2009 Annual Research Report - Central Queensland University

2009 Annual Research Report
Centre for Plant & Water Science
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering & Health

2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION A
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, TARGETS AND PROGRESS TOWARDS
ACHIEVEMENT 1
SECTION B STAFFING PROFILE 5
SECTION C PRODUCTIVITY 6
C1 SCHOLARSHIP AND COMMUNITY SERVICE 6
C2 INDUSTRY COLLABORATION 16
C3 RESEARCH TRAINING 16
C4 CENTRE INTERACTION 18
SECTION D FINANCIAL SUMMARY 19
D1 A SUMMARY OF INCOME 19
D2 A SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURE 23
SECTION E ISSUES AND COMMENTS 26
SECTION F FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2007 - 2011 27
SECTION G
PAST STUDENTS AND RESEARCH-ONLY STAFF CONTRIBUTIONS
TO CENTRE FOR PLANT & WATER SCIENCE 28
SECTION H REPORTS 33
INTEGRATED PRODUCTION OF A LEAFY VEGETABLE PAK CHOI (BRASSICA RAPA
L.CHINESIS GROUP) AND EEL TAIL CATFISH GROWN WITH COMMERCIAL OR
VERMICULTURE INPUTS 33
TOMATO DROUGHT AND HEAT TOLERANCE UNDER DEFICIT IRRIGATION 35
EVALUATING BENEFITS OF OXYGATION IN A NUMBER OF ANNUAL AND PERENNIAL
CROPPING SYSTEMS 37
ESTABLISHMENT OF N ATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES ON WASTE ROCK DUMPS OF
DAWSON MINE, MOURA, QLD 40
AGRONOMIC PROTOCOLS FOR STEVIA CULTIVATION IN WARM CLIMATE 43
CLIMATE CHANGE 45
PYROLYSIS OF BIOMASS 46
WATER QUALITY IN GBR CATCHMENTS 47
THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF BIOCHAR IN CARBON SEQUESTRATION, SOIL NUTRIENT
RETENTION AND PLANT GROWTH 48
PHYTOCAPPING CAN REDUCE METHANE EMISSION FROM MUNICIPAL LANDFILLS 50
CHARACTERISATION AND APPLICATION OF COMPOST EXTRACT IN AGRICULTURE 52
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
TECHNOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAM (INCLUDING NEAR INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY)
TO IMPROVE CALYPSO MANGO EATING QUALITY 54
SENSORS FOR HORTICULTURE 55
SELECTION OF CADMIUM ACCUMULATING TOMATOES FOR USE IN
PHYTOREMEDIATION OF CD CONTAMINATED SITES 56
DEVELOPMENT OF A METHODOLOGY FOR TRANSFER OF CALIBRATIONS AMONG
HAND-HELD NIRVANA UNITS 57
OPTIMIZING GROWTH CONDITIONS OF SELECTED MICROALGAE FOR BIOFUEL
PRODUCTION 59
NATIVE GROUND COVER SPECIES FOR REVEGETATION UNDER HIGH VOLTAGE
POWERLINES IN QUEENSLAND 60
AUTOECOLOGICAL ROLE OF STEVIOL GLYCOSIDES IN STEVIA REBAUDIANA 62
A NEW PROTOCOL TO CONVERT “BEAUTY LEAF” (CALOPHYLLUM INOPHYLLUM L.) OIL
INTO BIODIESEL 63
OPTICAL MEASUREMENT OF BUBBLES IN AERATED WATER DURING OXYGATION 65
FOREST CARBON TRADING BY LOCAL COMMUNITIES: A POTENTIAL OPTION FOR
CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT 67
GREEN WASTE – A POTENTIAL GROWTH MEDIUM FOR PLANTS, AND A VALUABLE
FEED STOCK FOR BIOENERGY AND BIOCHAR PRODUCTION 69
APPENDIX 1. PHOTOGRAPHS OF CPWS STAFF, STUDENTS AND VISITORS 72
APPENDIX 2. CENTRE FOR PLANT & WATER SCIENCE PUBLICITY 74
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Section A GOALS, OBJECTIVES, TARGETS AND PROGRESS
TOWARDS ACHIEVEMENT
The Centre for Plant and Water Science is one of the geographically most diverse centres
within the IRIS group, with researchers located at CQUniversity campuses in Rockhampton,
Bundaberg, Emerald as well as placements in the United Kingdom and collaborators in
Sydney, Melbourne, and rural Australia. The Centre for Plant and Water Science has a close
to 20 year record of expertise in research, consultancy, teaching and advocacy in the field of
the plant sciences and more recently in water science. It focuses its efforts on the central role
that plants and water play across a broad range of human endeavours – from the capture of
solar energy as the driver for primary production, to the provision of food, fibre and latterly
biofuel, and for the remediation of polluted land and water following unsustainable practices
in industry, institutions and at the domestic level. The Centre has the following three main
research programmes:
Water and the Environment
Emerging Plant Industries
Quality Food and Integrated Production Systems
Water and the Environment (programme leader is Professor David Midmore)
Given the finite nature of the water resource we research ways to make a more efficient use
and re-use of water in rural and urban environments. Much of the research focuses on
improvements in irrigation efficiency, on technology development for safe and profitable reuse
of waste water, and prevention of groundwater pollution.
Emerging Plant Industries (programme leader is A./Professor Nanjappa Ashwath)
Much less than one percent of plant biodiversity is used for direct human gain. We research
potential new plant, algal and microbial species to improve upon sustainability of primary
production, whether it be for food, fibre or biofuel.
Quality Food and Integrated Production Systems (programme leader is Professor Kerry
Walsh)
Quantity and quality plays key roles in the provision of healthy food, and we develop
sustainable production systems to satisfy society’s needs in these areas. Enhanced resource
use efficiency and consumer satisfaction are major research foci within this programme.
CPWS - major developments and milestones for 2009
The Centre for Plant and Water Science had many highlights in 2009. These ranged from new
appointments to increase the research capacity of the Centre to the opening of new facilities
that underpin the depth and breadth of research activities, and to the sustainable funding of
current research strengths and new opportunities. These were in addition to the usual record of
publications in prestigious journals, invites to speak at international conferences and work in
other countries, and attraction of a healthy number of new post-graduate students, overseas
visitors and successful vacation scholarship holders.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
In terms of staffing and student numbers and breadth of research activities, 2009 was a very
successful year for the CPWS. With two PhD degrees conferred (Dr Sandrine Makiela
working on buffel grass dieback syndrome, and Dr Brett Kuskopf on nitrogen budgeting of
ley legumes), a Masters thesis accepted but for minor corrections (Laurie Tait, on tropical
woodland ecology), another nine theses readied in anticipation of a 2010 submission, and six
new post-graduate students commencing during the year, our student contingent is vibrant and
productive. One student (Olivia Daniels), completed her Honours thesis research under the
supervision of A./Professor Keith Harrower, and has now commenced a PhD with the CEM.
We were also fortunate to have three domestic students who gained vacation scholarships,
two from the Cotton Catchments Communities CRC and one from the National Programme
for Sustainable Irrigation. From a staffing perspective we farewelled Mr Xinming Chen of the
North West Agriculture and Forestry University, China, who spent a productive one year
assignment with the CPWS working on irrigation projects, funded by the China Scholarship
Council.
The year also welcomed Associate Professor John Abbot to the CPWS, as a fully-externally
funded Senior Research Officer, to research issues of national and international significance
related to environmental chemistry, supported by a generous philanthropist. We congratulate
Dr Surya Bhattarai who was promoted to Senior Research Officer following outstanding
performance in grant acquisition, publications, and student supervision. Prof Kerry Walsh was
appointed as the Faculty Associate Dean for Research &Innovation in April. Our
Administration Officer, Ms Linda Ahern, participated in an Emerging Leadership Program
during the year, with clear benefits to the management of the Centre. In the second half of
2009 we appointed Professor Phil Brown from a strong field of applicants to the position of
Professor of Horticultural Science and Research Leader of the Tropical and Sub-tropical
Vegetable Programme with DEEDI on the Bundaberg campus [to commence in 2010]. This is
a post half-funded by the Queensland Government’s DEEDI and half by CQUni. As a new
venture this strengthens research on one of CQUniversity’s city campuses, and allows CPWS
to have staff based away from the Rockhampton campus. We have difficulty retaining
technical staff, often we are used as a spring board for staff to go to ‘better things’, and
Jeffrey Conaghan, the CPWS technician, resigned from the Centre in April to take up a
technician position with Stanwell Power Station.
Close to the end of the year we welcomed Professor Manuela Zude of the Leibniz-Institut für
Agrartechnik Potsdam-Bornim e.V., Potsdam Germany who spent three months with the
CPWS researching in the area of hand-held non-invasive quality assessment of fruit, mostly in
the field. We also had a number of Occupational Trainees working in CPWS throughout the
year. In February we farewelled both Loic Burtin of who worked with Manaouchehr Torabi
and Delphine Lacombe of in February as they left for their home institution the Ecole
Nationale Superieure Agronomique de Rennes. For two months in the middle of the year
Sonal Sarkar of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, worked with Dr Phul Subedi
and Prof Kerry Walsh on non-invasive technology for determining the oil content of
Calophyllum and Axelle Souchard of the Ecole Nationale Superiere d’Agronomie et des
Industries Alimentaires, Nancy, France, commenced with CPWS in August and worked with
Ben Kele on the installation of a novel sewerage system at Woodford and monitored water
quality from the KEWT system installed within the CPWS Compound.
Research wise we have had continued development of the near infrared technology and its
horticultural applications, in concert with partners Integrated Spectronics (for the handheld
unit) and Colour Vision Systems (for the in line technology), and parallel development of
agronomic systems to deliver more consistent and higher quality fruit. A pleasing result,
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
additional to the academic outcomes of publications (refereed papers and 2 book chapters)
was the adoption of the technology into the Calypso mango program where it is now used to
confirm fruit maturity before harvest is allowed. A question raised by this program has been
spun into a new externally funded project (with involvement of CINS) is the development of
technology to automate the estimation of fruit load on tree. This has allowed for continued
appointment of one Research Officer originally from Nepal and a new appointment of
another, from Bulgaria.
Another development in the sensors program was involvement in a successful SmartState
NIRAP bid with QUT on a solar powered nanosensors project. This activity is also to lead to
greater interaction with CINS, through funding of work on sensor networking.
Other CPWS research that has led to great financial returns is that on stevia for its natural
sweetener compounds, the steviol glycosides. Although the returns of this research area are
not yet recouped by the CPWS, there are multinational companies, which look to us to
provide varieties that are suited to the short days of the year-round growing environment of
the tropics.
Our expertise in the study of biological farming systems and of oxygation has brought us
invites to cooperate with private industry, and our students bring back honours with prizes for
best papers for example in the Central Region Engineering Conference and the Institute for
Resource Industries and Sustainability [number one and two in the awards in the latter].
Internationally invites were accepted for staff to speak in China, New Zealand and Thailand
(at two different conferences), and to undertake research in Africa, Sri Lanka and India, with
one PhD student spending five months in Sri Lanka and another five months in India. Another
spent two months in Nepal on field work. Over ten presentations were made by staff and
students at conferences globally, spanning from Corsica to Chile. We produced fifteen
refereed journal papers [well exceeding our 2008 number], and an edited and externally
refereed conference proceedings on bamboo, plus the usual numbers of conference papers and
popular press articles.
Our external income took an upswing in 2009, with new projects approved and commencing
funded by Horticulture Australia Ltd (on C-footprints in horticulture in the Bundaberg region,
on NIR technology transfer, and on new sensing technologies for horticulture), on nanosensor
and networking technologies funded from the Queensland Smart State programme [via
QUT],on stevia agronomy and physiology (funded by the Rural Industries Research and
Development Corporation and Sanitarium), on bubble size in aerated irrigation water funded
by AINSE, on mine-site rehabilitation funded by Dawson Mine, and extensions to tomato
drought research funded by the World Vegetable Centre. Associate Professor Nanjappa
Ashwath won a Rotary Foundation’s University Teaching Fellowship. With this support, he
spent three months in India and presented talks to Rotary clubs, universities, research
institutes and colleges in Bangalore, Pune, New Delhi and the cities around Bangalore. The
topics included the use of Australian native species in phytocapping, land rehabilitation,
biodiesel production and phytoremediation. The visit culminated in one of his Indian
counterparts winning an Endeavour scholarship to pursue research in 2010 on
phytoremediation at CQUniversity.
Close to the end of the year the Vice Chancellor opened both a new and spacious
multipurpose potting/head-house, financed largely through Research Infrastructure Block
Grant funding, and our own KEWT waste water system for recycling all runoff and
glasshouse/screen-house waste water and funded by the Federal Government. The system is
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
an off-shoot of one of our Masters students’ projects which has subsequently been
commercialized, and has been followed up by a large commercial installation at the Woodford
Folk Festival site. The event was marked by a ceremonial planting of trees.
On a more humanitarian note, one of our staff returned to Nepal for a period of time to assist
with an eye clinic, promoting the virtues of growing vegetables as a source of vitamin A in
the fight against eye disease.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Section B STAFFING PROFILE
There was approx 2.63 EFT academic staff, 3 EFT research officers, 3.35 EFT research
workers & 1.4 EFT administrative staff associated with the Centre.
Table 1. Staff and Honorary Research Fellows associated with the Centre
Staff Category EFT Name Area
Academic 1.0 Dr John Abbot Environmental Chemist
0.5 A/Prof Ashwath, Nanjappa* Ecophysiology
0.2 Dr Harrower, Keith* Microbiology
0.6 Prof Midmore, David* Crop physiology
0.05 Dr Newby, Robert* Entomologist
0.05 Prof Reed, Rob 2* Microbiology
0.13 Dr Roe, Brett * Aquaculture, Hydroponics
0.5 A/Prof Walsh, Kerry*● Plant physiology
Research Officers 1.0 Dr Bhattarai, Surya* Oxygation
1.0 Dr Subedi, Phul* Non-invasive research
0.3 Dr Mihail Mukarev Non-invasive research
0.7 Dr Pramod Shrestha Rehabilitation of mine sites
Research Workers 0.7 Conaghan, Jeffrey 2 Technician
0.95 McDonald, Brock Vermiculture, aquaponics
0.7 Fox, Graham 2 Plant growth facilities
0.05 Bhattarai, Bhima Aerating saline irrigation
0.55 Subedi, Roshan Native vegetation & waste management
0.02 Sousan Marshali-Firoozi Drought tolerant tomato
0.005 Manouchehr Torabi Drought tolerant tomato
0.02 Resham Bhattarai Drought tolerant tomato
0.02 Hossein Torabi Drought tolerant tomato
0.02 Sina Torabi Drought tolerant tomato
0.02 Ivan Mukarev Non-invasive research
0.04 Subhash Hathurusingha Bio-fuels production from native species
0.2 Jay Dhungel Oxygation
0.06 Caroline Midmore Oxygation
Administration 1.0 Ahern, Linda Administration Officer
Staff 0.3 Bunt, Enid 2 Administrative Assistant
0.05 Crane, Brie Administrative Assistant
0.05 Ahern, Terry Administrative Assistant
Honorary Research Dr Sands, Jim + Emerald Agricultural College
Fellows Dr Burrows, William QDPI, Rockhampton - Woodland ecology
Dr Carroll, Chris + QDNRM, Rockhampton – Irrigation
Dr Dixon, Robert
QDPI, Rockhampton
Dr Radford, Bruce
QDNRM, Biloela – Soil Science
Rank, Andrew *
Consultant – Stevia
Neil Hoy
QDME – General ecology
Visitors - Scholars 0.6 Dr Xinming Chen China Scholarship Council
0.2 Dr Sanjay Singh N.D.University of Agriculture & Technology, India
- Students 0.2 Sonal Sarkar Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
0.2 Axelle Souchard l’Ecole Nationale supérieure d’Agronomie et des
Industries Alimentaires, France
0.2 Loic Burton l’Ecole Nationale supérieure d’Agronomie de
Rennes, France
0.2 Delphine Lacombe l’Ecole Nationale supérieure d’Agronomie de
Rennes, France
Status (EFT) of academic staff is calculated as a percentage of research-active time.
* Research active: named participant on a research project attracting external research income; named author on a DEST-qualified
research publication; or supervisor to a research higher degree candidate.
+ Members of Centre for Plant & Water Science Advisory Committee.
# Includes postgraduate supervision.
● 0.2 of salary drawn from external sources.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Section C PRODUCTIVITY
C1
Scholarship and Community Service
The Centre maintained scholarly output in 2009, with two book chapters, 15 refereed articles
published (DEST category C1), eight refereed conference articles (DEST category E1) and
one edited proceedings (Table 2, 3).
Table 2. CPWS Publications and Presentations
Edited Book
Midmore, D.J. (ed.) (2009). Silvicultural management of bamboo in the Philippines and
Australia for shoots and timber. ACIAR Proceedings No 129, Canberra, Australia. P. 144.
Book Chapters
Herold, B., Kawano, S., Sumpf, B., Tillmann, P. and Walsh, K.B. (2009). Chapter 3. VIS/NIR
Spectroscopy, in Optical Monitoring of Fresh and Processed Agricultural Crops, ed. M.
