Research projects

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P2 – Future farming
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P2-022In Progress

Development of automated banana dehanding technology utilising computer vision, machine learning and robotic handling methods

Banana de-handing is a core process at all banana processing facilities. It is a repetitive and physically demanding activity that if automated, could improve processing efficiencies and provide a valuable integration point for robotics systems. This research is pertinent given current workforce reliability and supply chain issues, TR4 disease, and low-cost imports threats.
P2-029In Progress

Characterisation of capsaicinoids from capsicums, chillies and greenhouse horticultural waste of these crops

Food waste is a global issue, as almost one third of food produced is lost before it is consumed (Ishangulyyev et al., 2019). Simultaneously, the resources such as water, energy, land and fuel, used in the food production supply chain are also wasted during this process. When discarded into landfill, both the plant biowaste and food waste impact the environment by the emission of greenhouse gases (Benyam et al., 2018). Fruits and vegetables contribute only 20% to the total food purchased, but they are responsible for half of the food waste (AUSVEG, 2013).
P2-028In Progress

Biologically informed control of Gummy Stem Blight in glasshouse cucurbits

The 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.
P2-025In Progress

Understanding the influence of critical temperature thresholds and duration of exposure on raspberry pollination and fruit quality

This project will test how environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, impact pollen viability, pollen tube development and stigma receptivity to better understand the factors limiting the pollination success of raspberries.
P2-024In Progress

Potential management of Fusarium wilt in tomatoes using the crop microbiome

The 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.
P2-023In Progress

Managing CO2 levels in controlled environment cropping systems to optimise yield

Crop production systems in large controlled environment facilities are traditionally high-input, resource and capital-intensive. Optimising input parameters is a major avenue for increasing yield and quality whilst reducing waste of precious resources. The aim of the project is to define the optimum CO2 levels for tomato production in controlled environments.
P2-014In Progress

Automated Crop Monitoring for Protected Cropping systems

This four-year innovation project is led by WBS Project H, manufacturers of state-of-the-art LED technology for vertical farms and greenhouses, with AI and protected-cropping experts at UNSW and WSU respectively.
P2-021In Progress

Novel microbiome technologies to increase profitability for Australian horticulture

The objective of this project is to develop and deploy new products that increase the yield and therefore profitability of annual and perennial Australian horticultural crops. The products will be developed by analysing the microbiomes associated with the life cycle of the crop, from seed to harvest.
P2-012In Progress

Establishing a National Hub for Smart Greenhouse Technology – Energy Saving Films

This research program seeks to reduce energy use and increase resource use efficiency by employing new light-blocking (Smart Glass; SG) and existing light-shifting (LLEAF) films in glasshouses operated by the protected cropping industry.
P2-019In Progress

Novel bio-based solutions for effective management of key root pathogens of Australian protected cropping systems

This project will provide industry with novel solutions to control key root pathogens, increase farm profitability of horticulture crops and significantly advance economic and technological growth of Australian agribusiness industries.
P2-016In Progress

Sustainable fertigation for high yield and quality vegetables in protected cropping

The aim of this PhD project is to identify novel fertigation, nutrient delivery, and management approaches of growing vegetables to increase both yield and quality of produce in both Australia and Qatar.
P2-020In Progress

Delivering new solutions that improve quality and yield in broccolini

This 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.