Christopher McMullan
Technical Officer
My role in the department
Christopher works on the GRDC funded project 'Effective genetic control of Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB) in wheat crops'. This five year project has a series for field trials at Katanning, Northam and Manjimup. As lost yield to farmers can be measured in the millions of dollars annually, genetic control is a high priority of wheat breeders. The project addresses key requests from breeders:
- new germplasm with quantitative trait loci (QTL) introgressed (singularly and in combination) and expressing enhanced SNB resistance in Australian wheat backgrounds;
- new SNP markers for existing and new QTL to track and select for SNB resistance in commercial breeding;
- Simpler, robust and efficient phenotypic screening of wheat germplasm for SNB response under managed environments using the most recent fungal isolates present in Australian grain production regions.
My background
Christopher has worked for 29 years as a technical officer, supporting research into wheat and various horticultural crops. His experience includes running crossing programs in wheat and wax flowers, glasshouse management, field trial management, laboratory techniques for early embryo rescue, casual staff management and general practical skills needed to run a variety of machinery.
Projects
- Effective genetic control of Stagonospora nodorum blotch in wheat crops. GRDC funded project - DAW00248
Key Expertise
Wheat breeding, glasshouse management, embryo rescue, field trial management, crossing programs
Qualifications
- Bachelor Degree of Horticulture, Canterbury University, New Zealand