Predicting photosystem II heat tolerance in cropsThis project integrates high-throughput phenotyping, machine learning, and molecular biology to develop a non-invasive method for predicting Tcrit and investigating the regulatory mechanisms underlying its acclimation. The goal is to identify genotypic variation and physiological traits linked to PSII resilience and to enable rapid, scalable selection of heat-tolerant genotypes across both horticultural and broad-acre crops.
Optimising post-harvest strategies for sustainable management of finger limeThis project is developing a CRISPR-Cas12a-based molecular diagnostic tool, integrated with a lateral flow assay (LFA) for visual detection. Designed for field deployment, the system allows rapid, sensitive identification of Diaporthe citri infections directly in orchard conditions. With results available in approximately 60 minutes, this approach enables real-time disease surveillance and early intervention.
Linking leaf traits to carbohydrate profiles of wheat grains under heat stressThis project investigates the connections between leaf structure, sugar and starch dynamics, and grain carbohydrate profiles in wheat under heat stress. Through a combination of field and laboratory experiments and advanced metabolomics techniques using LC-MS, the study will identify and quantify the key primary and secondary carbohydrate metabolites that influence grain quality. The focus is on understanding the source-sink interactions between leaves and grains to reveal how structural and metabolic traits contribute to heat tolerance.
Investigating Light-Altering Films for enhanced photoprotection and crop yieldThis project explores how modifying light spectra with LAFs impacts carotenoid-mediated photoprotection, particularly through NPQ, which safely dissipates excess light energy as heat. By investigating changes in carotenoid profiles and NPQ activity under altered light conditions, the research aims to determine how different spectral compositions affect photosynthetic efficiency and stress tolerance. The study will assess variety-specific responses to LAFs, focusing on their influence on yield, photoreceptor activity, and xanthophyll cycle dynamics.
Exploring resistance to insect herbivory in plantsThis project will investigate how mechanical stress (such as touch or wind) influences the plant’s internal defence systems, specifically focusing on apocarotenoid bioactive signals derived from carotenoids. It hypothesises that mechanical stimulation induces the accumulation of these compounds, which in turn modulate resistance to insect herbivory. The research will explore the biochemical and physiological pathways involved in this response.
Pollination of novel and emerging food crops grown under protected cropping conditionsThis research project investigates the potential of select insect species to serve as effective pollinators for a range of innovative crops. By assessing the pollination efficiency and compatibility of alternative insects, the study aims to identify species that can complement or enhance existing pollination systems tailored to specific crop needs and production conditions.
Understanding and overcoming yield loss from nocturnal warmingThis project investigates the physiological and developmental impacts of warm nights on crops and aims to identify traits that confer tolerance to elevated night temperatures. By studying how warm nights affect plant growth and productivity, the research will provide critical insights into mechanisms of heat stress and highlight potential breeding targets for more resilient crop varieties.
Banana dehanding automation technologyThis research focuses on the automation of banana de-handing, aiming to reduce manual labour and enhance processing efficiency. By developing and integrating robotic systems into this core process, the project addresses labour constraints and creates opportunities for wider automation adoption in banana handling and packaging operations.
Transforming capsicum and chilli waste into high-value health productsThis project explores value-adding opportunities by repurposing crop waste from capsicum and chilli production. Specifically, it investigates the extraction of capsaicinoids from low-grade fruit and plant waste. By harnessing these compounds, the project supports the development of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. In parallel, it aims to repurpose the leftover biomass post-extraction as a soil improver, contributing to circular practices in crop production.
Biologically informed blight controlThe project aims to test and pilot fast detection procedures with the aim of giving growers a suite of options to test for the presence of the pathogen prior to disease being evident. The project also aims to test a range of commercially available control measures and create management recommendations. Finally, the project will investigate novel means of controlling the pathogen through targeted repression of key disease developmental pathways (i.e. non-GMO repression of effector proteins) and manipulation of the plant’s natural resistance pathways. Outcomes of the project will support sustainable production of this valuable crop for our industry partners, and open new pathways of investigation that will enable breakthroughs in pathogen control that could be cross-applicable to other important cucurbit diseases in the larger vegetable production sector.
