issue 168, january february 2024
This page shows the articles in issue 168, january february 2024 of GroundCover. As articles are developed and published online, the list below will grow until all articles are available.
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Honey bee surveillance plays vital role in grains industry
Issue 168, January-February 2024 - 22 Jan 2024The National Bee Pest Surveillance Program is an early warning system that uses a range of surveillance methods at seaports and airports throughout Australia, as these are the most likely entry points for honey bee pests and pest bees. Surveillance at additional ports is also provided through in-kind contributions by state and territory governments.
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Season-ending rain complicates harvest across the country
Issue 168, January-February 2024 - 19 Jan 2024Each year, GroundCover™ follows a group of growers from across Australia as they manage the cropping season. In this final instalment for season 2023, they tell staff writers how the season drew to a conclusion.
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Opportunities abound in a growing industry
Issue 168, January-February 2024 - 18 Jan 2024The latest estimates from the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture, based on job ad numbers, are that more than six vacancies exist for every graduate of a university agriculture course. The Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia was created to promote and develop credible, objective teaching material for primary and secondary students.
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Shedding new light on soil organic carbon in Australian grain systems
Issue 168, January-February 2024 - 17 Jan 2024Detailed diagnoses of soil organic carbon in grain-producing systems are being explored using state-of-the-art facilities through a collaborative network. The University of Queensland team harnessed the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Synchrotron facility in Victoria to examine (1) changes in carbon forms and their microscale distribution in bulk soils; and (2) their carbon fractions, as related to climate conditions, soil types, land use and management practices.
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National project to advance Australian virus management
Issue 168, January-February 2024 - 16 Jan 2024From evaluating new strains of virus to assessing the annual impact on crops, the latest national virus program has an extensive scope of work, ultimately focused on helping growers to improve yields and profitability. GRDC has invested $12 million in a five-year national research project to help growers better prevent and manage virus infections in their crops.
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Diverse diet boosts gut health
Issue 168, January-February 2024 - 15 Jan 2024Diet is a key influence in shaping the gut microbiome and associated health outcomes. While no specific diet or food improves gut health, increasing dietary fibre intake, predominantly found in vegetables, fruits, wholegrain bread and cereals, legumes, nuts and seeds, is one of the most effective ways to diversify the microbiome's composition and improve gut health.
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Oat noodles and oat ‘rice’ headed for supermarket shelves
Issue 168, January-February 2024 - 12 Jan 2024Oat scientists at the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre have developed manufacturing processes for 100 per cent wholegrain noodles and a ‘rice’ product that can be eaten like regular rice. Made from Australian oats, which are high in beta-glucan, the products offer superior nutritional benefits.
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Gene editing to enhance colour and flavour in wheat
Issue 168, January-February 2024 - 11 Jan 2024The Agricultural Biotechnology Council of Australia is an industry initiative established to increase public awareness of, and encourage informed debate and decision-making about, gene technology.
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Making on-farm biosecurity work for you
Issue 168, January-February 2024 - 10 Jan 2024The end of harvest is the ideal time for growers to review farm biosecurity plans to protect their business from the impact of new and harmful pests and diseases. There is a common misconception that implementing on-farm biosecurity is complicated and expensive; it does not have to be – it should just suit your purposes.
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Surveillance – an essential component of grains biosecurity
Issue 168, January-February 2024 - 09 Jan 2024Australia has a comprehensive biosecurity system that undertakes risk-reducing activities through a continuum of pre-border, border and post-border activities. It prevents the entry, establishment and spread of new grain pests, which is vital in supporting the international competitiveness and ultimate profitability of the grains industry.