Investment in science and industry development key to profitable agrifood sector 2

HIGHLIGHTS

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  New Genes for New Environments facilities are located at Merredin and Katanning.
  
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  The NGNE provides a highly contained and safe testing environment for GM traits.
  

Collaborators

ACPFG

Making sense of data, data and more data

Science Team: Andrew van Burgel (project leader), Mario D’Antuono, Katia Stefanova, Rebecca O’Leary, Karyn Reeves, Kefei Chen, Fiona Evans.

Grains research produces a large amount of data and the DAFWA biometrics team is focused on ensuring robust design of experiments and accurate analysis of experimental data to maximise the impact of research for industry.

Biological data can be impacted by many factors and it may be difficult to interpret what effects are ‘real’. Biometrics is the science of applying statistical analysis to biological data and it enables us to quantify experimental outcomes. It is an essential component of quality agricultural research. Our team of biometricians help ensure that:

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  Experiments are well designed and address the questions of interest.
  
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  Data is analysed appropriately to provide accurate estimates.
  
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  Correct messages are conveyed from the research to growers.
  
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  Decision tools are built based on sound statistical models.
  

The team assists research projects from beginning to end by helping with experimental design, statistical analysis, model development and interpretation of results.

DAFWA Biometricians play a crucial role in most research undertaken by the grains team and are involved in:

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  providing a statistical service to research groups in the areas of agronomy, pathology, pests and weeds, farming systems, frost, climate and more
  
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  development of web based decision tools to help with management decisions in grain production. New tools are being developed that will predict the impact of climate, nutrient inputs and diseases
  
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  strengthening the skills of research staff through course delivery, presentations and individual consultations
  
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  advice on the design and analysis of larger scale on-farm experiments.
  

The biometrics team is focused on ensuring robust experimental designs followed by appropriate statistical models that account for the inherent variability in agricultural data, with the ultimate aim of maximising the impact of research for the industry.

Advances in technology and statistical software are allowing novel approaches to capture, visualise and analyse data.

Highlights

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  Collaboration with a biometrician from the beginning to the end of projects ensures scientifically valid and reliable results.
  
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  Sound experimental design and analysis is critical for accurate messages to industry.
  
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  Our biometrics team help deliver quality research and tools to support grower decision making.
  

Funding and Collaborators

GRDC, DRD Royalties for Regions, SAGI, QDAF, UA, University of Wollongong, VSN international.

DAFWA biometrician Mario D’Antuono (left) and Dr Darshan Sharma have developed a new online tool, MyPaddock, for grain growers to address wheat production problems.

Royalties for Regions: Boosting grains R&D

Project Team: Jason Moynihan (project leader), Dr Geoffery Anderson, David Ferris, Dr Michael Francki, Chris Gazey, Dr Daniel Huberli, Svetlana Micic, Ms Sally Peltzer, Dr Craig Scanlan, Dr Dusty Severtsen, Darsham Sharma, Geoff Thomas, Dr Ron Yates.

WA grain growers have significant opportunities to supply additional grain into expanding and changing markets in Asia and the Middle East, and increase the overall value of grain exports beyond $5 billion a year.

The Boosting Grains R&D project (Royalty for Regions) aims to increase on-farm grain productivity and profitability to enable WA grain growers to capitalise on expanding markets, and establish a regionally focused R&D institute to re-energise the performance and future development of local R&D capability.

The project is delivering new and upgraded regional research facilities and equipment to support field-based trials, and the validation of research in WA’s specific conditions, climate and soils. These research facilities are designed for multipurpose applications and their usefulness will extend far beyond the life and scope of the project.

New employment opportunities have been created for early-career scientists across the grainbelt, with junior scientists teamed with more experienced researchers to strengthen professional development. A new PhD program will also form part of the development of grain scientists. Together, these capacity building initiatives will improve science depth and maintain research capability to address future grain industry challenges in WA.

Specific flagship research projects have been established to deliver on the key themes of more grain from less rain, lifting the yield ceilings, frost proofing the farm business and regional agronomy systems.

The flagship projects aim to enhance the delivery of localised R&D and address issues including: crown rot in oats; optimised seed coating techniques; early sowing of field peas; smart technology for pest and disease surveillance; developing better ways to sample and assess soil properties, powdery mildew management, slug and snail controls, frost management; crop protection and production agronomy; and genetic plant responses to soil moisture.

These projects will enhance the great work already being done by DAFWA, together with the GRDC, universities, grower groups and other partners throughout the grainbelt.

A more effective, flexible and enduring grains R&D business model will be introduced in support of these initiatives through the creation of a new not-for-profit entity that will conduct independent, commercially relevant R&D in partnership with the GRDC.

A state soil archive is currently being established at Muresk Institute to house more than 150 000 soil specimens that have been collected from around WA. These soil time capsules provide researchers with the opportunity to further analyse soil properties as technology advancements are made and new research techniques become available over time.

The Boosting Grains R&D project supports world-class grain science that will deliver solutions to local agronomic challenges, leading to increased grain productivity and exports, long-term profitability for grain growers, and broader economic benefits for the state.

Future plans focus on the formation of the new grains R&D entity in collaboration with representatives from the WA Government, GRDC and local industry through the Grains Industry Group. Once agreement on the new business model and scope is finalised, practical transition of functions will commence.