Zude. pp. 141‐249.
Walsh, K.B. (2009). Chapter 9. Postharvest Regulation and Quality Standards on Fresh
Produce, in Postharvest Handling – A Systems Approach. Second edition, ed. W.J.
Florkowski, R.L. Shewfelt, B. Brueckner and S.E. Prussia. Elsevier ISBN 978‐0‐12‐374112‐7
pp. 205‐245.
Refereed Journal Publications
Asir, K., Wilkinson, K., Perry, J.D., Reed, R.H. and Gould, F.K. (2009). Evaluation of
chromogenic media for the isolation of vancomycin‐resistant enterococci from stool samples.
Letters in Applied Microbiology 48: 230-233.
Begum, S. and Rasul, M.G. (2009). Reuse of stormwater for watering gardens and plants
using green gully: a new stormwater quality improvement device SQID). Water Air Soil
Pollution: Focus, 9: 371‐380.
Bhattarai, S.P., de la Peña, R.C., Midmore, D.J. and Palchamy, K. (2009). In‐vitro plant
regeneration through immature seed culture for rapid generation advancement in tomato.
Euphytica 167: 23‐30.
Bhattarai, S.P., Midmore, D.J. and Pendergast, L. (2009). Oxygation effect on growth, gas
exchange, water relation and salt tolerance of vegetable soybean and cotton in a saline
vertisol. Journal of Integrative Plant Biology 51 (7): 675‐688.
Hearn, L.K. and Subedi P.P. (2009). Determining levels of steviol glycosides in the leaves of
Stevia rebaudiana by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Journal of Food Composition
and Analysis 22: 165‐168.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Kachenko, G.A., Bhatia, P.B., Siegele, R., Walsh, K.B. and Singh, B. (2009). Nickel, Zn and
Cd localisation in seeds of metal hyperaccumulators using micro‐PIXE spectroscopy. Nuclear
Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B 267 2176–2180
Kaur, K., Jalota, R.K. and Midmore, D.J. (2009). Soil respiration rate and its sensitivity to
temperature in pasture systems of dry‐tropics. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section B _
Soil and Plant Science DOI: 10.1080/09064710903071122
Midmore, D.J. (2009). Optimising inputs for production of bamboo shoots and timber.
Agricultural Science 21 (3): 20‐27.
Qureshi, M.S., Midmore, D.J., Syeda, S. and Reid, D.J. (2009). Pyriproxyfen controls
silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), biotype B (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) (SLW)
better than buprofezin in bitter melons Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae). Australian
Journal of Entomology 48: 60‐64.
Subedi, P.P. and Walsh, K.B. (2009). Non‐invasive techniques for measurement of fresh fruit
firmness. Postharvest Biology and Technology 51 297-304.
Subedi, P.P and Walsh, K.B. (2009). Assessment of potato dry matter concentration using
short‐wave near infrared spectroscopy. Potato Research 52, 67‐77. DOI
10.1007/s11540‐008‐9122‐1
Venkatraman, K. and Ashwath, N. (2009). Environmental performance of phytocapped
landfill. The Environmental Engineer, Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 22‐25.
Venkatraman, K. and Ashwath, N. (2009). Phytocapping: Importance of tree selection and
soil thickness. Water Air Soil Pollution: Focus 9:421-430.
Venkatraman, K. and Ashwath, N. (2009). Can phytocapping technique reduce methane
emission from municipal landfills International Journal of Environmental Technology and
Management Vol. 10, No.1 pp. 4-15.
Yang, Z. and Midmore, D.J. (2009). Self‐organisation at the whole‐plant level: a modelling
study. Functional Plant Biology. 36: 56‐65.
Refereed Conference Publications
Ahmed, S., Rasul, M.G., Marten, W. and Brown, R. (2009). Sustainable reuse of
storm/waste‐water resources: A review on solar photocatalytic purification processes. In:
Rasul, M. and Chowdhury, A (Eds.) Central Region Engineering Conference 2009: Regional
Sustainability local solutions to global Issues 14‐15 August, 2009 Rockhampton, Queensland
‘Best Paper Award’
Decipulo, M.S,, Ockerby, S and Midmore, D.J. (2009). Managing clumps of Dendrocalamus
asper in Bukidnon, the Philippines. In: Midmore, D.J. (ed.) Silvicultural management of
bamboo in the Philippines and Australia for shoots and timber. ACIAR Proceedings No 129.
Canberra, Australia. pp. 36‐45.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Hathurusingha, S., Kahandawa, G. and Ashwath, N. (2009). Technical Complications in
Expelling and Converting Domba Oil into Biodiesel. In: Rasul , M. and Chowdhury, A (Eds.)
Central Region Engineering Conference 2009: Regional Sustainability local solutions to
global Issues 14‐15 August, 2009 Rockhampton, Queensland.
Malab, S.C., Batin, C.B., Malab, B.S., Alipon, M.A. and Midmore, D.J. (2009). Improving
productivity of a previously unmanaged Bambusa blumeana plantations for culms and shoots
in Illocos Norte, the Philippines. In Midmore, D.J. (ed.) Silvicultural management of bamboo
in the Philippines and Australia for shoots and timber. ACIAR Proceedings No 129. Canberra,
Australia. pp. 24‐35.
Midmore, D.J. (2009). Bamboo in the global and Australian contexts. In: Midmore, D.J. (ed.)
Silvicultural management of bamboo in the Philippines and Australia for shoots and timber.
ACIAR Proceedings No 129. Canberra, Australia. pp. 13‐17.
Midmore, D.J. (2009). Overview of the ACIAR bamboo project outcomes. In Midmore, D.J.
(ed.) Silvicultural management of bamboo in the Philippines and Australia for shoots and
timber. ACIAR Proceedings No 129. Canberra, Australia. pp. 7‐12.
Traynor, M. and Midmore, D.J. (2009). Cultivated bamboo in the Northern Territory of
Australia. In: Midmore, D.J. (ed.) Silvicultural management of bamboo in the Philippines and
Australia for shoots and timber. ACIAR Proceedings No 129. Canberra, Australia. pp.
108‐123.
Zhu, G.X., Ockerby, S., White, D.T. and Midmore, D.J. (2009). Identifying agricultural
practices to sustain bamboo in Queensland, Australia. In: Midmore, D.J. (ed.) Silvicultural
management of bamboo in the Philippines and Australia for shoots and timber. ACIAR
Proceedings No 129. Canberra, Australia. pp. 124‐139.
Conference Presentations
Ashwath, N. and Challagulla, V. (2009). Australian plants - their potential use in biodiesel
production. ‘Bioenergy Australia 2009 ‐ From Opportunity to Implementation, 8-12
December 2009, Gold Coast.
Begum, S. (2009). Reuse of stormwater for watering gardens and plants using Green Gully: a
new stormwater quality improvement device (SQID), CESE 2009. Challenges in
Environmental Science and Engineering, CESE‐2009 14-17 July 2009, Townsville.
Bhattarai, S.P., Midmore, D.J., Pendergast, L., Torabi, M and Dhungel, J.K. (2009). Gene,
genesis and general application of oxygation for irrigation of horticultural crops. Paper
presented in the VI International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops, November
2-6, 2009, Viña del Mar, Chile.
Dhungel, J.K., Midmore, D.J., Walsh, K.B., Bhattarai, S.P. and Subedi, P.P. (2009).
Oxygation enhanced pineapple yield and quality. Paper presented in the VI International
Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops, November 2-6, 2009, Viña del Mar, Chile.
Kele, B. (2009). The 1770 experience. In: Reuse ’09. September 20-25, Brisbane.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Khan, D.J., Reed, R.H. and Rausl, M. (2009). Photocatalysis and sub‐lethal injury in
Escherischia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. Australian Society for Microbiology, 6‐10 July,
Perth.
Midmore, D.J. (2009). Optimising inputs for production of bamboo shoots and timber. VIII
World Bamboo Congress, 16‐19 September, Bangkok, Thailand. [Invited contribution].
Midmore, D.J. (2009). Production of steviol glycosides/usage in Australia. Stevia World 2009
14-15 May Intercontinental Shanghai Pudong Hotel, China. [Invited contribution]
Midmore, D.J., Bhattarai S.P., Pendergast, L., Dhungel, J., Torabi, M. and Chen, M. (2009).
Oxygation – capitalising upon the benefits of aerating irrigation water for annual and
perennial cropping. In: Irrigation and Drainage Conference 2009, 18-21 October, Irrigation
Australia Ltd, Swan Hill, Vic, Australia.
Subedi, P.P., Walsh, K.B., Hofman, P. and Marques, R. (2009). Commercial adoption of a
hand-held near infrared spectroscopy unit for maturity estimation in B74 mango. The 7th
Australian Mango Conference, 25-27 May, The Sebel Cairns, Queensland.
Venkatraman, K. and Ashwath, N. (2009). Phytocapping ‐ can it reduce percolation of water
into buried waste Twelfth International Waste Management and Landfill Symposium, 5-9
October, Sardinia, Italy.
Venkatraman, K. and Ashwath, N. (2009). ‘Phytocapping ‐ a local government perspective’ at
the LGAQ Environment Conference, 9-10 July, Yeppoon.
Venkatraman, K. and Ashwath, N. (2009). ‘Phytocapping – importance of tree selection and
soil thickness’ at the CESE‐2009 conference 14-17 July, Townsville.
Venkatraman, K., Ashwath, N., and Su, N. (2009). Performance of a phytocapped landfill in a
semi-arid climate. Chapter 18, In: Technologies and Management for Sustainable Biosystems
(Eds: Jaya Nair, Christine Furedy; Chanakya Hoysala, Horst Doelle). Nova publishers, New
York. Pp. 195-208.
Walsh, K.B. and Subedi, P.P. (2009). Starch and sugar – the assessment of maturation and
ripening of fruit by SWNIR spectroscopy. NIR2009, November 7-16, Bangkok.
Walsh, K.B., Subedi, P.P. and Purdy, P. (2009). Handheld SWNIR spectroscopy in
horticulture. NIR2009, November 7-16, Bangkok.
Walsh, K.B., Subedi, P.P., and Purdy, P. (2009). Use of handheld and in‐line near infrared
spectroscopy for maturity estimation in mango fruit. Australasian Postharvest Conference and
ISHS Managing Quality in Chains conference, November 19‐23, Napier, New Zealand.
Magazine articles
Ashwath, N. (2009). Biodiesel source a beauty. WME Environmental Business Magazine.
Sept. p. 12.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Bhattarai, S.P. and Midmore, D.J. (2009). Potential benefits of oxygation – aeration of
irrigation water. Australian Nutgrower Dec. pp. 38‐40.
Midmore, D.J. (2009). ACIAR bamboo management research project review. Bamboo
Bulletin 11(1): 15‐21.
Table 3. Publications
Year Books Book
Chapters
Journal
Articles
Conference
Presentations
Non-DEST
Reports
1998 2 10 16 8
1999 1 13 18 18
2000 1 11 18 6
2001 1 12 16 4
2002 1 12 11 10
2003 8 13 9
2004 1 5 18 9 10
2005 3 25 5 11
2006 1 20 2 8
2007 14 10 2
2008 10 26 3
2009 1 [Ed] 2 15 17 3
The profile of Centre activity is also indexed by the extent of activities on campus, in terms of
seminars presented on campus, and by the number of visitors to the Centre (Table 4).
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Table 4. Visitors to CPWS
Name From Date Activity
Sarah Leonardi
Communication
Officer
NPSI 27-28
February
Irrigation research, seminar,
and make a video
A visitor group
University of the 3rd
Age
16 March
Visit ongoing research
Graham Rowley
Australian Electronic
Water Conditioners
Pty Ltd
18 March
Talk to CPWS on magnetism
and water.
Year 10, 11 & 12
students
Local high schools
20-21 May
CSIRO Science Discover Day
on 2009.
Don Chambers
Sugarcane Industry
adviser
28-29 May
Agave research collaboration -
feasibility discussions.
George Wilson,
RIRDC Project
Manager
18 June
Review vermiculture and
aquaponics research.
David Wassink ANSTO 6-10 July Assist with equipment
set-up for imaging of bubbles
A group of teachers Local schools 13 July View the ongoing research on
vermiculture and aquaponics
Pat Scrimizie
Australian Stevia Mills
20 July
Discuss ongoing stevia
research
John Ashton
Sanitarium
30 July
Ongoing stevia research
Don Chambers
Sugarcane Industry
adviser
24 July
Bring some Agave plants for
planting
John Dixon ACIAR consultant 10 August Potential cooperation
Tamman Sulaiman
Syrian Ambassador to
Australia and New
Zealand
13 October
View vermiculture and
hydroponics
A group of students
Hall School
21 October
Look at the hydroponics
A group of students
Yeppoon High School
28 October
View vermiculture
The monthly CPWS seminar series provides an opportunity for all staff and postgraduates to
speak (Table 5), while all visitors are invited to present an ‘ad-hoc’ seminar during their visit.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Table 5. Centre for Plant & Water Science Seminar Series 2009
2009 CPWS SEMINARS
JANUARY 11.00am Wednesday 30 January 2009
Topic 1: “NPSI”
Presenter: Dr Sarah Leonardi, Land and Water Australia
Topic 2: "The National Programme for Sustainable Irrigation”
Presenter: Surya Bhattarai, Loic Burtin, Jay Dhungel, David Midmore
FEBRUARY 12.00pm Friday 6 February 2009
Topic 1: "Improving drought tolerance in tomato – links between tolerance and
physiological parameters."
Presenter: Delphine Lacombe
12.00pm Tuesday 17 February 2009
Topic 2: “Soil and other carbons”
Presenter: ABC Landline Programme from Sunday15 February 2009
12.00pm Monday 23 February 2009
Topic 1: “Current research and other activities”
Presenter: Dr Neil Hoy, Department of Mines and Energy, Rockhampton
Topic 2: "2008 Sojourn to Italy"
Presenter: Linda Ahern
MARCH 12.00pm Tuesday 30 March 2009
Topic:
“Hazardous substance risk assessments and MSDSs”
Presenter: Heather Smyth
APRIL 12.00pm Monday 27 April 2009
Topic:
“Measuring and predicting of internal quality of fruit”
Presenter: Dr Phul Subedi
MAY 12.00pm Monday 25 May 2009
Topic:
“Provenance variations of Calophyllum inophyllum L. with special reference to
seed oil and seed oil Methyl Ester (biodiesel)”
Presenter: Subhash Hathurusingha
JULY 12.00pm Tuesday 14 July 2009
Topic:
"My 2 months at CPWS, CQU: A memorable experience."
Presenter: Sonal Sarkar
SEPTEMBER 12.00pm Monday 28 September 2009
Topic:
“Phytocapping: the state of the art technique for landfill remediation.”
Presenter: Associate Professor Nanjappa Ashwath
OCTOBER 12.00pm Monday 26 October 2009
Topic 1: “Precision agriculture and research activities in Germany”
Presenter: Professor Manuela Zude
NOVEMBER 12.00pm Monday 9 November 2009
Topic 1: “aCQUIRe Training - 2009 HERDC Publication Collection”
Presenter: Richelle Coll
12.00pm Monday 30 November 2009
Topic 2:
“Stevia Wonder: A Quick Sweetness Estimate and a Look at its Ecophysiology.”
Presenter: Ria Reyes
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
The influence of the Centre is also indexed by the extent of involvement by Centre personnel
in off-campus events (Table 6).
Table 6. Presentations at Meetings, Seminars, Conferences, Workshops and Other
Events, other than those reported in Table 2
Prof Midmore visited Gregory Chow of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore in early January
to discuss roof-top horticulture and hydroponics and funding opportunities available for
research activities.
Dr Bhattarai worked as a volunteer work at an eye camp in a mountain village of Myagdi
district in Nepal. There he helped in the area of eye nutrition, educating local people on
home gardens, advising on plants species which when eaten would increase their vitamin
A intake. He presented a paper entitled “Agricultural Road Development Initiatives for
Market-oriented Horticulture in Nepal” at an international conference on “Local
Infrastructure Development: Challenges and Opportunities” while overseas.
Thakur Bhattarai spent six weeks in Nepal on field work in late 2008 early 2009. While
away he attended a workshop and chaired a climate change session.
Prof Walsh travelled to Melbourne from 10-13 February to attend CVS & VIC DPI meetings
and gave a presentation to Thai Retailers.
Thakur Bhattarai attended a one day Agribusiness seminar titled 'Climate Change Here and
Elsewhere' hosted by the Rockhampton Regional Development Limited in February.
Karuna Shrestha gave an invited talk to the Australian Growers of Native Plants Association
on here research on ‘Characterisation work on compost tea’.
On 5 th March Dr Subedi attended a R&D seminar on citrus dryness defect in Gayndah and
participants were interested in using the non-invasive Handheld Unit in their quality
control processes.
Resham Gautam visited his project’s industry partners – Powerlink, in Brisbane 5-6 March
2009.
On the 16 th March a group from the University of the 3 rd Age visited, and Brock McDonald
and Elena Churilova reported that group had been very impressed with the
hydroponics/compost/worms.
Brock McDonald was involved with a similar visit by Year 11 students’ visit on 12 th March,
an exposure day for students to see some living science.
