Latest news with #GRDC
West Australian
12 hours ago
- Science
- West Australian
Chickpea pan-genome tailored by Australian researchers to strengthen specific agronomic traits
A pan-genome has been specifically tailored for Australia chickpea varieties to improve desirable agronomic traits including yield, flowering time, acid soil tolerance, and drought tolerance. The study has identified structural variations in genes that influence seed weight, disease and drought resistance, acid soil resistance, and flowering time. The released research provides an opportunity to expand the genetic base of Australian chickpea varieties and support long-term production of the legume. The analysis of the pan-genome was a collaboration between Chickpea Breeding Australia, Agriculture Victoria Research, WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the University of WA Institute of Agriculture, and BGI Research. Chickpea Breeding Australia is a joint initiative between the Grains Research Development Commission and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. It identified 34,345 gene families, which includes 13,986 dispensable families associated with key agronomic traits. CCFI director and Murdoch University professor Dr Rajeev Varshney said the pan-genome marks a 'significant step' in safeguarding future chickpea production. 'That could mean varieties that are more drought-resilient and acid soil-tolerant in West Australia and nationally, and more resistant to diseases like ascochyta blight,' he said. 'We look forward to working with breeding organisations to get new and improved varieties into the hands of Australian farmers.' GRDC senior manager for oilseeds and pulses Dr Francis Ogbonnaya said the collaboration between Australia's leading chickpea researchers is exemplary. 'It is fantastic to see the country's leading chickpea researchers unite to develop a significant genetic resource critical towards securing the future productivity and sustainability of chickpeas in increasingly challenging growing conditions,' he said. 'This landmark GRDC investment in the development of an Australian chickpea pan-genome represents a major leap forward in our understanding of chickpea genetics that underpins Australia's unique growing conditions. 'By unlocking the genetic diversity within the crop, this research provides a powerful foundation for breeding chickpea varieties with improved drought resilience and abiotic stresses, directly addressing some of the most pressing challenges for Australian grain growers.' Chickpea Breeding Australia chickpea breeder Dr Kirsty Hobson said Australia's chickpea industry had continued to grow since the release of the first commercial variety in the 1970s, producing over 2MT last season. 'However, there are significant challenges, including changes in agricultural practices, shifts in market demands, soil constraints, and significant disease pressures,' she said. 'These findings fill in some much-needed knowledge gaps regarding the genetic makeup of Australian chickpea varieties, which will be essential for further improvement through identifying the genes responsible for yields, stress tolerance and disease resistance.'
West Australian
05-06-2025
- Science
- West Australian
GRDC and partners invest $11m into CSIRO mouse management research
Research into mouse activity and the threat it presents to Australian grain growers will be boosted by a new $11 million joint investment. The multi-million dollar investment from the Grains Research & Development Corporation and partners will fund research led by the CSIRO, allowing multi-year collaborative projects to continue. The research, conducted by the CSIRO, is aimed at forming impact mitigation strategies by investigating how food availability and habitat quality for mice can be reduced through different farming practices as well as lowering breeding success and survival. It also looks at the effectiveness of baiting strategies, novel bait formulations, the use of non-lethal deterrents, the impact of non-crop habitats, and the role of invertebrates in supporting the rapid population growth of mice. GRDC pest manager Dr Leigh Nelson said that advancements in farming systems provided more cover, more food and less ground disturbance from reduced tillage for mice, which had encouraged a population boom. 'Over the years, GRDC initiatives have improved mouse surveillance techniques, refined predictive models, and promoted the widespread adoption of effective management practices through robust communication and extension activities,' she said. 'We will continue to work with key research partners such as CSIRO to tackle the challenges posed by mice to grain production through investments like those announced.' Mouse activity will be monitored three times a year at more than 200 sites across the country, to provide region-specific data. Research on mouse ecology and gaining a better understanding of mice in zero and no-till cropping systems will be led by senior research scientist Dr Wendy Ruscoe. 'The more we know about mouse behaviour in these systems, the more we can help grain growers reduce their economic impact through leading crop protection practice and mouse management techniques,' she said. A GRDC mouse monitoring update released on May 5 showed a low amount of mouse abundance from the Mid West to the south coast, and a moderate mouse abundance in areas in the Mid West and Great Southern. CSIRO research scientist Dr Peter Brown will lead ongoing monitoring of mice to predict seasonal population outbreaks throughout cropping regions including the South West, Great Southern, Mid West, and Esperance-Goldfields. 'This comprehensive portfolio of research will deliver grain growers the latest evidence-backed information on how to reduce the impact of mice in crops,' Dr Brown said. Mice surveillance will also take place in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Zimbabwe seeking contractor for 5 MW of solar
IDBZ, the development bank of Zimbabwe, is working with the Gutu Rural District Council (GRDC) to select a turnkey EPC+F+OM contractor to assist with the development of a 5 MW solar project in Masvingo province. The move follows an announcement in March by the IDBZ for a solar tender seeking an EPC contractor to develop, finance, and operate the 5 MW solar project in Gutu district, with expressions of interest due by April 14, 2025. Chatsworth Energy (Pvt) Ltd., a special purpose vehicle (SPV) established by the IDBZ and the GRDC, is leading the development of the PV project. It is being built near the town of Gutu-Mupandawana and will span 15 hectares across Berry Springs and Wheatlands Farms, according to the tender documents. The facility will be grid-connected to the 33/11 kV Gutu substation, which lies 1 km from the site. A grid impact assessment has reportedly determined that the project will have a positive impact on grid stability. The project has already secured the necessary statutory approvals, and feasibility and environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) have been completed. The board approval for the project was granted on Aug. 23, 2024, and the next step is the solicitation of bids for the EPC+F+OM contractor, according to the tender documents. The successful contractor will be tasked with full-cycle execution, including design, procurement, financing (either full or partial), installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the PV system. The key responsibilities will also include the construction of a 1.1 km, 33 kV line to the Gutu substation, the installation of a 5/7 MVA step-up transformer, the provision of security systems, and the inclusion of monitoring systems for solar performance. The project must comply with both Zimbabwean regulations and international solar industry standards. The completion deadline is set for 12 months from the contract signing. Contractors are required to demonstrate experience in similar projects, with the evaluation process weighted between technical and financial proposals. The successful contractor must also submit proof of funding support and detailed personnel information, including key team members with relevant qualifications. Eligible contractors must meet several criteria, including experience with grid-tied PV projects (at least 5 MW), registration with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), and financial documentation. A minimum bid validity of 90 days is required. The project aims to support Zimbabwe's renewable energy goals, contribute to grid stability, and establish a reliable solar infrastructure with high operational efficiency. Contractors must submit their proposals by April 28, 2025, with the full terms of reference available on the IDBZ website. Zimbabwe's cumulative installed PV capacity stood at 41 MW by the end of 2023, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
