January 2007 issue - Science and Research Updates

CROP PRODUCTION | Scientists identify wheat germplasm suitable for acid soils
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) scientists have identified a major new source of wheat germplasm tolerant of aluminium toxicity, paving the way for the breeding of new bread wheat varieties able to grow in acid soils.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2007/wheat-germplasm-suitable-acid-soils

PLANT PRODUCTION | $1.2 million canola and olive oil research laboratory opened
A new $1.2 million state-of-the-art Australian Oils Research Laboratory has been opened at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute. It is Australia’s first and only internationally accredited chemical and sensory testing facility for olive oil.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2007/canola-olive-oil-research-laboratory

FORESTRY SCIENCES | Sydney 'dig' to determine greenhouse emissions from landfills
A ‘dig’ at a former rubbish tip in Sydney is providing scientists with the clues needed to determine the level of greenhouse emissions from wood products in landfills.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2007/sydney-dig-determine-greenhouse-emissions-landfills

PEST CONTROL | Freeze-dried rabbit Calicivirus to be developed
A new research project to develop a freeze-dried form of the rabbit Calicivirus is expected to remove a major impediment to widespread distribution of the virus.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2007/freeze-dried-rabbit-calicivirus

AQUACULTURE | High pressure treated oysters taste better, say consumers
Oysters treated with high pressure water look and taste better, according to consumers who participated in a NSW DPI research project.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2007/high-pressure-treated-oysters-taste-better

CROP PROTECTION | Latest stripe rust warning - what it means for NSW growers
The new Yr17 attacking pathotype of stripe rust is unlikely to present a major problem for farmers in central and northern NSW this year.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2007/latest-stripe-rust-warning

CROP PRODUCTION | Cotton and corn - ideal companions
Using corn as a rotation crop could be the key to reversing some of the soil fertility decline in Australian cotton fields.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2007/cotton-corn-ideal-companions

FISHERIES SCIENCE | Saving the eastern freshwater cod
Scientists have used underwater cameras and radio tracking to spy on an endangered native fish species as they attempt to save it from extinction.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2007/rare-fish-shows-soft-side

PLANT PROTECTION | Cotton disease under attack
A novel method to better manage black root rot in cotton will see NSW Department of Primary Industries’ scientists at the Australian Cotton Research Institute near Narrabri test the potential of onions and marigolds as biofumigation crops.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2007/cotton-disease-under-attack

ANIMAL PROTECTION | Solution to summer staggers risk from cathead
Research is underway to give central-western graziers a remedy for a crippling and fatal disease of sheep - Tribulus staggers.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2007/solution-summer-staggers-cathead

FISHERIES SCIENCE | NSW helps lead the way on the future of Australian seafood
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will play a major role in a Seafood Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) which aims to increase supply and the value of seafood to meet increasing demands.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2007/nsw-leads-seafood-crc