on the levels their existing seeders. Farmers The project team also discussed of insects, diseases and weeds in in northern Syria began the and agreed on the manufacture cropping rotations in WA.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 29 The training of Iraqi project Farm management participants as one of the project’s key benefits to the recipient country Long-term no-till farming that residue retention on its own and referred to the numerous systems has little impact in summer on soil training projects (past, present and water storage when measured over planned) conducted by UWA for Project team: Dr Ken Flower1 longer periods (i.e. several months). Iraqi students, professionals and (leader; email: ken.flower@uwa. However, over shorter periods government officials. edu.au), Mr Neil Cordingley2, Ms of days or weeks, particularly Suzan Mauchline2, Dr Phil Ward3, in autumn and winter, residue For further information see www. Mr Shayne Micin3 retention can increase infiltration ioa.uwa.edu.au/data/assets/pdf_ and reduce evaporation, which Collaborating organisations: file/0003/2152884/97454_IOA- can be particularly beneficial in 1 2 3 News-No17-web.pdf) UWA; WANTFA; CSIRO extending the sowing window.

The Iraqi collaborators recently The aim of this long-term project The project has provided farmers announced that several new crop was to determine the effect of with information on the economics varieties of durum and bread wheat, rotation and residue level on wheat of cover crops and different barley, field pea and vetch have yield and gross margin at Mingenew rotations, as well as information on been selected, seed increased, and Cunderdin sites. changes in stubble levels over time and varieties formally registered and the impact of stubble retention and released to farmers in Iraq. In 2013 the data for the six-year trial on soil water retention. This will Multiplication of these varieties will at the Mingenew site were analysed assist farmers in making decisions provide farmers with further options and showed wheat and lupins to to improve soil water retention, crop to improve their crop yields and be the most profitable crops at that water use efficiency and soil health/ diversify their rotations. location. At Cunderdin, continuous organic carbon levels. wheat was the most profitable The extension of this work cropping sequence for the same This project is funded by the through demonstration sites in time period. The findings indicated GRDC. a further three provinces in Iraq will spread further the positive impact on agriculture in countries that sorely need a boost in their recent fortunes. The project team commended their Iraqi and ICARDA colleagues on their determination and success in seeing this work through despite security challenges that most of us can only imagine.

This project is funded by ACIAR and DFAT.

30 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Effect of stubble grazing in summer on no-till crop yields (Grain and Graze 2 – WA Region)

Project team: Dr Ken Flower1 (leader; email: ken.flower@uwa. edu.au), Ms Sarah Hyde3, Ms Suzan Mauchline2

Collaborating organisations: 1UWA; 2WANTFA; 3Facey Group

This collaborative project assessed the impact of sheep grazing over summer on crop residues, soil quality and no-tillage employed in 2013. Results indicated This project focuses on Australia’s crop establishment and yields. that dry-sowing can have negative major annual pasture legume, Light grazing had little effect on impacts on weed populations subterranean clover, and utilises percentage ground cover and due to the reduced options for the ‘core collection’, developed in a amount of stubble; grazing mainly weed control early in the season. previous UWA/DAFWA ARC linkage loosened and flattened the residue. However, if a long-term strategy project. The 97 accessions (plant Longer grazing of paddocks over of maintaining very low weed collections) in the core represent winter and summer reduced ground populations is in place, then dry- 78% of the total diversity in the cover, water infiltration and yield on sowing becomes more attractive as approximately 10,000 available heavy textured soil. Light grazing a tactical option when conditions accessions. The core collection of stubbles over summer had no are suitable. therefore provides a quick means to significant effect on crop yield. screen for plant traits of interest. This project has been funded by This project is funded by the the Western Australian No-Tillage The project is split among a number GRDC. Farmers Association (WANTFA) of institutions – primarily CSIRO (ex GRDC). Plant Industry in Canberra (project Dry seeding into crop home), NSW-DPI and UWA. residues in the WA Phosphorus-efficient The aims of the project are to: wheatbelt legume pasture systems (i) prove that highly productive (UWA module) pasture systems can be operated Project team: Adj/Assoc/Prof with substantially less P-fertiliser Art Diggle1,2 (leader; email: art. Project team: Dr Richard by using plants with low ‘critical’ [email protected]), Assoc/ Simpson2 (leader; email: Richard. P requirements; (ii) quantify Prof Michael Renton1, Mr Mike [email protected]), Assoc/ (benchmark) the critical P Airey1 Prof Megan Ryan1, Mr Graeme requirements of key pasture legume Sandral3, Dr Richard Culvenor2, Collaborating organisations: species relative to subterranean W/Prof Hans Lambers1, Dr Phillip 1UWA; 2DAFWA clover; (iii) identify the root Nichols4 , Mr Richard Hayes3, Mr morphology traits that have the Daniel Kidd1, Mr Robert Jeffery1 The overall aim of the project is largest influence on the critical P (PhD student), W/Prof Martin to better understand the factors requirements of subterranean clover Barbetti1 influencing the success of dry- and alternative legume species; (iv) sowing of grain crops in Western Collaborating organisations: assess the variation in P-efficient Australia. 1UWA; 2CSIRO; 3NSW-DPI; root traits of subterranean clover 4DAFWA and quantify the potential for The UWA contribution to this breeding P-efficient clovers; (v) project focussed on using modelling Rock phosphate is a finite resource. determine a clear decision point for to understand the relationship As reserves diminish and prices breeding improved subterranean between dry- sowing and weed of phosphorus (P) fertilisers rise, it clovers, and/or evaluation of dynamics. The Weed Seed Wizard will become necessary to develop alternative legume species for was the main modelling tool more P-efficient farming systems. P-efficient farming systems; and

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 31 (vi) develop better environmental credentials for grazing industries with respect to efficiency of fertiliser use, reduced over-applications, and less loss of P to the wider environment.

At UWA, substantial progress was made in 2013:

A large glasshouse screening experiment was conducted using 149 pasture genotypes - 97 subterranean clover lines (i.e. the core collection), 42 subterranean clover cultivars and 10 alternative pasture species. The objectives were to assess the extent to which the roots were colonised by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and quantify carboxylate release from roots under low P conditions. The soil was sourced from the UWA Future Farm at Pingelly and had a low extractable P concentration (Colwell P = 6 mg/kg) with a high Modelling/crop sequence strategies and tactics PBI (~550), and a low incidence of root disease. This enabled the National integration of crop The UWA contribution to this soil to be used without steam sequence strategies and national project has involved pasteurisation to maximise the tactics updating parameters in the original potential for colonisation by AMF. LUSO model and helping to run Data are being analysed. Project team: Assoc/Prof Michael analyses to understand the drivers Renton1 (leader; michael.renton@ of crop sequencing strategies In a second glasshouse experiment, uwa.edu.au), Roger Lawes2 and tactics. We are also building PhD student Rob Jefferies, stochasticity into the LUSO Collaborating organisations: examined growth and P-uptake of modelling framework to allow 1UWA; 2CSIRO; this is part of a six contrasting subterranean clover seasonal and price variability to cultivars grown as micro-swards in national project integrating and be accounted for, updating the the same field soil as used in the interacting with regional projects parameters of this new stochastic screening experiment, under six in Queensland, New South Wales, version of the model with input levels of P addition. Data are being South Australia, Victoria, WA and from other project participants, analysed. the ACT and running analyses to help understand how uncertainty and In 2014, further work will be The overall aim of the national variability affect crop sequencing undertaken on AMF to determine project is to improve crop strategies and tactics in Australian whether differences among sequencing strategies and tactics systems. UWA has also helped run accessions are consistent among across Australia. The focus is on training courses for other scientists soil types. Rob Jefferies will using modelling tools – the Land in using the LUSO modelling examine the effect of common root Use Sequence Optimiser (LUSO) frameworks. diseases on root traits associated developed at UWA and CSIRO, the with P-uptake. Agricultural Production Simulator This project is funded by CSIRO (APSIM) developed by CSIRO, and (ex GRDC). This project is funded by Meat statistical analysis, to help integrate and Livestock Australia and and generalise experimental Australian Wool Innovation. findings from a range of regional projects in different states.

32 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Weed Seed Wizard – In 2013 the software tool was Development of a web- validation and improvement finalised. It is now a polished based tool to interpret and of a weed management user-friendly interactive piece of quantify spray coverage decision support tool software. The underlying model obtained from commercial has been validated against field pesticide applications Project team: Assoc/Prof data and expertise of weed Michael Renton1 (leader; email: scientists across Australia for Project team: Assoc/Prof [email protected]), Dr a range of conditions, species Christian Nansen1 (leader; email: Sally Peltzer2, Adj/Assoc/Prof and management actions. A [email protected]), Mr Art Diggle1,2, Mr Mike Airey1, Mr series of workshops were run Rob Emery2, Mr Nicolas Garel3 1 George Wyatt across Australia (in WA, South Collaborating organisations: Australia, New South Wales and Collaborating organisations: 1UWA; 2DAFWA; 3ngperceptive This is part of a national project Queensland) in 2012 and 2013 to including: 1UWA; 2DAFWA; DPI- show consultants and growers Low and inconsistent pesticide NSW; DAFFQ how to use the model, and to gain spray coverage leads to poor feedback to direct further model pest control and is also believed The overall aim of this project was improvements. These suggestions to contribute to resistance to build a user-friendly software tool have been integrated into the final development in pest populations to help farmers and agronomists version of the model which is now of weeds, insects and mites. manage their weed seedbanks, freely available from http://grains. The project aims are to collect accounting for the biology of agric.wa.gov.au/weed-seed- spray coverage data to develop different weed species, the wizard a regression model, and use the management actions employed by model to develop a user-friendly farmers, and varying environmental This project is funded by the decision tool with two main conditions. GRDC. functionalities: (i) prediction of spray

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 33 coverage based on agronomic articles can be accessed via the conditions in different locations and variables, weather conditions, and project website http://agspsrap31. years, and also differences between spray settings, and (ii) quantification agric.wa.gov.au/snapcard/). grape cultivars. and interpretation of spray coverage data. This project has been funded by The UWA contribution to this COGGO. project involved constructing the During 2013 the team established a underlying model and the web- project website http://agspsrap31. interface for the model, linking this Completing the smoke agric.wa.gov.au/snapcard/ and with real-time weather data, helping effect picture - systems developed a phone App which has to parameterise the model based development to reduce the become available on both Android on data collected by DAFWA and negative effects of smoke App store and iphone App store. refining the model and interface on grapes and wine based on ongoing feedback from The project leader presented research scientists, growers and Project team: Assoc/Prof project outcomes to regional land managers involved in fire Michael Renton1 (leader of UWA grower groups (in Kojonup, Moorine planning. UWA has also helped run component; email: michael. Rock, Cranbrook, Dandaragan training in the use of the model. In [email protected]), Mr Glynn and Mingenew) and at national 2013 the model and web interface Ward2, Adj/Assoc/Prof Art and international events, i.e. were successfully finalised and Diggle1,2, Dr Kristen Brodison2, Mr at the annual meeting of the launched. Mike Airey1 Australian Entomological Society, Adelaide Sept 29-Oct 2, 2013, Collaborating organisations: This project was funded by the and at the annual meeting of the 1UWA; 2DAFWA Grape and Wine Research and Entomological Society of America, Development Corporation. Nov 10–13, Austin, Texas, USA. The overall aim of this DAFWA-led project was to develop a web- In addition, the project received based tool that predicts the risk of media publicity through an interview grape crops suffering smoke taint with the project leader on ABC at various times of the year across Rural Radio (Aug 6, 2013), and WA. Underlying the tool is a model through a number of regional of the phenology of grapevines that newspaper articles. (Podcast and accounts for differences in weather

34 | ioa.uwa.edu.au AHRI: Weed herbicide resistance research

Weed herbicide resistance research target site-based resistance to at UWA is primarily undertaken by ACCase and ALS herbicides in the Australian Herbicide Resistance ryegrass, wild oats and wild radish Initiative (AHRI), led by W/Prof (ALS only) was wrapped up in 2012. Stephen Powles. This research has and is being published in appropriate research Much of AHRI’s research builds journals and the information from the large scale WA grainbelt- captured within the PERTH wide late-season field surveys in resistance model and disseminated which mature seeds of the major to appropriate audiences. AHRI weeds of crops are collected for research is now turning to the subsequent resistance evaluation. previously intractable study of non Ryegrass, brome grass, barley target site resistance mechanisms grass, wild oats and wild radish are in ryegrass, particularly the role of the significant species collected. cytochrome P450 and glutathione Evaluation of the 466 collected transferase enzyme ability to populations was substantial from metabolise herbicides to inactive 2012 onwards and resistance molecules. The advent of cheap screening was completed for wild deep sequencing technology radish, barley grass and brome is allowing this technology to grass. be applied to identifying the techniques will increase crop genes involved in non-target profitability. The findings indicate A major AHRI research thrust in site resistance. This research that harvest weed seed control recent years has been research and commenced in 2012 and continues continues to be a very useful tool demonstration of the importance of to be a major activity over the next in diversified weed management using full herbicide label rates and few years for research with resistant and essential to sustainable crop the adverse effects of herbicide ryegrass and wild oat biotypes. weed control in Australia. In the rate-cutting. AHRI research has WA grainbelt, harvest weed seed demonstrated rapid resistance DAFWA collaborative research control techniques are routinely evolution from cut-rates of several continues with investigation into employed, but in eastern Australia herbicides. Prominent in 2013 east-west planting versus north- adoption has been slow. has been the extension of results south planting which showed that from completed work with the new east-west orientation of crops AHRI extension and communication herbicide pyroxasulfone (Sakura ) ® reduced available light to the activities in 2013 included farmer- as well as ongoing research with inter-row space during the hottest dominated AHRI harvest weed herbicides such as prosulfocarb part of the day throughout the seed control workshops, held in (BoxerGold ) and trifluralin and ® growing season. This meant that WA, Victoria, South Australia and pyrasulfatole (Velocity ). AHRI ® annual ryegrass seed production New South Wales, and additions evidence is that cut rates of was reduced. DAFWA researchers to the AHRI website (www.ahri. pyroxasulfone can lead to rapid have also established long-term uwa.edu.au), including: (i) financial resistance evolution and can monitoring sites to quantify the fact sheets for weed seed control also lead to cross resistance to impact of harvest weed seed measures; (ii) the upgraded prosulfocarb. control techniques on weed Ryegrass Integrated Management seedbanks. (RIM) model which incorporates Understanding the mechanistic tutorial videos and reading material basis of herbicide resistance in Applied research, demonstration to enhance the RIM experience; Australian crop weeds is core and extension of harvest weed and (iii) video recordings of research within AHRI. Defining the seed control measures was another presentations from the Global biochemical basis for resistance in focus area in 2013. AHRI research Herbicide Resistance conference Australian crop weeds to ACCase, to quantify the benefits of using held in Perth in February 2013 (see ALS (Group A & B) herbicides as narrow windrows (plus burning), also page xx) and a full list of AHRI well as glyphosate continues to be chaff carts, harvest baling or the publications and media. a major research activity. Research Harrington Seed Destructor shows extending over several years on that the use of any one of these AHRI is funded by the GRDC.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 35 3. Animal Production Systems Program

The Animal Production Systems Program is pursuing a vision of ‘clean, green and ethical (CGE) systems for animal management’:

Clean – minimise use of hormones, drugs and chemicals; Methane-fighting forages

Green – minimise environmental Exploiting subterranean clover genetic variation for footprint, especially emissions of methane mitigation and ruminant health challenges to the greenhouse gas (GHG); Australian livestock industries

Ethical – maximise animal welfare. Project team: Prof William animal diet plays a significant role Erskine1(leader; email: william. in enteric methane emissions. The CGE concept underpins all of [email protected]), Dr Although microbes in the rumen our degree programs, outreach Parwinder Kaur1, Assoc/Prof process fodder and provide energy activities and research. By its Philip Vercoe1, Asst/Prof Zoey for the animal in the form of volatile nature, much of the research Durmic1, Prof Rudi Appels2, Dr fatty acids, they also produce into CGE management is Phillip G Nichols3, Dr Andrew N methane as a by-product, and interdisciplinary and is carried out Thompson3, Dr Clinton K Revell3,1, this is a significant loss of dietary within the context of the ‘UWA Mr Richard Snowball3, Dr Sachiko energy from animal feed. In general, Future Farm 2050’ project. The Isobe4 ruminal methane output decreases research within this program has with increased digestibility of the Collaborating organisations: been focused on the role of, and diet and is lower in animals fed 1UWA; 2Murdoch University; need for, livestock in the landscape, grain-based diets than those fed 3DAFWA; 4Kazusa DNA Research their potential to provide versatility fibrous diets. Methane emissions Institute, Japan to mixed farming enterprises and from animals grazing pasture minimising their environmental legumes are often lower than from Methane emitted from livestock footprint. The strong partnership animals grazing pasture grasses, is a major contributor to total we have developed with CSIRO’s which is likely to be related to the Livestock Industry group at Floreat atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) lower plant fibre content and higher has enabled us to pursue interests levels. In Australia, it accounts for digestibility of legumes. in versatile livestock systems 23% of the national GHG emissions, and livestock management in with half of the methane emission While various nutritive traits are rangelands. coming from enteric fermentation used for plant selection and of feed in the rumen. Consequently, breeding, plant methanogenic

36 | ioa.uwa.edu.au The findings suggest thatin vitro It is proposed that the integration fermentation testing can be used as of the correct choice of perennial a screening tool to predict a plant’s shrubs with antimethanogenic fermentation characteristics, and properties integrated into ryegrass- assist plant breeders in making lucerne systems will reduce better plant selection choices, emissions intensity (methane/kg in particular towards methane meat) while increasing farm profit mitigation from livestock. Selection through increased growth rates and for mainstream pasture species that earlier slaughter. Normally sheep have a low methanogenic potential production in eastern Victoria is without compromising productivity based on perennial ryegrass with could reduce methane emissions supplementary grain feeding in the from the livestock industry without feed gap in summer and lucerne major changes in the current for hay production and grazing. practices. These systems are generally located on low fertility, fragile soils This research is funded by (psamment [arenosol] or podsolic the Australian Government sands). The farming systems are and the Australian Research not suited to integration of annual Council (ARC) Linkage project in legume systems that have been partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western demonstrated to abate methane Australia (DAFWA) emissions (e.g. biserrula) and are based on perennial pasture For further information production. see www.news.uwa.edu. au/201304045554awards-and- To protect these soils from erosion, the use of integrated perennial potential has rarely been examined prizes/farmers-benefit-key-research- shrub-legume farming systems in this context and the current projects is a feasible option to increase project set out to fill this knowledge individual animal production as well gap and identify environmentally Transitioning to resilient as whole-farm performance. These friendly pasture species. perennial pasture systems systems have a low adoption rate The multi-disciplinary project team to abate greenhouse gases in the district reflecting the lack conducted fermentation testing and sequester carbon of knowledge concerning the that showed significant variability establishment of these systems Project Team: Dr Julian Hill4 in the (in vitro) rumen fermentation rather than their ‘lack of fit’ to the (leader; email: upweyag@optusnet. characteristics, including location. Lucerne is frequently com.au), Dr Dean Revell2, Assoc/ methanogenic potential (the ratio grown in the low-medium rainfall Prof Phil Vercoe1, Dr Joe Jacobs 3 of methane in gas produced zone in eastern Victoria (<550 mm) by rumen microbes) among 13 Collaborating organisations: for grazing or as a dual purpose current and potential pasture 1UWA; 2CSIRO; 3Victoria DPI; system for hay production and species for Australia. Biserrula 4Ternes Agricultural Consulting grazing of re-growth. Lucerne, being a deep-rooted perennial emerged as the lowest methane- forage crop, provides good forage producing species, producing 90% This project compares the supply throughout the growing less methane than the highest greenhouse abatement potential (methane and nitrous oxide) and season and summer feed without methane-producing bladder clover. carbon sequestration potential irrigation. This allows the finishing There were significant differences of using perennial legumes and of prime lambs for the Christmas in fermentative traits, including shrubs in a ryegrass base in & Easter market, and maintenance methane production, among relation to the ‘business as usual’ of live weight and body condition selected pasture species, indicating scenario of ryegrass only systems of ewes over the summer. Recent that the choice of fodder species and establishes the basis of how evidence from the Reducing may offer a way to reduce the producers can transition from their Emissions from Livestock Program impact on the environment from normal operating system to a low (RELP; variability in fermentability enteric fermentation. emissions system while improving and methane production in lucerne productivity. [Medicago sativa]) demonstrated

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 37 considerable potential in the crop to abate methane if the correct cultivars are selected. Furthermore research commissioned by DAFWA as identified that enteric methane emissions from sheep can be reduced using a range of Australian native shrubs (antimethanogenic bioactivity of Australian plants for grazing systems) and methane emission intensity can be reduced under field conditions (Drought- hardy, C-conscious grazing). These shrub systems are used in conjunction with perennial grasses and/or annual legumes in integrated farming systems and can increase whole-farm profit by up to 10 to 20% reflecting savings in pasture used during the summer and autumn and reduced supplementary feeding (MLA-FFI CRC funded program ENRICH).