Brock MacDonald attended a very worthwhile Bio-dynamics Workshop held in Yeppoon,
13-14 March.
Thakur Bhattarai participated in a Rockhampton Regional Council ‘Cost of Carbon’
workshop held on Wednesday 18 March 2009.
Prof Midmore attended a ‘Blueprint for a Better World - Millennium Development Goals’
Exhibition held in the Walter Reid Cultural Centre from 10-12 April 2009.
In mid April A./Prof Ashwath visited the Townsville landfill research site where he
evaluated the performance of the 30 species previously planted. Ashwath met with Dr
Grant Zhu while in Townsville.
At the end of April (28-30) Prof Walsh travelled to Sydney to attend CVS/HAL meetings.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
While in the UK, Prof Midmore attended a 'Valuing our life support systems’ meeting as
part of ‘Natural Capital Initiative Symposium' held in London, from 29 April to 1 May
2009.
Brock McDonald travel to Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, to attend the 'Organic Waste and
Resource Management Forum' BioFutures Seminar from 29 April to 1 May 2009.
During Beef 2009, Prof Midmore chaired a session on ‘Ecological Farming’ in early May in
Rockhampton.
A CPWS/NPSI stakeholder workshop organised by Dr Bhattarai was held in Bundaberg on
the 5-6 May 2009. The workshop provided lots of feedback and future direction for
oxygation research.
A/Prof Ashwath & Noel Sammon attended a Primer-E Course 'Analysis of multivariate data
from ecology and environmental science' workshop at La Trobe University, Albury from
10-17 June 2009.
Thakur Bhattarai and family, travelled to Nepal on 23 June for four months while Thakur
undertook research work on the Community Forests he is involved with.
Prof Midmore travelled to Brisbane 8-9 July 2009 to meet with Green Roofs Australia and
Dr Brett Roe.
Dr Roe and was invited to attend the Q150 (Qld Excellence in Natural Resources
Management) Reception at Government House where he spoke with Penelope Wensley,
Governor of Queensland. He had discussions with Gary Manson, President of the
Queensland Poultry Association.
Farmers Federation and Organic Growers from North Queensland who are leaders/guide to
others in this emerging industry, and also with Beth Wood, DPI&F who was supportive
of CQU/DPI co-funded appointments. During the trip, Prof Midmore met with Industry
reps/Pure Circle reps to discuss steviol glycosides and new market opportunities for the
use of steviol glycosides which currently held 8% of the USA tabletop sweetener market
and industry was anticipating sales would increase to 15% by the end of 2009.
Approximately 60/70 science teachers attended a presentation on Stevia given by Prof
Midmore on Monday 13 July on the campus.
Elena Churilova travelled to Sydney 19-23 July 2009 to attend the 2009 National Industry
Conference of the Australian Hydroponic & Greenhouse Association.
Sharmina Begum attended and presented at the CESE-2009 Conference held in Townsville
15-17 July.
Prof Midmore contributed to the preparation of a Grains GRDC Proposal with DPI&F at
Rosslyn Bay on 5 August.
As the representative from CPWS, Dr John Abbot attended the Science In Parliament
session in Brisbane in early August.
From 12-25 October, Karuna Shrestha and Dr Pramod Shrestha visited Flinders University
in South Australia to work in the molecular biology laboratories.
Three CPWS members, Lance Pendergast, Dr Bhattarai and Prof Midmore attended and
presented at the ‘Irrigation Australia’ meeting from 17-22 October 2009, in Swanhill,
Victoria.
Likewise a number of CPWS members attended the presentation by Prof Bob Carter, James
Cook University, Geo-chemist, on climate changes and alternative interpretations of the
data, at the Rockhampton League’s Club on Tuesday evening – 6 October.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Dr Subedi spent extended period in the latter part of the year in the NT Mareeba/Northern
Qld and Oolloo Farm Management used the NAVANA Unit as a major tool for
determining fruit maturity. Harvesting was based on NIR technology (flesh-based and dry
matter) which included mapping of trees,
Profs Walsh and Midmore attended a Brigalow Catchment Meeting held at DNR on 24
November 2009. Data going back to the beginning of the study would be available for
CPWS staff and students.
Congratulations to Ria Reyes and Kartik Venkatraman who took out 1 st and 2 nd place for
their student presentations which were judged by a panel of external industry
representatives at the Annual IRIS Research Conference held on Thursday 3 December.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
C2
Industry Collaboration
Working with Industry and other external clients
The CPWS has entered into cooperative arrangements with a number of companies, both
large scale and SME’s, the latter for example with the development of vermiculture as a
resource for hydroponics, and the former with co-funding from Sanitarium for a post-graduate
scholarship and financial input from Colour Vision and Integrated Spectronics to support
research positions. Collaborative links between Centre staff and Color Vision Systems P/L &
Integrated Spectronics P/L continued to strengthen as commercialisation of the NIRS
technology proceeds. Fruitful interaction with the supply chain group, One Harvest, through
the Calypso mango project, was underpinned by the deployment of Dr Subedi across most
production regions during the mango harvest season.
Links with Boxsell and Vermicrobe resulted in generous donation of equipment to support our
on-campus RIRDC project on rooftop farming. Cooperation with Midell Developments Pty
and Powerlink allowed for productive support of PhD programmes, as did the link with
Sanitarium, Netafim and Seair (Canada).
The initiation of a shared position with PIF, to create a Professor in Horticulture Science, who
will act as Research Leader to the PIF Vegetable Crops program is particularly auspicious.
This initiative sets the scene for expanded activity in this space, if managed appropriately.
C3
Research Training
The Centre continued to foster postgraduate training, with two PhDs awarded, one MSc thesis
submitted and 18 candidacies current.
The centre has a number of Initiatives aimed at assisting Higher Research Degree Students in
their studies. Besides monthly seminars presented for and by students and staff alike, we
provide competent technical support to assist with the setting up of laboratory, glasshouse and
field experiments. The students are also encouraged to utilise research facilities of other
campuses (e.g. scanning electron microscope and biochar reactor in Gladstone campus,
electron microscopy at University of Queensland and molecular genetic analysis at Flinders
University). The Centre provides a modest living allowance to assist post graduate students
who are in dire need of financial assistance, and we look into ‘earn while you learn’ programs
to support needy students.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Table 7. Degrees Awarded, Theses Submitted & Current Students
Degrees Awarded in 2009
Name Degree Supervisor(s) Thesis Title
Sandrine Makiela PhD Dr Harrower
Prof Midmore
Studies on dieback of buffel grass (Cenchrus
ciliaris) in central Queensland
Brett Kuskopf PhD Prof Walsh
Prof Midmore
Effect of drought on the contribution by
legumes to soil N fertility in Central
Queensland
Thesis Submitted in 2009
Name Degree Supervisor(s) Thesis Title
Laurie Tait MAppSc Prof Walsh
Dr Burrows
Current Students
Stand structure and population dynamics of
woodland communities in north-eastern
Australia based on an established network of
permanently position vegetation transects
Name Degree Supervisor(s) Thesis Title
Ahmed Saber PhD Dr Rasul Development of heterogeneous photocatalytic water
purification technology for re-use and recycling of
storm/waste-water.
Sharmina Begum MEng Dr Rasul An experimental and computational investigation of
performance of a new stormwater quality improvement
device: Green Gully.
Thakur Bhattarai PhD Prof Midmore
Prof Lockie
Assessment of sustainability of community forestry in
Nepal.
Elena Churilova MSc Prof Midmore
Dr Roe
Jay Dhungel PhD Dr Bhattarai
Prof Walsh
Prof Midmore
Resham Gautam PhD A/Prof Ashwath
Prof Midmore
Subhash
Hathurusingha
PhD
A/Prof Ashwath
Prof Midmore
Tracey Howkins PhD Prof Midmore
Dr Ng
Effect of vermicast (vermiculture effluent) on
the yield and uptake of nutrients in
hydroponically grown plants for commercially
adopted NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)
systems
Practical aspects of oxygation
Native ground cover species for revegetation
under high voltage powerlines in Queensland
Biodiesel potential of Beauty leaf tree (Calophyllum
inophyllum).
Phytoremediation of arsenic contaminated site using
arsenic hyperaccumulating plants
Sadia Khan PhD Prof Reed Development and evaluation of a solar photocatalytic
disinfection (SPCD) apparatus for treatment of
aquaculture systems.
Ben Kele PhD Prof Midmore
Prof Miles
Extension of the use of the KEWT system, including
filtration
Dixie Nott PhD Prof Walsh Eucalypt woodland stand structure: effect of
management practices
Lance Pendergast PhD Prof Midmore
Prof Walsh
Ria Reyes PhD Prof Walsh
Prof Midmore
Plant salinity tolerance mechanisms and the effects of
sub-surface aeration on growth, water use efficiencies
and salinity tolerance
Autoecological role of steviol glycosides in Stevia
rebandiana
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Noel Sammon PhD Dr Harrower A study of microfungi in Rockhampton
reticulated water
Karuna Shrestha PhD Prof Midmore
Prof Walsh
Dr Harrower
Compost teas: their biology and activity
Shamsa Syeda PhD Prof Midmore
Dr Vicente-
Beckett
Manouchehr Torabi PhD Prof Midmore
Prof Walsh
Dr Bhattarai
Kartik Venkatraman. PhD A/Prof Ashwath
Dr Su
A study of the Dee River system, to explore the
utilisation of fish parasites as bio-indicators of
freshwater pollution, and an evaluation of the abilities
of plants in the phytoremediation of heavy metals
Aspects of oxygation
Phytoremediation of landfill sites
C4
Centre Interaction
Strategies for involving more CQU staff in Centre research
As the Centre has a presence on three campuses, its staff work across several internal groups.
The importance of the food and fibre industry to central Queensland offers opportunity for
disciplines, other than the plant and water sciences, to contribute to the food and fibre sector
research agenda. As an example, CPWS worked cooperatively with CINS to secure funding
from Horticulture Australia Ltd to fund a post doctoral fellow (Dr Alison Payne) who works
across both CINS and CPWS.
Communication and industry engagement activities
CPWS staff regularly provide ‘opinion pieces’ to local newspapers such as the Morning
Bulletin, and have presented on radio and television, for example A/Prof Nanjappa Ashwath
spoke about Agave spp [the plant from which tequila is made] and beauty leaf tree as biofuel
feedstock plants, and the novel filtration systems in on-site waste water treatment systems of
Ben Kele were highlighted in the local press.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Section D FINANCIAL SUMMARY
D1
A Summary of Income
The Centre was supported by approx. $1.2 million in total funding during 2009, of which just
over one third was provided as a CQU Budget allocation to the Centre (Table 8). Of this
amount, core CQUniversity contribution was $52,063. Thus a 22.9:1 funding leverage was
achieved on core CQU funds, a significant increase on the 2008 result (12.6:1).
Table 8. Funding to CPWS in 2009
Course Fees, Consultancy
and Equipment
Hire/Assets
Amount % Research
Misc Consultancies & Fees $9,909 Services, Admin Support, etc
Sales $27 Publications
SUB TOTAL $9,936 1%
Project
Leader
University
Research Budget Allocation $96,687 IGS funding Midmore
Research Budget Allocation $52,063 CQUni funding Midmore
RDI Research Grant $29,964 Improve uniformity efficiencies aeration Bhattarai
RAAS Award $36,000 Post-doctoral fellowship - Bhattarai Midmore
Seed Grant $9,800 Near-infrared technology detection Subedi
FSEH RTS Research
Support
$55,681 Equipment & Technical Midmore
Infrastructure Support $90,642 Research Infrastructure Support – NA,
SB
Research Support Grant $10,000 Research Support Grant – SH, LT, VC,
KP, RR
Research Grant $29,996 IRIS Contestable Grant – Drought
tolerant tomatoes
Midmore
Midmore
Bhattarai
IRIS RTS Funds $31,949 2009 Student Allocation Midmore
SUB TOTAL $442,782 37%
National Competitive Funding
Horticulture Australia Ltd
(HAL)
$5,000 Non-invasive technologies for the
assessment of fruit internal quality
RIRDC $16,750 Green roof-tops and self sufficient food
production
RIRDC $44,688 Evaluation bio-diesel potential of
Australian native plants
Cotton Catchment
Communities (CRC)
Horticulture Australia Ltd
(HAL)
$4,580 S’ship M Torabi: Studies on multigation
under controlled conditions
$8,000 Aeration of irrigation water for
improvements in pineapple crop health
and yield
Dept of Natural Resources $10,000 S’ship J Dhungel: Benefits of oxygation,
Aeration of sub-surface drip irrigation
Cotton Catchment
Communities (CRC)
$5,088 S’ship J Dhungel: Field aspects of
multigation – fertigation and oxygation
Walsh
Midmore
Ashwath
Midmore
Midmore
Midmore
Midmore
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Horticulture Australia Ltd
(HAL)
River Basin Management
Society
$117,302 NIR - HAL Sensing Technology Walsh
$5,716 A study of microfungi in Rockhampton
reticulated water
Horticulture Australia Ltd $80,000 Technology Training Program to
Improve Calypso Mango Eating Quality
NSW DPI $6,668 Nutrient management of Asian
vegetables
Horticulture Australia Ltd
(HAL)
Land and Water Australia -
NPSI
Cotton Catchment
Communities (CRC)
RIRDC
Sanitarium
Harrower
Walsh
Midmore
$30,302 Solar Powered Nano-Sensors Walsh
$81,720 Optimising delivery and benefits of
aerated irrigation water
$1,609 Optimising soil moisture concentration –
B Townsend
$40,080
$15,000
Further development of the Stevia
natural sweetener industry
Midmore
Midmore
Midmore
AINSE $720 Optical measurement of bubble Bhattarai
SUB TOTAL $473,223 40%
National Non Competitive Funding
AINSE $4,800 ANSTO visit – Bhattarai Bhattarai
Anglo Coal (Dawson Mine) $45,106 Literature review Ashwath
Rockhampton Regional
Council
$24,228 Greenwaste feasibility study Ashwath
B Macfie Family Foundation $140,000 Environmental Studies. Abbot
SUB TOTAL $14,134 18%
International Non Competitive Funding
The World Vegetable Centre
(AVRDC)
SUB TOTAL $24,960 2%
$24,960 Screening of tomato germplasm for
drought tolerance and high lycopene
content
Bhattarai
Infrastructure
RIBG $28,407 2% Infrastructure Midmore
TOTAL INCOME $1,193,442
Institute Grants Scheme (IGS) (and associated University contribution) and RIBG are
awarded on a calculation based on activity level (principally NCG income) of the previous
two years. RIBG is awarded solely on NCG grant activity.
Total income was almost exactly the same as in 2008, but sources differed. We were very
fortunate to receive funding from the B Macfie Family Foundation, and to continue to be
well-funded by HAL and NPSI, the latter maintaining the proportion of our income that is
national competitive.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Table 9. Income per annum since 1994. Multiplier effect calculated as total
income/CQU research block funds.
Year
Non-
Comp.
%
Nat
Comp
%
CQU
%
Consult
%
Infrast
%
Multiplier
effect
Total
income
$
1994 31 31 38 - 159,600
1995 34 39 27 - 148,600
1996 8 32 58 1 270,000
1997 30 36 29 4 629,500
1998 34 44 17 5 1,003,014
1999 22 42 31 5 913,709
2000 23 28 25 4 20 1,097,931
2001 15 50 29 7 5 1,243,917
2002 4 64 23 2 8 1,574,215
2003 5 60 23 4 8 1,677,526
2004 11 35 31 3 20 12.7 1,278,102
2005 9 54 21 0.4 16 23.8 1,844,533
2006 16 35 36 0.1 13 12.3 1,053,370
2007 22 32 28 0.7 15 15.2 1,110,411
2008 6 45 38 1.3 6 12.6 1,185,116
2009 20 40 37 1.0 2 22.9 1,193,407
Figure 1. Income per annum since 1994
Figure 2. Multiplier effect on university contribution since 2004
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Centre associated staff/students secured c. $70,000 from the University research related
schemes (ISRD grants, other research support, and one half of the RAAS Post-Doctoral
Fellowship for Dr Surya Bhattarai was funded through the Office of Research.
Research Training Scheme and overseas postgraduate fee support is allocated to Faculties,
with c. $86,500 devolved from the Faculty to the Centre to support postgraduate activities
(with reporting on expenditure provided to the Faculty).
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
D2
A Summary of Expenditure
IGS & CQU research funding was allocated by the CPWS Planning & Development
Committee to postgraduate linked research projects, consumables and maintenance by
research program, administrative, technical and research salaries and scholarships (Table 10).
Table 10. Disbursement of IGS and associated CQU funding (Centre allocation)
2009
Revenue
($)
Balance Brought forward in 2008 8,353
2009 UC Funds 52,063
2009 IGS Funds 96,687
2009
Expenditure
($)
Expenditure
Administration Support, Admin Supplies & Misc Costs 88,000
Conservation and Rehabilitation Travel Support/Discretionary 4,000
Agronomy and Crop Physiology Travel Support/Discretionary 5,000
Postdoctoral Research Officer Support 4,000
Laboratory (Eco Physiology, Molecular, NIR, Tissue Culture)
Supplies and Operations/Growth Cabinet Maintenance/Software 15,500
Student Support - Scholarships 22,000
Plant Growth Facilities/Equipment 5,875
Staff Development 4,000
Carry forward balance for 2010 8,728
Total $157,103 $157,103
Of IGS and associated CQU funds, approximately 56% was spent on salary, and the
remainder on travel, equipment and staff and off-campus activities (Table 10).
