Earlier this week I visited the Leslie Research Centre here in Toowoomba. The centre is part of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI &F) – it seeks to maximise the economic potential of Qld agriculture on a sustainable basis much the same as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
The Internationally recognised Centre was initially opened in 1962 as the premiere Wheat Research Institute with growers financing the land, buildings and capital equipment. It continues to develop new varieties of wheat, oats, and barley and, as well, develops resistance to disease. Use of biotechnology to enhance capability in molecular marker development is a priority. Soil and plant nutrition in developing safe and effective weed management strategies for grains and cotton cropping systems also figure prominently.
Their research focuses on barley, sorghum, corn, soybeans, chick peas, and a wide range of specialised pulse beans for the human consumption market. About 80% of the soybean varieties currently grown in Qld and more than 60% of the navy beans grown in Qld, NSW and Victoria were bred at this station. Over 80% of the barley varieties grown in Qld were released form here.
And then at the weekend there was a little time for a bit of practical research into an olive and wine grape property North of Toowoomba. GSE hosts Margaret (right rear), Sue (left rear) and Henry (right front), accompanied me, along with host Graham (driver/photographer) for a pleasant afternoon in the country.
Of particular great help to my agricultural vocational activities with a full day conducted tour of the district crops was David, General Manager, Plant Science with DPI in Toowoomba. On learning that he was a Rotarian I was able to visit his club, Rotary Club of Toowoomba [there are seven clubs in Toowoomba], and here we are chatting with his president Stephen after the meeting.
.gif)
No comments:
Post a Comment