Future crops

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Optimised fertigation improves yield and quality of cucumbers for resource efficiency and economic return in high-tech greenhouses In this paper, the research team highlighted the potential benefits of maintained fertigation impacting productivity and quality of greenhouse cucumber varieties, identifying differential expression of key potassium transporter genes, linking fertigation management to plant responses. Authors: Sonali, Jing He, Yuanyuan Wang, Weiguang Liang, Fatemeh Rasouli, Lihua Li, Jayakumar Bose, Michelle Donovan-Mak, Samsul Huda, Vijay Jayasena, Talaat Ahmed, David T. Tissue, Zhong-Hua Chen Publisher: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research April, 2025 Paper	In this paper, the research team highlighted the potential benefits of maintained fertigation impacting productivity and quality of greenhouse cucumber varieties, identifying differential expression of key potassium transporter genes, linking fertigation management to plant responses.
Sonic-induced cellular vibrations unzip intertwined anther cone trichomes to trigger floral self-pollination and boost tomato fruit size In a Future Food Systems project with funding partner Perfection Fresh Australia, led by Western Sydney University, researchers have developed an acoustic-induced pollination solution for protected cropping that uses inexpensive precision photoacoustic technology to enhance horticultural tomato crop production, supporting sustainable production and breakthroughs in pathogen control. Authors: Sidra Anwar, Happy, Angus Dingley, Thailammai Vinoth, Weiguang Liang, Brian M Sindel, Laurel George, Chun H Wang, Christopher I Cazzonelli Publisher: Horticulture Research, Volume 12, Issue 6, June 2025 April, 2025 Paper	In a Future Food Systems project with funding partner Perfection Fresh Australia, led by Western Sydney University, researchers have developed an acoustic-induced pollination solution for protected cropping that uses inexpensive precision photoacoustic technology to enhance horticultural tomato crop production, supporting sustainable production and breakthroughs in pathogen control.	Sonic-induced cellular vibrations unzip intertwined anther cone trichomes to trigger floral self-pollination and boost tomato fruit size Sidra Anwar, Happy, Angus Dingley, Thailammai Vinoth, Weiguang Liang, Brian M Sindel, Laurel George, Chun H Wang, Christopher I Cazzonelli
Optimal energy-efficient shade screen and ventilation control settings for a greenhouse covered with light-altering films Explore the latest findings from an Future Food Systems-supported collaborative project between Western Sydney University, LLEAF and Hort Innovation, focused on optimising glasshouse energy management by investigating energy consumption under different shading, light-altering, and ventilation conditions. Authors: Sachin Gorakshnath Chavan, Premaratne Samaranayake, Yi-Chen Lan, Chelsea Maier, Weiguang Liang, Christopher I. Cazzonelli, Zhong-Hua Chen, David T. Tissue April, 2025 Paper	Explore the latest findings from an Future Food Systems-supported collaborative project between Western Sydney University, LLEAF and Hort Innovation, focused on optimising glasshouse energy management by investigating energy consumption under different shading, light-altering, and ventilation conditions.	Optimal energy-efficient shade screen and ventilation control settings for a greenhouse covered with light-altering films Sachin Gorakshnath Chavan, Premaratne Samaranayake, Yi-Chen Lan, Chelsea Maier, Weiguang Liang, Christopher I. Cazzonelli, Zhong-Hua Chen, David T. Tissue
Advances in molecular genetics have increased knowledge of Tuber species’ life cycle and population genetic structure, indicating ways to improve yield In this review, the ‘Truffle Cultivation for Industry Expansion’ project team explore how molecular techniques can improve truffle orchard management, from assessing mycorrhization to identifying contaminant fungi and bacteria. A deeper understanding of the truffle lifecycle is key to successful farming, and this paper highlights critical knowledge gaps, helping both researchers and farmers make informed decisions for better yields in less time Authors: Mahesh C. A. Galappaththi, William A. Dunstan, Giles E. St. J. Hardy, Jen McComb, Mark P. McHenry, Alessandra Zambonelli & Treena I. Burgess Publisher: Mycorrhiza April, 2025 Paper	In this review, the ‘Truffle Cultivation for Industry Expansion’ project team explore how molecular techniques can improve truffle orchard management, from assessing mycorrhization to identifying contaminant fungi and bacteria. A deeper understanding of the truffle lifecycle is key to successful farming, and this paper highlights critical knowledge gaps, helping both researchers and farmers make informed decisions for better yields in less time