This project is funded by the Australian Government. emissions and/or emissions vitro fermentation characteristics, intensity will be one that takes nutritive value and biomass will also into account the bioactivity and be measured. Best choice shrub and productivity of both the shrub and inter-row species inter-row components of the plants The team has selected, planted and being grazed. monitored 10 shrub species, and Project team: Assoc/Prof Phil selected and sown pasture species Vercoe1 (leader; email: philip. To test this hypothesis, the project that will be planted in the inter-row [email protected]), Assist/Prof team will establish five treatments: in preparation for the first grazing Zoey Durmic1, Ms Kirrin Lund1, Dr (i) conventional pasture (without event. In addition, the researchers Dean Revell2, Nathan Phillips2 shrubs and managed according have established and monitored Collaborating organisations: to ‘business as usual’ [BAU]); separate plots of pasture adjacent 1UWA; 2CSIRO (ii) conventional pasture (without to the main shrub plots to compare shrubs) defer-grazed in autumn to the effects of animal productivity Grazing systems based on shrubs maximise autumn biomass from and methane emissions with or and pasture species that are the pasture; (iii) antimethanogenic without shrubs. selected for their nutritive value pasture (without shrubs) defer- and antimethanogenic bioactivity grazed in autumn to maximise The survival and biomass of the offer a practical means to reduce autumn biomass from the pasture; shrubs, inter-row pasture and methane emissions and emissions (iv) anti-methanogenic pasture pasture plots have been determined intensity from grazing livestock. with productive shrubs grazed in and recorded and the experimental Recent bioeconomic modelling has autumn; and (v) antimethanogenic design for the grazing experiment indicated shrub-based systems pasture with antimethanogenic has been completed and approved over a modest 10 to 20% of a shrubs grazed in autumn. by the UWA animal ethics mixed farm could increase whole- committee. farm profit and/or reduce business Livestock productivity and in-field risk. methane emissions of animals The team has planted a simple will be measured during the mix of biserrula and subterranean The hypothesis in this project is that autumn feed gap period over two clover in the inter-row, as well as in the shrub-based system with the successive years (2014 and 2015). adjacent plots to assess the impact most potential to reduce methane Plant establishment and survival, in of shrubs and inter-row pasture on

38 | ioa.uwa.edu.au sheep productivity and emissions in Enrich - demonstrating for producers to increase the autumn, the time of the year when resilient, healthy and resilience of livestock enterprises a shrub system (i.e. forage shrubs profitable livestock by incorporating a mix of Australian with managed inter-row pasture) systems with Australian shrub species into the feedbase. plays a critical role in filling the feed perennial shrubs gap typical of Mediterranean and The work entails quantification of southern temperate climates. Project team: Dr Jason Emms3 livestock performance in diverse (leader; email: jason.emms@ shrub-based systems, facilitating The grazing study has been initiated sa.gov.au), Dr Dean Revell2, Dr Enrich species commercialisation with spring grazing of the BAU- Hayley Norman2, Assist/Prof Zoey and packaging information for next plots; this treatment represents Durmic1, Assoc/Prof Phil Vercoe1 users. standard practice of spring grazing followed by autumn grazing with a Collaborating organisations: The current stage of the project reliance on supplementary feeding 1UWA; 2CSIRO; 3SARDI aims to: (i) quantify gains in animal to meet animal requirements. live weight and condition when Now in its third phase, the ENRICH grazing diverse shrub-based Two other pasture treatments research project commenced in grazing systems over periods have been included: conventional 2004 to explore the potential of otherwise experiencing feed pasture and a fifty-fifty mixture of Australian native shrub species shortage, and measure indicators sub-clover-biserrula that will be for grazing systems. Researchers of rumen function and health; (ii) ‘defer-grazed’ in autumn 2014 (i.e. from across Australia have been work with plant nurseries to ensure not grazed in spring but allowed to assessing the traits of a large at least six ‘Enrich forage shrubs’ accumulate biomass to provide dry number of shrub species, and are propagated in quantities to help forage in the following autumn). The have been testing different grazing meet the demand of early adopters; sub-clover-biserrula mix represents management approaches with a (iii) convert existing ‘researcher an antimethanogenic pasture, and particular focus on grazing diverse databases’ on characteristics and is also the chosen pasture mix mixtures of plant species. traits of Enrich shrub species to an for the inter-row between forage integrated and more user-friendly shrubs destined for grazing in It is proposed that grazing of database as a legacy of Enrich autumn 2014. perennial forage shrubs can phases 1 to 3; and (iv) improve the increase profitability by up to 20%. level of interaction between Enrich Two shrub combined with inter-row This project will lead to new options researchers and regional producer treatments have been included that differ in the proportion of antimethanogenic shrub species. The first measurements of animal productivity and methane production will occur when all treatments are grazed in autumn 2014.

This research is funded by the Australian Government and Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 39 groups involved in forage shrub activities

Field trials during 2013 included a shrub site at UWA’s Future Farm (see also page xx).

The groundbreaking research and its contribution to the long-term sustainability of agriculture and natural resource management, earned the team the ‘2013 Caring for our Country Landcare Eureka Prize for Sustainable Agriculture’. (See also page 5, IOA News, December 2013: www. ioa.uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/ pdf_file/0019/2461501110666_IOA- newsletter-Dec-2013-WEB.pdf)

For further information and key findings of the ENRICH program visit see www.futurefarmonline.com. species are planted by farmers in methane and increase productivity au/knowledge-base-1perennial- the low to medium mixed crop/ of sheep during summer and fodder-shrubs-key-findings-from- livestock zone to provide forage for autumn. In the final year, respiration enrich livestock. chambers will be used to quantify the impact of the shrubs, when This research is funded by the This project aims to quantify the fed at levels that are representative FFI-CRC. potential of these shrubs to offer of on-farm voluntary intake. The a safe, profitable, environmentally data will be used to develop a positive and ‘natural’ means of multivariate risk analysis tool which Nitrate and sulphate rich reducing methane emissions from explores probabilities of methane shrubs to reduce methane sheep grazing cereal stubbles by reduction, hazards, synergies and increase productivity incorporating these shrubs into and trade-offs within the grazing grazing systems in the mixed crop/ systems. Dr Hayley Norman2 Project Team: livestock zone. (leader; email: hayley.norman@ Objectives include: (i) to quantify csiro.au); Prof Ed Barrett- Based on previous research the the variation in nitrate and sulphate 1 Lennard , Assoc/Prof John team hypothesises that a 10 to 15% accumulation within and between 1 1 Milton , Assoc/Prof Phil Vercoe reduction in methane per day is four shrub species and investigate Collaborating organisations: possible. Additionally, these shrubs the impact of the shrubs’ growth 1UWA; 2CSIRO offer an opportunity to increase environment on nitrate and sulphate productivity of wool and meat by levels; (ii) to determine the variation Feeding nitrate and sulphate to providing nutrients that are deficient in ‘dose’ of nitrate and sulphate ruminants to reduce methane is in stubble grazing systems. that is voluntarily ingested by sheep a proven abatement strategy. In grazing the shrubs (this will inform extensive systems, provision of The project addresses research for laboratory experiments, address these compounds in supplements questions that are critical for the issues concerning the risk of toxicity can be problematic due to issues development of a Carbon Farming and provide productivity data to with individuals selecting an Initiative (CFI) methodology. support extension of the potential appropriate dose and associated Over three years the researchers methodology); (iii) to quantify the in risk of toxicity. A number of will use a combination of on- vitro methane reduction associated drought-hardy Australian native farm benchmarking trials, with addition of shrub biomass at shrub species accumulate field experiments and in vitro levels that are voluntarily consumed significant concentrations of nitrate fermentation studies to quantify the by sheep; (iv) to measure the in and sulphate. Several of these capacity of these shrubs to reduce vivo methane and production

40 | ioa.uwa.edu.au benefits arising from inclusion of The potential of the Australian fermentative characteristics, with shrub biomass to a cereal stubble- temperate feedbase to reduce the aim to help: (i) identify species based diet; and (v) to develop a methane production (either per unit with antimethanogenic properties; multivariate risk assessment tool of feed intake or per unit of animal and (ii) identify species/genotypes that draws together the data and production) has not been thoroughly with potential to reduce methane explores risks, synergies and investigated. emissions intensity via improved trade-offs associated with the use nutritional traits including the of these shrubs in cereal grazing There are significant differences temporal pattern of digestibility. systems. across annual and perennial species of grasses and legumes An additional five species have been included because they have This research is supported by and this project aims to benchmark the Australian Government and been the subject of student projects the variation between and within Australian Wool Innovation associated with the ELLE. temperate, herbaceous forage Limited. species for antimethanogenic The team established a total of 450 effects and identify variability in the plots (1.2 m x 8 m), comprising 150 Efficient livestock with low provision of digestible nutrients at accessions from 109 species, of emissions (ELLE) times of the year where scarcity which 40 were chosen for ELLE. of nutrients typically limits animal They scanned over 2500 samples Project team: Assoc/Prof Phil production. using NIR and linked the scans 1 Vercoe (leader; email: philip. back to laboratory analyses. These [email protected]), Assist/ This phase of the project uses in have been used to develop an initial 1 Prof Zoey Durmic , Dr Joy vitro fermentation, wet chemistry set of prediction equations that are 1 2 Vadhanabhuti , Dr Dean Revell , and Near-Infrared-Reflectance very broad and include grasses, 2 Dr Hayley Norman , Ms Elizabeth (NIR) to examine 40 commercial, herbs and legumes as well as 2 2 Hulm , Mr Paul Young , Dr Alan ‘pipeline’ and/or experimental both annuals and perennials. The 3 3 Humphries , Mr Steve Hughes species of annual and perennial predictions have subsequently been Collaborating organisations: grasses and legumes for their tested with samples that were not 1UWA; 2CSIRO; SARDI; MLA; agronomic value, production value used to develop the predictions and CSIRO and nutritive value and for their there is a high correlation between

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 41 the prediction equations and the The mechanism of emissions and understand the laboratory assessment. antimethanogenic mechanism behind their action. bioactivity of plants in the Biserrula clearly stood out as an rumen Evidence has shown that Eremophila antimethanogenic pasture species glabra, Biserrula pelecinus, Kennedia that needs to be examined in more Project Team: Assoc/Prof prorepens, Calliandra calothyrsus, detail. Phil Vercoe1 (leader; email: Leucaena leucocephala, Dorynicium [email protected]); hirsutum and Cichorium intybus The results of this work will enable Assist/Prof Zoey Durmic1, Dr contain plant secondary compounds researchers to assess whether Joy Vadhanabhuti1, Dr Chris that are bioactive in the rumen NIR spectrometry can be used McSweeney2 and have the potential to reduce to provide rapid and inexpensive methane. There is also evidence that predictions of methanogenic Collaborating organisations: some essential oils (e.g. Eucalyptus properties of pasture species, 1UWA; 2CSIRO occidentalis, Melaleuca ericifolia, which would add a valuable tool to Melaleuca teretifolia and Santalum assist livestock producers in making Plants contain secondary spicatum) may also reduce methane good decisions. compounds that have antimicrobial production in the rumen. properties that have the potential This project is supported by the to reduce methane emissions from The project team has started a step- Australian Government and the ruminants. wise fractionation and purification MLA. process to identify the simplest This project aims to extract and ‘mix’ of compounds or, preferably, fractionate these plant secondary single compound that maintains the compounds to identify specific antimethanogenic effects observed compounds that reduce methane in the plant.

42 | ioa.uwa.edu.au The team also tested the essential oils and determined that tannins could be responsible for the antimethanogenic effect in four plants (C. calothyrsus, D. hirstum, K. prorepens and L. leucocephala) and some affected both methane production and total gas production. L. leucocephala and D. hirstum were the most active and were chosen for detailed fractionation studies.

The project team has made significant progress towards the isolation and identification of plant secondary compounds responsible for antimethanogenic effects for two candidate plant species: E. glabra and B. pelecinus. E. glabra has undergone four rounds of extraction/fractionation, resulting in: (i) confirmation that the compounds responsible for the antimethanogenic bioactivity are extractable; (ii) fractionation to a relatively simple mix of compounds that have potent antimethanogenic from Australian plants were tested Host control of methane activity; and (iii) isolation and in a dose-response experiment. emissions from sheep identification of one purified Melaluca erecifolia was selected for compound. B. pelecinus has further testing, based on the size Project team: Assoc/Prof Phil undergone crude extraction and of its antimethanogenic effects and Vercoe1 (leader; email: philip. two fractionation steps. plant secondary compound profile. [email protected]), Dr Hutton Oddy2, Prof Roger Hegarty3, The project team also determined The project results indicate that Prof Stephen Moore4, Dr Brian that: (i) the antimethanogenic there are a number of different Dalrymple5, Dr Stuart Denman activity in B. pelecinus is not plant secondary compounds that 5, Mr John McEwan6, Prof Noelle related to tannins; and (ii) the are antimethanogenic in vitro and Cockett7, Prof John Wallace8 antimethanogenic effects are linked some do this without affecting Collaborating organisations: to extractable compounds. overall fermentation. Identifying 1UWA; 2NSW-DPI; 3University more than one type of compound of New England; 4University Five other plants were selected is exciting because it increases of Queensland; 5CSIRO; for further testing, based on the opportunities to achieve a 6AgResearch, New Zealand; 7Utah their antimethanogenic potential persistent effect on reducing State University, USA; 8University in previous or current projects: methane. These plants were tested in a of Aberdeen, UK tannin binding assay to confirm This project is funded by the Ruminant methane emissions are a or rule out the role of tannins Australian Government and MLA. product of microbial fermentation. in their antimethanogenic The host animal influences effects. Tannins were confirmed microbial populations by feed as being responsible for the choice and through morphological/ antimethanogenic effects in four functional variation in its fore- of these plants and further work stomachs. is being conducted to determine the type of tannins in these plants There is evidence that these are and confirm their effect as purified heritable through the host. This compounds. Nine essential oils

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 43 hours. The ewes were CT-scanned while at both levels of feed intake.

Samples of host DNA, rumen fluid and faeces have been collected and are available for subsequent studies.

Samples of digestive tract associated tissues have been collected from Hi and Lo methane divergent sheep in New Zealand, with measurements of methane phenotypes (respiration chamber and PAC chamber) and a wide variety of pre- and post-slaughter measurements. Samples of rumen contents collected from different locations have been stored for future use within this project, including RNA sequence experiments from: parotid gland, rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum (gastric region), small intestine, large intestine (near caecum outlet) and caecum.

This project is funded by the Australian Government and MLA. project aims to generate new digestive tract of ruminants. A insights into the fundamental survey of annotated genes from International coordination biology of variation in rumen the gastrointestinal tract has of the Ruminant Pangenome function and methane emissions been completed and a research Project in sheep, by measuring host database established. A previously phenotype (methane emissions, unannotated gene encoding a Project team: Assoc/Prof Phil rumen size and morphology, major structural protein has been Vercoe1 (leader; email: philip. digesta flow rate) in detail and identified and annotated. [email protected]); Dr Hutton linking this to host genotype Oddy2, Dr Chris McSweeney3, Prof (imputed genome sequence), In addition, novel members of a Andrew Thompson4, Prof Roger 5 6 transcriptome (RNA sequence, family of genes encoding small Hegarty , Dr Julian Hill cross-linking proteins and highly species identification) of GI tract, Collaborating organisations: and the metagenome of the rumen expressed in the rumen has been 1UWA; 2NSW-DPI; 3CSIRO; microbial population. characterised in detail. 4Murdoch University; 5University of New England; 6Ternes Agriculture In Australia, 96 ewes from four sires Outcomes from this work will Company; EU Framework 7 underpin discovery of new tools to with known methane production Ruminomics project; Utah State breed low methane emitting sheep, under a range of different testing University, USA; AgResearch, New permitting the Australian sheep procedures have been measured Zealand industry to participate in the Carbon for methane production at 12 and Farming Initiatives (CFI) program. 18 months of age. At 12 months The Ruminant Pangenome Project The project will be conducted by of age a mixture of lucerne and (RPP) has been developed to partners in Australia, New Zealand oaten chaff was provided at both coordinate an Australian and and the United States. ad-lib and maintenance feed international research network under intake. Measurements of methane a collaborative program that will build In 2013, the team undertook a production were made in field on current research - undertaken review of the literature of protein chambers for one hour and in open through the RELP and the National and gene expression in the circuit respiration chambers for 22 Livestock Methane Program - and

44 | ioa.uwa.edu.au deliver effective and practical Measuring and managing quantify methane fluxes under strategies for reducing enteric methane emissions from field conditions (‘the challenge of livestock methane emissions while livestock: from laboratory measurement’); and (v) reliable maintaining productivity. to landscape quantification of net methane emissions from the northern The RPP comprises five projects: Project team: Prof Deli Chen2 beef industry to enhance the four research projects - with an (leader; email: delichen@unimelb. development of effective and emphasis on the genetic control edu.au), Prof Roger Hegarty3, Dr efficient mitigation and abatement of methane emissions – and (this) Frances Phillips4, Prof Kourosh strategies that inform the one project to coordinate the Kalantar5, Dr Tom Flesch6, Assoc/ methodologies of the national 1 research projects. This will include Prof Phil Vercoe inventory. the integration of research and Collaborating organisations: This project is an important initiative development activities across 1UWA; 2University of Melbourne; under the CSIRO Sustainable all research providers and the 3University of New England; Agriculture flagship which aims synthesis of research findings. The 4University of Wollongong; 5RMIT; to secure Australian agriculture RPP will provide high quality data 6University of Alberta, Canada; and forest industries by increasing and new knowledge that will be CSIRO productivity by 50% and reducing used to deliver a comprehensive carbon emissions intensity by at understanding of animal genotype x Methane emissions from the least 50% between now and 2030. rumen environment x management livestock sector account for interactions that drive methane more than 65% of agricultural For further information see www. emissions from livestock. This emissions or 10.7% of Australia’s csiro.au/Organisation-Structure/ knowledge will shape future / national greenhouse account. The Flagships/Sustainable- potential strategies to reduce vast majority (94%) of methane Agriculture-Flagship/Sustainable- emissions and will underpin the emissions from the livestock sector Agriculture-Flagship-Cluster- development of methodologies come from microbial fermentation Specification-livestock-methane. of livestock feeds with the balance under CFI. aspx comprising methane emissions from manure management systems. RPP’s specific research This project is the CSIRO objectives are to develop a better Flagship Collaboration Australia’s northern rangelands understanding about: (i) host Fund through the University generate approximately 45% of control of methane emissions northern Australia’s estimated total of Melbourne as the lead from sheep; (ii) genetics to reduce value of agricultural production organisation. methane emissions from Australian (ABARE 2007) through its beef sheep; (iii) the trade-offs between production and extensive grazing feed use efficiency, methane and systems. It is estimated that the reproduction in sheep; and (iv) northern beef herd is responsible maximising energy yielding rumen for 6% of Australia’s greenhouse pathways in response to methane gas emissions. inhibition. This project aims to assist the In 2013 RPP has demonstrated northern Australian livestock close international cooperation industries in achieving a reduction between Australian researchers in its methane emissions, through: and those from New Zealand and (i) considering the challenges and elsewhere: extensive scientific constraints to measurement of exchanges have occurred in relation emissions; (ii) developing effective to the Global Research Alliance and efficient mitigation and project and in relation to samples abatement strategies appropriate and biological materials taken for to northern rangeland conditions; analysis in Australia. (iii) fostering the adoption of those policies by the northern livestock This project is funded by the Industries; (iv) validation and Australian Government and Meat further development of existing and the MLA. measurement technologies to

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 45 Genetics of breeding for wrinkle located in the breech area olfaction of chemical odours. breech strike resistance (surrounding the anus) is a major While semiochemicals, or natural predisposing factor in flystrike. chemicals released by an organism Project Team: Mr Joseph Steer1 Approximately 90% of flystrike that attract or repel Lucilia cuprina (leader; email: 20252861@student. occurs within the breech and has to fleece are unknown and uwa.edu.au), Assoc/Prof Phil since 1940 been controlled by require characterisation, multiple Vercoe1, Dr Johan Greeff 2, Adj/ mulesing. Mulesing is a surgical chemicals have been found that Assoc/Prof David Cook1, Assoc/ procedure that removes skin repel or are toxic to Lucilia cuprina Prof Gavin Flematti1, Res/Prof wrinkle from the breech. While it flies. The repellent and toxic Shimin Liu1, Dr Tony Schlink2 remains the most efficient control chemicals provide an indication of for flystrike and cannot be matched the structure of semiochemicals Collaborating organisations: by alternative controls (including the that may be providing sheep with 1UWA; 2DAFWA; CSIRO use of chemicals, more effective flystrike resistance. management or through genetics), Global wool production and it has come under increased Semiochemicals that repel or kill specifically Australian wool scrutiny during the last decade, flies can then be synthesised or production is hindered by diseases as public awareness of animal extracted as natural deterrents or and the changing nature of production systems has increased. be selectively bred within sheep. consumerism. Breech flystrike or cutaneous myiasis is one of the This triggered a research focus The aim in this project is major diseases affecting wool into the development of alternative to characterise the organic flystrike control methods that compounds released from the are clean, green and ethical. The wool of merino sheep from the favoured alternative is selective AWI breech strike flocks hosted in breeding and Australian Wool WA by DAFWA and in Armidale, Innovations Ltd (AWI) is funding NSW, by CSIRO. These flocks have a large genetic investigation to been evaluated for breechstrike identify effective indicator traits that resistance and lines of resistant could be used to select indirectly for and susceptible sheep have been breech strike resistance. established at both sites.

Selective breeding for flystrike Wool sourced from the breech area resistance on animals from these resource Natural variation in sheep allows flocks will be characterised for for selective breeding of desirable their ability to attract, repel and/ traits. Observable traits (breech or kill the flies Lucilia cuprina that wrinkle, breech cover, dags, cause flystrike. The aim is to identify urine stain, and wool colour) those semiochemicals that may explain only up to 22.4% of the play a significant role in resistance/ variation in breech strike. The susceptibility to breech strike variation in flystrike resistance/ and to estimate the heritability of the bioactive semiochemicals sheep in Australia and results in susceptibility that is not explained to determine whether it would a substantial annual loss to the by the observable traits could be be feasible to breed for flystrike Australian sheep industry. Breech explained by traits of the skin, resistance. strike is currently controlled through wool, and faeces that are less management such as shearing and easily observed. The first step to For further information see crutching sheep, and application help explain the variation in flystrike http://www.ioa.uwa.edu. of chemical treatment. These resistance is to understand what is au/__data/assets/pdf_ methods are costly and alternative attracting flies to sheep. file /0019/2461501110666_IOA- sustainable methods needs to be newsletter-Dec-2013-WEB.pdf found to reduce the incidence of Characterisation of chemical breech strike. One method is to odours that attract Lucilia This project is funded by AWI. increase the host resistance of cuprina sheep against flystrike by using Lucilia cuprina flies orientate selective breeding. Previous themselves towards a host research has shown that skin using sensory cues such as

46 | ioa.uwa.edu.au authority on the physiology of the sense of smell of insects. The focus of this meeting was to link Professor Greeff’s work on genetic selection for resistance to flystrike in merino sheep, a probable alternative to the controversial practice of mulesing, with Rothamsted’s technical capabilities. This topic is the subject of the thesis work of UWA PhD student Joseph Steer (see IoA Newsletter December 2013, page 13). The plan is for Joe to go Rothamsted to use their systems for studying insect antennae (where the sense of smell is located in insects). Electrodes are placed at both ends of the antenna to detect changes in the electrical activity of the nerve cells as they respond to an odour molecule. By observing this welfare science, who was awarded Visit to Food Animal response simultaneously with the an Order of the British Empire (OBE) Initiative (FAI), Oxford, read-out of a gas chromatograph, in the Queen’s New Year Honours it should be possible to guess the UK List for her contributions. In late 2013, Bill Biggs (UWA chemical identity of the molecules Senate), Christine Shervington and that attract flies to sheep skin. Graeme Martin were welcomed at UWA and Rothamsted This avenue of investigation could the FAI Farm at Wytham, Oxford, Research unite to swat explain the mechanism underlying genetic variation in the resistance of by Mike Gooding, the Managing flystrike in sheep Director of FAI. Mike explained the sheep to blowfly strike, and improve In late 2013, Graeme Martin and history and current status of FAI, the power of industry breeding Adjunct Professor Johan Greeff and demonstrated some of the programs. (DAFWA) visited the famous primary projects, with a focus on Rothamsted Research laboratories, pig production, using the iconic just north of London, to meet Gloucester Old Spot breed. Two Professor Mike Birkett, a world major aspects were described: (i) on-floor feeding within group pens that provides sufficient environmental enrichment to avoid the need for tail-docking; and (ii) a farrowing system that avoids the need for farrowing crates yet improves piglet survival.