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
The Centre’s RIBG allocation was considerably less than in previous years. It was used
towards the purchase of new equipment and the maintenance of old, and in support of
administrative staff who support the centre activities (Table 11). Of RIBG funds, 70% was
allocated to salary, and the remainder for the Compound upgrade and minor
equipment/software purchase.
Table 11. Distribution of Research Infrastructure Block Grant (RIBG) in 2009
2009
Revenue
($)
2009
Expenditure
($)
Balance Brought forward to 2009
Nil
Research Budget Allocation 2009 28,407
Expenditure
Administrative/Research Support 20,000
Equipment - Horiba Cardy Potassium Meter & Horiba Cardy
Nitrate Electrodes 1,279
CPWS Compound Upgrade 5,664
GenStat Floating Licence & PC Support/Maintenance 571
Carry forward balance for 2010 893
Total $28,407 $28,407
Table 12. 2009 Budget for – IGS and associated CQU, RTS & RIBG funds
Funds
2009
Revenue
($)
2009
Expenditure
($)
IGS and
associated
CQU 148,750 148,375
RIBG 28,407 27,514
Draft budget for 2010
For the coming year, the IGS – CQU allocation is $142,236, 96% of that in 2009. Much of
the increase reflects a devolvement of funds, sanctioned by RECAB, from the Faculty to the
Research Centre. The draft budget (Table 13) accommodates decrease. Funding for the staff
discretionary scheme is of necessity reduced. We anticipate a continued reduction in funds
for 2010.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Table 13. Draft Budget for 2010 IGS – University contribution
ITEM
AMOUNT
($)
Administrative Assistance 70,000
Administrative supplies 5,000
CPWS Technician 20,000
Plant Growth Facility 8,000
CPWS Research Worker
Plant Production laboratory
- tissue culture 2,000
- ecophysiology 4,000
- molecular 2,000
- postharvest 2,000
Agronomy and Crop Physiology Travel Support/Discretionary 2,000
Product Quality and Plant Physiology Travel Support/Discretionary 1.000
Conservation and Rehabilitation Travel Support/Discretionary 2.000
Horticulture/Vegetable Crop Science Travel Support/Discretionary 2.000
Discretionary - Post-docs (x 5) 4,000
Project specific support
Living Allowance Scholarships 18,000
Software renewal (eg Matlab, SPSS, GenStat) 2,500
Growth chamber service 3,000
Equipment servicing 5,000
TOTAL 147,505
For the coming 2010 year, the RIBG allocation to the Centre is (2) $61,076. This is a 215%
increase over the RIBG of 2009, due to our relatively better performance than the rest of the
university in gaining competitive funding. The draft budget is presented below (Table 14). A
large portion will be used for the upgrade of our compound facilities, in particular a
refurbished screen-house.
Table 14. Draft Budget for 2010 RIBG
ITEM
AMOUNT
($)
Administrative Assistance 16,076
CPWS Research Worker 20,000
Upgrade – Polyhouse/Screenhouse 25,000
TOTAL 61,076
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Section E ISSUES AND COMMENTS
As noted before, Centre resources were put to the development of a new multipurpose storage
and glasshouse/screen-house preparation facility. The Centre maintains a range of physical
plant (glasshouses, steam sterilisers, growth cabinets) and analytical equipment (microscopes,
infrared gas analysers, spectrometers, etc), and also relies on access to faculty equipment
(HPLC, elemental analysers, Gas Chromatography). The maintenance and upgrading of
equipment remains unclear.
The Institute for Research Industries and Sustainability was created to explore higher level
funding and collaborative opportunities. Given the lead time for such activity, it is not
surprising that little has occurred in this area in 2009 for CPWS. For 2010 it would be useful
to establish several ‘lighthouse’ projects (cross discipline) to link industry with researches, for
example in biochar, and sensor networks.
We have implemented a wider membership of the CPWS Planning and Development
Committee, with one research officer and one post-graduate representative. They are involved
in Centre planning meetings, and their professional development (e.g. conference attendance)
is supported (on an ad hoc basis for research staff, and with RTS or full-fee funds for postgraduates).
Research funds, once allocations are made to administrations and technical staff,
are devolved to groups of researchers to allow for ongoing support and new initiatives.
In 2010 we may consider an outcome based reward system for allocation of research funding
to staff and students.
On a regular basis, we will actively encourage higher degree research students to learn
presentation skills, starting with a 10 minute presentation event planned for late March 2010.
In order to ensure that all post-graduate students have a sound theoretical and practical base
upon which to research plants and water, it is intended to engage a full cohort of Higher
Degree students into the course BOTN 13002 Plants and the Environment, and this will form
a compulsory component of the confirmation process. The post-graduate students will also be
required to pass a number of other relevant courses (such as statistics).
The new multipurpose CPWS facility.
[Insert photo here]
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Section F FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2007 - 2011
The Strategic Plan was prepared by Professor David Midmore in consultation with Centre
Members in March 2007.
The Centre’s strategic plans for (2002-2007) and (2007-2011) may be found at:
http://cpws.cqu.edu.au/FCWViewer/view.dopage=526.
Specific focus for 2010
A main focus for the Centre in 2010 will be engaging with partners to further our Research
and Development activities.
In Bundaberg, further opportunities will be considered in conjunction with Department of
Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI). In particular, the
entomology expertise currently in Bundaberg may be expanded through a joint appointment
with the Department. As a preferred provider of research to the Department, the centre is in
an excellent position to build on this valuable relationship to work more widely across CQ
and to deliver high quality research for the benefit of the wider community.
The year 2010 will also see greater strategic alignment with overseas partners on a number of
projects in areas of our expertise, e.g. EU [robotics and sensing technologies], PRC [stress
physiology], USA [USAID and sustainable horticulture], Reading University UK [ecosystem
services], and AVRDC Taiwan [urban and peri-urban agriculture].
The Cotton CRC, of which CQUniversity is a participant, will be preparing a rebid
application ready for 2011. The Centre will provide support to this application.
The Centre intends to increase funding applications for soil health, biological farming organic
and integrated production systems, building upon developed expertise in this area. Over the
next few years, effort will be placed into growing consultancy services to address growers’
needs on a commercial basis. The emerging centre research initiatives, such as the use of
Agave species for bioethanol production, use of native species for biodiesel, utilisation of
local microalgal species for biodiesel production and conversion of green waste into biochar
and bioenergy will all proceed as flagship activities for the Centre.
Director, David Midmore and other staff will attend the IHC International Society for
Horticulture Science meeting in Portugal August 2010 with the aim of engaging the
international research community to collaborate on large grant applications.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Section G PAST STUDENTS AND RESEARCH-ONLY STAFF
CONTRIBUTIONS TO CENTRE FOR PLANT & WATER SCIENCE
(Employment on completion listed in brackets)
PhD
Makiela, S. (2003-2009). Studies on dieback of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) in central
Queensland. (Post Doc CQU)
Subedi, P. (2003-2007). Using near infrared spectroscopy to assess fruit eating quality. (Post
Doc CQU)
Bhatia, P. (2002-2006). Regeneration, micropropagation and somatic embryogenesis in
tomato. (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) (Japan Science Fellowship; Commonwealth
Government, Canberra)
Bhattarai, S. (2002-2006). The physiology of water use efficiency of crops subjected to
subsurface drip irrigation, oxygation and salinity in a heavy clay soil. (Post Doc CQU)
Long, R. (2000-2006). Improving fruit soluble solids content in melon (Cucumis melo L.)
(reticulatus group) in the Australian production system. (CSIRO Researcher)
Yates, E. (2000-2006). Revegetation of disturbed mangrove habitats in Central Queensland.
(DOTARS Fellowship)
Kuskopf, B. (1998-2006). Nitrogen fixation under conditions of water stress by ley legumes.
(BFMEU Environmental Advisor, Ballarat)
Guthrie, J. p/t (1997-2006). Robustness of NIR calibrations for assessing fruit quality. (DPIF
Senior Experimentalist)
Sangha, K. (2000-2005). Ecological services of trees in grazing systems. (Post Doc, JCU)
Roe, B. (2000-2005). Ecologically engineered primary production in central Queensland,
Australia – integrated fish and crayfish culture, constructed wetlands, flora hydroponics,
and industrial wastewater. (Project Officer, Gosford City Council)
Bhatia, N. (2001-2005). Ecophysiology of nickel hyperaccumulation in Stackhousia tryonii.
(Australian Cyclotron Fellow, based at ANSTO, Sydney; then Office of Gene Technology
Regulator, Canberra)
Yang, XJ. (2000-2003). Manipulating and modelling source-sink relationships of crop plants.
Central Queensland University. (Post Doc, CQU; then Post Doc UQ)
Ockerby, S. (1998-2002). Leaves shed light on flowering (vegetative growth and control of
floral induction in Sorghum bicolor). (Post Doc, CQU; then private research business)
Zhu, G. (1998-2002). Optimising wheat production through management in the semi-arid
tropics of central Queensland. (Post Doc, CQU; Post Doc, University of Melbourne)
Lynch, T. (1997-2002). Intelligent support systems in agriculture: a study of their adoption
and use. (CQU Lecturer)
Cunningham, D. (1997-2000). Autecology of Cassia brewsterii. (Bureau of Rural Science,
Canberra)
Greensill, C. (1997-2000) Non-invasive assessment of fruit quality by NIRS for fruit grading
in an in-line setting. (CQU Lecturer, Rockhampton)
Nissen, T.M. (1994-1998). Intercropping trees and vegetables - impact on soil quality and
income. University of Georgia. (Post Doc University of Illinois; State Dept, US Govt.)
Poudel, D.D. (1994-1998). Soil development and productivity, and erosion management of
steepland volcanic-ash derived soils for sustainable vegetable production in Mindanao, the
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Philippines. University of Georgia. (Post Doc UC Davis, California; Professor, University
of Louisiana)
Kleinhenz, V. (1994-1997). Technologies for sustaining vegetable production in the tropical
lowlands. Technical University of Munich. (Research Officer, Plant Sciences Group;
World Vegetable Centre; Kasetsart University (Thailand)
Michel, V. (1993-1997). The effect of cultural control methods on tomato bacterial wilt
caused by Psendomonas solanacearum (E.F.Smith) in Southeast Asia. Swiss Federal
Institute of Technology. (Swiss Agricultural Service)
Thoennissen, C. (1993-1996). Nitrogen fertilizer substitution for tomato by legume green
manures in tropical vegetable production systems. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.
(SDC Project Officer)
Brown, S. (1992-1996). Pathways of solute and gas movement within legume nodules. (Post
Doc, UQ).
Masters
Tait, L. (2002 - 2009). Stand structure and population dynamics of woodland communities in
north-eastern Australia based on an established network of permanently position
vegetation transects (PhD student, CQUni)
Fesuk, Mr Samuel (2003-2007). Germination and storage of selected Australian tropical
native grasses in relation to their ecology and use in land rehabilitation. (High School
teacher, Rockhampton)
Hoffman, Ms Madonna (2003-2007). Application of tree and stand allometrics to the
determination of biomass and its flux in some north-east Australian woodlands.
Kele, B. (2000-2006). On-site waste-water treatment and reuse using recirculatory
evapotranspiration channels in regional Queensland. (PhD programme, CQU)
Pichot, A. (2005). Poly-culture of Lates calcarifer and Cheras quadricarinatus with
constructed wet-lands. l’I.S.A.R.A-LYON (Institut Supérieur d’Agriculture de Rhône-
Alpes)
Duff, A. (1999-2005). Growth and development of onion in a subtropical environment. (DPIF
Senior Experimental Officer)
Sparkes, E. (1998-2003). Development of herbicide control options for Prosopis velutina as
part of an integrated control strategy. (DNRM Senior Experimentalist)
Radloff, B. (1994-2003). Rehabilitation of a coal tailings dam at BHP Saraji mine. (Hunter
Valley coal mine Environmental Officer)
Weeden, B. (1998-2002). The commercial potential of sugar beet production (Beta vulgaris)
for sugar production in the Mareeba-Dimbulah irrigation area of north Queensland. (DPIF
Senior Expermentalist, Mareeba, Qld)
Smith, N. (1997-2002). Aspects off seed germination and early growth in rainforest cabinet
timber species. (Environmental Consultant; DPI Project Officer)
Huber, S. (2000). New uses for drip irrigation. Technical University of Munich. (PhD
programme)
Li, M. (1997-1998). Genetic diversity, physiology and production of Chinese water chestnut
(Eleocharis dulcis [Burm.f.] Trin. ex Henschel). (Laboratory technician)
Johnson, S. (1994-1997). Nitrogen fixation by ley legume pastures in CQ. (PhD UNE)
Guthrie, J. (1993-1996). Development of a noninvasive, objective test to measure the eating
quality of mango and pineapple fruits. (PhD CQU, DPI Rockhampton)
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Scott, C. (1988-1996). On the use of paclobutrazol and cultar to control growth and flowering
of pineapple. (Agronomist, Golden Circle Cannery)
King, B. (1993-1995). Molecular techniques for the characterisation of citrus ploidy level.
(supervisory assistance to primary supervisor, S. Lee, DPI, Bundaberg). (PhD, USA)
List, S. (1992-1995). Oil production from the tea-tree, Melaleuca alternifolia: functional
anatomy of the oil gland and development of a micro-propagation system. (Qld Museum,
Brisbane)
Chan, E. (1992-1994). Breeding for increased dinitrogen fixation in pea and soybean. (Project
Advisor, AusAid Farming System Project, W. Samoa)
Grey, J. (p/t 1992-1994). Tree clearing practices in Central Queensland. (Completed under
Prof. G. Lawrence, HSS)
Hoy, N.T. (1989-1992). Revegetation of a severely salt affected site at Barmoya, CQ.
(Environmental Officer, Dept. of Minerals and Energy, Rockhampton)
Mills, C. (1988-1990). A role for oxalates in Pisonia grandis, a tree of coral cays. (cosupervision
with Dr. G. Pegg) Second MAppSc to graduate from CQU. (PhD, Research
Officer, Griffith U)
Thwaites, D. (1989). Tissue culture of Melaleuca alternifolia. Masters qual. (Forensics,
Federal Police). (the first cohort of ‘postgraduate’ students at CQU – before establishment
of the PhD program)
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SUPERVISION
(employment on completion listed in brackets)
Daniels, O. (2009). Responses of microfungi grown oligocarbotrophically (PhD student
CQUni)
Hanggi, S. (2006). Phytoremediation of an arsenic contaminated site (DNR&W Project
Officer; Capricornia Conservation Commission)
Pendergast, L. (2003). Effects of enhanced root zone aeration on growth, yield and water use
of tomato and vegetable soybean subjected to soil salinity. 2B Honours (PhD CQU; DPI
Emerald)
Holland, J. (2002). Nutrient budget on an agriculture-hydroponic system. 1st Honours
(International fishery company, NZ)
Nelson, M. (2001). Studies on the genetic variation of Taro (Colocasia esculentum var.
antiquorum). 2A Honours (PhD UQ)
Thomas, P. (1998). Assessment of floristic change using a stable isotope methodology. 2A
Honours (PhD CQU)
Harrison, D. (1996). N2 fixation in sugar cane 1st Honours. (PhD UQ; Lecturer, UQ
Brisbane)
MacDonald, M. (1996). Agronomy of Vetiveria zizanioides (PhD UWA)
Catesby, A. (1994). Papaya dieback : an insect transmitted disorder 2A Honours (PhD UQ;
DPI, Qld)
Sky, R. (1994). Sucrose unloading in the sugar cane stalk. (First 1st Honours awarded in
Biology for a project based on CQU campus, c.f. CSIRO) (PhD UQ)
Brown, S. (1991). Functional vascular anatomy of legume nodules. 2A Honours (PhD CQU;
UQ, Brisbane)
POSTDOCTORAL STAFF/RESEARCH OFFICERS
Dr Mihail Mukarev (2006, 2007). (University of Ploudiv, Bulgaria)
Mr Andrew Rank (2001-200_). Stevia (ongoing)
Dr Grant Zhu (2006-2009). Bamboo agronomy and stevia (CQU); Phytoremedation
(University of Melbourne)
Mr. Yuyue Yang (2006). Modeller-Hydrology, China
Dr Ninghu Su (2005- 2006). Hydrology (Lecturer, JCU, Ground water hydrology)
Dr Zongjian Yang (2005-2006). Plant development (UQ Post doc)
Mr Christo Leibenberg (2003-2006). Physicist (Research Director, Silex Pty Ltd)
Mr Dan White (2000-2006). Asian Vegetables and Bamboo agronomy (Main Roads
Cadetship)
Dr. Mirta Golic (1999-2006). Spectroscopist (Peanut Company of Australia)
Dr Jill Windle (2005). Choice modeling (Senior Research Officer, CQU)
Dr Steve Ockerby (2002-2003). Bamboo agronomy (Private industry research officer)
Dr Colin Greensil (1998-2002). Electronics-physicist (Lecturer, School Physical Systems,
CQU)
Dr Jodie Guthrie (1997-2002). Molecular biologist (casual lecturer, CQU)
Dr Volker Kleinhenz (1997-2001). Bamboo agronomy (AIT Bangkok)
Dr David Gallacher (1998-2000). Asian vegetables (American University Dubai)
Dr Corey Hogarth (1998-1999). Navy bean agronomy (SPS Seed Company)
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Ms Joanna Wann (1997). Revegetation of Nickel tailings
Dr A.B.M Siddique (1996). Electron microscopist (Post Doc fellow in Japan, UWA)
Dr Sharon Brown (1996). Plant physiology (Senior Research Officer, Dept. of Agriculture,
UQ)
Dr Patrick Whitty (1996). Molecular biology (Postdoctoral fellow, Dundee University,
Scotland)
Dr John Milne (1995-1996). Entomology (Associate Professor, Mahidol University, Thailand)
Dr Helen Wallace (1995). Entomology (Lecturer, Sunshine Coast University)
Dr Virginia Shepherd (1994-1995). Plant physiology (Postdoctoral fellow, University of
Adelaide)
Dr Phil Brown (1994-1995). Plant physiology (Lecturer, University of Tasmania)
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS/STUDENTS (> 2 months duration, since 2003)
Prof Professor Manuela Zude, 2009, Germany
Ms Axelle Souchard, 2009, France.
