New phase for plant genomics research at Waite campus

Monday, 19 September 2016

The University of Adelaide will gear up its research to improve cereal crop productivity and resilience as a major centre in the field winds down over the coming year.

Shareholders of the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics Pty Ltd (ACPFG) voted today for a leaner future, following the ending of its core grant support. ACPFG will see out its international research contracts over an extended period prior to wind up, while the University of Adelaide – its largest shareholder – will in parallel enhance its activities in plant genomics research to continue to serve the needs of the grains industry.

"The University of Adelaide is committed to research using the latest biotechnology to improve cereal crops' ability to grow in challenging conditions, including drought, salinity and nutrient deficiency," says Professor Mike Brooks, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

"This research, leading to higher yielding and more salt and drought tolerant crops, will continue at the University’s Waite campus, Australia’s leading research precinct for plant biotechnology, cereal breeding, sustainable agriculture, wine and horticulture and land management."

ACPFG's seven shareholders are the Grains Research and Development Corporation, the South Australian Government, Agriculture Victoria Services, and the Universities of Adelaide, Melbourne, Queensland and South Australia.

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