During his sabbatical year at Oxford, Graeme is working with FAI to explore opportunities for collaboration with UWA Future Farm, especially in the area of direct linkages to markets via supermarket and fast-food chains. This interaction follows on from the visit to UWA, and participation in the UWA Future Farm Open Day in 2013, by Professor Marian Dawkins, a world leader in farm animal

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 47 4. Rural Economy, Policy and Development Program

The Rural Economy, Policy and Development Program aims to enhance the sustainability of rural industries, communities and regions. This is achieved through innovative education and research with a focus on: improving rural productivity and prosperity; The value of carbon and from across Australia who are addressing their environmental biodiversity services working on carbon-biodiversity challenges; contributing to their provided by native shrubs issues. The two days involved broader economic and social on farmland brief research presentations and development; and enhancing rural stimulating discussions between policy and planning processes. Project Team: Assist/Prof Marit the participants (ecologists, Kragt1 (leader; email: marit.kragt@ economists, agricultural scientists, 2 Here we highlight some of the uwa.edu.au), Dr Kerrie Wilson , and representatives from Federal 2 ongoing research projects in Assoc/Prof Yvonne Buckley government and NGOs). Research this program. We also highlight Collaborating organisations: issues that were identified for some of the new initiatives 1UWA; 2UQ; ARC Centre of collaborative research included: towards developing collaborative Excellence for Environmental the spatial mapping of co-benefits; research partnership with African Decisions appropriate mechanisms to universities and scientists with the incentivise biodiverse carbon aim of helping Africa improve its Highlight of the project was a farming; an examination of what agricultural productivity and food three-day workshop organised at we have learned from the various security. UWA in November 2013, which multi-species planting experiments brought together researchers across Australia; drivers and

48 | ioa.uwa.edu.au and can help to develop a shared In WA, Assistant Professor Marit language required to progress Kragt visited several grower groups interdisciplinary research. The to discuss project opportunities. researchers formed a number of The Liebe Group and the WA No-Till multi-disciplinary teams that will Farmers Association undertook to each work on a theme. Plans were contribute to the project through drawn up on how each topic would working groups and feedback on be tackled over the coming months. the modelling. A follow-up workshop in Brisbane took place in March 2014 to further This project is funded by the exchange ideas and enable the Australian Government. various projects to be written up. Farmers’ willingness to This project is funded through a adopt carbon farming UWA-University of Queensland practices Bilateral Collaboration Award. Project team: Assist/Prof Marit 1 Achieving least cost Kragt (leader; email: marit.kragt@ greenhouse gas abatement uwa.edu.au), Research Assist/Prof 2 1 opportunities in Australian Fiona Gibson , Ms Nikki Dumbrel grains farms Collaborating organisations: 1UWA (SARE); 2UWA (CEEP) Project Team: Dr Peter Thornburn2 (leader; email: Peter. A survey was conducted among [email protected] ), Assist/Prof cropping-only and mixed cropping- Marit Kragt1 livestock farmers in the New South Wales and WA grain belts that Collaborating organisations: aimed to elicit farmers’ willingness 1UWA; 2CSIRO and several grower to adopt carbon farming practices. groups This study was the first to use a technique called ‘Best-Worst This three-year joint project Scaling’ to assess farmers’ between the CSIRO and UWA preferences for different carbon commenced mid 2013. The project farming practices. aims to identify what carbon farming practices can be profitable The survey was distributed via to grain farmers in Australia. This grower groups in WA and New barriers of participating in carbon will involve biophysical modelling South Wales in August 2013. farming; the willingness to pay for of carbon sequestration and The carbon farming practices the multiple benefits of carbon whole-farm economic modelling to that farmers are most likely to farming practices; defining assess the farm-financial impacts of adopt were retaining stubble after metrics for measuring biodiversity adopting carbon farming practices. crop harvest and no-till cropping and carbon values; avoided practices. The practices that deforestation as a method to meet A steering committee was formed farmers were least likely to adopt national carbon sequestration with members from DAFFWA, QLD- were applying biochar and planting goals; and the potential role of DAFF, GRDC, and CSIRO. trees for harvest. insurance providers as important players in the voluntary carbon The researchers identified a number Conditional logit models were offset market. of grower groups with whom they used to model the impact of will collaborate in this project. In socio-demographic factors on Responding to these themes is Queensland, they will work with the choices. Farmers who perceive challenging because they require Brigalow Group and the Chinchilla they are experiencing climate interdisciplinary collaboration. Landcare Group; in South Australia- change have a greater preference Workshops like these are helpful Victoria, they will work with the Ag to apply biochar, establish areas to increase mutual understanding, Excellence Alliance. of native vegetation, or plant trees

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 49 as mitigation options, compared Wheat price behaviour inference, the question arises: has to farmers who do not believe they and volatility in Western there been a permanent change in are experiencing climate change. Australia’s cash market the wheat price in response to the Farmers who believe humans are deregulation policy? at least partially contributing to Project team: Assist/Prof Amin climate change are more likely to Mugera1 (leader; email: amin. A paper based on this project has apply mulch, plant tree belts, and [email protected]), Prof Ben been accepted for publication in the adopt no-till cropping practices, White1, Mr Reece Curwen2 Journal of International Food and relative to those who do not believe Agribusiness Marketing. Collaborating organisations: climate change is happening or 1 2 caused by humans. The research UWA; MarketAg This project is funded through outcomes have implications a UWA Research Development Time series data for WA wheat for Australia’s greenhouse gas Award. prices starting from 20 May 2003 abatement policies, if they aim to to 14 September 2010 were promote practices that will actually The environmental impact be adopted by farmers. analysed to investigate whether deregulation of the Australian wheat of Gamba grass invasion in the Northern Territory and The study was presented at export market induced a structural Queensland the Australian Agricultural and change in the price data generation Resource Economics Society process. The unit root properties Project team: Assoc/Prof (AARES) conference in Port of Western Australian wheat price Morteza Chalak1,2 (email: morteza. Macquarie in February 2014. series are analysed by testing for [email protected]) A paper based on this project the possibility of single and double is currently in preparation for structural breaks. The deregulation Collaborating organisations: submission to the Journal of of the wheat industry in Australia 1UWA (SARE); 2UWA (CEEP) Agricultural Economics. coincided with a period of unusually high volatility in the world wheat Gamba grass was introduced into This project is funded through prices. Some growers blamed Australia as an improved pasture a UWA Research Development the price volatility on the move to plant and competes strongly Award. deregulate the industry. Given this with native pasture. Gamba

50 | ioa.uwa.edu.au grass infestations have spread extensively across Queensland and the Northern Territory where it has significantly altered soil- nutrient cycles, water cycles and fire regimes. Gamba grass reduces biodiversity by 50% and its high biomass can fuel intense bushfires, damaging ecosystems and threatening the safety of people and property.

Associate Professor Chalak visited researchers at the Resources for the Future (RFF) in Washington DC, USA, looking at strategies to improve resource management, specifically in relation to the control of invasive species. RFF is a non- profit organisation in USA that conducts independent research in Evaluating the management representatives and technical environmental, energy, and natural of agri-environmental assets experts took part in the process resource issues. in Tuscany of identifying agro-environmental assets in the region. A total of 26 Chalak collaborates with RFF Project team: W/Prof David assets were identified, including Professor Becky Epanchin-Niell Pannell1 (leader; email: david. on analysing a spatially explicit grasslands, agricultural lands, dynamic process of controlling [email protected]), Dr Gaio ecological corridors and rivers. 2 invasive species in a stochastic Cesare Pacini , Mr Leonardo Of these, two (the last remaining 2 2 setting, including the most Gabellini ; Dr Concetta Vazzana , population of Cistus laurifolius 3 cost-effective ways to control Dr Anna M. Roberts , Mr Geoff within the natural protected area 3 a spreading weed. Chalak also Park of local interest [Area Naturale Protetta di Interesse Locale, met with other researchers at Collaborating organisations: RFF including Senior Fellow Alan 1UWA; 2University of Florence, ANPIL] of Santa Brigida, and the Krupnick, Director of RFF’s Centre Italy; 3FFI-CRC Sant’ Antonio forest were selected for Energy Economics and Policy, as having reasonable prospects whose work on non-market In the European Union (EU), as in of progressing to cost-effective valuation of ecosystem services is many parts of the world, there is projects (benefit:cost ratio>1). very relevant to this project. increasing pressure to demonstrate that environmental projects achieve Detailed projects were developed Chalak also visited the University expected outcomes and are cost- for both assets and found to be of Alberta to collaborate with Dr effective. This project involves a cost-effective based on available Vic Adamowicz on the economic trial application of an environmental information. While the mindset of impact of Gamba grass invasion in investment framework, the being clear about identifying and Australia. In February 2013, he gave Investment Framework for valuing natural assets was a new a presentation on ‘Climate Change, Environmental Resource (INFFER). concept to participants, overall Threshold and Uncertainty’ at the the process worked well. The 57th AARES Conference in Sydney The framework, based on benefit: factors considered in calculating (5-8 Feb). cost analysis principles, was a cost:benefit ratio, including applied to agro-environmental technical feasibility, adoption and This project is funded through assets in the Mugello and Valdisieve compliance factors, socio-political a UWA Research Development areas of northern Tuscany, Italy – risks, costs and the likelihood of Award. regions with a variety of agricultural obtaining long-term funding to systems, including crops, livestock, maintain project benefits, were all fruit and vegetables. Farmers, relevant in Tuscany and required the environmental and institutional knowledge of local experts.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 51 Overall, INFFER appears relevant Australia. Future climate change most important policy response is and useful in an EU context as scenarios suggest that the Western research and development to enable a tool for increasing the benefits Australian grainbelt is likely to see farmers to facilitate future adaptation from agri-environmental programs, greater future reductions in rainfall to climate change. by helping program managers to than other regions, together with a select superior projects. further increase in temperatures. This project is funded by CEED and the CGIAR Independent This project is funded by CEED While these changes appear Science and Partnership Council and the CGIAR Independent adverse for water-limited rain-fed (ISPC) Science and Partnership agriculture, a close analysis of Council (ISPC). the changes and their impacts, Cost-effective strategies to undertaken in this project, has mitigate multiple pollutants revealed a more complex story. Adapting dryland agriculture in an agricultural catchment Twentieth century changes to climate change: Farming in north-central Victoria in rainfall, temperature and implications and research atmospheric CO concentration and development needs in 2 Project team: W/Prof David have had little or no overall impact Western Australia project Pannell1 (leader; email: david. on wheat yields. Changes in [email protected]), Dr Graeme agricultural technology and farming Project Team: W/Prof David Doole2, Dr Olga Vigiak3, Dr Anna systems have had much larger Pannell1 (leader; email: david. Roberts3 impacts. Contrary to some claims, [email protected]), Assoc/Prof there is no scientific or economic Collaborating organisations: Senthold Asseng2 justification for any immediate 1UWA; 2CEED; 3DPI VIC; Collaborating organisations: actions by farmers to adapt to 4University of Waikato, Hamilton, 1UWA; 2CSIRO long-term climate change in the New Zealand Western Australian wheatbelt, The WA grainbelt has experienced beyond normal responses to short- This study identifies strategies to more rainfall decline than any term variations in weather. Rather reduce phosphorus and sediment other wheat-cropping region in than promoting current change, the yields from agricultural lands into waterways for two Australian agricultural catchments. It also provides insight into the cost- effective management of pollutants of watercourses in Australia.

The research highlights a strong degree of complementarity between the two pollutants (phosphorus and sediment) based on the adsorption of phosphorus to sediment that augments the value of gully and streambank management for mitigation. However, the relationship between the two pollutants was found to be asymmetric: A 30% reduction in phosphorus yield (achieved in the cheapest way) achieves a 75% reduction in sediment yield in one catchment, while a 30% reduction in sediment yield (achieved in the cheapest way) achieves only a 12% reduction in phosphorus yield.

Sediment abatement costs are low given the efficiency of gully and streambank management. A

52 | ioa.uwa.edu.au 30% phosphorus reduction lowers agricultural profit by 3 to 7 per cent, while a 30% sediment reduction lowers profit by around 1%.

Overall, this research demonstrates the need to determine whether one pollutant is more important than another, while recognising the inherent potential of mitigation practices to reduce multiple emissions during their evaluation.

This project is funded by CEED.

The economics of carbon emissions in agriculture

Project team: W/Prof David Pannell1 (leader; email: david. [email protected]), Mr Tas Thamo1, Assist/Prof Marit Kragt1, Prof Ross Kingwell1, Dr Michael on farm profit is large and varies Multi-peril crop insurance Robertson2 considerably with different Collaborating organisations: measurement methods. For Project team: Assoc/ instance, if a price of $23/t of CO 1UWA; 2CSIRO 2 Prof Professor Ernst Juerg emission applies then farm profit Weber1 (leader; email: juerg. This project is about the economics falls by 14.4 to 30.8% depending on [email protected]), Ms Amy Khuu1 the measurement method. of greenhouse gas emissions Collaborating organisations: in agriculture, with this year’s 1UWA and numerous WA grower focus being on issues related to Thus, the choice of measurement groups the accurate measurement of method can have large distributional consequences. On the other hand, emissions. If agriculture were to Australian farmers can insure their be included in a national carbon inaccurate measurement results crops against hail and fire damage price scheme, a key decision in relatively minor levels of overall but not against losses caused by for government would be how inefficiency for the program. drought and frost. This is despite the to estimate greenhouse gas On-farm sequestration through fact that variation in rainfall and frost emissions. reforestation may lessen the impact are the largest causes of uncertainty in broadacre farming and may This project has explored the of an emissions price on farm increase with future climate change. consequences of three different businesses, although it will require methods for measuring on-farm a high carbon price to be viable, Research by Associate Professor emissions: national accounting especially if sequestration rates are E. Juerg Weber and Ms Amy Khuu methods, an amended version of underestimated or low. into the feasibility of multi-peril crop those methods and use of best- This project is funded by CEED, insurance (MPCI) found that while available local data. the National Environmental demand for insurance would be Estimated emissions under the Research Program and CSIRO. high, the market for private MPCI three methods can vary widely; insurance fails because insurance for example, on a case study companies lack data about individual farm in WA, local data indicated farm risk. 44% lower emissions than did the national accounts method. If The authors collaborated with on-farm emissions are subject to agricultural grower groups in order to an emissions price, the impact survey attitudes toward risk and risk management practices of farmers

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 53 in the West Australian grain belt. Sustainable co-operative Australia has around 1,600 They found that an increase in crop enterprise: an investigation businesses that are registered as co- yield volatility of 20% would raise the into the factors influencing operative or mutual enterprises with farmers’ willingness to pay for crop the sustainability and an estimated 13.5 million members. insurance one-to-one, by 20%. competitiveness of co- Despite their significance there is operative enterprises relatively little research available on Despite this strong demand for drivers of the co-operative business insurance, insurance companies do Project team: W/Prof Tim W model and what makes it both not offer MPCI because more private Mazzarol1 (leader; email: tim. unique and competitive. This study information is hidden in the markets [email protected]), W/ addresses these issues and assists for drought and frost insurance than Prof Geoffrey N Soutar1, W/ co-operatives in WA to prepare in the market for hail insurance. The Prof Kadambot Siddique1, W/ for the introduction of new State hail risk is a given quantity that is Prof John Watson1, Assoc/Prof legislation and provide research based on historical observations, Joanne N Sneddon1, Mr Peter T of benefit to co-operatives at the whereas the drought and frost risks Wells1, Assist/Prof Elena Mamouni national level. change from one growing season Limnios1, Dr I. Allemand, Dr I.A. to the next, depending on the El Berriozabalgotia, Dr J. Bijman, The project addresses five Niño cycle and other meteorological Prof J.Birchall, Prof B. Brullebaut, questions: (i) What causes a co- factors. Insurance companies do Dr N. Byrne, Assist/Prof F.R. operative to abandon its principles, not know how skilfully an individual Chaddad, Prof D. Clark3, Prof M.L. values and business mode and farmer uses seasonal weather Cook, Prof M.E. Fulton, Prof M. transform into an investor-owned forecasts and meteorological Gmür, Mrs Y. Gao, Assist/Prof I. enterprise? (ii) How does a Co- information, if at all. Hatak, Assoc/Prof C. Iliopoulos, operative measure and communicate Dr E. Juno-Delgado2, Assist/ the true value of membership? (iii) Without MPCI, farmers manage the Prof R. Lang, Dr Q. Liang, Dr M. Are there best practice examples of risk of crop losses using seasonal Martin2, Assoc/Prof M. Mazzoli, Co-operative Boards that provide weather forecasts at the time of Dr O. McCarthy, M. McCulloch, Dr lessons for future business models? the planting decision and through B. Plunkett, Mr G. Quadrelli, Prof (iv) How does a Co-operative prudential farm management 2 2 S. Raimbault , Prof S. Reboud , successfully participate in financial practices, such as staggered sowing Mag E. Reiner, Prof D. Roessl, markets without compromising its programs that reduces the risk of Dr S. Sacchetti, Dr L. Savery, R. principles, values and business frost damage to wheat. The research 2 Simmons, Prof C. Sinapi , Mr P. model? (v) What are the alternatives shows that farmers reduce the crop 2 Suter, Assist/Prof C. Tanguy , Dr I. to the “one-member-one-vote” area if they expect unfavourable Theodorakopoulou, Dr E.C. Tortia, principle normally associated with conditions during the growing Dr F.N. Uzea, Prof M. Ward, Ms G. Co-operatives and how do these season. This suggests that they are Whyatt, Prof X. Xu alternatives strengthen or weaken a able to predict weather conditions Co-operative’s ability to operate in and manage the risk appropriately. Collaborating organisations: 1UWA; 2Group ESC Dijon a sustainable and competitive way The research concludes that a future Bourgogne, France; 3University of over time? supplier of MPCI must take into Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand consideration that the introduction As part of this project, an of drought and frost insurance Co-operatives and mutual international network of around 40 may change the risk management enterprises are a special type researchers has been formed to practices of farmers. As crop of business characterised by a collaborate and address the above insurance shifts the risk of crop patronage relationship where the questions through case study failure to the insurance company, buyers or suppliers are also the research. Seven in-depth Australian there would be less incentive owners as members. At the global case studies have been completed for farmers to behave prudently, level co-operative enterprises and multiple international cases. resulting in unexpected losses to the rank among the largest business The findings of this work have been insurer. organisations. The 300 largest co- collated in 2013 and are published operatives have a combined annual in an Edward Elgar book titled For further information see www.ioa. turnover of US$ 963 billion and are ‘Research Handbook on Sustainable uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_ to be found in such industries as Co-operative Enterprise: Case file/0019/2461501/110666_IOA- banking and finance, agriculture, Studies of Organizational Resilience newsletter-Dec-2013-WEB.pdf and retailing and wholesaling. in the Co-operative Business Model’.

54 | ioa.uwa.edu.au In the final year of the project the Partnership with African Universities team has conducted a quantitative member survey, collecting data Australia-Africa Universities IOA Director W/Prof Kadambot from eight Australian and New Network (AAUN) Siddique represents UWA in Zealand co-operatives and mutuals. AAUN’s Steering Group, with other The modelling has led to a better UWA researchers have shown initiatives and projects as outlined understanding of the drivers a keen interest to partner with below. of members’ commitment and universities and research institutes identification with their co-operative. in Australia and Africa in addressing Regional Universities Forum for The study has advanced a new the food security and development Capacity Building (RUFORUM) conceptualisation of member- meeting owned businesses as a unique type challenges facing the continent. of service provider to customers In June 2013 Assistant Professor A key forum for this has been that wear multiple ‘hats’, calling Amin Mugera was nominated for a paradigm shift in the way the AAUN, a consortium of to represent AAUN in Entebbe, co-operatives engage with their Australian universities working Uganda for a two- day meeting members. with African partner universities to organized by RUFORUM in sustain research and education Africa. This is a member-based This project was funded through collaboration and leadership across consortium of 32 universities from an ARC Linkage project in areas of priority for Australia and eastern, central and southern Africa partnership with CBH Group, Africa. The main priority themes for with the objective of promoting Capricorn Society Limited – collaboration are in food security, innovative and responsive research, Australia, Co-operatives WA, mining and minerals, public sector high performing and proactive Ravensdown Limited. reform, public health and education. graduates and a dynamic platform

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 55 for university networking. The Development Fund as seed money The three concept notes proposals to objective of the meeting was to to develop joint research proposals which IOA contributed were: develop thematic areas for joint in the area of food security and i. ‘Sustainable intensification of AAUN/RUFORUM activities. Twenty nutrition. Professor Siddique is wheat-based agriculture systems participants attended the meeting leading the project on ‘Harnessing for improving the livelihoods – five from the AAUN network, five the benefits of agro-biodiversity of resource poor farmers in from the RUFORUM Secretariat and for sustained food security in the Ethiopia and Tanzania.’ This 10 from the RUFORUM network context of climate change and initiative was led by ICARDA with and developed five concept notes. variability.’ Assistant Professor a focus in Ethiopia and Tanzania. Mugera is leading the project on UWA participants are Winthrop AAUN meeting ‘Improved Productivity, Postharvest Professor Kadambot Siddique, Handling, Safety and Biosecurity In July 2014, Winthrop Professor Dr Ken Flower and Assistant of Cowpeas/Bambara groundnuts: Kadambot Siddique and Assistant Professor Amin Mugera. Professor Amin Mugera participated A Value Chain Analysis in Eastern, in a two-day AAUN International Western and Southern Africa.’ ii. ‘Sustainable Water use for Efficient forum workshop dubbed ‘The Commodity Value-chain in the Power of Partnership’ at the Cultivate Africa’s Future (CultiAF) Great Lakes Region of Africa.’ University of Sydney. The objective In 2013, IOA contributed to three This initiative was led by Makerere of the workshop was to identify concept proposals developed University in Uganda with a common interests, capacity and under an initiative dubbed CultiAF. focus in the Great Lakes Region potential for collaborative projects This initiative is a four-year CAD of Africa. UWA participant is among member universities in 15 million partnership between Assistant Professor Amin Mugera. Australia and Africa. Canada’s International Development iii. ‘Developing sustainable and Research Centre (IDRC) and the economically viable agriculture Seed money for collaborative Australian Centre for International systems for smallholder farmers in research Agriculture Research (ACIAR). The southern Africa.’ This initiative was In collaboration with other AAUM main objective of this competitive led by Rivers of Life-Foundations partners, Winthrop Professor research fund is to support applied for Farming in Zimbabwe, and the Kadambot Siddique and Assistant research in areas vital to achieving International Maize and Wheat Professor Amin Mugera developed long-term food security with a focus Improvement Center (CIMMITY) in two concept notes that received on post-harvest losses, nutrition Mexico. UWA participants are Dr a total of $30,000 from AAUN’s and water use in Eastern and Ken Flower & Assistant Professor Partnership and Research Southern Africa. Amin Mugera.