Mr Sonal Sarkar, 2009, India
Dr Xinming Chen, 2008/9, China
Dr Sanjay Singh, 2008, India
Dr Din Zahid, 2007/8, Pakistan
Ms Delphine Lacombe, 2008, France
Mr Loic Burtin, 2008, France
Ms Blandine Geneste, 2008, France
Mr Varinderjit Khattral, 2008, India
Mr Tek Gotame, 2007, Nepal
Ms Bianca Pischke, 2006, Germany
Ms Clémence Salvaudon, 2006, France
Mr Thomas Aubron, 2006, France
Dr Mihail Mukarev, 2006, 2007, Bulgaria
Prof Doug Rutledge, 2005, France
Mr Manouchehr Torabi, 2005, Iran
Ms Marthe Vivante, 2005, France
Mr Yuyue Yang, 2005, China
Mr Li Runshen, 2004, China
Ms Aurelie Pichot, 2003, France
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Section H REPORTS
INTEGRATED PRODUCTION OF A LEAFY VEGETABLE PAK CHOI
(Brassica rapa L.CHINESIS GROUP) AND EEL TAIL CATFISH GROWN
WITH COMMERCIAL OR VERMICULTURE INPUTS
SUMMARY
We showed over a year production cycle, that it is possible to use organic food wastes fed to
worms to provide outputs that sustain leafy vegetable and commercial fish production, with
almost no recourse to additional inputs.
Australia together with most developed countries produces copious amounts of organic food
wastes, much of which is disposed of in landfills. We viewed these wastes as resources, to be
converted in to new, fresh and sustainable food.
The research undertaken in this project aimed at taking such organic wastes, and converting
them to food-stuffs, through the process of vermiculture, hydroponics and aquaculture – the
worms acting upon the wastes Figs 1 and 2), the washed vermiliquer from the worm pits used
as nutrients for hydroponics (Fig 3), and surplus worms fed to fish (Fig 4). All of the research
was conducted at the main CQUniversity Campus.
Figure 1. The Vermicrobe © miniature
vermifarms.
Figure 2. The sunken vermiliquer tanks,
linked to the vermifarms.
We demonstrated that such a systems approach is feasible, using either composted paunch
material from an abattoir or green wastes from an institutional kitchen, with excellent growth
of the Asian vegetable species Pak Choi and good growth of the fish species Eel Tail Catfish,
supplied respectively with fresh vermiliquer and worms. A number of considerations are
important to the success of using vermiliquer as the source of nutrients for hydroponics.
Batch systems (isolating vermiliquer from the vermiliquer system, and then using it in
hydroponics) were superior to in-line systems (feeding hydroponic plants in series with
vermiliquer unit); there was little manipulation of vermiliquer properties possible for the inline
system (for conditions had to be maintained for the benefit of the worms) whereas with
the batch system a series of modification were possible, especially with pH. Overall, the
research shows that the three systems, vermiculture, hydroponics and aquaculture can be
successfully linked in a single location and use organic wastes to provide fresh food.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
The research in this project has shown the feasibility for food production in relatively
confined spaces in cities where such was not previously envisaged. It also lends itself to the
achievement of a degree of self-sufficiency in isolated rural areas, for mine sites, schools and
health centres. However, the outcomes relate only to one feedstock for the worms and one
vegetable species. We suggest that research follow the same lines as our own, to study the
suitability of other feedstock’s and vegetable species to the system.
Figure 3. 18 days after transplanting, with vermiliquer at full strength, 50% strength, and
inorganic nutrient control.
Figure 4. Fish sampling for fresh biomass.
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Dr Brett Roe
Co-Principal Investigator: Prof David Midmore
Others:
Brock McDonald
Elena Churilova
FUNDING
NSW DPI and RIRDC
INCOME $23,418
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
TOMATO DROUGHT AND HEAT TOLERANCE UNDER DEFICIT
IRRIGATION
SUMMARY
Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses for tomato production in water limiting
environments. Genetic diversity exists in tomato for selection of genotypes or breeding lines
that can be utilized as varieties or as parents for cross-breeding. Twenty three tomato
genotypes and wild relatives were tested in full and progressively deficit irrigation in order to
evaluate tomato response to different degrees to deficit irrigation.
Accessions
Flower
bunch/plant
Fruit set (%)
Def FC Def FC
Arka
Meghali 4 9 20 67
Arka
Meghali x
CA4 4 14 7 45
Transpiration (L/plant)
30
25
20
15
10
5
Transpiration FC
Transpiration DI
dW FC
dW DI
Arka Meghali
100 30
80
60
40
20
Biomass (g/plant)
Transpiraton (L/plant)
25
20
15
10
5
FLA456
100
80
60
40
20
Biomass (g/plant)
CA4 6 10 0 0
CA4 x
LA1579 3 12 67 95
CL5915-
206D4 2 6 0 38
CL5915-
93D4 6 10 19 46
CLN1621L 5 14 10 69
CLN2026D 4 8 18 26
CLN2413D 3 6 17 41
CLN2498E 3 9 13 12
CLN2498E
x CA4 4 6 0 0
CLN2777H 3 5 17 23
E6203 2 8 0 0
FLA456 1 2 50 0
FLA456 x
CA4 4 5 0 0
L3708 14 55 22 50
Transpiration (L/plant)
Transpiration (L/plant)
0
0
2/11/09 16/11/09 30/11/09 14/12/09 28/12/09
30
25
20
15
10
5
CA4
0
0
2/11/09 16/11/09 30/11/09 14/12/09 28/12/09
30
25
20
15
10
5
CLN1621L
0
2/11/09 16/11/09 30/11/09 14/12/09 28/12/09
100
80
60
40
20
Biomass (g/plant)
Transpiration (L/plant)
100
80
60
40
20
0
Biomass (g/plant)
Transpiration (L/plant)
0
0
2/11/09 16/11/09 30/11/09 14/12/09 28/12/09
30
25
20
15
10
5
CLN2498E
0
0
2/11/09 16/11/09 30/11/09 14/12/09 28/12/09
30
25
20
15
10
5
CLN2026D
0
2/11/09 16/11/09 30/11/09 14/12/09 28/12/09
100
80
60
40
20
80
60
40
20
0
Biomass (g/plant)
100
Biomass (g/plant)
LA1310 5 17 22 0
LA1458 4 14 78 70
LA1579 14 35 8 6
LA2079 4 13 6 21
LA2081 16 30 12 22
M-82 3 6 0 0
Transpiraiton (L/plant)
30
25
20
15
10
5
CLN5915-93D4
100 30
80
60
40
20
Biomass (g/plant)
Transpiration (L/plant)
25
20
15
10
5
CLN5919-206D4
100
80
60
40
20
Biomass (g/plant)
Trifecta
(hybrid) 2 6 0 21
0
0
2/11/09 16/11/09 30/11/09 14/12/09 28/12/09
0
0
2/11/09 16/11/09 30/11/09 14/12/09 28/12/09
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Table: Fruit set (left), and accumulated transpiration and biomass over time in full and deficit
irrigation (right) in different tomato accessions during summer in Rockhampton, 2009.
Susceptible-CLN2026D
Tolerant-LA1579
Figure: Trial set up for the deficit irrigation treatments of 23 tomato accessions (left), and
relative drought response in susceptible (CLN2026D) and tolerance (LA1579) species to
deficit irrigation.
The data suggested that for the transpiration under unlimited water supply, most of the
breeding lines CL and CLNs recorded the highest transpiration rate; however, their response
under deficit irrigation conditions in terms of maintaining growth was poor. Arka Meghali,
CA4, FLA 456 and their gene introgression lines, and wild relative from S. pimpinellifolium
such as L3708, LA1579, and S. lycopersicum v. cerasiforme LA1310 showed higher degrees
of positive response in dry biomass accumulation and survival under progressively increasing
water deficit conditions.
It is not only the drought tolerance but the fruit set properties under higher temperature and
water deficit conditions that are also equally important for drought tolerance screening for
tropical tomatoes. A very high degree of variation of fruit set has been noted in the tested
germplasm. Many drought tolerant genotypes in the trials also showed good fruit set rating
except for CA-4, CL5915-206D4, CLN2498E x CA4 , FLA456 x CA4 , M-82 and Trifecta
which did not set any fruits, suggesting its high susceptibility for the heat tolerance.
A number of physiological traits such as rooting depth, root length density, stomatal control
and osmotic adjustment are likely involved in drought tolerance of the tested germplasm.
Intensive trials for rigorous assessment for physiological traits associated with
drought tolerance are being conducted in CPWS of CQUniversity and some support to other
research collaborators overseas (University of Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania) is also being
provided in this project.
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Dr Surya P. Bhattarai
Co-Principal Investigator: Laurie Tait
Others:
Dr Pramod Shrestha
FUNDING
AVRDC
INCOME $54,956
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
EVALUATING BENEFITS OF OXYGATION IN A NUMBER OF
ANNUAL AND PERENNIAL CROPPING SYSTEMS
SUMMARY
The National Program for Sustainable Irrigation (NPSI) and Horticulture Australia Limited
(HAL) are currently funding on-farm oxygation trials on a number of perennial species
across Queensland. Trials are being conducted in collaboration with industries on cotton and
table grapes variety Menindee and Flame (Emerald), lucerne with saline irrigation water
(Biloela), fig (Alton downs), pineapple (Yeppoon), apricot with treated effluent irrigation
(Stanthorpe), capsicum (Bundaberg), all in commercial plots. Early observations and data
suggest that the effect of oxygation on cotton, grapes, fig, and capsicum crops are positive on
yield and water use efficiency. Apricot is yet to be harvested and in lucerne the effect is
smaller. Industries and businesses are actively engaged in this project.
Cotton lint yield (bales/ha) with oxygation in vertisol at Emerald (2004-2009).
Treatment 2004/05 2005/06 2007/08 2008/09 Mean
Oxygation 9.32 9.33 8.84 6.90 8.59
Control 7.35 8.02 7.89 6.47 7.43
P value 0.078 0.005 0.031 0.532 0.06
SED 0.941 0.30 0.249 ns 0.58
Overall industry yield increased
by 13.5% with oxygation.
Lucerne cumulative dry weight (kg/ha) over one year period with and without oxygation
at Biloela in a heavy clay soil irrigated with saline water.
Treatments Soil
pH
Conductivit
y (µS/Cm)
Dry weight
(kg/ha)
Control 7.36 561 7599
Oxygation 7.47 756 7693
SE 0.21 53.7 234
Response to oxygation on lucerne dry weight was
relatively small compared to other crops. Equivalent
yield was obtained with 15% less water.
Fig above-ground dry matter yield (t/ha) of pruning materials harvested 213 days
after planting and cumulative applied water to the plot.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Treatment Dry matter yield (t/ha) Applied
Deep emitter
(150 mm)
Shallow
(surface)
water
(ML ha -1 )
Control 1.47 1.58 4.44
Oxygation 1.72 3.06 4.22
SE 0.34 1.29 NA
Oxygation shows effects on early establishment and
juvenile growth of fig trees in heavy soil.
Table grape berry yield with and without oxygation at Emerald, CQ, Australia.
Treatment
Marketable
yield (t/ha)
Berry load
(kg/vine)
Control 5.72 4.57
Oxygation 6.04 4.83
SE 1.29 1.03
Marketable fruit yield increased with oxygation by
5.6% compared to the control in the first year.
Effect of oxygation on leaf gas exchange, tree crown size, diameter at breast height (30
cm) and leaf chlorophyll content of Apricot in the spring season, 2009.
Treatment
Photosy
nthesis
(µ mol m 2
S -1 )
Transpi
ration
(µ mol
m 2 S -1 )
Crown
size
(m 2 )
dBH
(cm)
Chlorop
hyll
(SPAD)
Control 8.8 3.4 3.3 25.0 29.6
Oxygation 10.0 3.8 3.1 25.8 29.2
SE 1.01 0.16 0.15 0.04 0.34
Greater leaf photosynthetic rate and transpiration was
recorded in oxygation compared to the control.
Capsicum marketable fruit yield under different oxygation methods in a
sandy loam soil at Bundaberg, 2009.
Pineapple fruit yield, water use efficiency & soil respiration in response to oxygation
treatment in a loamy sand soil at Yeppoon, QLD, Australia, 2009.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Treatments
Estimated
yield
(t/ha)
Industry
yield
(t/ha)
IWUE
(kg/m 3 )
Oxygation 79.6 53.08 44.56 2.42
Control 68.2 50.92 43.60 1.18
Soil
respiration
(g CO 2 /m 2 /h)
P value 0.005 0.295 0.569 0.001
LSD 6.43 4.59 3.906 0.409
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Prof David J Midmore
Co-Principal Investigator: Dr Surya P. Bhattarai
Others:
Manouchehr Torabi, Jay Dhungel
FUNDING
NPSI, HAL and DPI
INCOME $99,720
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
ESTABLISHMENT OF N ATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES ON WASTE
ROCK DUMPS OF DAWSON MINE, MOURA, QLD
SUMMARY
The process of extracting coal causes environmental impacts, particularly to the landscape.
The original properties of the land, such as topography, hydrology, chemistry and biological
interactions between plant-soil-microbe are severely altered. The challenge therefore is to
find the ways to re-establish sustainable plant communities on such disturbed landscapes.
This project compares biological, chemical, and hydrological properties of mine waste rock
dumps with those of natural sites with the view to identifying suitable plant communities, and
developing appropriate rehabilitation practices which can then be used by the mining
company to rehabilitate their waste rock dumps to safe, stable and non polluting landscapes.
RESEARCH PROJECT
Samples of soils were collected from Dawson Mine in recently deposited waste rock spoil
areas as well as from variously rehabilitated sites (1 yr, 2 yr, 3 yr, 5 yr and 10 yr). Soils from
two natural sites that were considered to be similar to the waste rock spoil were also collected.
These two sites were in the Dawson and Malakoff Ranges. The soils and spoil samples were
analysed for various plant nutrients and other soil parameters. They were also assessed for
microbial biomass and microbial activity. Vegetation composition and plant density (only
shrubs and trees) were also determined for the two natural sites.
Soil electrical conductivity (EC) and pH were measured on 1:5 soil:water extract as per
Rayment & Higginson (1992), and soil chemical analysis was performed by CSBP, Perth.
Soil microbial activity and microbial biomass were determined according to Adam & Duncan
(2001) and Vance et al. (1987) respectively.
A
B
800
9
600
8
EC (µS)
400
pH
7
6
200
5
0
1A1B1C1D1-E1F2A2B2C2D3A3B4A4B5A5B6A6B7A7B8A8B9A9B
4
1A 1B 1C 1D 1-E 1F 2A 2B 2C 2D 3A 3B 4A 4B 5A 5B 6A 6B 7A 7B 8A 8B 9A 9B
Figure 1. Soil electrical conductivity (A) and pH (B) (1:5 soil: water extract) of topsoil, mine
spoil (dump) and natural sites.
The results (Fig. 1A) show that the mine spoils are characterised by higher EC and higher pH
than those of natural sites (Dawson and Malakoff Ranges). While the EC of the mine spoils
varied markedly between sites, the pH remained similar amongst the variously revegetated
sites. The freshly reshaped dump sites had approximately one unit higher pH than the
variously revegetated sites.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Soil microbial activities as determined by fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis (Fig. 2)
revealed very low microbial activity in waste rock dump soils as compared to natural soils.
Remarkably low microbial activity was noted in freshly dumped waste material, and all the
variously revegetated sites had similar low levels of microbial activity, which was much
lower than that observed for natural sites. Similar patterns were noted for microbial biomass
carbon which was determined via teh chloroform fumigation extraction method (Fig. 2), but
the differences between the natural communities and revegetated sites were much smaller
than those noted for microbial activities. It is also interesting to note that the microbial
activity and biomass in the 10 yr-old rehabilitated site did not reach the levels of those of
natural sites although this site had been rehabilitated for 10 years. The difference between the
one year-old site and the recently deposited waste rock dumps is that the former had topsoil
and the latter had only the waste rock dumps. Comparison between these sites for both
microbial activity and microbial biomass clearly demonstrates the value of topsoil in
improving microbial contribution to site rehabilitation.