Improving warm-zone raspberry cultivationThis project aims to investigate how environmental factors affect key reproductive processes in raspberries, including pollen viability, pollen tube development, and stigma receptivity. By identifying the physiological thresholds that influence pollination success, the research will clarify the mechanisms behind reduced fruit quality under protective cropping conditions.
Tomato wilt managementThe project aims to explore rhizosphere microbiome engineering to manage Fusarium wilt of tomatoes, and to evaluate changes in the rhizosphere microbiome in response to application of bio-organic products. Firstly, the rhizosphere microbial community associated with healthy and fol-infected tomatoes in Western Australia will be assessed. This will identify core microbial taxa critical to plant health and to provide insights into managing the Fusarium wilt disease by modifying the core taxa. Field trials on the long-term contribution of three commercial bio-organic products will be conducted to assess their impact on tomato crop performance, yield, and the rhizosphere microbiome. The rhizosphere soils from the field trial sites will be used as ‘donor material’ for the microbiome engineering experiment.
Optimising CO2 in protected cropping systemsThis project aims to determine the optimal CO₂ concentrations for tomato production in controlled environments. Through systematic trials and monitoring, the research will define CO₂ thresholds that maximise yield and quality while minimising unnecessary input use and environmental impact.
Automated crop monitoringThis project will provide the foundation research to support Australia’s protected cropping sector in transitioning to advanced high-tech decision support systems through developing and testing novel solutions for an array of real-world applications.
Novel crop microbiome technologiesThis project aims to develop new microbiome-based products by analysing the microbial communities associated with crops throughout their lifecycle from seed to harvest. By understanding how microbiomes shift under different stress conditions, the research will identify microorganism combinations linked to increased stress tolerance and improved plant performance. These beneficial microbiomes will then be formulated into commercial products designed to enhance crop yield and profitability.
Energy saving films for smart greenhousesThis research program, based at the National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre (NVPCC) at Western Sydney University, investigates the application of Smart Glass (SG) and LLEAF light-shifting films in commercial glasshouses. These technologies aim to block or redirect specific wavelengths of light to reduce internal heat load, improve photosynthetic efficiency, and minimise energy use. The project trials these materials under real production conditions, evaluating their impact on crop performance and environmental sustainability.
Bio-based solutions for root disease management in horticultureThis project will develop and apply novel bio-based technologies that leverage crop-optimised microbiomes, plant immune responses, and biochemical products to manage root diseases more effectively. It also introduces innovative agronomic tools, such as using industrial hemp as a cover crop, which suppresses both pathogens and their weed hosts while offering an additional income stream for farmers.
Sustainable fertigation in protected croppingThis PhD project focuses on identifying novel fertigation, nutrient delivery, and crop management strategies tailored to vegetable production systems in both countries. The research explores how innovative approaches can enhance nutrient uptake and plant health, improving both productivity and produce quality.
Improving quality and yield in broccoliniThis project supports Perfection Fresh in finding solutions that minimise broccolini wastage, improve crop quality and yield, and extend the growing season of a highly sought-after, high-value crop. The project is testing different applications that aim to reduce wastage and that maintain or increase plant nutrient flow into the development of inflorescences and the main broccolini product.
Optimum cooling strategies for greenhouse vegetablesThis PhD project investigates crop-technology-climate interactions by evaluating the long-term performance of various cooling systems and greenhouse designs in warm conditions. It includes crop trials using smart glass to assess energy savings and crop response. Post-harvest, phenological, and physiological analyses will inform which cooling strategies best support crop quality and growth, while minimising energy input. The findings will contribute to the development and experimental validation of a greenhouse energy and mass-transfer model, tailored to the Australian climate and different greenhouse configurations.