56 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Visit to Perth by AAUN Chair agricultural productivity. The other New Honours unit study found that uptake of existing Professor John Hearn, Chair of In response to the growing global agricultural technologies differed AAUN visited Perth (5 Nov 2013) to demand for skilled labour in across regions and countries. meet with AAUN representatives rural development, the School of and researchers from UWA, Earth and Environment (STET) They outlined ways for improvement Murdoch University and Curtin in collaboration with the School in the agricultural sector across University. He also met with the of Agriculture and Resource Africa, which were subsequently UWA Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Economics (SARE) launched a new published in two journals. Chancellor (International). The main unit ‘Development in Rural Areas’. objectives of the meetings were ENVT 4404 is a Level 4 unit with For further information see to review and consult on AAUN’s a focus on economic, social and http://www.ioa.uwa.edu. future objectives and programs, in institutional challenges facing rural au/__data/assets/pdf_ order to gain maximum benefit for areas in developing and developed file/0005/2353829/107098_IOA- partners in the AAUN Future Action countries. Students are taught News-Aug-2013-FLIP-BOOK- Plan 2014. The outcome of these how to apply development theory single-page.pdf meetings will also assist Professor and quantitative tools to a range of Hearn to approach government, rural development issues including: business and international agencies International social demography (e.g. gender, for resources and funding. Conferences cultural and social organisation, population health and education); Program Leader Assistant Economic viability of African governance and conflict; rural Professor Amin Mugera, together agriculture economies and employment; with his PhD students, participated agriculture and food security; and in a number of international Project team: Assist/Prof Amin natural resource management. conferences, presenting papers on Mugera1 (leader; email: amin. a range of topics related to the rural [email protected]); Thirty six Master level students economy and policy. enrolled in the unit the first time it Collaborating organisations: was offered. 1UWA; 2California State University, In August 2013, Assistant Professor USA; 3Konkuk University, Korea Mugera presented a paper at the Agriculture and Applied Economics IOA’s Rural Economy Program Association (AAEA) 2013 leader, Assistant Professor Amin conference in Washington DC, USA, Mugera and his team aimed to titled ‘Contributions of productivity determine: (i) whether or not and relative price changes to farm poverty-reducing, low-interest loans level profitability change’ This is a from organisations such as the joint research project with Professor International Monetary Fund (IMF) Michael Langemeier of the Center and the World Bank had an impact for Commercial Agriculture at on agricultural productivity; and Purdue University. (ii) whether African countries were adopting available technological Post graduate students Arif Watto, advances in agricultural production. Manoj Mudalinge, and Zhibo In two separate studies they Guo also presented papers at examined statistics for 33 African the Australian Agricultural and countries from 1996 to 2001 using Resources Economics Society new economical approaches and (AARES) annual conference in models. Controlling for the effects Sydney in February 2013. The of globalisation, civil violence, levels topics ranged from groundwater of development of physical and use efficiency in Pakistan, financial infrastructure and natural production efficiency of rice resource factors that influence production in Sri Lanka, and agricultural productivity, one study hedging effectiveness of Western found that macro-economic policy Australia’s crops. reforms instituted by the IMF and World Bank indeed improved

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 57 The Education, Outreach and Technology Exchange Program aims to raise UWA’s profile in agriculture and resource management and to help take the achievements made across the Institute’s programs from the laboratory into the paddock, through education and training 5. programs in regional and selected national and international settings. Education, With access to world-class teachers, researchers and facilities, the program fosters industry contacts, Outreach and strengthens links with rural communities, promotes research partnerships and postgraduate Technology teaching and training programs at UWA as well as research and agribusiness activities at the Exchange Program university.

Postgraduate Showcase Table 1: Postgraduate Showcase ‘Frontiers in Agriculture’ 2013 IOA’s annual Postgraduate Ms Monica Kehoe, School of Plant Biology and IOA, Faculty of Science: Showcase provides a platform for Unravelling the cause of Black Pod Syndrome of narrow-leafed lupin some of UWA’s top postgraduate Ms Renu Saradadevi, School of Plant Biology and IOA, Faculty of Science: students in an agriculture-related Modulation of stomatal conductance in wheat under terminal drought: role of ABA field to present their research to an Mr Alex Liu, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and audience of farmers, academics, Health Sciences: scientists and representatives from Acute benefits of a rich green-leafy-vegetable diet on arterial stiffness and blood industry and government. pressure in healthy volunteers Ms Madeleine Hartley, School of Law, Faculty of Law: Governance and groundwater use efficiency in Western Australia: the Gnangara Mound In 2013, six presentations from PhD students in four different Ms Kelsie Moore, School of Animal Biology and IOA, Faculty of Science: Fleece characteristics and vitamin D3 synthesis in alpacas in South Western Australia schools highlighted, again, the diverse and multidisciplinary nature Mr Cesar Rosales Nieto, School of Animal Biology and IOA, Faculty of Science: Advancing puberty in female sheep: it’s all about muscle and fat of agriculture, and the role of science in sustaining productive agriculture well into the future. The presentations can be viewed at www.ioa.uwa.edu.au/publications/ showcase.

58 | ioa.uwa.edu.au IOA News Website: www.ioa.uwa.edu.au IOA News is an important channel The IOA website is the first port of call for information on UWA agriculture- through which the Institute related reserach, development and teaching activities. promotes its activities, research, and collaborations as well as The website is updated regularly with information about IOA events and with the achievements of its students hyperlinks to other relevant (internal and external) web pages, to enable visitors and staff to alumni, agribusiness, to explore the activities of IOA and its partners in depth. growers, industry, funding bodies, research institutions, and UWA Current information is complemented by archived media statements, public staff. lectures and industry forms, all of which are readily accessible to provide a comprehensive picture of the Institute’s activities. IOA News is published three times per year (April, August In 2013 the UWA Farm Ridgefield extended its web presence from a single web and December) and represents page to a subsite www.ioa.uwa.edu.au/future-farm containing more than 20 one of the key tools to engage pages, to reflect and better promote the growing number of activities taking stakeholders and to further place at the farm as part of the overarching Future Farm 2050 Project, which strengthen the Institute’s strong manages the research and extension activities undertaken at the farm. connection with them. The IOA News publication is circulated Other web developments in 2013 include the presentation of IOA News in widely in electronic format (2918) flipbook format, in addition to the traditional pdf format (www.ioa.uwa.edu.au/ and as a printed magazine (2775). publications/newsletters)

Besides providing information on the latest research activities in Public lectures agriculture and related areas at In 2013, IOA hosted six public lectures ( see www.ioa.uwa.edu.au/publications/ UWA through feature articles and lectures/2013) attracting audiences of between 30 and 120 people. links to online information and outreach activities, IOA News also The national and international speakers covered diverse topics and disciplines, serves as a valuable reference underpinned by the theme ‘food and agriculture’. The lectures generated a material through its list of new high level of public interest, which was reflected in strong attendances and publications, visitors and research stimulating discussions following the presentations. projects.

Date Presenter Organisation Title 17 April Prof Rana Munns Honorary Fellow, CSIRO and Winthrop (Hector and Andrew Stewart Memorial Professor UWA Lecture) Improving salt tolerance of wheat July 18 Prof Ron Madl Director, Wheat Research Centre, College of Reaching new heights: Agriculture, Kansas State University, USA Antioxidants in wheat

August 6 W/Prof Kadambot Siddique Hackett Chair of Agriculture and Director, UWA (Food 2050 Lecture Series:) Institute of Agriculture; Australian agriculture and global food Co-sponsored by the UWA Institute of security Advanced Studies August 12 Prof Ylva Hilbur Deputy Director General for Research, Lifting Africans out of poverty International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibdan, Nigeria September 4 E/Prof Fred Allendorf Regents Professor Emeritus, Biological (Food 2050 Lecture Series:) Sciences, University of Montana and 2013 US Do genetic effects threaten the Fulbright Senior Specialist, UWA sustainability of marine fisheries? October 10 Prof Marian Stamp Davis Professor of Animal Behaviour, University of (Food 2050 Lecture Series:) Oxford Is ‘more efficient’ food production in conflict with animal welfare?

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 59 Media statements The Institute cemented its media presence during 2013 with 54 media statements, which in turn, generated a substantial number of follow-up articles in mainstream newspapers and farm magazines; and a number of radio and television interviews with key protagonists.

Date Title January 29, 2013 Chickpea breakthrough aims to feed millions January 29, 2013 Investigating best water practices for Perth’s parks and ovals January 30, 2013 Miniature probes help tackle climate change February 1, 2013 Ecologists propose 4-point plan for global land restoration February 19, 2013 UWA scoops agricultural and resource economics awards February 20, 2013 Soil carbon study to test nitrogen gas risk February 22, 2013 Slight climate change can reduce drought effect in wheat March 26, 2013 Superfast plant breeding slashes production times March 27, 2013 UWA scoops prestigious international prize – again March 27, 2013 Molecular study cuts the mustard for climate change April 2, 2013 How to feed nine billion hungry mouths by 2050? April 4, 2013 Farmers to benefit from key research projects April 9, 2013 Wheat farmers to reap benefits of UWA public lecture April 15, 2013 First Australian win for US plant biology award April 16, 2013 New sweet potatoes turn to ‘gold’ for Timor-Leste April 17, 2013 Plight of bees to premier in Perth for Honey Week May 7, 2013 Plant biology advances rapidly to help feed the world May 15, 2013 African agriculture in the spotlight May 16, 2013 UWA engineers tackle precision seeding challenge for sandalwood May 16, 2013 Getting to the root of better crops May 21, 2013 Strawberry fields forever and fungus-free May 24, 2013 UWA-China link to boost sustainable food production in drylands May 30, 2013 The right amount of coffee June 10, 2013 Grains champion to chair UWA Institute of Agriculture Industry Advisory Board June 26, 2013 A stellar team from Shenton College July 3, 2013 New grants are the bees knees for one-third of what we eat July 16, 2013 Fertilisers play key role in reducing crop pests July 30, 2013 Stressed plants say it with flowers August 9, 2013 Breast cancer and Landcare projects make Eureka award finals August 15, 2013 UWA rankings leap higher in Centenary Year August 26, 2013 Guerilla tactics to target war on weeds: world expert August 27, 2013 Pingelly Field Day to showcase cutting-edge Future Farm science August 30, 2013 Solving secrets of the wine cellar September 2, 2013 Lambs to woo Future Farm scientists September 5, 2013 Minister for International Development visits ‘Seeds of Life’ project in Timor-Leste September 6, 2013 Sustainable agriculture project wins Eureka award September 10, 2013 Digging deeper for soil carbon storage September 11, 2013 Moving genes have scientists seeing spots September 19, 2013 Breakthrough discovery could result in fragrant golden harvest September 24, 2013 Agriculture expert wins top Chinese award September 25, 2013 How will livestock react to global warming? October 15, 2013 Timely book reveals economic growth fails to end India’s food crisis October 21, 2013 Two-pronged approach to boost forest carbon storage October 25, 2013 Tough new varieties set to revive profitable chickpea in industry October 29, 2013 Study reveals local council mergers depend on efficiency October 31, 2013 Strong showing of UWA finalists in 2013 WA Science Awards November 11, 2013 New phone App SnapCard now available for farmers November 11, 2013 Science fights back against rice blast November 15, 2013 Graduates explore new ways of managing drought November 21, 2013 Recognition of Lifetime Contribution: Capacity building and food security November 27, 2013 Biological scientist named state’s ‘Tall Poppy’ November 28, 2013 Rural-urban migration constrains future agricultural productivity in China December 4, 2013 Vitamin C-rich native fruit ripe for cash crop study December 9, 2013 UWA leads international research teams on climate change December 9, 2013 Weed scientists to iron out farmers’ frowns with assault on Crowsfoot Grass December 17, 2013 Tiny organisms may hold key to global food supply December 20, 2013 New national centre at UWA to research energy capture and use by plants

60 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Outreach and teaching activities at UWA’s Farm Ridgefield

2013 has been a busy year for Back, a major initiative of the UWA University (NWAFU), and from the outreach and education activities at Centenary celebrations in 2013. South China Agricultural University UWA’s Farm Ridgefield. Sixty students from local schools (SCAU) further boosted the number (Pingelly Primary School, Brookton of international visitors to the farm. On 7 February 2013, ABC Television District High School and Narrogin aired a segment on the UWA Farm Senior High School) participated UWA’s Ecosystem Restoration and Ridgefield on its ‘Catalyst’ program. in hands on activities about soil, Intervention Ecology Research biodiversity, restoration of vegetation Group (ERIE) commenced using the To view the program, visit and plant cells. Professor Marian farm to explore innovative options www.abc.net.au/catalyst/ Stamp Dawkins, Professor of for ecosystem management that stories/3685323.htm Animal Behaviour, Oxford University, reconcile future farming enterprises was the keynote speaker at the with biological diversity and the In the same month, 30 climate presentations and demonstrations provision of ecosystem services; champions from across Australia for the local community and visitors. the first experiment is underway visited the farm, followed in May This was preceded by a Master and addresses the question ‘Do by a group of students from six Class in Soil Health, co-ordinated trees planted for carbon benefit agricultural colleges across WA’s by UWA’s Institute of Advanced other ecosystem services such as south west. Studies and conducted by Adjunct soil health and resistance to weed Professor Brent Clothier (for further invasion?’ In July, Professor Ron Madl from details see IOA News, December Kansas State University visited 2013 edition, page 2, www.ioa. Local students from three high with a group of his students to view uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_ schools across Perth also sustainable agriculture practices, file/0019/2461501/110666_IOA- participated in the farm’s ecosystem projects and technology on site. newsletter-Dec-2013-WEB.pdf) restoration program under the ‘City Kids to the Country’ initiative; On 6 September, an Open Day Student groups from China’s students from Applecross Senior was held as part of UWA Gives Northwest Agricultural and Forest High School, John Curtin College

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 61 of the Arts and Ardross Primary IOA Industry Forum Young Professionals in School grew seedlings which they ‘Food 2050’ Agriculture top awards planted at a restoration site on the farm and were introduced to On 10 April 2013, the annual IOA go to UWA graduates ongoing research activities. Industry Forum was held for the The annual Young Professional in seventh consecutive year. The Agriculture event is hosted by WA’s In May, more than 50 students from theme was ‘Food 2050’ and Division of the Ag Institute Australia the WA Colleges of Agriculture explored the role of science and and showcases the work of tertiary at Harvey, Denmark, Narrogin, technology in feeding nine billion students studying agriculture- and Cunderdin, Bindoon Catholic people by 2050, without destroying related subjects at WA universities Agriculture College and Kelmscott the planet. and who have completed an Senior High School visited the farm, undergraduate degree. An audience of approximately 120 and in December, students from listened to speakers from a wide Esperance Senior High School UWA Agricultural Science graduate range of disciplines who presented attended a one-day workshop on Emma Downsborough took out the opportunities inherent in each the farm. the highest award for her work discipline to help address this on consumer preferences and UWA undergraduate students challenge. The disciplines included willingness to pay for local food enrolled in Soil Science (EART3338) Animal Biology, Plant Biology, Soil products. conducted intense soil mapping Science, Electronic/Computer and characterisation at the farm, Engineering, Forensic Science, Caris Jones, another UWA which involved taking soil samples Medicine, Architecture, Business graduate, claimed the second prize for lab work and preparation of and Finance. and the best-presentation award for a report of WA’s land capability her work on feed-use efficiency and For the full program see assessment. its impact on the fertility of merino www.ioa.uwa.edu.au/_ ewe lambs. UWA postgraduate students nocache/?a=2272803; the enrolled in the Master of presentations can be accessed For further information see www. Architecture program paid three from www.ioa.uwa.edu.au/ ioa.uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/ visits to the farm to develop a publications/industry-forum. pdf_file/0004/2292322/104678_ research design project based on IOA-newsletter-v7-web.pdf. the proposed development of the UWA Learning Links Future Farm accommodation and operational needs to 2050. Outreach Program Bees and honey create Two groups of Shenton College a buzz In addition, the above outreach high schools students, mentored ‘More than Honey’ documentary activities were complemented by under the UWA’s Learning Links UWA’s Centre for Integrative Bee a series of three public lectures Outreach Program by IOA scientists Research (CIBER) featured and on ‘Food 2050’ (http://www.ias. Associate Professor Matthew was part of the scientific advisory uwa.edu.au/lectures/2050-food) Nelson and Assistant Professor team in the multi-award winning held between August and October. Michael Considine respectively, documentary “More than Honey”, ‘Food 2050’ was also the theme took out the gold medal at the by Oscar-nominated Swiss movie of this year’s IOA Industry Forum Beijing Youth Science competition, director Markus Imhoof. (see below) to which the UWA Farm and the award for the most Ridgefield Project contributed 16 successful international team. The most up-to-date equipment presenters. was used to create 105 hours of For further information see www. close-up footage of bees in a hive, For further details about the UWA ioa.uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/ of which 46 minutes were used for Farm Ridgefield’s outreach activities pdf_file/0005/2353829/107098_ the documentary itself, to educate visit www.ioa.uwa.edu.au/future- IOA-News-Aug-2013-FLIP-BOOK- the audience about the significance farm-2050/news-and-events single-page.pdf. of the honeybees for agriculture and to shed light as to why their populations are in dramatic decline all over the world. Since bees move too fast for the human eye, the footage was slowed down so the

62 | ioa.uwa.edu.au audience could literally come face- to face with them and follow their movements.

The film was screened as part of the German Film Festival in all major cities in Australia and had its premiere in Perth on 3 May 2013 at Cinema Paradiso, with CIBER staging this public event. Professor Lyn Beazley, Chief Scientist of WA, gave the introductory address and the Deputy Consul General for Switzerland Bernhard Furger, the Honorary Consul for Switzerland Jürg Weber, and the Honorary Consul for Germany Torsten Ketelsen were among the 300 guests.

The documentary created a significant amount of publicity for CIBER and UWA across Australia in newspapers, radio programs and on the National News on TV (http://www.news.uwa.edu. au/201304175581/arts-and- culture/plight-bees-premiere- perth-honey-week). CIBER’s movieblog (www.ciber.science. uwa.edu.au/blog/) also generated significant traffic and plans are underway for further screenings of the new English John Hurt-narrated version of ‘More than Honey’ in Australia.

CIBER director Professor Boris Baer received the prestigious Swiss Award as part of a SAAN (Swiss Australian Academic Network) event at the Swissotel a day after the first Sydney screening (http:// saan.com.au/content/saan- board-member-receives-swiss- award-2013 and http://issuu.com/ swisschamber/docs/newsflash2)

National Honeyweek (Apr 29 – May 5) Scientists at UWA’s Centre for Integrative Bee Research (CIBER) engage in many outreach activities (e.g. school visits, exhibitions and public talks) to educate the public about the significance of honeybees

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 63 for pollination and their dramatic Highlights of the 2013 Honey Week • the closing festival (organised at decline worldwide. included: the House of Honey in the Swan Valley) which attracted 6000 One of its key outreach events is • a bee exhibition for SciTech, visitors, three times more than in the annual National Honey Week, developed by scientists from 2012. UWA. SciTech counted 7666 which educates the public about • visit from delegates of the Perth visitors during Honey Week and the important role played by the Royal Agricultural Society asking the interest in the exhibition honeybee industry in keeping bees CIBER to set up a stall at the was enormous with visitors healthy and assuring the pollination Perth Royal Show 2013 . especially appreciating the of our crops. National Honey Week honey tasting, the show hive and Feedback forms were collected and is also a celebration of all things the discussions with scientists will be evaluated to guide CIBER’s honey and other bee products and and beekeepers. The popularity planning and preparation for Honey of CIBER’s close and successful of the exhibition led SciTech to Week 2014 to optimise CIBER’s collaboration with the honeybee install a permanent CIBER/Bee community engagement even industry and hobby beekeepers. exhibit in December 2013, in further. Honey Week offers the public an close collaboration with CIBER. Perth Royal Show: from hive 2 opportunity to meet and talk to real • screening of ‘More than Honey’. honey beekeepers and researchers and • a very well attended public to learn more about the production Following the invitation to organise lecture by Prof Boris Baer, a stall and exhibition about honey of honey and beeswax, as well as founder of CIBER, on his latest production at the Royal Show 2013, beekeeping in their own backyard. research and outreach activities, CIBER developed a display suited 2013 was the third successive year followed by a lively discussion. to the Agricultural Society’s new of CIBER’S participation. “Farm 2 Food” pavilion, which was created to educate the children about where their food comes from.

CIBER’s display “From Hive 2 Honey” was designed in collaboration with beekeepers to explain how honey is produced in WA. The display also included a stall, which allowed children of all ages to observe live honeybees, investigate dead bees under a microscope, taste honey, touch and smell bee wax and discover how an industrial beehive is built.

During the week of the Perth Royal Show (28 Sep to 5 Oct) CIBER co-ordinated 25 volunteers to man the honeybee stall daily from 9 am to 6 pm. The Farm 2 Food- pavilion attracted 2400 visitors per hour, and 35,000 overall, including WA Premier Colin Barnett. The volunteers from CIBER and the WA Apiarists Society distributed 15,000 honey samples. In a thank you letter received, CIBER was asked to participate again at the Perth Royal Show 2014.