The presence and diversity of microbes is considered necessary for the long term
sustainability of established communities, as microbes play a pivotal role in nutrient cycling,
nutrient uptake and in buffering the soils from pH changes. The presence of microbes will
also have an effect on organic matter which has a direct impact on plant growth and diversity.
While topsoil plays a major role, other treatments such as the presence of leguminous species,
and weed management could also have an effect on microbiological activity. Studies are
currently under way to examine these aspects.
Further studies are planned on seed germination, plant species succession, cover crop and reestablishment
of semi-ever green vine thickets (SEVT) and brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) on
mine waste rock dumps.
700
800
600
µg Fluorescien release/g dw soil/ h
500
400
300
200
100
mg C / kg dw soil
600
400
200
0
1 A 1 B 1 C 1 D 1 -E 1 F 2 A 2 B 2 C 2 D 3 A 3 B 4 A 4 B 5 A 5 B 6 A 6 B 7 A 7 B 8 A 8 B 9 A 9 B
0
1A 1B 1C 1D 1-E 1F 2A 2B 2C 2D 3A 3B 4A 4B 5A 5B 6A 6B 7A 7B 8A 8B 9A 9B
Figure 2. Microbial activity of soils as measured by FDA hydrolysis (top) and microbial biomass
(bottom) in various mine spoils and natural soils.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Figure 3. A view of the recently reshaped dump site (top), revegetated mine sites (middle) and
natural sites (bottom).
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigators: Assoc Prof Nanjappa Ashwath
Dr Pramod Shrestha
Co-Principal Investigator: Resham Gautam
Others:
Tom Hayes (Dawson mine)
FUNDING
Anglo Coal
INCOME $45,106
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
AGRONOMIC PROTOCOLS FOR STEVIA CULTIVATION IN WARM
CLIMATE
SUMMARY
Performance of three varieties of stevia grown from seeds with respect to flowering, biomass,
and steviol glycosides (SG) content was studied. Results showed that there is no significant
difference between the varieties in these parameters, however, SG content was low in 99-8 as
compared to Fengtian 4 (T4) and Shoutain-2. Following this another study was undertaken to
look at the visual symptoms of nutrient disorders in stevia. Seedlings were grown in nutrient
solutions where one of the nutrients was omitted in each treatment. There were sixteen
treatments in hydroponics with two replications. Visual symptoms were observed and
photographed.
Stevia has been one of the emerging sweetener plants in the modern world. It is a new crop
for Australia. A number of issues have to be addressed before cultivation of stevia is
successful in central Queensland. Several studies were carried out in Rockhampton in this
connection. The objective of the first experiment was to look at the performance of three
varieties of stevia (99-8, Fengtian 4 (T4) and Shoutain-2) on flowering, biomass yield and SG
content. Seedlings of four different ages (32, 39, 45 and 52 days old) of each variety were
planted in pots. Days to flower from transplanting were recorded for each variety. Plants were
harvested when more than 95% plants flowered. Results show that there was no significant
difference in biomass yield between varieties, nor in flowering time. Likewise, there is no
significant difference in SG between varieties Fengtian 4 (T4) and Shoutain-2 but 99-8 has
the lower SG content.
A second experiment was conducted to look at the visual nutrient deficiency symptoms in
stevia grown in hydroponics. Seedlings were transferred into the medium lacking individual
nutrients. Sixteen treatments were put in a complete randomised design with two replications.
Symptoms were observed after one week of treatment imposition. Treatments without Ca, B,
Fe, and Mg (Fig. 3, 4, 5 and 6) showed symptoms of nutrient deficiency very quickly within
two weeks. Stunted growth, small leaves and chlorosis was observed in most of the treatments
lacking N, P, K, NPK, Cl, S, Cu and micro nutrient. Treatments lacking Zn, Mo, and Cu were
similar to control treatment. Biomass for all treatments was measured and steviol glycosides
(SG) content will be analysed.
It has been reported that concentration of steviol glycosides declines as plants start flowering.
Early flowering is one of the issues which shortens the vegetative stage, as a result SG content
of the plant is also reduced. Selection of late flowering plants is one of the objectives in a new
experiment. Plants from the initial variety trial were selected based on flowering time. They
were categorised into three groups as early, medium and late flowering. Eight plants per
variety of early, medium, late were selected. Altogether they were 9 groups and seed from
each group was collected. Collected seeds will be sown and flowering of those plants will be
recorded.
A number of studies related to the effect of pH, soil water stress and photoperiod on to the
growth and SG content have been placed on the future research agenda.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Figure 3. Flowering of three varieties of stevia
Figure 2. Biomass yield of three varieties
of stevia transplanted at four different
ages
Visual symptoms of nutrient deficiency in stevia after two weeks of treatment imposition
Figure 3. Ca omitted Figure 4. B omitted Figure 5. Fe omitted Figure 6. Mg omitted
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Geeta Gautam Kafle
Co-Principal Investigator Prof David Midmore
Others
Prof Kerry Walsh
Assoc Prof Nanjappa Ashwath
FUNDING
RIRDC and Sanitarium Development and Innovation
INCOME $55,080
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
CLIMATE CHANGE
SUMMARY
The scientific basis for associating human emissions of greenhouse gasses with atmospheric
temperature increases remains controversial. This project considers a set of topical issues in
climate change with a view to examining the state of scientific understanding, as well as
questioning whether uncertainties are adequately considered in formulation of public
policies.
The scientific basis for understanding climate change is heavily reliant on very large datasets,
such as temperature measurements, from around the world, and theoretical modeling of the
underlying physical processes. Widespread access to both climatic data and computer code
used in models is important to enable validation and independent interpretation. The
“Climategate’ episode involving the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia
drew attention to the reluctance of some climate scientists to share climatic information with
other researchers. We have investigated two other cases where researchers have been denied
access to climatic information, and how this relates to Freedom of Information legislation.
One case involves the UK Met Office (article published in Environmental Law and
Management) and the second involves tree ring data held by Queen’s University Belfast
(article submitted for publication).
There are a number of key scientific issues which are central to the idea that atmospheric
warming over the past century is primarily related to human emissions of greenhouse gases,
principally carbon dioxide. One key issue is the reliability of temperature reconstructions
from proxies such as tree rings, ice cores, bore holes and coral. Temperature reconstructions
depicting sudden, unprecedented rises in temperature during the past century have played a
prominent role in claiming a causal link with greenhouse gas emissions. However the validity
of such reconstructions has been very contentious. We are currently reviewing the scientific
and statistical basis for such reconstructions, focusing currently on tree-ring proxies.
Another key issue relates to measured and modeled temperature profiles within the
atmosphere, and how these vary with time. Theoretically, different atmospheric temperature
profiles should be observed for both altitude and latitude, depending on which climatic
“forcing” agents are most prominent. Forcing agents include solar activity, aerosols and
greenhouse gases. According to climate models, each has a distinct characteristic “signature”
of temperature change across latitude and atmospheric altitude. For example, greenhouse
gases are modeled to produce a signature where temperature increases at the earth’s surface
are less than those observed in the lower troposphere. The effect should be particularly
noticeable in tropical regions, giving rise to a “tropical hotspot”. A major problem arises
because the physical temperature measurements do not agree with the models. Recently,
claims have been made that much better agreement is attained when the data are manipulated
in various ways. We are reviewing the validity of these data manipulation processes and
comparing our findings with advice provided to policy makers.
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Dr John Abbot,
Dr Jennifer Marohasy
FUNDING
Institute for Public Affairs
INCOME $30,000
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
PYROLYSIS OF BIOMASS
SUMMARY
There has been growing worldwide interest in the potential for utilization of biomass as a
renewable feedstock for production of energy, fuels, specialty chemicals and materials. One
process receiving particular attention is pyrolysis, which involves reaction at high temperature
with limited oxygen availability. Biomass feedstocks available in Queensland include sugarcane
bagasse and municipal green waste. Yields and properties of the products depend on pyrolysis
conditions, particularly reaction time and temperature, and are the subject of our investigations.
A small-scale pyrolysis reactor has been installed at the PELM Centre, CQU Gladstone. The
equipment, donated by Caltex Refineries in Brisbane, was previously used for investigations of
catalytic cracking of crude oil feedstocks. With this unit, samples of biomass (approximately 5 g)
can be pyrolysed at temperatures from 300 °C to 800 °C. The residual solid in the reactor is
called biochar, a material which has useful properties, improving soil fertility and providing
carbon sequestration. Condensed liquid products, after upgrading, are potentially useful as liquid
transport fuels. Gases collected after pyrolysis contain combustible components such as
hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide, and can provide energy.
Using sugarcane bagasse from the Racecourse Mill in Mackay, we have prepared a set of biochar
samples corresponding to ranges of reaction temperatures and times. These samples are
undergoing characterization with different techniques including Fourier Transform Infra Red
Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Spectroscopy (NMR). A 3 rd year undergraduate undertook a chemistry project examining FTIR
of biochar samples from bagasse. The results show changes in chemical functional groups with
reaction conditions that can be interpreted it terms of transformations of the major constituents –
cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin.
Some characterization studies have also been undertaken on bio-oils produced by pyrolysis of
sugarcane bagasse. Analysis using gas chromatography (GC) shows that the bio-oils contain at
least 200 different chemical components. It is anticipated that many of these can be identified by
GC/MS. Another 3 rd year undergraduate chemistry project examined functional groups present in
the bio-oil samples using FTIR. Future work will also examine upgrading of the crude bio-oil
samples using cracking catalysts.
Collecting bagasse at Mackay
Biochar and condensed liquid
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Dr John Abbot
Others:
Brenton Worth and
Chris MacCormack
FUNDING
CQUniversity Australia
INCOME $37,000
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
WATER QUALITY IN GBR CATCHMENTS
SUMMARY
Water quality issues in catchment areas of the Great Barrier Reef are of continuing
importance. There have been numerous reported studies of levels of nutrients and pesticides
in rivers and coastal areas. These are often coupled with laboratory studies where different
organisms are exposed to various concentrations of these chemicals. However, it is important
to carefully examine all the available evidence before drawing conclusions about causal
relationships between the presence of a particular chemical and a biological impact.
Dieback of the grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) has been observed following major
flooding events in the Fitzroy and Pioneer rivers in the past decade. There have been claims
that the herbicide Diuron is responsible for the dieback, when the herbicide is washed away
from agricultural areas. Evidence presented for this conclusion relies on (i) correlations
between levels of Diuron sorbed on mangrove sediments and (ii) glasshouse experiments
treating mangrove seedlings with Diuron. However, an analysis shows that concentration
levels in the root zone water should be considered for correlations to be useful in establishing
causation. The experimental studies reported used levels of herbicide which were millions of
times higher than actually measured in field investigations.
Furthermore, an alternative explanation for dieback of the grey mangrove has been widely
reported overseas. Dieback occurs when the pneumatophores (breathing roots) are inundated
with sediment or submerged under water for prolonged periods, preventing oxygen uptake.
Our analysis shows that there is no evidence to support claims that Diuron is the primary
causal agent responsible for dieback of mangroves in river estuaries of Central Queensland.
Our findings were presented at the 19 th World Congress on Soil Science in Brisbane, and in
an article accepted for publication.
Mangrove pneumatophores
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigators: Dr John Abbot
Dr Jennifer Marohasy
Co-investigators:
A/Prof Steve Mckillup
FUNDING CQUniversity Australia, Faculty Grant & Institute for Public Affairs
INCOME $20,000
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF BIOCHAR IN CARBON
SEQUESTRATION, SOIL NUTRIENT RETENTION AND PLANT
GROWTH
SUMMARY
A number of studies show that biochar could be used as a potential source to store carbon in
the soil, enhance soil quality and increase plant growth (Lehmann, 2007; Chan et al., 2007).
However, the mechanisms by which biochar can play these roles are not well understood.
Furthermore, it is known that the properties of the biochar vary with the nature of the
feedstock and the pyrolysis conditions, leading to difficulty in generalising the effects of
biochar on soil-plant interactions. The current research thus focuses on optimising pyrolysis
conditions using selected feedstocks, and testing the resulting biochar for their properties and
the effects on soil-plant properties, including C sequestration potential.
PROJECT RESULTS
Biochar refers to black carbon formed by pyrolysis of biomass, i.e by heating biomass in an
oxygen-free environment such that it does not combust (Dominic, 2008). The biochar concept
is being driven by two major global issues – via climate change and sustainable soil
management. Biochar can store carbon in the ground, potentially making a significant
reduction in atmospheric greenhouse gas levels; while at the same time its presence in the soil
can increase soil fertility, leading to increased agricultural productivity and reduced leaching
of nutrients and improved water quality. However, recent studies suggest that the extent to
which biochar can improve soil quality, crop productivity and carbon sequestration is highly
variable, depending upon the conditions in which the biochar is produced, and the interactions
and processes that take place when biochar is applied to the soil. Therefore, to advance further
with the use of biochar in carbon sequestration or to improve crop growth, it is necessary to
generate location and crop-specific findings by considering the effects of geographic
variability in soil type, climate, cropping, pyrolysis conditions and feedstock.
The current research aims to characterize the biochars produced from two different sources,
via crop waste and bagasse that are abundant in Central Queensland using different pyrolysis
conditions. The study will also examine the effects of these biochars on soil nutrient retention,
plant growth and carbon sequestration potential in the soil. Biochar will be characterized for
porosity, cation exchange capacity, water holding capacity, nutrient composition and
functional groups via FTIR. To estimate the carbon sequestration potential of biochar,
isotopic mass balance approach (Kuzyakov and Bol, 2004) will be adopted. Then mean turn
over time of biochar will be determined by a two pool double exponential model. Field trials
will be conducted to test the effects of the biochar on plant growth and nutrient leaching.
In a preliminary pot trial using radish (Raphanus sativus) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) as
test plants, five rates of biochar (8, 16, 40, 60 and 80 t/ha) were applied. The results showed
that the soil pH, soil electrical conductivity and plant yield were slightly higher in biochar
applied soil than in control, but the differences were not statistically significant. The lack of
response was presumed to be due to the conditions in which the biochar was synthesised. The
biochar was made from gidgee (Acacia cambagei) wood and was obtained from a commercial
company that produced biochar for charcoal briquetting.
Several studies are planned to synthesise biochar in-house using various temperature and
retention times, and to test the resulting biochars using two different soil types (sandy soil and
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
a clayey soil) that are common in the Bundaberg region (Fig 1) where commercial vegetable
production using intensive fertilizer application under irrigation.
A pot trial is currently under way to test the effects of biochar produced from green waste
using Best Energies technology. This trial examines the responses of capsicum to biochar (25,
50 and 75 t/ha) in two types of soils (Fig 2).
Figure 1: Red and sandy soils were collected from vegetable growing areas of Bundaberg
Figure 2: Capsicum experiment in red and sandy soils of Bundaberg and green waste
biochar.
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator:
Co-Principal Investigators:
Kalpana Pudasaini
Assoc Prof Nanjappa Ashwath
Prof Kerry Walsh
FUNDING CQUniversity Australia
INCOME $2,000
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
PHYTOCAPPING CAN REDUCE METHANE EMISSION FROM
MUNICIPAL LANDFILLS
SUMMARY
Greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide are produced in landfills when the
waste comes in contact with water. Procedures such as clay capping are used to minimise
percolation of water into the waste. The use of clay cap has proven to be ineffective in
avoiding percolation of water. Thus an alternative technique known as ‘Phytocapping’ was
trialled at Rockhampton’s Lakes Creek Landfill using two soil depths (700 mm and 1400 mm)
of soil cover and 21 tree species. Methane emissions at the surface as well as at various
depths of the phytocaps were monitored. The study also compared methane flux between
vegetated and un-vegetated sections of the landfill. The results show that the phytocapping
technique can reduce surface methane flux by 75% - 85% compared to its adjacent unvegetated
site. Methane flux ranged between < 0.0007 g m -2 d -1 to >0.0009 g m -2 d -1 in
phytocaps as compared to >0.0036 g m -2 d -1 in the adjacent un-vegetated landfill site.
