Australia
May 22, 2007
 Eminent
grains expert and molecular biologist Professor Rudi Appels
(photo) has been awarded a Visiting Fellowship within the Food
Futures Flagship to advance the application of genomics
technologies for the selection and development of high quality
grains, including wheat and barley.
A member of staff at
Murdoch University where
he currently heads up the
Molecular Plant
breeding CRC activities in Western Australia, Professor
Appels will work within the Flagship’s Future Grains, Grain
Based Foods and Feed theme, which is focused on researching new
techniques in advanced genetics with the aim of delivering
premium value in food and feeds for Australia’s agrifood
industries.
Through this fellowship, Professor Appels will bring together
the complementary expertise in
CSIRO and Agricultural Research Western Australia (AWRA) to
work with cereal researchers in Australia and internationally,
and develop a program to determine the quality of grain required
for specific end-products, such as breads, pastries and noodles.
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“There are a number of quality attributes that are key
determinants for the sale of our grain into export
markets and it is crucial we continue to invest and
research grain quality to maintain the competitive edge
of Australian grain in these markets,” says
Professor Appels. |
Key aspects of the research are
new developments and technologies in genomics as they apply to
identifying genes and gene networks that control the expression
of the desired attributes in the grains – the 'genomics of
quality'.
“There are a number of quality attributes that are key
determinants for the sale of our grain into export markets and
it is crucial we continue to invest and research grain quality
to maintain the competitive edge of Australian grain in these
markets,” says Professor Appels.
“The new science of genomics research on complex species such as
cereals has the potential to define entirely the genetic basis
for end-use traits and how environmental factors interact with
the genetic elements.”
“A consequence of success in this area is a capability to
produce 'designer' varieties targeting niche markets that reward
our producers for providing consistent and targeted quality
attributes in the grain sold. In doing this, we will also work
with cereal scientists from key export markets to understand
better the specific technical requirements of those markets,
especially those countries’ cultural preferences in taste,
appearance and texture.”
“The research expertise available in Australia, especially in
CSIRO and the Food Futures Flagship, provides a foundation on
which to build a major research resource devoted to wheat
quality improvement.”
Flagship Visiting Fellowships enable Australian-based
researchers to undertake agreed collaborative projects under the
auspices of the National Research Flagships program. The program
has been allocated $A97 million over seven years under the
Australian Government’s Backing Australia’s Ability - Building
Our Future Through Science and Innovation package. |
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