64 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Turf Research Open Day

The Turf Research Program within UWA’s School of Plant Biology focuses on water use and drought tolerance in turf, on the use of soil amendments to improve water and nutrient management, and on turf nutrition and fertiliser efficiency.

UWA’s Shenton Park Field Station provides the research facility where turf is evaluated under different management practices. In February 2013, the research group held an Open Day at the site, which attracted over 100 visitors from major stakeholders in industry, government and research.

For further information see www. ioa.uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0004/2292322/104678_IOA- newsletter-v7-web.pdf

This research is funded by Horticulture Australia, in partnership with the Turf Industry and various State and Local Government groups.

Australia’s first Critical Zone Observatory

In 2013 the first Critical Zone Observatory in the Southern Hemisphere was established at the UWA Farm Ridgefield in Pingelly (www.czen.org/content/uwa-czo- avon-river-catchment)

Intensive course: QTL Agricultural Sciences), together with thousands of molecular markers. Mapping and Breeding Professor Rudi Appels (Murdoch The ICIM software also has the Simulation University) and Dr Parwinder Kaur facility for integrating different (UWA). molecular marker maps based on In February, UWA’s International the presence of shared markers. Centre for Plant Breeding Education The course covered theoretical and Research (ICPBER) presented and practical aspects of the use of The course was filled to capacity a three day course (Feb 6-8) ‘QTL software to map molecular markers, and comprised 34 participants Mapping and Breeding Simulation’. including a new-generation from industry and academia who The course was run in cooperation mapping software Inclusive provided very positive feedback in a with Murdoch University and taught Composite Interval Mapping survey conducted at the end of the by Dr Jiankang Wang (CIMMYT (ICIM) which can handle the range seminar. China and Chinese Academy of of challenges associated with

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 65 Capacity building for Statistics for the Australian Agriculture, Plant Biology and Soil statistics Grains Industry (SAGI 2) Science.

Project team: Prof Brian Cullis2 Project team: Prof Brian Cullis2 This project is funded by GRDC (leader; email: [email protected]. (leader; email: [email protected]. au), Assoc/Prof Katia Stefanova1, au), Assoc/Prof Katia Stefanova1, AHRI hosts inaugural Dr Alison Smith2, Prof Ken Dr Alison Smith2, Dr Alison Kelly4, international conference Russel2, Dr Olena Kravchuck3 Dr Julian Taylor3, Dr David Butler4, Dr Bev Gogel3, Mr Chris Lisle5 Collaborating organisations: In February 2013, the Australian 1UWA; 2University of Wollongong; Collaborating organisations: Herbicide Resistance Initiative, 3University of Adelaide, 5Charles 1UWA; 2University of Wollongong; located within UWA’s School of Plant 3 4 Sturt University; Wageningen University of Adelaide; DEED Biology, hosted the inaugural Global 5 Institute for Applied Plant Queensland; Charles Sturt Herbicide Resistance Challenge Research,The Netherlands University; VSN International, UK Conference. The one-week event Productivity of primary industries included 100 speakers and over 60 The role of statistics in the grains is vital for the future of Australian poster presentations and attracted industries is to provide optimal agriculture and statistical analysis more than 300 delegates. experimental designs and statistical plays an important part in this. analyses, to be instrumental in the Despite this, the focus on For further details see www.ioa. variety release selection - through biometrics, a discipline of statistics uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_ National Variety Trials (NVT) system that develops and applies statistical file/0004/2292322/104678_IOA- support - and to provide plant theory and methods in the newsletter-v7-web.pdf breeders, agronomists and growers biosciences, including agriculture, with reliable predictions regarding has lessened significantly with AHRI is funded by GRDC. yield and quality traits. no real growth in the number of biometricians working in public The primary objective of this project sector organisations for the past InterDrought-IV Conference is to deliver ongoing high quality decade. statistical support and training, Drought is one of the biggest threats develop innovative statistical This project sets out to deliver facing agriculture today and in 2013 technologies and statistical increased and sustained training in UWA was involved in two significant software for the grains industries in statistics and biometrics to UWA extension events addressing the Australia, in particular for national tertiary students to meet the future challenges arising from drought. public pre-breeding and breeding statistical needs of the grains programs and other GRDC funded industry, and significant progress In September UWA and Curtin projects. has been made in 2013, including: University co-sponsored the (i) modules for existing honours/ InterDrought-IV Conference, In 2013, the team: (i) maintained together with principal sponsor Masters units ‘Data Use in the the implementation of the standard Murdoch University. The Natural Sciences’ (SCIE 4401); and operating procedure for SAG 2 InterDrought-IV Conference is a (ii) ‘Data Management and Analysis support of grains industry research, major international platform to in the Natural Sciences’ (SCIE 4402) development and extension debate strategies to increase yield have been written or updated. The projects; (ii) provided timely design and stability of crops under drought units are offered every semester. and analysis for near-to-market The modules focus on: (i) design research and extension projects, conditions by genetic and crop of experiments and ANOVA including agronomy system trials, management approaches. IOA (SCIE4401) and on Linear Mixed National Variety Trials (NVT), played a significant role in organising Models (SCIE4402); (ii) design and farming system/agronomy trials the conference. delivery of a two-day course for PhD and disease resistance/tolerance students on Advanced Experimental trials, including the provision of The event attracted 350 of the Design and Linear Mixed Models; refereed reports to project leaders leading drought researchers and (iii) provision of regular statistical and broader grains industry; (iii) worldwide. UWA’s ICPBER support for postgraduate students in implemented a new cluster based leveraged on their presence to run the Faculty of Science. approach to NVT multi-environment a Master Class on ‘Adaptation to trials; and (iv) provided support Drought’ in the week prior to the This project is funded by GRDC. to postgraduate students in Conference.

66 | ioa.uwa.edu.au The Master Class (MC) aimed to increase participants’ understanding of: (i) practical selection for drought tolerance: phenotyping; (ii) new techniques for drought selection: genotyping; and (iii) crop management options to cope with drought. The MC attracted 19 participants – all of them experienced and practicing drought scientists from a wide range of developing countries. The MC was sponsored by the Crawford Fund, ACIAR, GRDC, and the organisers: UWA, Murdoch University, DAFWA and ICRISAT. In addition the MC was supported by scientists from the organisers; InterGrain; AGT; ACPFG; the University of Tasmania and the Managed Environment Project from CSIRO Plant Industry.

Visitors to IOA Collaboration with overseas institutions In 2013, IOA further strengthened its research links and collaborations Flourishing alliances with Three Brothers Initiative with institutions and industry China In April 2013, a new academic in Australia and overseas partnership was formed between through hosting more than 20 Joint Centre for Dryland UWA, Zhejiang University and Tarim national and international visitors Agricultural Ecosystems University. including scientists from partner The extensive links between UWA organisations, industry stakeholders and China were boosted further, This new international collaboration and government representatives. with the launch of the Centre for is referred to as the ‘Three Brothers Project’ and forms part of the Three Among them were delegations from Dryland Agricultural Ecosystems Brothers framework founded in some of UWA’s foremost partner in May 2013 at Lanzhou University 2005 by the Ministry of Education organisations: ACIAR, ICARDA, (LZU). The centre is a joint in China to support relationships KVASU in India and Lanzhou endeavour between LZU, UWA between high-performing University in China. and ICARDA and is testimony to the important role of drylands in universities abroad and emerging For further information see www. ensuring food security and the universities in China. Closer ties ioa.uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/ high priority placed by leading between the three institutions are of pdf_file/0003/2233335/2012- institutions in pooling their expertise most interest in the research area of December-Newsletter.pdf); and know-how to advance arid horticulture. sustainable agricultural production. UWA’s flourishing partnership For further details see www.ioa. with LZU dates back to 2006 and uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/ has led to numerous (training) pdf_file/0005/2353829/107098_ initiatives, visits and joint research IOA-News-Aug-2013-FLIP-BOOK- projects. single-page.pdf

For further information see www. Joint soils laboratory with ioa.uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/ Chinese Academy of Sciences pdf_file/0005/2353829/107098_ UWA’s history of close collaboration IOA-News-Aug-2013-FLIP-BOOK- the prestigious Chinese Academy single-page.pdf of Sciences (CAS) culminated in the

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 67 launch of a joint soils laboratory – all cropping farmers in Timor-Leste Seed of the most recently released the first joint laboratory for the two with continuous access to seeds of variety, a white maize aptly named institutions in December 2013. superior crop varieties, before the Noi Mutin or ‘Little Princess’, was end of 2016. multiplied on research stations For further information see www. throughout 2013 and disbursed to news.uwa.edu.au/201312176372/ The research program has resulted seed growers across the nation. research/tiny-organisms-may- in the release of improved varieties Meanwhile seed of the popular hold-key-global-food-supply of maize, sweet potato, rice, yellow maize (Sele), peanut cassava and peanuts which out- (Utamua) and rice (Nakroma) were Improved food crop yield local varieties by up to 150%. multiplied by Government and All released varieties were selected varieties for Timor-Leste non-governmental organisations, after being cultivated under seed producers, community seed farmer conditions over a number Seeds of Life III production groups and individual of years and passing through a farmers for cultivation or sale. rigid consumer evaluation system. Project team: Prof William Sweet potato (Hohrae 1, 2 and 3) Erskine1 (leader; email: william. The array of available improved and cassava (Ai-Luka 2 and Ai-Luka [email protected]), Adj/Prof food crop varieties continues to 4) cuttings were alsomultiplied in Harold Nesbit1, W/Prof Kadambot expand with trials being conducted small plots in each district for sale Siddique1, Adj. Senior Research on winged bean, mung beans to farmers. Fellow Rob Williams1 and other legumes. Pro-vitamin enriched maize varieties and other Collaborating organisations: nutrient enhanced crops are also 1UWA; Department of Foreign being examined. Affairs and Trade; Timor-Leste Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries; CLIMA (now called Centre for Plants, Genetics and Breeding)

A long-term agricultural development program, Seeds of Life (SoL), continues to improve Timor-Leste’s capacity to feed itself and lift subsistence farmers out of poverty, through production increases in Timor-Leste’s staple food crops.

SoL commenced as an ACIAR project in 2000, following Timor- Leste’s independence. Since then the program has progressed through various phases of research and development. In February 2011, SoL entered its third (and current) phase, led by CLIMA, with a $27.5 million grant over five years to ensure continuous and widespread access to seeds of high-yielding crop varieties by local farmers by the end of the five-year period. SoL III has components of research, seed multiplication, community seed development and during 2013, SoL III expanded its activities into all 13 Timor-Leste districts, and is on track to provide more than 50% of

68 | ioa.uwa.edu.au The Timor-Leste variety release Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) committee is considering releasing 2013 was a successful year both for cementing existing international partnerships a bitter cassava variety suited to and for forging new ones. This was reflected in a number of new formal agreements starch production. This variety (Ca (MoUs), as well as a range of activities as part of an ongoing collaboration. 109) is high yielding and has a high starch content but possesses an elevated cyanide content making it Date MoU Partners unsuitable for human consumption. February 11 Letter of Extension of the Memorandum of Understanding Rats and other predators are between UWA and University of Ghana (UOG) signed 11 deterred by its bitter taste allowing February 2013 Ca 109 to be stored for long September 9 Letter of Extension of the Memorandum of Understanding periods prior to processing. There is between UWA and Huazhong Agricultural University (HAU) commercial demand for this variety October 19 UWA and Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and it is expected that sufficient (KVASU) on-farm productivity data will be available for its official release in 2014.

In 2013, more than 1,000 community seed production groups were being supported directly by SoL and 500 others by NGOs. Thirty-five of these groups formed large Farmers’ Associations, all of which are developing the capacity to sell their own labelled seed. In July, 2013, the first three of these associations were registered to sell seed under the newly developed National Seed System for Released Varieties (NSSRV).

The success of the SoL program is being measured in both improvements to food security Training in Bangladesh The course was hosted by the and in the capacity of the MAF to Bangladesh Agricultural Research continue to support the NSSRV Quantifying epidemiology Institute (BARI), Joydepur, into the future. Five MAF staff and forecasting risks of crop Bangladesh, and taught by members were sponsored through diseases Dr Moin Salam and Mr Bill MSc studies during the year, with MacLeod (DAFWA). It attracted three of them attending courses at This one-week training course, 16 participants from Bangladesh, UWA. At the end of their studies, held 3 to10 February 2013 in Nepal and India who provided all SoL sponsored students will Bangladesh, was created in positive feedback on the course. return to Timor-Leste to work response to a severe epidemic of As follow-up, two working groups with Government agricultural Stemphylium blight in 2012, which were formed to develop, test and development agencies. threatened the sustainability of apply disease forecasting models, lentils in many (pulse) cropping one on potato late blight disease This project is funded by ACIAR systems in the region. and the other on Stemphylium on and the Department of Foreign lentil. Dialogue will continue with Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The course aimed to provide (early the trainers in mentoring the two and mid-career) scientists of South working groups. Asian countries with theoretical and practical knowledge to understand The course was supported by the and quantify epidemiology of Crawford Fund, ICARDA, BARI, crop diseases and apply the CLIMA, DAFWA and ACIAR methodology in forecasting risks of crops diseases.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 69 Awards and industry recognition for staff in 2013

Prof Kingsley Dixon Linnean medal awarded by the Linnean Society of London for his contribution to research on native plants and the regeneration of ecosystems; www.news.uwa.edu.au/201305275711/awards-and-prizes/plant-hero-lauded E/Prof Alan Robson Order of Australia (General Division) for distinguished service to tertiary education through governance and administrative roles, to the advancement of scientific and medical research, and to the community; www.news.uwa.edu.au/201306115742/queens-birthday-honours-leading-uwa-academics Assist Prof Marit Kragt Essay Prize of the Agricultural Economics Society International Award for Research Excellence from the Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand; www.news.uwa.edu.au/201312126362/awards-and-prizes/international-award-young-uwa-scientist UWA-UQ Bilateral Collaboration Award Ms Xixi Li Best young scientist oral presentation award at the 8th International Meeting on Anaerobic Microbiology Prof Michael Burton and Winners of the Quality of Research Discovery Award for their paper presented at 57th Annual Australian Adj/Assoc/Prof Dan Rigby Agricultural and Resource Economics Society (AARES) W/Prof David Pannell Finalist for WA Science Ambassador of the Year Award www.news.uwa.edu.au/201312046315/features/uwa-staff-and-students-shine-wa-science-awards Prof Ben White Best Paper Award by the AARES-Wiley Blackwell Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics W/Prof Stephen Powles Finalist for WA Scientist of the Year Award www.news.uwa.edu.au/201312046315/features/uwa-staff-and-students-shine-wa-science-awards W/Prof Kadambot Siddique Dunhuang Award www.news.uwa.edu.au/201309246081/awards-and-prizes/agriculture-expert-wins-top-Chinese- award Ag Institute Australia Fellow Award E/Prof Bob Gilkes Crawford Fund Medal www.news.uwa.edu.au/201311216268/awards-and-prizes/recognition-lifetime-contribution- capacity-building-and-food-security Prof Ryan Lister Tall Poppy WA Award recognizing the brightest young scientists in WA www.news.uwa.edu.au/201311276286/awards-and-prizes/biological-scientist-named-states-tall- poppy Future Farm Industries CRC Caring for our Country Landcare Eureka Prize www.news.uwa.edu.au/201309066039/awards-and-prizes/sustainable-agriculture-project-wins- eureka-award ARC Centre of Excellence Winner of the Chevron Science Engagement Initiative of the Year. in Plant Energy Biology Prof Boris Baer Winner of the Swiss Award of the Swiss-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SACCI) for his outstanding achievements in his bees research project (see http://saan.com.au/content/saan-board- member-receives-swiss-award-2013)

70 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Research Projects and Research Training

New research projects 2013

Title Funding Funding body Supervisor/s period Grand challenge: genomic approaches for stress 2012-2015 Australian Centre for Plant W/Prof Timothy Colmer, tolerant chickpea Functional Genomics (ex W/Prof Kadambot Siddique DIISR Australia India Strategic Research Fund) Maintenance of soil organic carbon levels 2012-2014 DAFWA (ex DAFF Carbon Prof Daniel Murphy supporting grain production systems: the influence Farming Futures Filling the of management and environment on Carbon and Research Gap) Nitrogen turnover Economic analysis of gene deployment strategies 2012-2014 CRC Plant Biosecurity Prof Benedict White for high priority exotic pests and chemical supply to manage pest incursions Enhancing WA chickpea industry through targeted 2013-2014 COGGO W/Prof Kadambot Siddique, demonstration and extension of new Aschocyta- Prof Tanveer Khan resistant improved varieties and lines in partnership with grower groups Polymers for improving soil moisture management 2012-2014 CRC for Polymers Prof Daniel Murphy, and cropping productivity W/Prof Tony O’Donnell, Assoc/Prof Louise Barton, Assist/Prof Deirdre Gleeson Better regulatory frameworks for water-sensitive 2012-2016 CRC Plant Biosecurity Assoc/Prof Alex Gardner cities Research & technical support for the project 2012-2014 South Coast Natural Resource Assoc/Prof Barbara Cook empowering farmers to adopt behaviour change in a Management Inc carbon economy New technologies and enhanced techniques for 2013 Worldwide Universities Network Prof Neil Coles, water resource assessment in a changing climate (WUN) Prof Mark Rivers The value of carbon and biodiversity services 2013 UWA-UQ bilateral Collaboration Assist/Prof Marit Kragt provided by native shrubs on farmland Award Development of a web-based tool to interpret and 2013-2014 COGGO Assoc/Prof Christian Nansen quantify spray coverage obtained from commercial pesticide applications Investigation of respiratory control in dormant 2013 Grape and Wine Research Assist/Prof Michael Considine grapevine bud Development Corporation Identifying the biochemical and molecular bases 2013-2015 Nufarm W/Prof Stephen Powles of 2,4D herbicide resistance in the economically important weed Raphanus raphanistrum (wild radish) Managing soil-borne root disease in sub-clover 2013-2017 MLA W/Prof Martin Barbetti pastures Fertility crisis: harnessing the genomic tension 2013-2014 University of Queensland (ex Assoc/Prof David Jordan, behind pollen fertility in sorghum ARC Linkage) Prof Ian Small, Dr Emma Mace, Prof Robert Klein, Dr Diana Dugas Grazing into the Future: building soil health and 2012-2015 DAFF Carbon Farming Futures W/Prof Lyn Abbott, carbon with pasture management Action on the Ground Dr Natasha Pauli Mechanisms of drought tolerance of tedera 2013 Future Farm Industries CRC Assoc/Prof Megan Ryan, (Bituminaria bituminosa var. albomarginata) Mr Kevin Foster Opportunistic sampling of Cullen field experiment 2013 Future Farm Industries CRC Assoc/Prof Megan Ryan, regrowth Mr Dion Nichol Proof of concept – remote sensing of frost induced 2013 GRDC Dr Ken Flower, stress in wheat paddocks Assist/Prof Bryan Boruff, Assoc/Prof Christian Nansen Harnessing soil biological functions to improve 2013-2014 Victoria DPI (ex Grape and Wine Prof Daniel Murphy, grapevine management for a sustainable industry Research and Development Dr Linda Maccarone, Corporation) Assist/Prof Deirdre Gleeson

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 71 Title Funding Funding body Supervisor/s period Safeguarding honeybees: understanding host- 2013-2016 ARC Linkage Prof Boris Baer, parasite interactions at the level of proteins Prof Richard Oliver, Mr John Davies, Prof Paul Schmid-Hempel Genomic basis of clonal variation in Cabernet 2013-2016 ARC Linkage Assist/Prof Michael Sauvignon wine grapes Considine, Prof James Whelan, Prof Ryan Lister, Mr Glynn Ward, Dr Kristen Brodison, Mr James Campbell-Clause, Mr Daniel Newson, Dr Paul Chambers The Fourth Australia-China Wheat Genetics and 2013 GRDC Assoc/Prof Guijun Yan Breeding Workshop Achieving least cost greenhouse gas abatement DAFF Filling the Research Gap Assist/Prof Marit Kragt, opportunities in Australian grains farms Peter Thornburn (CSIRO) Modifications and update of dam design software 2013 WA Dept of Water Assist/Prof Chun Baek, tool - Damcat5 Mr David Stanton, Prof Neil Coles Managing biological physical and chemical 2013-15 DAFF Carbon Farming Futures Assist/Prof Deirdre Gleeson, constraints to soil carbon storage Filling The Research Gap Assoc/Prof Daniel Murphy, Assoc/Prof Peta Clode, Dr Lynne Macdonald, Dr Jeff Baldock, Dr Clayton Butterly, Assoc/Prof Caixian Tang Novel business structures for adaptation to a 2013-15 DAFF Carbon Farming Futures Prof Ross Kingwell changing climate Filling The Research Gap

Host control of methane emissions from sheep 2013-15 DAFF Carbon Farming Futures Prof Philip Vercoe Filling The Research Gap

Information management and regional development 2013 Wheatbelt Development Prof Matthew Tonts, partnership Commission Prof Paul Plummer

Provision of services specialist independent peer 2013 Buru Energy Ltd Prof Neil Coles reviewer and advisor - water resources

Innovative livestock systems to adapt to climate 2013-2015 DAFF Carbon Farming Futures Prof Phil Vercoe change and reduce emissions Filling the Research Gap

International coordination of the Ruminant 2013-2015 DAFF Carbon Farming Futures Prof Phil Vercoe Pangenome Project Filling the Research Gap

Western node of the National Brassica Genetic 2013 NSW Dept of Primary Industries Assist/Prof Sheng Chen, Improvement Program - (NBGIP-2) heat tolerance (ex GRDC) W/Prof Kadambot Siddique, research W/Prof Wallace Cowling Model upgrade and development of input data 2013 WA Dept of Water Prof Neil Coles Generating Tool for DAMCAT5 and RAINTANK2

Achieving least cost GHG abatement – opportunities DAFF Filling Research Gap Assist/Prof Marit Kragt in Australian grain farms

Genomic approaches to explore plant-insect 2014 UWA UQ Bilateral Research W/Prof Karam Singh, interactions Collaboration Award Dr Lars Kamphuis, Assoc/Prof David Edwards, Dr Jacqueline Batley Can frost tolerance be induced in wheat plants? A 2014 UWA UQ Bilateral Research W/Prof Stephen Powles, 100 million dollar question Collaboration Award Assist/ Prof Roberto Busi, Prof John Christopher

72 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Title Funding Funding body Supervisor/s period Management of insecticide resistance in RLEM and 2013-2014 University of Melbourne ex Assoc/Prof Christian Nansen screening new MoA chemistry GRDC

Separating the adverse neurodevelopmental 2013 NHMRC Prof Jane Pillow, consequences of mechanical ventilation and Assoc/Prof Dominique postnatal steroids in preterm lambs Blache, Prof Kurt Albertine, Dr Peter Noble, ASSOC/Prof Andrew Gill, ASSOC/Prof Mary Black, Dr Jonas Rubenson Molecular mechanisms underlying extensive 2014-2016 ARC Discovery Projects W/Prof Hans Lambers, replacement of phospholipids by galactolipids Assoc/Prof Patrick Finnegan, and sulfolipids in Hakea prostrata during leaf Dr Patrick Giavalisco development Revealing novel mechanisms conferring evolution of 2014-2016 ARC Discovery Projects W/Prof Stephen Powles, resistance to glufosinate and glyphosate in Eleusine Assoc/Prof Qin Yu indica Understanding the biological functions of the 2014-2016 ARC Discovery Projects Dr Steven Smith karrikin-responsive signaling system of plants in growth, development and responses to the environment Dissecting novel roles of succinate dehydrogenase 2013-2017 ARC Future Fellowships Dr Shaobai Huang in stomatal aperture and root elongation in plants

Evolutionary adaptation of the chemical language of 2014-2016 ARC Discovery Early Career Dr Margaretha van der Merwe nutrient acquisition strategies in higher plants Researcher Awards

Nitrate and sulphate rich shrubs to reduce methane 2013-2015 CSIRO (ex DAFF Carbon Farming Dr Hayley Norman, and increase productivity Futures Filling Research Gap) Prof Philip Vercoe, Prof Edward BarrettLennard, Assoc/Prof John Milton Options for improved insecticide and fungicide use 2013-2015 GRDC Assoc/Prof Christian Nansen and canopy penetration in cereals and canola

Long-term no-till farming systems 2013-2015 GRDC Dr Kenneth Flower

Phenotyping and simulation of barley root 2014-2015 Group of Eight DAAD German W/Prof Zed Rengel, architecture for edaphic stress adaption Research Cooperation Dr Johannes Postma, Dr Yinglong Chen

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 73 New PhD research students During 2013, 13 new PhD students joined the disciplines of agriculture and related areas at UWA and commenced their studies.