PROJECT RESULTS
Diurnal variations in methane concentration was studied within the root zones of various
plant species in thick and thin phytocaps. The 24 hour monitoring revealed that the
measurements taken around 9 am were high in both thick and thin caps. Thus, all further
methane monitoring was carried out between 9 am and 10 am Australian Eastern Standard
Time (AEST). Methane concentrations were higher in thin cap than in thick cap and they
decreased significantly (P0.0036 g m -2 d -1 in the adjacent un-vegetated landfill site. These values
are much lower than those reported by Bogner et al. (1997) (0.0004 g m -2 d -1 to 4000 g m -2 d -
1 ), possibly due to its age (22 years) and lack of bottom lining and greater access to water as
the Lakes Creek Landfill is located in a flood plain. The larger differences between the
phytocapped and unvegetated sites demonstrate the role played by tree roots in methane
oxidation. Methane flux also varied significantly (P

2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Figure 1: Average methane flux (all sites) on three different days
Methane flux g/m 2 /day (log(10+10))
7.60
7.40
7.20
7.00
6.80
6.60
Day 1, 6.65
Day 2, 6.74
Day 3, 6.96
Day 1, 6.86
Day 2, 6.65
Day 3, 6.79
Day 1, 7.38
Day 2, 7.50
Day 3, 7.37
6.40
6.20
Thick cap Thin cap un‐vegetated site
Figure 2: Methane flux from a phytocapped site and its adjacent un-vegetated site
This study demonstrates the potential of phytocapping in reducing methane flux from
landfills. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time in Australia, where the role of
phytocaps in reducing methane emissions from landfills has been systematically
demonstrated.
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigators: Kartik Venkatraman
Assoc Prof Nanjappa Ashwath
Others:
Dr Ninghu Su (JCU)
FUNDING
CQUniversity Australia
INCOME $0
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
CHARACTERISATION AND APPLICATION OF COMPOST EXTRACT
IN AGRICULTURE
SUMMARY
The major objectives of this research are to characterise “compost extract” which is a liquid
extract of compost brewed with microbial food additives and to confirm its efficacy for
various uses in agriculture. Activities undertaken to date include literature review, several
laboratory-scale experiments, involvement in field research conducted at Baralaba and
attendance at several scientific conferences and workshops (at national and international
levels). Most of the experimental trials have been completed using methodological approach,
yielding reliable results. A couple of final experiments have recently been completed.
Moreover, a number of publications are underway in parallel to writing a thesis which is
planned to be submitted by mid October, 2010.
A series of experiments have been conducted to finalise and strengthen the initial findings.
CTs have been brewed and compared with commercial preparations with respect to various
chemical and biological parameters with a major focus on microbial activity and populations.
Established protocols for chemical (such as NPK, total, dissolved and microbial biomass C),
biochemical (such as FDA hydrolysis, microbial respiration) microbiological (such as plate
count method, Biolog TM , FF microplate) and molecular (such as DNA extraction, DGGE, i.e.,
denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) techniques were utilised to characterise the brewed
CEs. An experiment to look at the effect of CEs on disease suppression was conducted
applying control (water only) vs. sterilised and non-sterilised CEs on three fungal pathogenic
fungal species, namely, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani and Rhizoctonia solani both in vitro
and in situ bioassay on the same pathogenic species using tomato plant as an indicator.
Likewise, an in vitro trial to investigate the efficacy of CEs in suppressing Phytophthora
cinnamomi was conducted and a subsequent trial on pineapple crop infected with P.
cinnamomi is currently being assayed in the glasshouse with and without CE and oxygation.
A six-month long experiment on sugarcane trash degradation using CE as the bio-enhancer
for degrading sugarcane trash has been completed in the greenhouse under controlled
conditions. Additionally, maize seeds have been grown in mini-hydroponics culture with the
addition of Al at concentrations up to 1000 μM and root extension of maize seedlings was
measured after 96 h exposure to Al.
DGGE was carried out on the extracted DNA samples from soil, compost and CEs utilising
the laboratory at Flinders University, Adelaide. Results from combined analytical biochemical
and molecular approaches successfully differentiated different aged rumen based CEs with
commercial preparations. This study also showed that rumen compost is a valuable source
material which can be brewed to extract the soluble nutrients and organic acids allowing the
extracted microorganisms to multiply. Results on radial extension in vitro of fungal pathogens
including P. cinnamomi showed that both aerated and non-aerated non-sterilised CEs
suppressed the hyphal growth significantly whereas the sterilised CEs did not indicating that
the live microbes have an important role in suppressing the harmful ones. Similar results were
found on percent reduction in sporulation of the same pathogens when tested in vitro.
Cumulative respiration measured in the sugarcane trash degradation experiment revealed that
CE produced from a compost mix of 9-month old rumen compost and sugarcane trash which
was further composted for one month showed significantly higher values than the other
treatments. Results of a field scale experiment conducted at Baralaba indicated that pH, EC
and NO 3 - content were significantly higher in CE treated soils than the control treatment but
were comparable to the other treatments whereas NH 4 + and PO 4 3- were significantly lower in
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
CE treated soil than the other treatments. Soils collected during the dry-winter season were
not found to be biologically different as shown by the microbiological, biochemical and DNA
results. A further trial with the objective of investigating the efficiency of CEs (rumen as well
as vermicompost extract) to ameliorate effects of high Al concentrations on maize roots is
ongoing. A number of scientific publications as well as thesis chapters are being written at
present.
Figure 1. Left - showing sugarcane trash
treated with water control.
Right - showing the same trash treated with CE.
Figure 2. In the molecular laboratory in
Flinders University, SA
Figure 3. Measuring the suppressive effect of
CE on mycelail growth of Fusarium
oxysporum f.sp lycopersici
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Karuna Shrestha
Co-Principal Investigator: Professor David J. Midmore
Others:
Professor Kerry B. Walsh
Associate Professor Keith M. Harrower
Associate Professor Nanjappa Ashwath
FUNDING
CQUniversity Australia
INCOME $0
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
TECHNOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAM (INCLUDING NEAR
INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY) TO IMPROVE CALYPSO MANGO
EATING QUALITY
SUMMARY
This activity represents the middle period of a two year funded activity aimed at establishing
the use of near infrared technology as an aid within the OneHarvest harvest management
system for the Calypso mango.
Researcher Phul Subedi followed the production season, from Darwin to Katherine to
Mataranka to Mareeba to Bundaberg in both 08/09 and 09/10 seasons. The first season
involved establishment of methodologies for use of the technology, and engagement of farm
managers. Work in the second season is embedding these protocols within the
OneHarvest/Oollol Farm Management quality management System, and adoption within
their crop forecasting tools, with handover of technology use to farm staff. Postharvest trials
were co-ordinated by Simon Clark of OneHarvest. Dry matter (DM) content of fruit was
confirmed to be associated not only with the sweetness of the ripe fruit (Brix) but with
flavour of those fruit (high DM fruit tending to be more mature fruit at harvest).
The technology was used in the following areas:
(i) to follow fruit maturation on tree (to judge time to harvest);
(ii) to map fruit ‘quality’ within tree;
(iii) to map maturity within orchards;
(iv) to check/train pickers; and
(v) to control quality in packing shed.
Figure 1. An example of hands-on training on sampling technique to a staff in Oolloo farm
Mataranka, NT.
The work was accepted and presented at the Precision Agriculture meeting in Armidale,
September 2009, at the NIR2009 meeting in Bangkok (two presentations), at the
Australasian Postharvest conference in Napier, New Zealand and 9 th International Mango
Symposium Sanya, Hainan, China.
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigators: Dr Phul Subedi
Co-principal Investigators: Prof Kerry Walsh
FUNDING Horticulture Australia Ltd and OneHarvest
INCOME $80,000
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
SENSORS FOR HORTICULTURE
SUMMARY
This project began in 2009, and involves investigation and development of a range of sensor
technologies relevant to horticulture.
This three year project enjoys funding from Colour Vision Systems, Hortical and HAL,
leveraging investment by IRIS on an 8:1 ratio. CQUni research staff, Drs. Mihail Mukarev
and Alison Payne (the latter located with CINS), were hired and are funded from this grant,
while Dr Phul Subedi was continued (0.85 eft) on this project.
Project areas include:
(i) identification of barriers and drivers to technology uptake
(ii) calibration transfer between NIR instruments
(iii) detection of internal browning disorders using optical technologies
(iv) improved referencing procedures in NIR spectroscopic systems
(v) development of a non-invasive measurement system for fruit firmness
(vi) development of new application area
(vii) development of a machine vision system for in orchard fruit counting.
PROJECT STAFF Investigators:
Alison Payne
Dr Mihail Mukarev
Dr Phul Subedi
Dennis Jarvis
Prof Kerry Walsh
FUNDING Horticulture Australia Ltd Australia, HortiCal,
Colour Vision Systems and IRIS
INCOME $40,102
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
SELECTION OF CADMIUM ACCUMULATING TOMATOES FOR USE
IN PHYTOREMEDIATION OF Cd CONTAMINATED SITES
SUMMARY
Tissue culture experiments were conducted to optimise culture conditions for three
cultivars of tomato grown with 3, 6, 9 or 12 seeds per tube. Large, medium and small tissue
culture tubes were compared for growth performance of three cultivars of tomato. Sand, agar
and potting media in large tubes were compared for growth conditions of three cultivars of
tomato. Seeds of fifteen cultivars of tomato were successfully grown in tissue culture tubes.
Twenty five cultivars of tomato were screened for Cd accumulation at seven Cd
concentrations (0, 10, 30, 100, 200, 500, 1000 µM).
Three cultivars of tomato were grown in tissue culture tubes sown with 3, 6, 9 and 12
seeds per tube. Improved seed germination and taller seedlings were observed in the cultivar
Burke’s Backyard than in the other two. Dry weight data showed that the treatment with 3
seeds per tube did not increase dry weight per plant in all cultivars. It was concluded that six
or nine seeds per tube will provide healthy seedlings.
Three cultivars of tomato were grown in three types of growth media (agar, sand and
potting mix) in in vitro culture. The results showed that the seedlings in sand and potting
media were sturdier than those in agar medium.
Twenty five cultivars of tomato were grown in agar media containing seven
concentrations (control, 10, 30, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 µM) of cadmium. Observations such
as germination percentage, shoot length and shoot dry matter were recorded. The shoot tissues
were analysed for Cd concentrations, with the view to identifying the cultivar (s) that
accumulated highest Cd in their leaves. The use of NIR spectroscopy to detect Cd
concentrations in the tissues will also be tested.
Seeds of 3 tomato cultivars were successfully established in vitro culture tubes containing
(from the left) sand, potting medium or agar.
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Dr Mar Mar Thi
Co-Principal Investigator: Assoc Prof Nanjappa Ashwath
Others:
Dr Phul Subedi
FUNDING
CQUniversity Australia
INCOME $0
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
DEVELOPMENT OF A METHODOLOGY FOR TRANSFER OF
CALIBRATIONS AMONG HAND-HELD NIRVANA UNITS
SUMMARY
A methodology for transfer of calibrations among two types of spectrometer systems was
developed. Regular calibrations of NIR sorting lines and Nirvana units of our industrial
partners were also undertaken.
The main effort was made to improve the potential of the Nirvana units. The Nirvana (Near
Infrared Visible Analytical – Figure 1) spectrometer is a handheld device that can acquire
interactance spectra in the approximate wavelength region 302-1145 nm at a step of about 3.3
nm. The exact wavelength range and the step depend from the particularly used PDA (Photo
Diode Array) detector in the unit. The possibility that the spectrometer used PLS (Partial
Least Squares) regression models allows the Nirvana to be used for measurements of
quantitative indexes of various objects, mainly fruits and vegetables in our applications,
which are correlated with acquired spectra.
Figure 1. The Nirvana handheld spectrometer.
The main aspects of the work on the improvement of the Nirvana were:
1. Theoretical computation of second derivatives of absorbance spectra according to
Savitzky-Golay filter and comparison with those computed by the PLS_Toolbox® and
the Unscrambler®. The result was choosing of the right practical realization of the filter
for this spectral pretreatment on different types of spectrometer systems. It leads to the
same computation results on different spectrometer systems and allows the best
prediction of the quantitative indexes of measured objects.
2. Development of the methodology for transfer of calibrations among NIR sorting lines or
Nirvana units and elaboration of a software program for its application. The expected
result is a simplification and shortening of the procedure for calibration (fitting of a
regression model to the available spectral data) of spectrometer systems used for
measurements of similar objects. Figure 2 shows the result of application of the
developed methodology on spectra from so called ‘slave’ units; in effect they too become
as much as possible identical to the so called ‘master’ unit.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
A) B)
Figure 2. Interpolated and averaged second derivatives of absorbance spectra of apples acquired with
four Nirvana handheld spectrometers: A) initial spectra; B) initial master (A-002) and transformed
slave (A-001, A-003, A-015) spectra.
Additionally to the solving of the abovementioned tasks, regression models for NIR sorting
lines and Nirvana units of our industrial partners were calibrated.
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Dr Mihail Mukarev
Co-Principal Investigator: Prof Kerry Walsh
Others:
Dr Phul Subedi
FUNDING
Horticulture Australia Ltd
INCOME $117,302
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
OPTIMIZING GROWTH CONDITIONS OF SELECTED MICROALGAE
FOR BIOFUEL PRODUCTION
SUMMARY
Initial studies on microalgae as a potential biofuel source are underway
Fossil fuels are being depleted at an alarming rate. Alternative fuel sources such as biofuels
seem to offer a possible solution to meet the energy demands of Australia. This research
focuses on screening, identifying (Phase 1) and optimizing growth conditions of selected
algae (Phase 2) and scaling up (Phase 3) of highly promising strains of algae to test their
potential to produce lipids. The lipids extracted will then be converted to biodiesel using a
transesterification process, and the resulting biodiesel will be tested for its fuel properties.
Initially, a large number of algal samples that were collected from different water bodies in
Central Queensland plus those obtained from Assoc. Prof Larelle Fabbro’s collection were
screened for lipids using Nile red dye. Five samples were identified positive for lipids giving
fluorescence (450-490 nm) when observed under the microscope at 40x magnification.
Figures 1 show different algal samples with fluorescence.
Figure 1: Photomicrographs of microalgae with fluorescence (450-490 nm emission filters) at
40x magnification. Scale bar is 50 µm
These results show that algae from different groups produce lipids, and they could have a
potential to be used as biofuel feedstocks, provided it can be demonstrated that they will grow
fast in Central Queensland. Further studies are underway to identify these strains and to
develop species-specific growth conditions, both to promote their growth rates and to enhance
their lipid accumulating properties.
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Vineela Challagulla
Co-Principal Investigator: Assoc Prof Nanjappa Ashwath
Others:
Prof Kerry Walsh
Assoc Prof Larelle Fabbro
FUNDING
CQUniversity Australia
INCOME $0
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
NATIVE GROUND COVER SPECIES FOR REVEGETATION UNDER
HIGH VOLTAGE POWERLINES IN QUEENSLAND
SUMMARY
In Queensland, the rate of clearing of vegetation is increasing with the increase in
development activities. It is estimated that the construction of high voltage powerlines will
increase at 3.4% over the next 10 years to meet the electricity needs of growing industries.
Associated with this, further clearing of vegetation will occur. The cleared/degraded
landscapes must therefore be revegetated to prevent erosion and invasion by weeds. Native
species, despite having a potential to be used in revegetation programs, have not been utilised
effectively due to poor and erratic seed germination and difficulty in their early
establishment. Our study, therefore, aims at identifying germination requirements of different
native species, and optimising agronomic requirements of those species for use in
revegetation programs.
Germination of native species
Recent trends in Australia show an increased trend towards the use of native species in
revegetation programs. However major constraints such low seed germination discourages
many to consider the use of native species in revegetation programs. Failure in seed
germination occurs due to seed coat-induced dormancy or embryo-induced dormancy. In the
former, the embryo is surrounded by one or more tissues which both act as permeability
barriers and prevent uptake of water, or they act as mechanical barriers by offering resistance
to expansion of the embryo and the emergence of radicle, or by confining inhibitors such as
abscisic acid, which act as a chemical barriers. In embryo-induced dormancy, the embryo
lacks some essential chemicals to initiate germination processes. Embryo dormancy could
occur due to changes in the balance of promoters and inhibitors in the embryo, to metabolic
control of the mobilisation of the seed food reserves to embryo or to immature embryo in the
seed. However, there may also be multiple mechanisms present in the seed.
Twenty three native species that have potential for establishment in revegetation programs
were selected for the germination studies. Effects of seed coating (SC), priming with smoke
water (SW), priming with compost tea (CT), and a combination of these treatments (Com) on
seed germination were studied. Two controls (no seed treatment (C) and seed primed in water
only(S)) were also included in the study as checks. For priming treatments, seeds were soaked
in water, smoke water (Commercial product Regen 2000) or in compost tea (Vermi-liquor)
for 24 hours and then were air dried for 24 hours. Seed coating was done manually by using
C33 polymer and C 33 powder (for grass seed) and polymer binding and talc (for the rest of
the species). Ten seeds of each species were placed in 500 mL takeaway containers which
were filled with sterilised sand, and three replications were used. The test was carried out in a
controlled-environmental room with fixed day (30 °C) and night (25 °C) temperatures, with a
light intensity of 480 µmol/s/cm 2 on 12/12 hours day and night cycle. Germination was
monitored for 90 days and the germinated seeds were counted and removed from the
takeaway containers at weekly intervals.
Species that responded markedly to the treatments include: Lysiphyllum carronii,
Petalostigma pubscens and Bursaria spinosa. These species showed significantly higher
germination (P

2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Figure 1: Effect of smoke water on germination of three native species (abbreviations in the
text)
Similarly, the compost tea had a significant positive effect (P

2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
AUTOECOLOGICAL ROLE OF STEVIOL GLYCOSIDES IN STEVIA
REBAUDIANA
SUMMARY
The physiological role of steviol glycosides (SG) in S. rebaudiana was further explored by
investigating the effect of stevia on mammalian and insect feeding behaviour.