Chris Wilkins – LLEAF Showcase (Research Showcase 2024) Chris Wilkins presenting a showcase from LLEAF (Research Showcase 2024) Publisher: Future Food Systems November, 2024 Video	Chris Wilkins presenting a showcase from LLEAF (Research Showcase 2024)
‘Characterisation of capsaicinoids’ with Mursleen Yasin Watch FFS PhD student Mursleen Yasin talk about the 'Characterisation of capsaicinoids' FFS project Publisher: Future Food Systems November, 2024 Video	Watch FFS PhD student Mursleen Yasin talk about the 'Characterisation of capsaicinoids' FFS project
‘Characterisation of capsaicinoids’ with Dr Sunil Panchal Watch Dr Sunil Panchal talk about the 'Characterisation of capsaicinoids' FFS project Publisher: Future Food Systems October, 2024 Video	Watch Dr Sunil Panchal talk about the 'Characterisation of capsaicinoids' FFS project
Andrew Tilley – Value-adding to Globe Artichokes (Research Showcase 2024) Andrew Tilley (Murdoch University and FFS PhD student) – 'Value-adding to Globe Artichokes' (FFS Research Showcase 2024) Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2024 Video	Andrew Tilley (Murdoch University and FFS PhD student) – 'Value-adding to Globe Artichokes' (FFS Research Showcase 2024)
Optimising blueberry fruit nutritional quality – Dr Richard Thomas and Gareema Pandey Dr Richard Thomas (WSU and FFS project leader) and Gareema Pandey (WSU & FFS PhD student) – 'Optimising blueberry fruit nutritional quality using controlled spectra and mild stress treatment via polytunnel innovation' (FFS Research Showcase 2024) Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2024 Video	Dr Richard Thomas (WSU and FFS project leader) and Gareema Pandey (WSU & FFS PhD student) – 'Optimising blueberry fruit nutritional quality using controlled spectra and mild stress treatment via polytunnel innovation' (FFS Research Showcase 2024)
Mt Lindesay Dr Mark McHenry and his wife, Dr Julia Anwar McHenry grow specialty globe artichokes on Mt Lindesay Farm, near Denmark, WA. As partners in a four-year, Future Food Systems-backed project, they work with researchers at Murdoch University including ANPC scientist Dr Ruey Leng Loo and PhD student Andrew Tilley to quantify beneficial properties in globe artichokes, notably long-chain inulin. Publisher: Future Food Systems April, 2024 Video	Dr Mark McHenry and his wife, Dr Julia Anwar McHenry grow specialty globe artichokes on Mt Lindesay Farm, near Denmark, WA. As partners in a four-year, Future Food Systems-backed project, they work with researchers at Murdoch University including ANPC scientist Dr Ruey Leng Loo and PhD student Andrew Tilley to quantify beneficial properties in globe artichokes, notably long-chain inulin.
Unravelling inulin molecules in food sources using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization magnetic resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-MRMS) pipeline Inulin, a polysaccharide characterized by a β-2,1 fructosyl-fructose structure terminating in a glucosyl moiety, is naturally present in plant roots and tubers. Current methods provide average degrees of polymerization (DP) but lack information on the distribution and absolute concentration of each DP. Authors: Sung-Tong Chin, Berin A. Boughton, Melvin C.L. Gay, Alyce C. Russell, Yimin Wang, Vimalnath Nambiar, Mark P. McHenry, Elaine Holmes, Jeremy K. Nicholson, Ruey Leng Loo Publisher: Food Research International April, 2024 Paper	Inulin, a polysaccharide characterized by a β-2,1 fructosyl-fructose structure terminating in a glucosyl moiety, is naturally present in plant roots and tubers. Current methods provide average degrees of polymerization (DP) but lack information on the distribution and absolute concentration of each DP.	Unravelling inulin molecules in food sources using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization magnetic resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-MRMS) pipeline Sung-Tong Chin, Berin A. Boughton, Melvin C.L. Gay, Alyce C. Russell, Yimin Wang, Vimalnath Nambiar, Mark P. McHenry, Elaine Holmes, Jeremy K. Nicholson, Ruey Leng Loo
Mahesh Galappaththi, PhD student Working with mycologists at Murdoch University and with innovative growers Drs Mark and Julia Anwar McHenry on their farm near Denmark, WA, FFS-backed PhD student Mahesh Galappaththi, originally from Sri Lanka, is exploring ways to ensure successful colonisation of host trees’ root zones by some of the world’s most delectable truffle species. Publisher: Future Food Systems October, 2023 Video	Working with mycologists at Murdoch University and with innovative growers Drs Mark and Julia Anwar McHenry on their farm near Denmark, WA, FFS-backed PhD student Mahesh Galappaththi, originally from Sri Lanka, is exploring ways to ensure successful colonisation of host trees’ root zones by some of the world’s most delectable truffle species.
