Dr Richard Thomas

Dr Richard Thomas

P2-009 Optimising blueberry fruit nutritional quality

Dr Richard Thomas is a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University. An archaeological scientist and chemist with a PhD from Cardiff University, Richard’s specialist research interests are in the application of remote sensing.

Richard has over 20 years’ experience in the science-based study of Early Bronze Age metallurgy and has been involved in work on radiogenic isotope study of population dynamics. More recently, he has been involved in horticultural research particularly in regard to the use of Ground Penetrating Radar, resistivity and conductivity measurements and satellite image analysis for study of crop dynamics and disease in economically important crops.

Currently, Richard is the Project Leader on the ‘Optimising blueberry fruit nutritional quality’ research project with LLEAF and NSW DPI, supported by Future Food Systems.

P2-009 In Progress

Optimising blueberry fruit nutritional quality using controlled spectra and mild stress treatment via polytunnel innovation

This PhD project is using phenomic, agronomic, physiological and biochemical approaches to assess as well as develop interventions for maximising plant resilience and fruit quality of blueberry under protected cropping.

Gareema Pandey: Optimising nutritional content in polytunnel-grown blueberries

As CRC Industry PhD student attached to the 'Blueberry nutritional optimisation' project, Gareema Pandey is working with crop scientists and sustainability experts at Western Sydney University and NSW Department of Primary Industries to improve the nutritional profile of blueberries grown undercover.

CRC indoor-cropping projects feature on ABC Landline

Western Sydney University scientists are trialling LLEAF P/L's new ‘light-spectra-shifting’ agricultural films on horticultural crops in a trio of CRC projects that are the focus of a recent ABC Landline segment.

Protected Cropping Australia Conference: wet but well attended

Relentless rain did little to dampen the spirits of the estimated 450 delegates, 40 virtual attendees, 60 exhibitors and large CRC-cohort contingent at this year’s PCA conference in Coffs Harbour.

CRC projects on the agenda at 2022 PCA Conference in Coffs

Research leads, PhDs and project collaborators from government and industry are among the CRC-affiliated presenters at this year's PCA Conference.

Meet Priti Krishna: sustainable cropping expert

For Priti Krishna, Foundation Chair of Sustainable Agriculture at Western Sydney University and lead researcher on the CRC’s Blueberry nutritional optimisation project, it’s not just about growing better crops; it’s about growing crops better.

Optimising conditions for producing nutritionally potent blueberries under cover

To gain the edge in global markets, Australia needs to produce blueberries with superior quality and health benefits. This project will ascertain the production conditions needed to maximise key ‘nutraceutical’ traits in polytunnel-grown berries.
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