Guinea pigs were used as a mammalian model in choice feeding trials, being presented with
choices between a control feed and feed amended to contain 5% sucrose, 0.02, 4 or 10%
stevia leaf. Animal body weight, water and feed consumption were monitored on a daily basis
for the three day feeding events. An increase (39% above the control) in total feed intake was
observed at high levels of steviol glycoside amendment of feed (10% stevia leaf w/w mixed
with standard feed). Encouragement of general herbivory may provide ecological fitness to
Stevia rebaudiana if it is more tolerant of grazing pressure than other plants in its
environment. Improvement in feed intake may have commercial implication for use of stevia
as an additive in stock feeds.
Grasshoppers, Valanga irregularis, were used to investigate insect-feeding deterrence of
stevia in a choice feeding set-up. The grasshoppers, placed individually in custom-made jars,
were either given a choice between leaves of a native Poison peach tree and stevia, or were given
only the Poison peach tree or stevia leaf in a no-choice set-up. Stevia leaves were avoided by the
grasshoppers placed in a choice feeding set-up resulting in a drop of body weight and faecal
amount and an increase in mortality rate. On the other hand, minimal leaf sampling was observed
in stevia leaves placed in the no-choice set-up.
Figure. Showing guinea pig cage and grasshopper set-up
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Ria Reyes
Co-Principal Investigators: Prof Kerry Walsh
Prof David Midmore
FUNDING International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS)
INCOME $0
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
A NEW PROTOCOL TO CONVERT “BEAUTY LEAF” (CALOPHYLLUM
INOPHYLLUM L.) OIL INTO BIODIESEL
SUMMARY
Increasing demand for renewable energy entices exploration of potential biodiesel feed
stocks. Beauty Leaf (Calophyllum inophyllum L., Clusiaceae); a native Australian tree, has
many attributes favouring its use as a biodiesel feedstock. It is non-invasive, it fruits profusely
(3000-10000 seeds tree−¹ season−¹), its kernels contain 65% inedible oil, it tolerates harsh
environmental conditions (acidity, salinity, drought) and it requires little maintenance. Driven
by the paucity of information regarding many aspects of the species and due to complications
observed in converting the seed oil into biodiesel, a number of experiments were carried out
since 2007.
Reports from previous authors (Sahoo et al. 2006; Venkanna and Reddy 2009) and our studies
indicated that the beauty leaf oil could not be converted to biodiesel using standard methods.
Hence a new method was developed which resulted in approximately 91% conversion. A
provisional patent application has been submitted for this method through the CQUni Office
of Research. Biodiesel samples derived from the new method were sent to T&S lab Sydney to
test for American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standards, and the results showed
that the Beauty Leaf oil derived biodiesel conformed to well to the ASTM standards.
Biodiesel samples derived from existing protocols and the new protocol were tested for unreacted
oil bodies using microscopic imaging. The results showed that the biodiesel obtained
from the new method (Method 4; Fig 1) was free from un-reacted oil. Zero catalyzed
transesterification and heating (120 ⁰C) revealed that the composition of un-reacted oil is
chiefly characterised by unsaturated fatty acids; therefore, the chances that un-reacted oil in
the resultant biodiesel from existing methods corrodes the injector and fuel lines or causes
damage to piston ring are very high.
Preliminary physicochemical characterization using ASTM methods also revealed that
biodiesel derived from the new method has better flow properties than that from other
methods.
The biodiesel derived from the new method is currently being evaluated for engine emissions
and vibration at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern
Queensland. The test will provide an indication of the oxidizing and anti knocking and
combustion characteristics of the beauty leaf biodiesel.
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Method1 (base catalysed)
Method 2 (acid catalysed)
Method 3 (Sahoo et al. 2006)
Method 4 (Patented method)
Fig. 1 Microscopic images of biodiesel from different transesterification methods
A B C D
Fig 2. Various steps in 4-stage transesterification protocol: A-purification, B-reaction,
C-phase separation, D-filtration.
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Subhash Hathurusingha
Co-Principal Investigator: Assoc Prof Nanjappa Ashwath
Others:
Prof David Midmore
FUNDING
RIRDC
INCOME $44,688
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
OPTICAL MEASUREMENT OF BUBBLES IN AERATED WATER
DURING OXYGATION
SUMMARY
Improving uniformity of aeration during oxygation can significantly optimise use of drip
irrigation. Optical measurement systems for realtime monitoring of bubble behaviour in
aerated irrigation stream during oxygation can be useful field tools for such purpose. A
portable visualization unit for bubble shaping, sizing and counting during oxygation was
designed and developed at CQUniversity in collaboration with an ANSTO fluid flow engineer.
The visualization unit consisted of a 17 mm OD flow-through section of clear acrylic tube and
mounted with a Ricoh CX1 digital camera in a dark chamber for acquisition of images during
oxygation. The visualization unit was preliminary tested and fine-tuned at CQU Rockhampton
and used for irrigation research at ANSTO Lucas Height.
Figure 1. Left - Set-up at ANSTO, Right - Dr Ron Balsys (front) connecting visualization
unit and preparing for image collection, Mr David Wassink (rear) is measuring velocity of
flow and thermal readings.
Measurements of aeration in the test unit:
The visualization unit was tested in a 169 m irrigation line (clear drip tape with emitters at 25
cm spacing, flow rate 1 L/hour). Observations were taken at six different locations along the
length of irrigation lines (16, 38, 62, 88, 112, 169 m from venturi). An air injector (Mazzei
model 384 – Mazzei Corp USA) ingressed 14% through the venturi inlet (50-60 PSI) and
outlet (15-20 PSI) with a pressure differential of 35-45 PSI. The images were processed for
the calculation of void fraction, sizing and counting of the air bubbles using Image J software
(http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/index.html).
Figure 2. Void fraction as a measure of aeration rate during oxygation in different irrigation
systems (Figure 2 left) and bubble count (right) in a surfactant mixed oxygation at different
distances from venturi. (1=16, 2=38, 3=62, 4=88, 5=112 and 6=169 m from venturi).
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Aeration rate:
Aeration was highest for surfactant treatment, remained high up to 88 m length, and was
maintained at more than 7.5% to 112 m from the source of venturi. It gradually declined to
0.5% aeration at the end of irrigation line (169 m). Aeration rate along the length of irrigation
declined in both open system (re-circulating system) and closed end system compared to
surfactant; the non-surfactant maintained aeration at 8-10% initially (Fig 2 left).
Figure 3. Bubble count in a closed (left) and open system (right) during oxygation measured
along the length of irrigation in 6 different sampling locations (1=16, 2=38, 3=62, 4=88,
5=112 and 6=169 m from venturi).
Bubble count and distribution:
The visualization section in the instrument was 1.76 x 1.76 = 3.097 cm 2 . The number of
smallest bubbles (10 µm and smaller) ranged from 15 – 120 within the visualization section
and the frequency of bubble decreased with increase in size and distance from the air injector.
The proportion of smaller bubbles was higher with surfactant treatments than in the open and
closed end oxygation system (Fig 2). The greater numbers of bigger sized bubbles were noted
in the section closer to the air injector irrespective of the irrigation set up (Fig 3 left and right).
Further work:
The results collected from these trials are encouraging and the apparatus shows promise for
field based monitoring visualization system. Further work is still required to fine-tune the
system ready for use in field application. Modification in the visualization unit by changing it
to glass from acrylic is needed as the fine structure of the acrylic wall was picked up in the
image and interfered with bubble counting and sizing. Continuous powering of the camera in
the field is required as the system depends on rapid flashing under dark for image collection.
A 12V battery operated flash system is being designed to suit field work. Further
collaboration with ANSTO and CQU researchers will be maintained to bring the research to
the development of products.
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Surya P Bhattarai
Co-Principal Investigators: David Wassink
Dr Ron Balsys
FUNDING
AINSE and CQUniversity Australia
INCOME $35,484
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
FOREST CARBON TRADING BY LOCAL COMMUNITIES: A
POTENTIAL OPTION FOR CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND
LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT
SUMMARY
Payment for environmental services, particularly carbon payment for forest management, is
considered by many scientists and policy makers as a cost-effective and practical solution to two
challenging global problems, climate change and sustainable development. Steps have been
undertaken to establish such payment mechanisms to reward communities for sustainable forest
management in the developing countries. However, concerns have been raised about whether
community forest management practiced in developing countries contributes to increase forest carbon
stocks, and whether the incremental carbon reward may have negative impacts on the well-being of
local communities, particularly the poor, indigenous and forest-dependent people. The focus group
discussions and household surveys conducted in 2009 conclude that rich families are receiving more
than two thirds of the total benefits compared to poor forest-dependent households from the existing
benefits sharing mechanisms. Therefore, the mechanisms need to be modified by incorporating special
provisions in such a way that poor households get more benefits from the carbon payments to improve
their livelihood.
Existing forests provide a number of environmental services including carbon sequestration,
however, no payment mechanism has been established yet to reward these services. In recent
years an interesting policy has been discussed under the United Nation Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC): Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation plus
Forest Enhancement (REDD Plus). This policy has been attracting global attention, as it could
potentially reward and improve the livelihood of local communities in developing countries who
manage their forests such that biomass levels remain stable or increase. We set out to test whether
local communities are liable to benefit from such a mechanism.
Four community managed forests have been selected for this study, which represent all three
ecological divisions of Nepal: 1 in Terai, 2 in Hills and 1 in Mountain (Figure 1).
Research
Sites
1
Community
Forest (CF)
Thansa
Deurali,
Dolakha
Altitude
(masl)
2100 –
3000 m
Area
(ha)
145
4
2
3
1
2
3
Ludi
Damgade,
Gorkha
Borrow Pit,
Makwanpur
1100 m 241
1400 –
1600 m
26
4
Pragati,
Chitwan
100 –
300 m
217
Figure 4: Ecological division map of Nepal with brief description of research sites
A standard forest carbon inventory method approved by inter-governmental panel on climate
change was used to estimate the rate of carbon sequestration (ton/ha) in the community forests.
The results of the forest inventory carried out in October and November 2009 show that carbon
stock is higher in Ludi Damgade CF (119.5 t/ha) compared to other three CFs (Figure 2). The
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
incremental carbon will be assessed with the use of stock-difference approach. Therefore, carbon
measurement will be carried out once again in the same season in 2010, and then potential carbon
credits (1 ton CO 2 = 1 Credit) and carbon income will be estimated by the use of a voluntary as
well as the compliance carbon market price.
Carbon stock (t/ha)
Photo 1: CF carbon inventory
Figure 5: Forest biomass in four community
forests
A total of 150 households were randomly selected to represent poor, medium and rich economic
class families. Subsequently, these households were asked with a set of questionnaire about their
socio-economic status, participation in forestry activities, existing and future forest benefit sharing
mechanisms and impacts on their livelihood. There are unfair and unequitable distributions of
forest benefits among the economic classes. Rich families are receiving nearly 70% (mainly
timber and fuel wood) whereas middle class families are getting nearly 25 percent. The poor
households get minimal timber returns (less than 5%) because they cannot pay minimum charges
set by the group for the application fee and government royalties. A number of focus group
discussions, stakeholders meetings and household survey results conclude that there is an urgent
need to change existing policies by incorporating special provisions for poor and forest dependent
people.
Photo2: Participatory well-being ranking
Photo 3: Household survey with indigenous people
Future research will focus on forest carbon monitoring, designing a participatory carbon payment
mechanism and assessing its likely impacts on the local communities, particularly poor and
marginalised people.
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Thakur Bhattarai
Co-Principal Investigator: Prof David Midmore
Others:
Prof Stewart Lockie
FUNDING
CQUniversity Australia
INCOME $2,000
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
GREEN WASTE – A POTENTIAL GROWTH MEDIUM FOR PLANTS,
AND A VALUABLE FEED STOCK FOR BIOENERGY AND BIOCHAR
PRODUCTION
SUMMARY
Green waste is produced as a result of regular maintenance of gardens and parks. City
councils shred these wastes, and utilise the shredded green waste (SGW) in landscaping,
composting, mulching, or bioenergy production. This project evaluated the SGW from
Rockhampton City Council, as a mulch, landscape mix, plant growth media (along with the
other wastes such as cow paunch) and as a feedstock for vermicomposting and green energy
and biochar production. The results showed that the SGW could be used for all of the above
purposes, and its use as a bioenergy feedstock could yield 0.5 MW electricity and 410 kg of
biochar per tonne of the SGW.
PROJECT REPORT
Around Rockhampton, the SGW is mostly used in landscaping. This use is not widespread
enough to consume all of the SGW produced by the Rockhampton Regional Council (130,717
m 3 per year). Thus, the Council is required to store and manage surplus SGW. Storage and
maintenance of SGW can be expensive and risky. In addition, it increases the carbon foot print
of the Council, as the SGW will decompose and generate green house gases and landfill
leachates. The current project investigated the potential of utilising SGW as a landscape mix,
along with other waste products, such as biosolid, water treatment sludge (alum), cow paunch
and lime slag. The project also tested the use of >5 mm fraction of the SGW in biochar and
syngas production, and the 5 mm fraction was
tested for biochar and bioenergy production, and the 5 mm fraction of the green waste and the wood waste were pyrolysed
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
slowly at 550 °C. This process generated biochar (41% in green waste and 36% in wood
waste) and syngas (41% in green waste and 48% in wood waste). Extrapolation of these
results to the total green waste produced at Rockhampton Regional Council (52,286 tonnes/yr)
indicated that the SGW can produce 21,437 tons of biochar and 14 MWh of green energy. If
the biochar is also converted into bioenergy, a maximum of 33 MWh of green electricity can
be produced from the SGW annually. Conversion of the SGW into biochar and bioenergy may
be a better option, as this will allow for long term sequestration of carbon, if the biochar is
incorporated into the soil. This process can also help improve crop yields and minimise
nutrient leaching into water bodies (e.g. the Great Barrier Reef). To accomplish this, a
pyrolysis plant that can process 6.5 tons/h of green waste would be required for Rockhampton.
The

2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Fig 2. Various steps involved in green waste production and testing. Top; dumping and shredding of
green waste. Middle; native species and vegetable crops growing well in a plant growth mix. Bottom;
close up of the plants established in a back yard garden using the growth media prepared from green
waste, cow paunch, lime slag, biosolid and the alum waste from water treatment plant.
PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Assoc Prof Nanjappa Ashwath
Co-Principal Investigator: Andrew Rank
Others:
Roshan Subedi, Sunita Lata
and Lindsay Best
FUNDING
Rockhampton Regional Council
INCOME $24,228
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Appendix 1. PHOTOGRAPHS OF CPWS STAFF, STUDENTS AND
VISITORS
Prof David Midmore
Director
Prof Kerry Walsh
Deputy Director
A/Prof Nanjappa
Ashwath
Assoc Professor
Prof Rob Reed
Professor of Biomedical
Sciences
Dr Keith Harrower
Senior Lecturer in
Microbiology
Dr John Abbot
Senior Research Fellow
Dr Bob Newby
Senior Lecturer
Dr Bret Heath
Lecturer
Dr Surya Bhattarai
Senior Research Officer
Dr Phul Subedi
Research Officer
Dr Mihail Mukarev
Research Officer
Dr Pramod Shrestha
Research Fellow
Dr Brett Roe
Research Fellow
Dr John Guthrie
Research Fellow
Andrew Rank
Research Fellow
Dr Sanjay Singh
Visiting Scholar
Prof Manuela Zude
Visiting Scholar
Xinming Chen
Visiting Scholar
Jeffrey Conaghan
Technician
2008 to 2009
Brock McDonald
Aquaponics & Centre
Technician
Roshan Subedi Graham Fox Bhima Bhattarai Linda Ahern Brie Crane
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Research Worker Research Worker Research Worker Administration Officer Admin Assistant
Thakur Bhattarai
PhD
Elena Churilova
MSc
Jay Dhungel
PhD & Research
Worker
Geeta Gautam
MSc
Resham Gautam
PhD
Subhash
Hathurusingha
PhD & Research
Worker
Tracey Howkins
PhD
Sadia Khan
PhD
Ben Kele
PhD
Sandrine Makiela
PhD
Dixie Nott
PhD
Lance Pendergast
PhD
Sohail Qureshi
PhD
Ria Reyes
PhD
Noel Sammon
PhD
Karuna Shrestha
PhD
Shamsa Syeda
PhD
Laurie Tait
MSc & PhD
Manouchehr Torabi
PhD & Research
Worker
Dr Mar Mar Thi
MSc Candidate
Kartik Venkatraman
PhD
Sonal Sarkar
Occupational Trainee
Axelle Souchard
Occupational Trainee
Loic Burton
Occupational Trainee
Delphine Lacombe
Occupational Trainee
Staff/Students not available for photos: Terry Ahern, Resham Bhattarai, Enid Bunt, Sousan
Marshali-Firoozi, Caroline Midmore, Ivan Mukarev, Hossein Torabi and Sina Torabi
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2009 Centre for Plant & Water Science Annual Research Report
Appendix 2. CENTRE FOR PLANT & WATER SCIENCE PUBLICITY
Page 74