Three inspiring young scientists, all from Curtin University, presented their research to the forum today, hosted by Ag Institute Australia (WA Division) and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
The medal, honouring former Department of Agriculture Director General Noel Fitzpatrick, was presented by his daughter Dr Carol Fitzpatrick to Ms Cooper for her grains research.
Ms Cooper, who grew up in Esperance, presented her Honours research that tested the effectiveness of chemical products to reduce Ice Nucleation Active (INA) bacteria, which increase the risk of frost damage on cereal crops.
Her research found a potassium soap and silicate mixture proved to be the most effective treatment to reduce INA on corn seedlings in controlled environment laboratory experiments.
CSBP account manager Miles Ellery was awarded second place for his Honours research project that examined the potential of struvite, a wastewater treatment by-product of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate, as a supplement for phosphorous fertiliser.
Experiments on pastures in the South West demonstrated struvite performed comparatively well to single superphosphate fertiliser but more research was required to assess phosphorus loss pathways and effectiveness in different soil types.
Gloria Rovira, originally from Panama, was award third place for her Masters research on whether the native plant Solanum symonii, known as Kangaroo apple, could be used as rootstock to improve tomato production.
All the native treatment combinations in Ms Rovira’s experiments had consistent survival, plant height and stem diameter compared with the control plants, suggesting that the native species could be a valuable option for grafting tomatoes
DPIRD grains genetic improvement manager Darshan Sharma congratulated the forum participants and commended them on the value of their research.
“These passionate young scientists demonstrated their commitment and determination to furthering research in their chosen disciplines,” Dr Sharma said.
“Early career scientists bring new perspectives and innovative approaches to research that help to advance scientific outcomes to the benefit of our primary industries.
“The Young Professionals in Agriculture Forum continues to provide a unique platform to profile and celebrate the work of the next generation of agriculture and fisheries scientists and I wish this year’s participants all the best for the future.”
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