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Why does Pyrenophora teres cause net blotch disease in some barley plants and not others?

Net blotch disease in barley

Honours project: Investigate the toxins produced by Pyrenophora teres that cause net blotch disease in barley.

[Read more about Why does Pyrenophora teres cause net blotch disease in some barley plants and not others?]

Evaluation of soybeans as a crop in South Australia

Soybean in pot

Honours project: Join a team of researchers to evaluate the potential of soybeans to be grown in South Australia.

[Read more about Evaluation of soybeans as a crop in South Australia]

Using epigenetics to breed for enhanced reproductive, abiotic and/or biotic traits in cereal crops

Using epigenetics to breed for enhanced reproductive, abiotic and/or biotic traits in cereal crops

Honours project: Various projects suitable for students interested in learning more about plant breeding, genetics, molecular biology, abiotic and biotic stress, and/or plant reproduction.

[Read more about Using epigenetics to breed for enhanced reproductive, abiotic and/or biotic traits in cereal crops]

Plant nematode-interactions: parasitism and defence

nematode barley root

Honours project: Discover how parasitic nematodes affect cereal plant roots and exactly which genes help the plants fight back.

[Read more about Plant nematode-interactions: parasitism and defence]

Improving nodulation by understanding effects of fertiliser and soil type survival of rhizobia

On average, legume crops fix about 100 kg N per hectare, which equates to $4 billion annually in Australia.

[Read more about Improving nodulation by understanding effects of fertiliser and soil type survival of rhizobia]

What causes oedema in brussel sprouts?

Oedema in brussel sprouts

Honours project: In collaboration with AE Cranwell & Sons, investigate the causes of oedema in brussel sprouts.

[Read more about What causes oedema in brussel sprouts?]

Science Education projects available for Honours

Students in lab

Honours projects: Science Education projects to suit your interests.

[Read more about Science Education projects available for Honours]

What keeps native bees from expanding their pollen diet?

Worldwide, many bee species specialise on floral resources from local native plant species, and do not incorporate pollen from introduced species, including crops, in their diet. 

[Read more about What keeps native bees from expanding their pollen diet?]

Investigating the nitrogen and phosphorus requirements of psyllium (Plantago ovata), an emerging food and pharmaceutical crop

Plantago ovata or psyllium, is an emerging crop species in Australia. It is the source of psyllium husk, a dietary fibre-rich material used as health supplements and in the production of gluten-free food. 

[Read more about Investigating the nitrogen and phosphorus requirements of psyllium (Plantago ovata), an emerging food and pharmaceutical crop]

Could Covid-style PCR tests be used to screen for herbicide resistance?

While the dangers and implications of antibiotic resistance to human health are well known and publicised, far less attention has been given the increasing problem of resistance to the pesticides and herbicides vital to global food production systems. 

[Read more about Could Covid-style PCR tests be used to screen for herbicide resistance?]