Vertical Patch The Vertical Patch team explains the company’s state-of-the-art indoor growing system. Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2023 Video	The Vertical Patch team explains the company’s state-of-the-art indoor growing system.
Phenolics in Globe Artichokes – Andrew Tilley (FFS Research Showcase 2023) Murdoch University PhD student Andrew Tilley presenting 'Phenolics in Globe Artichokes' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2023 Video	Murdoch University PhD student Andrew Tilley presenting 'Phenolics in Globe Artichokes' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
Novel microbiome technologies to increase profitability for Aus horticulture – Assoc. Prof. Kirsty Bayliss (FFS Research Showcase 2023) Murdoch University Assoc. Prof. Kirsty Bayliss presenting 'Novel microbiome technologies to increase profitability for Aus horticulture' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2023 Video	Murdoch University Assoc. Prof. Kirsty Bayliss presenting 'Novel microbiome technologies to increase profitability for Aus horticulture' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
Novel bio-based solutions for effective management of key root pathogens – Dr Hongwei Liu (FFS Research Showcase 2023) WSU's Dr Hongwei Liu presenting 'Novel bio-based solutions for effective management of key root pathogens' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2023 Video	WSU's Dr Hongwei Liu presenting 'Novel bio-based solutions for effective management of key root pathogens' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
Sustainable fertigation for high yield and quality vegetables in PC – Prof. Zhonghua Chen (FFS Research Showcase 2023) WSU Prof. Zhonghua Chen presenting 'Sustainable fertigation for high yield and quality vegetables in Protected Cropping' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2023 Video	WSU Prof. Zhonghua Chen presenting 'Sustainable fertigation for high yield and quality vegetables in Protected Cropping' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
Microbial rhizosphere diversity in glasshouse hydroponic crops – Phil Thomas (FFS Research Showcase 2023) UNE PhD student Phil Thomas presenting 'Microbial rhizosphere diversity in glasshouse hydroponic crops' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2023 Video	UNE PhD student Phil Thomas presenting 'Microbial rhizosphere diversity in glasshouse hydroponic crops' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
Namal Jayasuriya, PhD student Eranda Namal Jayasuriya moved from Sri Lanka to Singapore to Sydney to pursue a passion for computer science. As part of the CRC’s ‘IoT for indoor cropping’ project team, he’s conducting sophisticated image analysis to monitor indoor crops Publisher: Future Food Systems July, 2023 Video	Eranda Namal Jayasuriya moved from Sri Lanka to Singapore to Sydney to pursue a passion for computer science. As part of the CRC’s ‘IoT for indoor cropping’ project team, he’s conducting sophisticated image analysis to monitor indoor crops
Improving Blueberry Fruit Nutritional Quality through Physiological and Genetic Interventions: A Review of Current Research and Future Directions This review highlights how interventions such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photo-selective films, and exposure of plants to mild stresses, alongside developing new varieties with desired traits, could be used to optimise the nutritional quality, particularly the content of polyphenols, of blueberry grown under covers. Authors: Priti Krishna, Gareema Pandey, Richard Thomas and Sophie Parks Publisher: Antioxidants March, 2023 Paper	This review highlights how interventions such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photo-selective films, and exposure of plants to mild stresses, alongside developing new varieties with desired traits, could be used to optimise the nutritional quality, particularly the content of polyphenols, of blueberry grown under covers.	Improving Blueberry Fruit Nutritional Quality through Physiological and Genetic Interventions: A Review of Current Research and Future Directions Priti Krishna, Gareema Pandey, Richard Thomas and Sophie Parks
Dr Alex Soeriyadi – LLEAF Hear Sydney-based agripreneur Alex Soeriyadi, an industry partner in the FFSCRC’s ‘Smart glass’, ‘Glasshouse films’ and ‘Methane reduction’ projects, discuss his light-spectra-shifting, crop-enhancing agricultural film LLEAF-Red and the trials it is undergoing at Western Sydney University. Publisher: Future Food Systems February, 2023 Video	Hear Sydney-based agripreneur Alex Soeriyadi, an industry partner in the FFSCRC’s ‘Smart glass’, ‘Glasshouse films’ and ‘Methane reduction’ projects, discuss his light-spectra-shifting, crop-enhancing agricultural film LLEAF-Red and the trials it is undergoing at Western Sydney University.
