2016 : Research for Agriculture

Popping the cork on sparkling wine research

Tasmanian wine producers will sample and provide tasting notes on sparkling wines produced as part of a Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) research project looking at the impact of vineyard treatments on sparkling wine characteristics.

Nov 7, 2016

Crops

Designer rice could help beat diabetes, cancer and obesity

Scientists have discovered a way to increase the production of resistant starch in rice, which could have beneficial health consequences for more than half of the world’s population.

Oct 22, 2016

crops

World-first fruit fly trap to capture massive agricultural gains

Griffith University and agricultural product company Agnova Technologies have collaborated to produce Fruition, the nation’s first non-toxic response to fruit flies.

Oct 12, 2016

biosecurity, research

Horticulture

When cabbages get stressed they adopt human solutions

Plants get stressed and send defensive signals in the same way humans do, researchers from The University of Queensland have found.

Oct 11, 2016

horticulture

Water & Climate

Victorian CO2 bug research on the world stage

Victorian research on the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels on pest insects will be revealed at the International Congress of Entomology in America.

Sep 26, 2016

climate

Crops

Research showing early sowing pays off

Pairing long fallowing with the early sowing of wheat is proving to be a successful combination when it comes to maximising crop yield potential.

Sep 21, 2016

crops

Sunraysia flies blow honeybee pollination trend

A study commissioned by Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) and its partners has shown that blow flies in the Sunraysia region are the chief pollinators of avocados, despite bee hives regularly featuring in orchards.

Sep 13, 2016

horticulture

Research

Genetic bee research paves the way to sweeten imports plan

Beekeepers are a step closer to protecting themselves from the devastating Varroa mite, with a new test likely to allow imports of honey bee semen from resistant breeding stock without putting the industry at risk from another pest – Africanised bees.

Aug 12, 2016

Research

New chilli pathogens discovered in Australia

Scientists have identified four new pathogens previously not found in Australian chillies, raising the stakes for the country’s quarantine and disease resistance efforts.

Aug 9, 2016

biosecurity

The eyes have it: revealing secrets of cow emotions

Cows that pass you on the right might be giving you the “evil eye”, according to an international study that could help cattle breeders reduce animal stress and anxiety levels.

Jul 26, 2016

livestock

Agribusiness

Fresh vegetables key to happiness

The fastest route to happiness may be through the veggie patch, with a study indicating that consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables can substantially increase consumers’ happiness levels.

Jul 14, 2016

Soil & Land

Sowing strategies could boost crop yields on sandy soils

Research is demonstrating the potential for sowing strategies to significantly improve crop productivity on sandy soils in the southern cropping region.

May 16, 2016