Name Topic School Supervisor(s) Funding Body Mr Bidhyut Banik The mechanism of Animal Biology, Prof William Erskine, UPA antimethanogenic potential in Plant Biology and Assist/Prof Zoey Durrmic, Biserrula pelecinus IOA Dr Clinton Revell Ms Rasika Racial status of Plant Biology and W/Prof Martin Barbetti, UWA SIRF Kankanamalage Pseudocercosporella capsellae in IOA Dr Mingpei You Western Australia, the identity and mechanisms of host resistance in oilseed Brassica Ms Yupin Li Pythium root rot of Phaseolus bean Plant Biology and Prof Martin Barbetti, IPRS – interactions of host resistance IOA Dr Mingpei You, with water availability W/Prof Tim Colmer

Mr Hieu Sy Tran Black spot disease complex in Plant Biology Prof Martin Barbetti, AusAID Scholarship field pea – pathogens involved and and IOA Dr Mingpei You, interactions with host resistance Prof Tanveer Khan

Ms Louise Fisk The balance between microbial Earth and Prof Dan Murphy, APA; UWA nitrification and nitrogen Environment and Assoc/Prof Louise Barton Establishment/ immobilisation rates and variation in IOA Relocation Award a Western Australian semiarid soil UWA Safety-Net Top- Up Scholarship Mr Habtamu Ayalew Genetic analysis of drought Plant Biology and Assoc/Prof Guijun Yan, AusAID Scholarship Tamir resistance in bread wheat (Triticum IOA Dr Xuanli Ma eastivum.L) Ms Myrtille Lacoste Understanding the strategies of Plant Biology and Dr Ken Flower, GRDC outstanding performers in dryland IOA W/Prof Stephen Powles farming enterprises Ms Louise Blackmore Achieving joint carbon and SARE and IOA Prof Steven Schilizzi, APA biodiversity outcomes in Australia: Assist/Prof Marit Kragt, National social and economic dimensions Assist/Prof Abbie Rogers Environmental Research Program – Environmental Decisions (NERP-ED) Top-Up Scholarship Mr Benjamin Unravelling the complex factors that Plant Biology and Prof Roger Jones, ARC Linkage Project Congdon drive pea seed-borne mosaic virus IOA Assoc/Prof Michael epidemics in peas and development Renton of an innovative predictive model Ms Suzanne Orchard Fine endophytic mycorrhizal fungi in Plant Biology and Assoc/Prof Megan APA pasture plant species IOA Ryan, Assist/Prof Rachel Henry Schapper Standish Postgraduate Scholarship MLA Scholarship Ms Asha Optimal use of policy instruments ARE and IOA Prof Ben White, Endeavour Gunawardena to control waste water pollution in Assist/Prof Ram Pandit, Postgraduate Award Kelani River in Sri Lanka Assoc/Prof Hailu Atakelty

Ms Olive Onyemaobi Molecular basis of drought Plant Biology and Assoc/Prof Guijun Yan, Self-funded tolerance in wheat IOA Dr Xuanlin Ma, W/Prof Kadambot Siddique Ms Gayle Somerville Herbicide resistance modelling Plant Biology and Assoc/Prof Michael APA IOA Renton, W/Prof Stephen Powles

74 | ioa.uwa.edu.au The UWA Institute of Agriculture (IOA) Team

IOA appointed staff (2013)

W/Prof Kadambot Siddique Assoc/Prof Katia Stefanova Prof Tanveer Khan AM FTSE FAIA Associate Professor Research Professor Hackett Professor of Agriculture Chair Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] and Director Email: [email protected] Dr Aanandini (Dini) Ganesalingam Dr Kathleen DeBoer Research Associate Graduate Research Associate W/Prof Graeme Martin Email: aanandini.ganesalingam@uwa. Email: [email protected] Deputy Director edu.au Email: [email protected] Assoc/Prof Matthew Nelson Assoc/Prof Christian Nansen Research Associate Professor Mr Michael Perry Associate Professor Email: [email protected] Business Manager Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Ms Natalie Fletcher Dr Ms Cara Allan Research Officer Ms Ully Fritsch Graduate Research Associate Email: [email protected] Communications and Development Email: [email protected] Officer Ms Susan Hall Email: [email protected] W/Prof Karam Singh Project Leader, Grower Group Alliance Winthrop Research Professor Email: [email protected] Ms Cora Castens Email: [email protected] Executive Assistant to the Director Ms Rebecca Wallis Email: [email protected] Assist/Prof Jonathan Anderson Development Officer, Grower Group Research Assistant Professor Alliance W/Prof Wallace Cowling Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Professor Email: [email protected] Assist/Prof Lars Kamphuis W/Prof Neil Turner Postdoctoral Fellow Winthrop Research Professor Dr Helen Bramley Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Research Associate Email: [email protected]

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 75 Program Leaders and Deputy Leaders The Program leaders and Deputy leaders co-ordinate research, development and related activities in their respective areas.

Integrated Land and Water Management Rural Economy, Policy and Development

W/Prof Zed Rengel (to July) Leader: Leader: Assist/Prof Amin Mugera Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Deputy Leader: Position vacant Prof Daniel Murphy (from August) Email: [email protected] Education, Outreach and Technology Exchange

Deputy Leader: Assoc/Prof Louise Barton Leader: W/Prof Kadambot Siddique Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Deputy Leader: Position vacant

Animal Production Systems

Leader: Prof Phil Vercoe Email: [email protected]

Delegate: Assoc/Prof Dominique Blache Email: [email protected]

Deputy Leader: W/Prof Graeme Martin Email: [email protected]

Plant Production Systems

Leader: W/Prof Tim Colmer Email: [email protected]

Deputy Leader: Assoc/Prof Guijun Yan Email: [email protected]

76 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Executive Management Board (EMB) The Institute is governed by its Executive Management Board with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) as Chair. The Board consists of representatives from relevant schools within UWA’s Faculty of Science and other faculties, the IOA Director and on a rotational basis a representative from relevant Research Centres.

W/Prof Robyn Owens (Chair) W/Prof Tim Colmer Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Head, School of Plant Biology Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

W/Prof Kadambot Siddique W/Prof Ben White (until June 2013) Hackett Professor of Agriculture Chair and Head of School of Agricultural and Resource Director, IOA Economics Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

W/Prof Tony O’Donnell W/Prof David Pannell (from July 2013) Dean, Faculty of Science Head of School of Agricultural and Resource Email: [email protected] Economics Email: [email protected]

W/Prof Ian Puddey Prof Matthew Tonts Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Head, School of Earth and Environment Health Sciences Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

W/Prof Ian Small W/Prof Phillip Dolan Director, Plant Energy Biology, ARC Centre Dean, Faculty of Business (UWA Business of Excellence School) Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Mr Michael Perry (Executive Officer) W/Prof John Dell IOA Business Manager Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Computing Email: [email protected] and Mathematics Email: [email protected]

W/Prof Sarah Dunlop Head, School of Animal Biology Email: [email protected]

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 77 Industry Advisory Board (IAB) The IAB provides the Institute with industry interaction, advice and feedback. IAB members represent a cross-section of agricultural industries and natural resource management areas.

Mr Bruce Piper Ms Verity Klemm Mr Shane Sander (until May 2013) Strategic Project Manager, (from August 2013) Dr Terry Enright (Chair) Science and Planning Directorate, Founder of Agvise Management (since June 2013) Department of Water Consultants Director of Livecorp; Director of Grain Producers Australia Dr Don McFarlane W/Prof Tony O’Donnell (until October 2013) Dean, Faculty of Science, UWA Mr Neil Young CSIRO, WA Co-ordinator: Water for Farmer a Healthy Country Flagship W/Prof Kadambot Siddique, AM, FTSE, FAIA Mr Rod Birch Dr Michael Robertson Hackett Professor of Agriculture Farmer (from November 2013) Chair and Director, IOA, UWA CSIRO, Deputy Chief, Ecosystem Mr Philip Gardiner Sciences Mr Michael Perry Farmer (Executive Officer) Mr Terry Hill Business Manager, IOA, UWA Mr David Fienberg Regional Services Director, DAFWA Managing Director, Australasian Lupin Processing, CBH Mr Ben Sudlow Manager, Fertiliser Sales and Dr Jim Fortune Marketing, CSBP Agricultural Consultant Mr Andrew Ritchie Dr Dawson Bradford (until July 2013) Farmer, Chair of Lambex, and President of the Australian Chairman, WAMMCO Association of Agricultural Consultants

78 | ioa.uwa.edu.au IOA Members 2013

IOA members comprise relevant staff and adjunct staff from UWA who have accepted the invitation to join the Institute as members.

Member name Email Prof Lynette Abbott [email protected] Ms Cara Allan [email protected] Assoc/Prof Jonathan Anderson [email protected] Prof Boris Baer [email protected] Prof Ed Barrett-Lennard [email protected] Assoc/Prof Louise Barton [email protected] W/Prof Martin Barbetti [email protected] Prof Chun Beak [email protected] Assoc/Prof Patrick Beale [email protected] Dr Cameron Beeck [email protected] Assoc/Prof Dominique Blache [email protected] Prof Michael Blakeney [email protected] Dr Bryan Boruff [email protected] Ms Laura Boykin [email protected] Dr Helen Bramley [email protected] Ms Cora Castens [email protected] Assist/Prof Sheng Chen [email protected] Dr Jon Clements [email protected] Dr Neil Coles [email protected] W/Prof Tim Colmer [email protected] E/Prof John Considine [email protected] Assist/Prof Michael Considine [email protected] W/Prof Wallace Cowling [email protected] Prof Kevin Croft [email protected] Prof Felix Dakora [email protected] Dr Kathleen DeBoer [email protected] Dr Zoey Durmic [email protected] Prof William Erskine [email protected] Ms Rozlyn Ezzy [email protected] Dr Muhammad Farooq [email protected] Prof Martin Fey [email protected] Dr Ken Flower [email protected] Prof T J Flowers [email protected] Ms Ully Fritsch [email protected] Ms Dini Galesalingam [email protected] Assist/Prof Deirdre Gleeson [email protected] Assoc/Prof Atakelty Hailu [email protected] Ms Susan Hall [email protected] Dr John Hammond [email protected] Dr James Hane [email protected] Prof Jonathan Hodgson [email protected] Prof Roger Jones [email protected] Dr Lars Kamphuis [email protected] Dr Hossein Khabaz-Saberi [email protected] Prof Tanveer Khan [email protected] Prof Ross Kingwell [email protected] Ms Susan Knights [email protected] Assoc/Prof Marit Kragt [email protected] W/Prof Hans Lambers [email protected]

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 79 Member name Email Prof Garry Lee [email protected] Assist/Prof Matthias Leopold [email protected] Prof Fengmin Li [email protected] Dr Elena Limnios [email protected] Mr Tong Liu [email protected] W/Prof Graeme Martin [email protected] W/Prof Tim Mazzarol [email protected] Prof Harvey Millar [email protected] Assist/Prof Amin Mugera [email protected] Prof Daniel Murphy [email protected] Assoc/Prof Christian Nansen [email protected] Assoc/Prof Matthew Nelson [email protected] Adj/Prof Harry Nesbitt [email protected] W/Prof Tony O’Donnell [email protected] W/Prof David Pannell [email protected] Assist/Prof Stuart Pearse [email protected] Mr Michael Perry [email protected] Prof Julie Plummer [email protected] W/Prof Stephen Powles [email protected] Assoc/Prof Anu Rammohan [email protected] W/Prof Klaus Regenauer-Lieb [email protected] W/Prof Zed Rengel [email protected] Assist/Prof Michael Renton [email protected] Prof Mark Reynolds [email protected] Mrs Christine Richardson [email protected] Adj/Prof James Ridsdill-Smith [email protected] Prof Mark Rivers [email protected] Assoc/Prof Megan Ryan [email protected] Dr Ping Si [email protected] W/Prof Kadambot Siddique [email protected] W/Prof Karam Singh [email protected] Prof Ian Small [email protected] Dr Joanne Sneddon [email protected] Assoc/Prof Rachel Standish [email protected] Dr Katia Stefanova [email protected] Dr David Tabah [email protected] Prof Mark Tibbett [email protected] Prof Matthew Tonts [email protected] W/Prof Neil Turner [email protected] Dr Joy Vadhanabhuti [email protected] Adj/Prof Rajeev Kumar Varshney [email protected] Prof Erik Veneklaas [email protected] Prof Philip Vercoe [email protected] Ms Jasenka Vuksic [email protected] Ms Rebecca Wallis [email protected] Prof Jim Whelan [email protected] Prof Ben White [email protected] Assoc/Prof Guijun Yan [email protected] W/Prof Dongke Zhang [email protected]

80 | ioa.uwa.edu.au UWA IOA Publications 2013

Refereed journals 7. Anisa, Chen S and Cowling W 14. Banik BK, Durmic Z, Erskine W, (2013). Global genetic diversity in Ghamkhar K and Revell D (2013). 1. Ahmad I, Basra SMA, Afzal I, oilseed Brassica rapa. Crop and Variability of in vitro ruminal Farooq M and Wahid A (2013). Pasture Science 64: 9 93-10 07. fermentation and methanogenic Stand establishment improvement potential in the pasture legume in spring maize through exogenous 8. Anisa, Chen S, Turner NC and biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus L.). application of ascorbic acid, Cowling WA (2013). Genetic Crop and Pasture Science 64: salicylic acid and hydrogen variation for heat tolerance during 409-416. peroxide. International Journal of the reproductive phase in Brassica Agriculture and Biology 15: 95-100. rapa. Journal of Agronomy and 15. Banik BK, Durmic Z, Erskine Crop Science 199: 424-435. W, Nichols P, Ghamkhar K and 2. Ahmad R, Hussain S, Farooq M, Revell C (2013). In vitro ruminal Rehman A and Jabbar A (2013). 9. Arpiwi NL, Yan G, Barbour EL fermentation and methane Improving the performance of and Plummer JA (2013). Genetic production differ in selected key direct seeded system of rice diversity, seed traits and salinity pasture species in Australia. Crop intensification by seed priming. tolerance of Millettia pinnata (L.) and Pasture Science 64 (9): 935- International Journal of Agriculture Panigrahi, a biodiesel tree. Genetic 942. and Biology 15: 791-794. Resources and Crop Evolution 60: 677-692. 16. Barrett-Lennard EG and Shabala 3. Ahmad-Hamdani MS, Yu Q, Han SN (2013). The waterlogging/ H, Cawthray GR, Wang SF and 10. Aryamanesh N, Zheng Y, Byrne O, salinity interaction in higher Powles SB (2013). Herbicide Hardie DC, Al-Subhu AM, Khan T, plants revisited – focusing on the resistance endowed by enhanced Siddique KHM and Yan G (2013). hypoxia-induced disturbance to rates of herbicide metabolism Identification of genome regions K+ homeostasis. Functional Plant in Wild Oat (Avena spp.). Weed controlling cotyledon, pod wall/ Biology 40: 872-882. Science 61: 55-62. seed coat and pod wall resistance to pea weevil through QTL 17. Barrett-Lennard EG, Bennett SJ 4. Al Daini H, Norman HC, Young P mapping. Theoretical and Applied and Altman M (2013). Survival and and Barrett-Lennard EG (2013). Genetics 127: 489-497. growth of perennial halophytes The source of nitrogen (NH + or 4 on saltland in a Mediterranean NO -) affects the concentration 11. Asseng S and Pannell DJ (2013). 3 environment is affected by depth of oxalate in the shoots and the Adaptating dryland agriculture to water table in summer as well as growth of oldman saltbush (Atriplex to climate change: farming subsoil salinity. Crop and Pasture nummularia Lindl.). Functional Plant implications and research and Science 64: 123-136. Biology 40: 1057-1064. development needs in Western Australia. Climatic Change 118 (2): 18. Barton L, Murphy DV and 5. Alamri S, Teakle NL, Barrett- 167-181. Butterbach-Bahl K (2013). Lennard EG and Colmer TD Influence of crop rotation and (2013). Improvement of salt 12. Athorn RZ, Stott P, Bouwman EG, liming on greenhouse gas and waterlogging tolerance in Blackberry MA, Martin GB and emissions from a semi-arid soil. wheat: comparative physiology Langendijk P (2013). Feeding level Agriculture, Ecosystems and of Hordeum marinum-Triticum and dietary energy source have Environment 167: 23-32. aestivum amphiploids with their no effect on embryo survival in H. marinum and wheat parents. gilts despite changes in systemic 19. Barton L, Gleeson DB, Maccarone Functional Plant Biology, DOI: progesterone levels. Animal LD, Zúñiga LP and Murphy DV 10.1071/FP12385. Production Science 53: 3 0 -37. (2013). Is liming soil a strategy for mitigating nitrous oxide emissions 6. Anderson JP, Lichtenzveig J, 13. Aziz T, Finnegan P, Lambers H from semi-arid soils? Soil Biology Oliver RP and Singh KB (2013). and Jost R (2013). Organ-specific and Biochemistry 62: 28-35. Medicago truncatula as a phosphorus-allocation patterns model host for studying legume and transcript profiles linked to 20. Barton L, Murphy DV and infecting Rhizoctonia solani and phosphorus efficiency in two Butterbach-Bahl K (2013). identification of a locus affecting contrasting wheat genotypes. Influence of crop rotation and resistance to root canker. Plant Plant, Cell and Environment 37 (4): liming on greenhouse gas Pathology, DOI : 10.1111/j.1365- 943-960. emissions from a semi-arid soil. 3059.2012.026294.x. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 167: 23-32.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 81 21. Bashir MK and Schilizzi S (2013). 29. Bose J, Babourina O, Shabala 35. Chen S, Wan Z, Nelson MN, How disaggregated should S and Rengel Z (2013). Low- Chauhan JS, Redden R, Burton information be for a sound food pH and aluminium resistance in WA, Lin P, Salisbury PA, Fu T and security policy? Food Security 5 Arabidopsis correlates with high Cowling WA (2013). Evidence from (4): 551-563. cytosolic magnesium content and genome-wide simple sequence increased magnesium uptake repeat markers for a polyphyletic 22. Beltran JC, White B, Burton MP, by plant roots. Plant and Cell origin and secondary centers of Doole G and Pannell DJ (2013). Physiology 54 (7): 1093-104. genetic diversity of Brassica juncea Determinants of herbicide use in in China and India. Journal of rice production in the Philippines. 30. Boykin LM, Bell CD, Evans Heredity 104 (3): 416-427. Agricultural Economics 44 (1): 45- G, Small I and De Barro P 55. (2013). Is agriculture driving the 36. Chen S, Dunbabin VM, Postma diversification of the Bemisia tabaci JA, Siddique KHM and Rengel Z 23. Benlloch-Gonzalez M, Berger J, species complex (Hemiptera: (2013). Modelling root plasticity and Bramley HJ, Rebetzke G and Palta Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodidae)? response of narrow-leafed lupin to JA (2013). The plasticity of the Dating, diversification and heterogeneous phosphorus supply. growth and proliferation of wheat biogeographic evidence revealed. Plant and Soil 372: 319 -337. root system under elevated CO 2. BMC Evolutionary Biology 13: 228. Plant Soil 374 (1-2): 963-976. 37. Chen W, Taylor NL, Chi Y, Millar 31. Busi R, Neve P and Powles SB AH, Lambers H and Finnegan PM 24. Bennett JC, Diggle A, Evans F (2013). Evolved polygenic herbicide (2013). The metabolic acclimation and Renton M (2013). Assessing resistance in Lolium rigidum by of Arabidopsis thaliana to eradication strategies for rain- low-dose herbicide selection arsenate is sensitized by the loss splashed and wind-dispersed within standing genetic variation. of mitochondrial LIPOAMIDE crop diseases. Pest Management Evolutionary Applications 6 (2): DEHYDROGENASE2, a key Science 69: 955-963. 231-242. enzyme in oxidative metabolism. 25. Bennett SJ and Barrett- Plant, Cell and Environment 37 (3): 32. Busi R and Powles SB (2013). Lennard EG (2013). Predictions 684-695. Cross-resistance to prosulfocarb of watertable depth and soil and triallate in pyroxasulfone- 38. Chen YL, Dunbabin VM, Diggle salinity levels for land capability resistant Lolium rigidum. Pest AJ, Siddique KHM and Rengel assessment using site indicator Management Science 69 (12): Z (2013). Phosphorus starvation species. Crop and Pasture Science 1379-84. boosts carboxylate secretion on 64: 285-294. P-deficient genotypes ofLupinus 33. Busi R, Vila-Aiub MM, Beckie HJ, 26. Berger JD, Hughes S, Snowball angustifolius with contrasting Gaines TA, Goggin DE, Kaundun R, Redden B, Bennett SJ, root structure. Crop and Pasture SS, Lacoste M, Neve P, Nissen SJ, Clements JC and Nawar F Science 64: 588-599. Norsworthy JK, Renton M, Shaner (2013). Strengthening the impact DL, Tranel PJ, Wright T, Yu Q and 39. Christensen S, Nemchenko A, of plant genetic resources Powles SB (2013). Herbicide- Borrego E, Murray I, Sobhy I, through collaborative collection, resistant weeds: from research Bosak L, DeBlasio S, Erb M, conservation, characterisation and and knowledge to future needs. Robert C, Vaughn K, Herrfurth C, evaluation: a tribute to the legacy of Evolutionary Applications 6: 1218- Tumlinson J, Feussner I, Jackson Dr Clive Francis. Crop and Pasture 1221. D, Turlings T, Engelberth J, Nansen Science 64: 300-311. C, Meeley R and Kolomiets M 34. Campbell MC, Rossi AF and 27. Berger JD, Clements JC, Nelson (2013). The maize lipoxygenase, Erskine W (2013). Camelina MN, Kamphuis LG, Singh KB and ZmLOX10, mediates green leaf (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz): Buirchell B (2013). The essential volatile, jasmonate, and herbivore- agronomic potential in role of genetic resources in narrow- induced plant volatile production Mediterranean environments and leafed lupin improvement. Crop for defense against insect attack. diversity for biofuel and food uses. and Pasture Science 64: 361-373. The Plant Journal 74: 59-73. Crop and Pasture Science 64: 28. Borger CPD, Riethmuller GP, 388-398. 40. Coutts BA, Kehoe MA and Jones Ashworth M, Minkey D, Hashem A RAC (2013). Zucchini yellow and Powles SB (2013). Increased mosaic virus: contact transmission, carrier volume improves pre- stability on surfaces and emergence control of Lolium inactivation with disinfectants. Plant rigidum in zero-tillage seeding Disease 97: 765-771. systems. Weed Technology 27: 649-655.