Prof. Oula Ghannoum Hear Western Sydney University Professor Oula Ghannoum, crop scientist, key researcher on several FFSCRC projects and the project lead for the new $6.8m 'Automated Crop Monitoring for Protected Cropping Systems' project. Publisher: Future Food Systems January, 2023 Video	Hear Western Sydney University Professor Oula Ghannoum, crop scientist, key researcher on several FFSCRC projects and the project lead for the new $6.8m 'Automated Crop Monitoring for Protected Cropping Systems' project.
Dist. Prof. David Tissue Hear Dist. Prof. Tissue talk about the ongoing trials of new retrofit films that aim to reduce heat and boost growth and yield in glasshouse-grown crops, involving Western Sydney University scientists, Hort Innovation, various industry partners and FFS. Publisher: Future Food Systems January, 2023 Video	Hear Dist. Prof. Tissue talk about the ongoing trials of new retrofit films that aim to reduce heat and boost growth and yield in glasshouse-grown crops, involving Western Sydney University scientists, Hort Innovation, various industry partners and FFS.
Commercialisation of Australian native rice – Prof. Sagadevan G. Mundree Professor Sagadevan Mundree, Head of QUT’s School of Biological and Environmental Science, is helping to turn a low-value commodity, faba beans, into healthy, high-value baked goods. Hear Prof. Mundree talk about his work in value-adding and future foods, at 2020's Research Showcase Authors: Prof. Saga Mundree Publisher: Future Food Systems February, 2022 Video	Professor Sagadevan Mundree, Head of QUT’s School of Biological and Environmental Science, is helping to turn a low-value commodity, faba beans, into healthy, high-value baked goods. Hear Prof. Mundree talk about his work in value-adding and future foods, at 2020's Research Showcase
Luminescent Light Emitting Agricultural Film (LLEAF): The next evolution of protected cropping to increase crop productivity sustainably – Dr Alex Soeriyadi LLEAF P/L CEO Dr Alex Soeriyadi is working with Hort Innovation, DPI and Western Sydney University scientists to trial his prototype agricultural films on glasshouse-grown blueberry and lettuce crops. Here, he explains how it all works. Authors: Dr Alex Soeriyadi Publisher: Future Food Systems February, 2022 Video	LLEAF P/L CEO Dr Alex Soeriyadi is working with Hort Innovation, DPI and Western Sydney University scientists to trial his prototype agricultural films on glasshouse-grown blueberry and lettuce crops. Here, he explains how it all works.
Remote sensing technology in protected cropping – Mark Cardamis & Dr Yimeng Feng Remote sensing technology in protected cropping Authors: Mark Cardamis & Dr Yimeng Feng Publisher: Future Food Systems February, 2022 Video	Remote sensing technology in protected cropping	Remote sensing technology in protected cropping – Mark Cardamis & Dr Yimeng Feng Mark Cardamis & Dr Yimeng Feng
Intensive Berry Production Using Greenhouses, Substrates and Hydroponics: Is this the way forward? PCA’s Nicky Mann, 2014 Nuffield Farming Scholar, used her bursary to study indoor berry production across the world. She came back with numerous insights and suggestions for targeted R&D. Authors: Nicky Mann Publisher: Soilless Australia, Vol. 4, 2015 Summer issue June, 2015 Reference Material	PCA’s Nicky Mann, 2014 Nuffield Farming Scholar, used her bursary to study indoor berry production across the world. She came back with numerous insights and suggestions for targeted R&D.	Intensive Berry Production Using Greenhouses, Substrates and Hydroponics: Is this the way forward? Nicky Mann
Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2019/20 Information on the four subsectors listed above are available to download free of charge as four separate pdf documents. Publisher: Hort Innovation April, 2021 Reference Material	Information on the four subsectors listed above are available to download free of charge as four separate pdf documents.	Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2019/20
Australian native rice commercialisation Australian native rice has potential as a high-value, low-volume, Indigenous culturally-identified, nutritious food, but currently it is not commercially available. There is strong interest among Australian Indigenous communities in enterprises based on native plant species and growing interest in native plant foods among consumers. Publisher: CDU March, 2021 Website	Australian native rice has potential as a high-value, low-volume, Indigenous culturally-identified, nutritious food, but currently it is not commercially available. There is strong interest among Australian Indigenous communities in enterprises based on native plant species and growing interest in native plant foods among consumers.	Australian native rice commercialisation
Plant-Based Meat Mind Maps: An Exploration of Options, Ideas and Industry An array of new products formulated to mimic beef, chicken and pork, use plant protein – typically, extracts from soy or pea – as their base ingredients Authors: Lagally, C. et al. Publisher: The Good Food Institute December, 2017 Reference Material	An array of new products formulated to mimic beef, chicken and pork, use plant protein – typically, extracts from soy or pea – as their base ingredients	Plant-Based Meat Mind Maps: An Exploration of Options, Ideas and Industry Lagally, C. et al.
