Plant genetics workshop attracts international researchers

Southern Cross University will be sharing its expertise in plant genetics with representatives from countries including China, Austria, Thailand and India at an international training workshop starting on Monday (March 23).

The University’s Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics is hosting the workshop at the Lismore campus with funding from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The workshop, running from Monday through to Friday, will be opened by Janelle Saffin, the Member for Page, and Professor Paul Clark Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Robert Henry, director of the Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics, said the Centre had been selected to host the workshop because of its expertise in plant DNA analysis and its application in plant breeding.

“Essentially all the plants we use have been modified by humans over time starting with the first plant domestications over 12,000 years ago,” Professor Henry said.

“We have exploited evolution for our benefit by ensuring that natural plant variants that are useful are selected and cultivated. This ongoing process is essential to global food security ensuring we produce food with the nutritional qualities we need and in the quantities required to satisfy growing demand.

“Our expertise here at the Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics is in actively and accurately monitoring that process through the identification of particular genes.

“The new DNA tools that we are researching and developing can make that breeding process much more efficient.”

The workshop is being attended by researchers in the science and agriculture field from China, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam and Austria.

The participants will attend workshops at the Lismore campus as well as undertaking field trips in the region. Professor Henry will also be giving a free public seminar, part of the Science Conversation Series, on Thursday evening from 5.30pm to 7pm. The seminar ‘Plant Resources for Food, Fuel or Conservation’ will be held in U231 at the Lismore campus.

The International Atomic Energy Agency is an organisation established under the United Nations to promote the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. The IAEA supports research and development on critical problems facing developing countries.

Photo: Professor Robert Henry, director of the Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics, is hosting visiting scientists from around the world at a workshop starting on Monday.