82 | ioa.uwa.edu.au 41. Cowling WA (2013). Sustainable 49. Dias de Oliveira E, Bramley H, 56. Fang XW, Turner NC, Xu DH, Jin plant breeding. Plant Breeding 132: Siddique KHM, Henty S, Berger Y, He J and Li FM (2013). Limits 1-9. JD and Palta JA (2013). Can to the height growth of Caragana elevated CO combined with high korshinskii resprouts. Tree 42. Daini Hussein Al, Norman HC, 2 temperature ameliorate the severe Physiology 33: 275-284. Young P and Barrett-Lennard EG effect of terminal drought in wheat? (2013). The source of nitrogen 57. Farrell M, Hill PW, Farrar J, Functional Biology 40: 160-171. + – (NH4 or NO3 ) affects the DeLuca TH, Roberts P, Kielland concentration of oxalate in the 50. Du YL, Wang ZY, Fan JW, Turner K, Dahlgren R, Murphy DV, Hobbs shoots and the growth of Atriplex NC, He J, Wang T and Li FM PJ, Bardgett RD and Jones DL nummularia (oldman saltbush). (2013). Exogenous abscisic acid (2013). Oligopeptides represent Functional Plant Biology 40 (10): reduces water loss and improves a preferred source of organic N 1057-1064. antioxidant defence, desiccation uptake: a global phenomenon? tolerance and transpiration Ecosystems 16: 133-145. 43. Dion, NL, Finlayson J, Colmera TD efficiency in two spring wheat and Ryan MH (2013). Opportunistic 58. Farooq M, Irfan M, Aziz T, Ahmad cultivars subjected to a soil water Mediterranean agriculture – using I and Cheema SA (2013). Seed deficit. Functional Plant Biology 40 ephemeral pasture legumes to priming with ascorbic acid (5): 494-506. utilize summer rainfall. Agricultural improves drought resistance of Systems 120: 76-84. 51. Durmic Z, Moate PJ, Eckard R, wheat. Journal of Agronomy and Revell DK, Williams SR and Vercoe Crop Science 199: 12-22. 44. Doole GJ and Pannell DJ (2013). PE (2013). In Vitro Screening Of A process for the development 59. Fogarty J and Mugera A. Local Selected Feed Additives, Plant and application of simulation government efficiency: evidence Essential Oils And Plant Extracts models in applied economics. from Western Australia. The For Rumen Methane Mitigation. Australian Journal of Agricultural Australian Economic Review 46: Journal of the Science of Food and Resource Economics 57 (1): 300-311. and Agriculture, DOI: 10.1002/ 79-103. jsfa.6396. 60. Foster K, Ryan MH, Real D, 45. Doole GJ, Romera AJ and Pannell Ramankutty and Lambers H 52. Ewing MA, Chatel DL, Poole ML DJ (2013). A mathematical (2013). Seasonal and diurnal and Collins WJ (2013). The career optimisation model of a New variation in the stomatal and contribution to Australian and Zealand dairy farm. Journal of conductance and paraheliotropism international agricultural science Dairy Science 74: 59-73. of tedera (Bituminaria bituminosa of Clive McDonald Francis: An var. albomarginata) in the field. 46. Doole G, Vigiak O, Roberts AM introduction. Crop and Pasture Functional Plant Biology 40 (7): and Pannell DJ (2013). Cost- Science 64: 295-299. 719-729. effective strategies to mitigate 53. Fang X, Finnegan PM and Barbetti multiple pollutants in an agricultural 61. Gaines TA, Wright AA, Molin WT, MJ (2013). Wide variation in catchment in North-Central Lorentz L, Riggings CW, Tranel virulence and genetic diversity of Victoria, Australia. Australian PJ, Beffa R, Westra P and Powles binucleate Rhizoctonia isolates Journal of Agricultural and SB (2013). Identification of genetic associated with root rot of Resource Economics 57 (3): 441- elements associated with EPSPS strawberry in Western Australia. 460. gene amplification. PLOS ONE 8 PLOS ONE 8 (2): e55877. (6): e65819. 47. Dunbabin VM, Postma JA, Schnepf 54. Fang X, Jost R, Finnegan PM and A, Pagès L, Javaux M, Wu L, 62. Gan Y, Siddique KHM, Turner Barbetti MJ (2013). Comparative Leitner D, Chen YL, Rengel Z NC, Li XG, Niu JY, Yang C, Liu L, proteome analysis of the and Diggle AJ (2013). Modelling and Chai Q. (2013). Ridge-furrow strawberry-Fusarium oxysporum root-soil interactions using three- mulching systems - an innovative f. sp. fragariae pathosystem dimensional models of root growth, technique for boosting crop reveals early activation of defense architecture and function. . Plant productivity in semiarid rain- responses as a crucial determinant and Soil 372: 93-124. fed environments. Advances in of host resistance. Proteome Agronomy 117: 429-476. 48. Da Costa MdJ, Lopes M, Ximenes Research 12: 1772-1788. A, Ferreira AdR, Spyckerelle 55. Fang XW, Turner NC, Palta L, Williams R, Nesbitt H and JA, Yu MX, Gao TP and Li FM Erskine W (2013). Household food (2013). The distribution of four insecurity in Timor-Leste. Food Caragana species is related to their Security 5: 83-94. differential responses to drought stress. Plant Ecology, DOI 10.1007/ s11258-013-0285-8.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 83 63. Garg H, Li H, Sivasithamparam 69. Hartley M (2013): Problematic 77. Inostroza-Blancheteau C, Aquea K and Barbetti MJ (2013). governance of groundwater use F, Loyola R, Slovin J, Josway S, Differentially expressed proteins efficiency on the Gnangara system, Rengel Z, Reyes-Diaz M, Alberdi and associated histological and Perth. Australian Environment M and Arce-Johnson P (2013). disease progression changes in Review: 496. Molecular characterization of a cotyledon tissue of a resistant and calmodulin gene, VcCaM1 that 70. Hawken P, Luckins N, Tilbrook susceptible genotype of Brassica is differentially expressed under AJ, Fiol C, Martin GB and Blache napus infected with Sclerotinia aluminium stress in highbush D (2013). Genetic selection for sclerotiorum. PLOS ONE 8 (6): blueberry. Plant Biology 15 (6): temperament affects behaviour e65205. 1013-1018. and the secretion of adrenal and 64. Geng XX, Chen S, Astarini IA, Yan reproductive hormones in sheep 78. Islam S, Ma W, Buirchill BJ, GJ, Tian E, Meng J, Li ZY, Ge XH, subjected to stress. Stress 16: Appels R and Yan G (2013). Mass Nelson MN, Mason AS, Pradhan 130-142. spectrometric fingerprints of seed A, Zhou WJ and Cowling WA protein for definingLupinus spp. 71. Hodgson JM, Croft KD, Woodman (2013). Doubled haploids of novel relationships. Genetic Resources RJ, Puddey IB, Fuchs D, Draijer trigenomic Brassica derived from and Crop Evolution 60: 939-952. R, Lukoshkova E and Head GA various interspecific crosses. Plant (2013). Black tea lowers rate 79. Ivey KL, Lewis JR, Lim W, Lim EM, Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 113: of blood pressure variation: Hodgson JM and Prince RL (2013). 501-511. a randomized controlled trial. Associations of proanthocyanidin 65. Gunasinghe N, You MP, Lanoiselet American Journal of Clinical intake with renal function and V, Eyres N and Barbetti MJ (2013). Nutrition 97: 943-50. clinical outcomes in elderly women. First report of Powdery Mildew PLOS ONE 8 (8): e71166. 72. Hodgson JM, Woodman RJ, caused by Erysiphe cruciferarum Puddey IB, Mulder T, Fuchs D and 80. Ivey KL, Lewis JR, Prince RL and on Brassica campestris var. Croft KD (2013). Short-term effects Hodgson JM (2013). Tea and Pekinensis, B. Carinata, Eruca of polyphenol-rich black tea on non-tea flavonol intakes in relation sativa, E. Vesicaria in Australia and blood pressure in men and women. to atherosclerotic vascular disease on B. Rapa and B. oleracea var. Food Function 4: 111-5. mortality in older women. British capitata in Western Australia. Plant Journal of Nutrition 110 : 1648-55. Disease 97: 1256. 73. Hu B, Han CL, Jia J, Zhao ZH, Li FM and Siddique KHM (2013). 81. Jayakannan M, Bose J, Babourina 66. Guo YM, Chen S, Nelson MN, Visualization of the three- O, Rengel Z and Shabala S Cowling W and Turner NC dimensional water-flow paths in (2013). Salicylic acid improves (2013). Delayed water loss and calcareous soil using iodide water salinity tolerance in Arabidopsis by temperature rise in floral buds tracer. Geoderma 200-201: 85-89. restoring membrane potential and compared with leaves of Brassica preventing salt-induced K+ loss rapa subjected to a transient 74. Hulvey KB, Hobbs RJ, Standish via a GORK channel. Journal of water stress during reproductive RJ, Lindenmayer DB, Lach L and Experimental Botany 64 (8): 2255- development. Functional Plant Perring MP (2013). Benefits of tree 2268. Biology 40 (7): 690-699. mixes in carbon plantings. Nature Climate Change 3: 869-874. 82. Jones RAC (2013). Virus diseases 67. Han H, Yu H, Cawthray GR and of perennial pasture legumes Powles SB (2013). Enhanced 75. Hussain M, Khan MB, Mehmood in Australia: incidences, losses, herbicide metabolism induced Z, Zia AB, Jabran J and Farooq M epidemiology and management. by 2,4-D in herbicide susceptible (2013). Optimizing row spacing in Crop and Pasture Science 64: 199- Lolium rigidum provides protection wheat cultivars differing in tillering 215. against diclofop-methyl. Pest and stature for higher productivity. Management Science 69 (9):991- Archives of Agronomy and Soil 83. Jones RAC (2013). Virus diseases 1098. Science 59 (11): 1457-1470. of pasture grasses in Australia: incidences, losses, epidemiology 68. Hancock, GR, Murphy DV and 76. Hussain M, Park HW, Farooq and management. Crop and Li Y (2013). Soil properties and M, Jabran K and Lee DJ (2013). Pasture Science 64: 216-233. environmental tracers: A DEM Morphological and physiological based assessment in an Australian basis of salt resistance in different Mediterranean environment. rice genotypes. International Geomorphology 183: 45 - 57. Journal of Agriculture and Biology 15: 113-118.

84 | ioa.uwa.edu.au 84. Kamphuis L, Lichtenzveig J, Peng 91. Kragt ME, Robson BJ and Macleod 98. Li M, Yu Q, Han H, Vila-Aiub K, Guo SM, Klinger JP, Siddique CJA (2013). Modellers’ roles in MM and Powles SB (2013). ALS KHM, Gao LL and Singh KB (2013). structuring integrative research herbicide resistance mutations in Characterization and genetic projects. Environmental Modelling Raphanus raphanistrum: evaluation dissection of resistance to spotted and Software 39 (1): 322-330. of pleiotropic effects on vegetative alfalfa aphid (Therioaphis trifolii) in growth and ALS activity. Pest 92. Krishnamurthy L, Kashiwagi Medicago truncatula. Journal of Management Science 69 (6):689- J, Tobita S, Ito O, Upadhyaya Experimental Botany, DOI:10.1093/ 695. HD, Gowda CLL, Gaur PM, jxb/ert305. Sheshshayee MS, Singh S, 99. Li X, Durmic Z, Liu SM, 85. Kamphuis LG, Zulak K, Gao LL, Vadez V and Varshney RK (2013). McSweeney CS and Vercoe Anderson J and Singh KB (2013). Variation in carbon isotope PE (2013). Eremophila glabra Plant–aphid interactions with a discrimination and its relationship reduces methane production and focus on legumes. Functional Plant with harvest index in the reference methanogen populations when Biology 40 (12): 1271-1284. collection of chickpea germplasm. fermented in a Rusitec. Anaerobe Functional Plant Biology 40 (12): 10: 175-173. 86. Kaur J, Sirari A, Kumar D, Singh 1350-1361. Sandhu J, Singh S, Kapoor K, 100. Li ZT, Li XG, Li M, Yang JY, Turner Singh I, Gowda CLL, Pande S, 93. Kudapa H, Ramalingam A, NC, Wang XY and Li FM (2013). Kaur P, Sharma M, Imtiaz M and Nayakoti S, Chen X, Zhuang County-scale changes in soil Siddique KHM (2013). Combining WJ, Liang X, Kahl G, Edwards organic Carbon of croplands in Ascochyta blight and Botrytis D and Varshney RK (2013). Southeastern Gansu Province grey mould resistance in chickpea Functional genomics to study of China from the 1980s to the through interspecific hybridization. stress responses in crop legumes: Mid-2000s. Soil Science Society of Phytopathologia Mediterranea 52 progress and prospects. Functional America Journal 77 (6): 2111-2121. (1): 157-165. Plant Biology 40 (12): 1221-1233. 101. Liang B, Yang X, Murphy DV, 87. Kaushal N, Awasthi R, Gupta K, 94. Lambers H, Clements JC and He X and Zhou J (2013). Fate of Gaur P, Siddique KHM and Nayyar Nelson MN (2013). How a 15N-labeled fertilizer in soils under H (2013). Heat-stress-induced phosphorus acquisition strategy dryland agriculture after 19 years reproductive failures in chickpea based on carboxylate exudation of different fertilizations. Biology (Cicer arietinum) are associated powers the success and and Fertility of Soils, DOI: 10.1007/ with impaired sucrose metabolism agronomical potential of lupins s00374-013-0789-3. in leaves and anthers. Functional (Lupinus, Fabacae). American 102. Liu AH, Bondonno CP, Croft KD, Plant Biology 40: 1334-1349. Journal of Botany 100 (2): 263-288. Puddey IB, Woodman RJ, Rich L, 88. Khan MB, Yousaf F, Hussain M, 95. Larkan NJ, Lydiate DJ, Parkin IAP, Ward NC, Vita JA and Hodgson Haq MW, Lee DJ and Farooq Nelson MN, Epp DJ, Cowling WA, JM (2013). Effects of a nitrate-rich M (2013). Influence of planting Rimmer SR and Borhan MH (2013). meal on arterial stiffness and blood methods on root development, The Brassica napus blackleg pressure in healthy volunteers. crop productivity and water use resistance gene LepR3 encodes Nitric Oxide 35:125-130. efficiency in maize hybrids. Chilean a receptor-like protein triggered 103. Liu CA, Li FR, Zhou LM, Zhang RH, Journal of Agricultural Sciences 72: by the Leptosphaeria maculans Jia Y, Lin SL, Wang LJ, Siddique 556-563. effector AVRLM1. New Phytologist KHM and Li FM (2013). Effect of 197: 595-605. 89. Khan TN, Timmerman-Vaughan organic manure and fertilizer on GM, Rubiales D, Warkentin TD, 96. Li H, Zhang F, Rengel Z and Shen soil water and crop yields in newly Siddique KHM, Erskine W and J (2013). Rhizosphere properties in built terraces with loess soils in a Barbetti MJ (2013). Didymella monocropping and intercropping semi-arid environment. Agricultural pinodes and its management systems between faba bean (Vicia Water Management 117: 123-132. in field pea: challenges and faba L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) 104. Liu CA, Li FR, Zhang RH, Zhou opportunities. Field Crops grown in a calcareous soil. Crop & LM, Jia Y, Gao WJ, Li JT, Ma QF, Research 148: 61-77. Pasture Science 64: 976-984. Siddique KHM and Li FM (2013). 90. Kragt ME (2013). The effects 97. Li L and Tonts M (2013). The Yield-increase effects via improving of changing cost vectors on impacts of temporary labour soil phosphorus availability

choices and scale heterogeneity. migration on farming systems of by applying K2SO4 fertilizer in Environmental and Resource the Loess plateau, Gansu province, calcareous-alkaline soils in a semi- Economics 54 (2): 201-221. China (2013). Population, Space arid agroecosystems. Field Crops and Place, DOI : 10.1002/psp.1832. Research 144: 69-76.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 85 105. Liu CA, Li FR, Zhou LM, Feng 112. Mahmood A, Cheema ZA, 119. Nansen C, Stokes B, James J, QI, Pan CC, Wang LJ, Chen JL, Mushtaq MN and Farooq M (2013). Porter P, Shields EJ, Wheeler T Li XG, Jia Y, Siddique KHM and Maize-sorghum intercropping and Meikle WG (2013). Biological Li FM (2013). Effect of water systems for purple nutsedge control agent of larger black management with plastic film in management. Archives of flour beetles – a nuisance pest a semi-arid agricultural system Agronomy and Soil Science 59 (9): developing in cotton gin trash piles. on available soil carbon fractions. 1279-1288. Journal of Economic Entomology European Journal of Soil Biology 106 (2): 648-652. 113. Martini C, Kincy N, Vaughn K, 57: 9-12. Dever J and Nansen C (2013). 120. Nansen C, Sidumo AJ, Martini 106. Liu Y, Zang Y, Long X, Shao Positive association between X, Stefanova K and Roberts H, Liu Z, Zhang Z and Rengel thrips and spider mites in seedling JD (2013). Reflectance-based Z (2013). High nitrate removal cotton. Agricultural and Forest assessment of spider mite ‘‘bio- capacity of an aerobic denitrifier Entomology 15 (2): 197-203. response’’ to maize leaves and Klebsiella oxytoca DF-1 isolated plant potassium content in different 114. Mazzarol T, Mamouni Limnios from aquaculture ponds in coastal irrigation regimes. Computers and E and Reboud S (2013). Co- mudflats. African Journal of Electronics in Agriculture 97: 21-26. operatives as a strategic network Microbiology Research 7: 1527- of small firms: Case studies 121. Nazeri N, Lambers H, Tibbett M 1534. from Australian and French co- and Ryan M (2013). Do arbuscular 107. Liu CA, Zhou LM, Jia JJ, Wang LJ, operatives. Journal of Co-operative mycorrhizas or heterotrophic soil Xi L, Pan CC, Siddique KHM and Li Organization and Management 1 microbes contribute toward plant FM (2013). Maize yield and water (2): 27-40. acquisition of a pulse of mineral balance is affected by nitrogen phosphate? Plant and Soil, DOI: 115. Mubarak A, Hodgson JM, application in a film-mulching 10.1007/s11104-11013-11838- Considine MJ, Croft KD ridge-furrow system in a semiarid 11102. and Matthews VB (2013). region of China. European Journal Supplementation of a high fat diet 122. Nazeri NK, Lambers H, Tibbett M of Agronomy, dx.doi.org/10.1016/j. with chlorogenic acid is associated and Ryan MH (2013). Moderating eja.2013.10.001. with insulin resistance and hepatic mycorrhizas: arbuscular 108. Long X, Ni N, Wang L, Wang lipid accumulation in mice. Journal mycorrhizas modify rhizosphere X, Wang J, Zhang Z, Rengel of Agricultural and Food Chemistry chemistry and maintain plant Z, Liu Z and Shao H (2013). 61: 4371-8. phosphorus status within Phytoremediation of cadmium- narrow boundaries. Plant, Cell 116. Mugera A (2013). Measuring contaminated soil by two and Environment, DOI : 10.1111/ technical efficiency of dairy farms Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus pc e.12207. with imprecise data: a Fuzzy Data tuberosus L.) genotypes. Clean Envelopment Analysis approach. 123. Nichols PGH, Foster KJ, Piano Soil Air Water 41: 202-209. Australian Journal of Agricultural E, Pecetti L, Kaur P, Ghamkhar 109. Ma Q, Zhang F, Rengel Z and Shen and Resource Economics 57: 501- K and Collins WJ (2013). Genetic J (2013). Localized application of 519. improvement of subterranean NH4+-N plus P at the seedling clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.). 117. Muler AL, Oliveira RS, Lambers and later growth stages enhances 1. Germplasm, traits and future H and Veneklaas EJ (2013). Does nutrient uptake and maize yield by prospects. Crop and Pasture cluster-root activity benefit nutrient inducing lateral root proliferation. Science 64: 312-346. uptake and growth of co-existing Plant and Soil 372 (1-2): 65-80. species? Oecologia, DOI: 10.1007/ 124. Norman HC, Masters DG and 110. Ma Q, Tang H, Rengel Z and Shen s00442-013-2747-z. Barrett-Lennard EG (2013). J (2013). Banding phosphorus Halophytes as forages in saline 118. Nansen C, Geremias LD, Xue Y, and ammonium enhances nutrient landscapes: interactions between Huang F and Parra JR (2013). uptake by maize via modifying plant genotype and environment Agricultural case studies of root spatial distribution. Crop and change their feeding value to classification accuracy, spectral Pasture Science 64: 965-975. ruminants. Environmental and resolution, and model over-fitting. Experimental Botany 92: 96-109. 111. Maccarone LD (2013). Applied Spectroscopy 67 (1): 1332- Relationships between the 1338. 125. Núñez-Pastrana R, Anderson JP pathogen Olpidium virulentus and and Singh KB (2013). Ethylene the viruses associated with Lettuce response factors and their role Big-vein Disease. Plant Disease 97 in plant defence. CAB Reviews (6): 700-707. 8 No. 008, DOI: 10.1079/ PAVSNNR20138008.