The Changing Landscape of Protein Production: Opportunities and challenges for Australian agriculture The expanding plant-based protein industry could unlock opportunities for Australian agrifood producers, contends this February 2020 report. Publisher: AgriFutures Australia December, 2020 Reference Material	The expanding plant-based protein industry could unlock opportunities for Australian agrifood producers, contends this February 2020 report.	The Changing Landscape of Protein Production: Opportunities and challenges for Australian agriculture
Food, Planet, Health: Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems The global adoption of healthy diets from sustainable food systems would safeguard our planet and improve the health of billions, argues the EAT-Lancet Commission in this compelling report. Publisher: EAT/Lancet Commission Reference Material	The global adoption of healthy diets from sustainable food systems would safeguard our planet and improve the health of billions, argues the EAT-Lancet Commission in this compelling report.	Food, Planet, Health: Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems
Capturing the Prize: The A$200 billion opportunity in 2030 for the Australian food and agribusiness sector This report from the Food and Agribusiness Growth Centre, FIAL, identifies 19 opportunities that could boost the value-addition capability of Australia's agrifood sector to $200b+ p.a. by 2030. Authors: Food Innovation Australia Ltd (FIAL) Publisher: Australian Government Reference Material	This report from the Food and Agribusiness Growth Centre, FIAL, identifies 19 opportunities that could boost the value-addition capability of Australia's agrifood sector to $200b+ p.a. by 2030.	Capturing the Prize: The A$200 billion opportunity in 2030 for the Australian food and agribusiness sector Food Innovation Australia Ltd (FIAL)
Light‐limited photosynthesis under energy‐saving film decreases eggplant yield Light‐limited photosynthesis under energy‐saving film decreases eggplant yield Authors: Sachin G. Chavan, Chelsea Maier, Yagiz Alagoz, Joao C. Filipe, Charles R. Warren, Han Lin, Baohua Jia, Michael E. Loik, Christopher I. Cazzonelli, Zhonghua H. Chen, Oula Ghannoum, David T. Tissue Publisher: Wiley Online September, 2020 Paper	Light‐limited photosynthesis under energy‐saving film decreases eggplant yield	Light‐limited photosynthesis under energy‐saving film decreases eggplant yield Sachin G. Chavan, Chelsea Maier, Yagiz Alagoz, Joao C. Filipe, Charles R. Warren, Han Lin, Baohua Jia, Michael E. Loik, Christopher I. Cazzonelli, Zhonghua H. Chen, Oula Ghannoum, David T. Tissue
Size of the Prize: An Overview of 16 Opportunities for Australian Food & Agribusinesses FIAL's Overview of 16 Opportunities for Australian Food & Agribusinesses Authors: Food and Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) Publisher: Food and Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) November, 2017 Reference Material	FIAL's Overview of 16 Opportunities for Australian Food & Agribusinesses	Size of the Prize: An Overview of 16 Opportunities for Australian Food & Agribusinesses Food and Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL)
Next-generation protected cropping facilities This report reviews current best practices and technology for protected cropping facilities and explores research trends in the sector as first steps towards advancing the technological capabilities of Australia’s indoor horticultural industry and delivering solutions that meet Southern Hemisphere industry-specific needs. Authors: Valeria Almeida Lima, Greg Leslie June, 2020 FFS Publication	This report reviews current best practices and technology for protected cropping facilities and explores research trends in the sector as first steps towards advancing the technological capabilities of Australia’s indoor horticultural industry and delivering solutions that meet Southern Hemisphere industry-specific needs.
Protected cropping Current technologies and target crops Authors: S. G. Chavan, Z. H. Chen, O. Ghannoum, C.I. Cazzonelli and, D. T. Tissue Publisher: Future Food Systems CRC June, 2020 FFS Publication	Current technologies and target crops
New product development This report was authored by Maria Veronica Chandra-Hioe with contributions from Merran White. Authors: Maria Veronica Chandra-Hioe Publisher: Future Food Systems CRC June, 2020 FFS Publication	This report was authored by Maria Veronica Chandra-Hioe with contributions from Merran White.
Smart crop monitoring Precise phenotyping for improved quality and protected cropping management Authors: C. R. Maier, Z. H. Chen, C. I. Cazzonelli, D. T. Tissue and O. Ghannoum June, 2020 FFS Publication	Precise phenotyping for improved quality and protected cropping management

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