News: Honours projects - Agricultural science
Comparison of root traits in old and new wheat genotypes
Plant physiologists have studied the single plant, and agronomists have looked at the whole crop, but the plant within the community has scarcely been investigated. Whilst evolution favours competitive phenotypes, agriculture selects for phenotypes with lower competitive ability or a communal behaviour.
[Read more about Comparison of root traits in old and new wheat genotypes]
Is there a link between embryo size, root architecture and drought stress in barley?
Developing crops that can withstand hot and dry climates is becoming increasingly important worldwide.
Alternative crops for dryland farming systems
Crop-growing regions experience increasingly dryer and warmer climates, and more lands are becoming hostile to any crop currently cultivated.
[Read more about Alternative crops for dryland farming systems]
Stomatal traits for water-use efficient crops
Water is the cost of our food. Understanding how plants use available water and convert it to food even in harsh environments is essential to develop resilient crops.
[Read more about Stomatal traits for water-use efficient crops]
Could Covid-style PCR tests be used to screen for herbicide resistance?
Honours project: This project will involve the design of PCR assays to aid in rapid, field based screening for herbicide resistance in weeds.
[Read more about Could Covid-style PCR tests be used to screen for herbicide resistance?]
Seed size variation in chickpea and lentil
Seed size is highly variable in most agricultural crops and affects crop productivity and quality.
[Read more about Seed size variation in chickpea and lentil]
High sodium wheat for disease resistance?
In the course of ongoing salinity tolerance research, we observed variation for leaf and stem rust resistance that seemed to be related to a novel trait for sodium accumulation in bread wheat.
Why does Pyrenophora teres cause net blotch disease in some barley plants and not others?
Honours project: Investigate the toxins produced by Pyrenophora teres that cause net blotch disease in barley.
Evaluation of soybeans as a crop in South Australia
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
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.