86 | ioa.uwa.edu.au 126. Oldham C, Real D, Bailey HJ, 133. Prager SM, Vaughn K, Lewis M 139. Renton M (2013). Shifting Thomas D, Van Burgel A, and Nansen C (2013). Oviposition focus from the population to Vercoe P, Correal E and Rios S and leaf probing by Bactericera the individual as a way forward (2013). Australian and Spanish cockerelli (Homoptera: Psyllidae) in understanding, predicting scientists are collaborating in in response to a limestone particle and managing the complexities the domestication of tedera: film or a plant growth regulator of evolution of resistance to young Merino sheep grazing a applied to potato plants. Crop pesticides: Focus on the individual monoculture of tedera in autumn Protection 45: 57-62. to understand the complexities of showed preference for certain pesticide resistance evolution. Pest 134. Rahman MM, Erskine W, Zaman accessions but no signs of ill Management Science 69: 171-175. MS, Thavarajah P, Thavarajah health. Crop and Pasture Science D and Siddique KHM (2013). 140. Ribalta FM, Croser JS, Erskine 64: 399-408. Selenium biofortification in lentil W, Finnegan PM, Lulsdorf MM 127. Pacini GC, Gabellini L, Roberts (Lens culinaris Medikus subsp. and Ochatt SJ (2013). The AM, Vazzana C, Park G and culinaris): Farmers’ field survey antigibberellin Flurprimidol Pannell DJ (2013). Assessing the and genotype x environment permits in vitro flowering and potential of INFFER to improve the effect. Food Research International seed-set across a range of pea management of agri-environmental http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j. (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes by assets in Tuscany. Italian Journal of foodres.2013.09.008. reducing internode length. Biologia Agronomy 8, e7. Plantarum 58 (1), DOI:10.1007/ 135. Raman H, Raman R, Kilian A, s10535-013-0379-0. 128. Pang J, Wang Y, Lambers H, Detering F, Long Y, Edwards D, Tibbett M, Siddique KHM and Parkin IAP, Sharpe AG , Nelson 141. Ribera A, Reyes-Díaz MM, Alberdi Ryan MH (2013). Commensalism MN, Larkan N, Zou J, Meng J, MR, Alvarez-Cortez DA, Rengel in an agroecosystem: hydraulic Aslam NM, Batley J, Cowling WA Z and de la Luz Mora M (2013). redistribution by deep-rooted and Lydiate D (2013). A consensus Photosynthetic impairment caused legumes improves survival of a map of rapeseed (Brassica by manganese toxicity and droughted shallow-rooted legume napus L.) based on diversity array associated antioxidative responses companion. Physiologia Plantarum technology markers: applications in perennial ryegrass. Crop and 149 (1): 79-90. in genetic dissection of qualitative Pasture Science 64: 6 9 6 -707. and quantitative traits. BMC 129. Payne SE, Kotze AC, Durmic Z and 142. Rosales Nieto CA, Ferguson MB, Genomics 14: 277. Vercoe PE (2013). Australian plants Macleay CA, Briegel JR, Martin show anthelmintic activity toward 136. Ramankutty P, Ryan M, Lawes R, GB and Thompson AN (2013). equine cyathostomins in vitro. Vet Speijers J and Renton M (2013). Selection for superior growth Parasitol 23: 012. Statistical emulators of a plant advances the onset of puberty growth simulation model. Climate and increases reproductive 130. Pedrana G, Viotti MH, Souza Research 55: 253-265. performance in ewe lambs. Animal E, Sloboda D, Martin GB, 7: 990-997. Cavestany D and Ortega HH 137. Rehman A and Farooq M (2013). (2013). Apoptosis-related protein Boron application through seed 143. Rosales Nieto CA, Ferguson MB, expression during pre- and post- coating improves the water Macleay CA, Briegel JR, Wood natal testicular development after relations, panicle fertility, kernel DA, Martin GB and Thompson administration of glucocorticoid in yield and biofortification of AN (2013). Ewe lambs with higher utero in the sheep. Reproduction in fine grain aromatic rice.Acta breeding values for growth achieve Domestic Animals 48: 795-802. Physiologiae Plantarum 35: 411- higher reproductive performance 418. when mated at age 8 months. 131. Perring MP, Standish RJ and Theriogenology 80: 427-435. Hobbs RJ (2013). Incorporating 138. Rehman A, Farooq M, Cheema novelty and novel ecosystems into ZA and Wahid A (2013). Role of 144. St Jack D, Hesterman DC and restoration planning and practice boron in leaf elongation and tillering Guzzomi AL (2013). Precision in the 21st Century. Ecological dynamics in fine grain aromatic metering of Santalum spicatum Processes 2: 18. rice. Journal of Plant Nutrition 36: (Australian Sandalwood) seeds. 42-54. Biosystems Engineering 115: 171- 132. Poorter H, Evans JR and 183. Lambers H (2013). Trait correlation networks: a whole- plant perspective on the recently criticised leaf economic spectrum. New Phytologist, DOI : 10.1111/ nph.12547.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 87 145. Savage D, Barbetti MJ, MacLeod 152. Siddique KHM, Erskine W, Hobson 158. Tang K, Shen J, Zhang F and W, Salam MU and Renton M K, Knights EJ, Leonforte A, Khan Rengel Z (2013). Interactive (2013). Temporal patterns of TN, Paull JG, Redden R and effects of phosphorus deficiency ascospore release in Leptosphaeria Materne M (2013). Cool-season and exogenous auxin on root maculans vary depending on grain legume improvement morphological and physiological geographic region and time of in Australia - Use of genetic traits in white lupin (Lupins albus observation. Microbial Ecology 65: resources. Crop and Pasture L.). Science China Life Sciences 584-592. Science 64: 347-360. 56: 313-323.

146. Savage D, Borger C and Renton M 153. Singh RP, Rybnik-Trzaskowska 159. Thamo T, Pannell DJ and Kingwell (2013). Orientation and speed of PK, Farooq U, Malecki IA, Sastry RS (2013). Measurement of wind gusts causing abscission of KVH and Martin GB (2013). In greenhouse gas emissions from wind-dispersed seeds influences vitro initiation of the acrosome agriculture: Economic implications dispersal distance. Functional reaction in the emu (Dromaius for policy and agricultural Ecology, DOI : 10.1111/1365- novaehollandiae). British Poultry producers. Australian Journal 2435.12234 Science 54: 259-264. of Agricultural and Resource Economics 57 (2): 234-252. 147. Sharma DL and Anderson WK 154. Skurray J, Pandit R and Pannell DJ (2013). Success of diagnostic (2013). Institutional impediments to 160. Turner NC (2013). Cimate change, approach to rainfed,wheat-based Groundwater Trading: The case of population and food security. cropping systems in Western the Gnangara groundwater system World Agriculture 4 (1): 25-28. Australia. Agricultural Systems, of Western Australia. Journal 161. Turner NC, Colmer TD, Quealy http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j. of Environmental Planning and J, Pushpavalli R, Krishnamurthy agsy.2013.08.007. Management 56 (7): 1046-1072. L, Kaur J, Singh G, Siddique 148. Shen Y, Ward NC, Hodgson JM, 155. Sulpice R, Ishihara H, Schlereth A, KHM and Vadez V (2013). Salinity Puddey IB, Wang Y, Zhang D, Cawthray GR, Encke B, Giavalisco tolerance and ion accumulation Maghzal G, Stocker R and Croft P, Ivakov A, Arrivault S, Jost R, in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) KD (2013). Dietary quercetin Krohn N, Kuo J, Laliberté E, Pearse subjected to salt stress. Plant and attenuates oxidant-induced SJ, Raven JA, Teste F, Veneklaas Soil 365: 347-361. endothelial dysfunction and EJ, Stitt M and Lambers H (2013). 162. Turner NC and Rao KPC (2013). atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E Low levels of ribosomal RNA Simulation analysis of factors knockout mice fed a high-fat diet: A partly account for the very high affecting sorghum yield at selected critical role for heme oxygenase-1. photosynthetic phosphorus-use sites in eastern and southern Free Radical Biology and Medicine efficiency of Proteaceae species. Africa, with emphasis on increasing 65: 908-15. Plant, Cell and Environment, DOI temperatures. Agricultural Systems 10.1111/pce.12240. 149. Shi M, Collins PJ, Ridsdill-Smith 121: 53-62. TJ, Emery RN and Renton M 156. Suriyagoda LDB , Real D, Renton 163. Uloth MB, You MP, Finnegan PM, (2013). Dosage consistency is the M, Lambers H and Ryan MH Banga SS, Banga SK, Sandhu PS, key factor in avoiding evolution (2013). Establishment, survival, Yi H, Salisbury PA and Barbetti MJ of resistance to phosphine and and herbage production of novel, (2013). New sources of resistance population increase in stored-grain summer-active perennial pasture to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum for pests. Pest Management Science legumes in the low-rainfall cropping crucifer crops. Field Crops 69: 1049-1060. zone of Western Australia as Research 154: 40-52. affected by plant density and 150. Shi M and Renton M (2013). cutting frequency. Crop and 164. Varshney RK and Kudapa H (2013). Modelling mortality of a stored Pasture Science 64 (1):71-85. Legume biology: the basis for crop grain insect pest with fumigation: improvement. Functional Plant Probit, logistic or Cauchy model? 157. Suriyagoda LDB , Ryan MH, Biology 40 (12): v-viii. Mathematical Biosciences 243 (2): Renton M and Lambers H (2013). 137-46. Plant phosphorus uptake and use under moisture-limited growth 151. Schroeder JI, Delhaize E, conditions – a meta-analysis. Frommer WB, Guerinot ML, Advances in Agronomy 124: 143- Harrison MJ, Herrera-Estrella L, 200. Tomoaki H, Kochian LV, Munns R, Naoko K. Nishizawa NK, Tsay YF and Sanders D (2013). Using membrane transporters to improve crops for sustainable food production. Nature 497: 60-66.

88 | ioa.uwa.edu.au 165. Varshney RK, Song C, Saxena RK, 170. Wang X, Pearse SJ, Lambers H 177. Zhang Z, Rengel Z, Liaghati T, Torre Azam S, Yu S, Sharpe AG, Cannon (2013). Cluster-root formation A and Meney K (2013). Influence S, Baek J, Rosen BD, Tar’an B, and carboxylate release in three of plant species and submerged Millan T, Zhang X, Ramsay LD, Lupinus species as dependent zone with carbon addition Iwata A, Wang Y, Nelson W, on phosphorus supply, internal on the removal of metals by Farmer AD, Gaur PM, Soderlund phosphorus concentration and stormwater biofilters. Desalination C, Penmetsa RV, Xu C, Bharti AK, relative growth rate. Annals of and Water Treatment, DOI: He W, Winter P, Zhao S, Hane JK, Botany 112 (7): 1449-1459. 10.1080/19443994.2013.803709. Carrasquilla-Garcia N, Condie 171. Williams R, Soares F, Pereira L, 178. Zhang ZH, Solaiman ZM, Meney K, JA, Upadhyaya HD, Luo M-C, Belo B, Soares A, Setiawan A, Murphy DV and Rengel Z (2013). Thudi M, Gowda CLL, Singh NP, Browne M, Nesbitt H and Erskine Biochars immobilize soil cadmium, Lichtenzveig J, Gali KK, Rubio J, W (2013). Sweet potato can but do not improve growth of Nadarajan N, Dolezel J, Bansal contribute to both nutritional and emergent wetland species Juncus KC, Xu X, Edwards D, Zhang G, food security in Timor-Leste. Field subsecundus in cadmium- Kahl G, Gil J, Singh KB, Datta SK, Crops Research 146: 38-43. contaminated soil. Journal of Soils Jackson SA, Wang J and Cook DR and Sediments 13: 140-151. (2013). Draft genome sequence of 172. Xia Y, Li R, Ning Z, Bai G, Siddique chickpea (Cicer arietinum) provides KHM, Yan Y, Baum M, Varshney 179. Zhao C, Qi B and Nansen C a resource for trait improvement. RK and Guo P (2013). Single (2013). Use of local fuzzy variance Nature Biotechnology 31: 240-246. nucleotide polymorphisms in to extract the scattered regions HSP17.8 and their association with of spatial stray light influence in 166. Vila-Aiub MM, Gundel PE, Yu Q agronomic traits in barely. PLOS hyperspectral images. Optik 124: and Powles SB (2013). Glyphosate ONE 8 (2): e56816. 6696-6699. resistance in Sorghum halepense and Lolium rigidum is reduced at 173. Yang X, Bondonno CP, Indrawan A, 180. Zheng Z, Wang HB, Chen GD, Yan suboptimal growing temperatures. Hodgson JM and Croft KD (2013). GJ and Liu CJ (2013). A procedure Pest Management Science 69: An improved mass spectrometry allowing up to eight generations 228-232. based measurement of NO of wheat and nine generations of metabolites in biological fluids. Free barley per annum. Euphytica 191: 167. Viñoles C, Paganoni BL, McNatty Radical Biology and Medicine 56: 311-316. KP, Heath DA, Thompson 1-8. AN, Glover KMM, Milton JTB 181. Zia H, Harris NR, Merret GV, Rivers and Martin GB (2013). Follicle 174. Yasmeen A, Basra SMA, Farooq M, M and Coles N (2013). The impact development, endocrine profiles Rehman H, Hussain N and Athar of agricultural activities on water and ovulation rate in adult HR (2013). Exogenous application quality: A case for collaborative Merino ewes: effects of early of moringa leaf extract modulates catchment-scale management nutrition (pre- and post-natal) and the antioxidant enzyme system to using integrated wireless sensor supplementation with lupin grain. improve wheat performance under networks. Computers and Reproduction 147: 101-110. saline conditions. Plant Growth Electronics in Agriculture 6: 126- Regulation 69: 225-233. 138. 168. Walsh M, Newman P and Powles S (2013). Targeting Weed Seeds 175. Yu Q, Ahmad-Hamdani MS, Han 182. Zimmermann U., Bitter R, In-Crop: A New Weed Control H, Christoffers MJ and Powles Schüttler A., Ehrenberger W, Paradigm for Global Agriculture. SB (2013). Herbicide resistance- Rüger S, Bramley H, Siddique Weed Technology 27: 431-436. endowing ACCase gene mutations KHM, Arend M and Bader MKF in hexaploid wild oat (Avena fatua): (2013). Advanced plant-based, 169. Wan Z, Tan Y, Shi M, Xu Y, insights into resistance evolution in internet-sensor technology gives Aryamanesh N and Yan G (2013). a hexaploid species. Heredity 110 : new insights into hydraulic plant Interspecific introgression of male 220-231. functioning. Acta Horticulturae 991: sterility from tetraploid oilseed 313-320. Brassica napus to diploid vegetable 176. Yu Q, Han H, Cawthray GR, B. rapa through hybridisation and Wang SF and Powles SB (2013). backcrossing. Crop and Pasture Enhanced rates of herbicide Science 64: 652–659. metabolism in low herbicide-dose selected resistant Lolium rigidum. Plant, Cell and Environment 36: 818 - 827.

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 89 Book Chapters Refereed Conference Proceedings 1. Bramley H, Turner NC and 1. Zimmermann U, Bitter R, Siddique KHM (2013). Water Schüttler A, Ehrenberger W, use efficiency: governed by an Rüger S, Bramley H, Siddique interactive network of physical, KHM, Arend M and Bader MKF biochemical and hydraulic (2013). Advanced plant-based, processes. In: Kole C (Ed.) internet-sensor technology gives Genomics and Breeding for new insights into hydraulic plant Climate-Resilient Crops, Springer- functioning. Acta Horticulturae 991: Verlag, Berlin, pp 225-268. 313-320.

2. Farooq M, Wahid A and Siddique KHM (2013). Physiology of grain Books development in cereals. In: 1. Bill Pritchard B, Rammohan A, Pessarakli M (Ed.) Handbook of Sekher M, Parasuraman P and Plant and Crop Physiology, Third Choithani C (2013). Feeding India: Edition, Taylor and Francis Group, Livelihoods, Entitlements and LLC 6000 Broken Sound Parkway, Capabilities. Routledge, Oxon, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487 UK and New York, USA; ISBN 10: USA. 0415529670, pp 189. 3. Hawken, PAR and Martin GB (2013). Socio-sexual stimuli and reproductive function: emerging perspectives of the male effect in sheep and goats. In: East ML and Dehnhard M (Eds) Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 12, Springer Science + Business Media, New York, SBN 978-1-4614-5927-9; pp 397-413.

4. Nansen C, TJ Ridsdill and Smith TJ (2013). Chapter 7: The performance of insecticides – a critical review, In: Trdan S (Ed.): Insecticides - Development of Safer and More Effective Technologies. ISBN: 978-953-51-0958-7, InTech, DOI: 10.5772/53987.

5. Stefanova K (2013). Statistical model for multi-environment trials: Accounting for variety by environment interaction. In: Muggeo VMR et al (Eds.) Proceedings of the 28th International Workshop on Statistical Modelling, Instituto Polygrafico Europeo, Palermo, Italy. ISBN 978-88-96251-49-2, pp 783- 788.

90 | ioa.uwa.edu.au Acronyms

AAAC Australian Association of Agricultural DA Department of Agriculture (formerly DAFF, Consultants Department of Agriculture Fisheries and ACPFG Australian Centre for Plant Functional Forestry) Genomics DAFFQ Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and ACIAR The Australian Centre for International Forestry, Queensland Agricultural Research DCCEE Department of Climate Change and Energy AHRI The Australian Herbicide Resistance Efficiency Initiative (at UWA) DAFWA Department of Food and Agriculture AEC Animal Ethics Committee Western Australia ACIAR The Australian Centre for International DEEDI Department of Employment, Economic Agricultural Research Development and Innovation, Queensland ANU Australian National University DFAT Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade APA Australian Postgraduate Award (incorporates AusAID) APL Australian Pork Limited DIIR Department of Innovation, Industry and ARC Australian Research Council Regional Development ASGGN Animal Selection, Genetics and Genomics EERIE Ecosystem Restoration and Intervention Network Ecology AusAID Australian Government’s overseas aid ERISS Environmental Research Institute of the program Supervising Scientist AWI 1) Animal Welfare Institute FAO Food and Agriculture Organization (of the 2) Australian Wool Industry United Nations) BGI Beijing Genomics Institute, China FFI CRC Future Farm Industries Co-operative CAAS The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Research Centre Sciences GHG Greenhouse Gas CAP covered anaerobic pond GGA Grower Group Alliance CBH Corporate Bulk Handling Group (company) GIS Geographic Information Systems CEED Centre of Excellence for Environmental GRA Global Research Alliance Decisions (an ARC partnership between GRDC Grains Research and Development UQ, ANU, The University of Melbourne, Corporation RMIT University, UWA, Imperial College HSD Harrington Seed Destructor London, US Geological Society, CSIRO, ICARDA International Centre for Agriculture The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.) Research in the Dry Areas, Syria CEEP Centre for Environmental and Economic ICPBER International Centre of Plant Breeding Policy (at UWA) Education and Research (at UWA) CENRM UWA Albany’s Centre of Excellence in ICRAF World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi Natural Resource Management INRA National Institute for Agricultural Research; CGE Clean, green, ethical Paris, France CIBER Centre for Integrative Bee Research (at IOA The UWA Institute of Agriculture UWA) IPM Integrated Pest Management CLIMA Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean IPRS International Postgraduate Research Agriculture (at UWA) Scholarships COGGO Council of Grain Growers Organisation IRRI International Rice Research Institute, CSBP Ltd The Chemicals and Fertilisers business Philippines units of Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy ISI Institute for Scientific Information and Fertilisers, a division of Wesfarmers KAU Kerala Agricultural University, India Limited LCA Life Cycle Assessment CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial LIEF Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Research Organization Facilities (funding scheme) CSU Charles Sturt University LZU Lanzhou University, China

The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 91 MLA Meat and Livestock Australia SEWPAC Department of Sustainability, Environment, NAWFA Northern Australia Water Futures Water, Population and Communities Assessment SCAU South China Agricultural University NCGR National Centre for Genome Resources, SIRF UWA Scholarships for International USA Research Fees NSW-DPI New South Wales Department of Primary SoL Seeds of Life (project in Timor-Leste) Industries UA University of Adelaide NWAFU Northwest Agricultural and Forest UIS University International Stipend University (in China) UNE University of New England OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation UoW University of Wollongong and Development. UPA University Postgraduate Awards IPPC Intergovernmental Panel for Climate UPAIS University Postgraduate Award Change (International Students) PEC Perth Education City UWA The University of Western Australia QPCR Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction UQ University of Queensland QTL Quantitative Trait Locus WAIMR Western Australian Institute of Medical RIRDC Rural Industries Research and Research Development Corporation WANTFA Western Australian No-Tillage Farmers RMIT Royal Melbourne institute of Technology Association RSPCA Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty WAPPA Western Australian Pork Producers’ To Animals Association SARDI South Australian Research and WUN World Universities Network Development Institute SARE School of Agricultural and Resource Economics (at UWA)

92 | ioa.uwa.edu.au The UWA Institute of Agriculture | 93 UWA Institute of Agriculture

The University of Western Australia

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