Department of Agriculture and Food researcher Ben Biddulph has been honoured for his industry contribution with the 2014 Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) western region Seed of Light award.
The award was presented to Dr Biddulph by GRDC Western Region Panel chairman Peter Roberts at Perth’s Agribusiness Crop Updates this week.
The Seed of Light is awarded annually to someone who has made a significant contribution to communicating the outcomes from grains research.
Department Grains Industries Executive Director Mark Sweetingham said the award provided recognition of Dr Biddulph’s important role in the WA grains industry, particularly in the area of frost research.
“This is a well-deserved accolade for one of our young researchers who has become the State’s ‘go-to-person’ in the area of frost research and has also developed a significant national reputation in this field,” Dr Sweetingham said.
“Frost can impact significantly on grain production, and this is an area which is of great concern to growers.”
Frost is estimated to cost Western Australian growers up to $110 million annually in direct costs when it occurs and several fold more annually in opportunity costs with delayed sowing.
“Of particular note has been Ben’s ability to translate complex information around issues such as frost into usable recommendations for growers and their advisors,” Dr Sweetingham said.
Dr Biddulph began with the department in 2002 where he undertook research into abiotic stresses including pre-harvest sprouting, waterlogging, salinity, drought and frost. This work has been complemented with related national research on flowering time and adaptation of wheat.
He helped develop critical ‘frost phenotyping’ methodology, which allows researchers to accurately measure and quantify the effect of frost on varieties in the field.
Dr Biddulph is co-leading the Australian National Frost Program (ANFP). He also provides research leadership at Merredin’s Managed Environment Facility (MEF), focusing on drought stress.
The 2014 Agribusiness Crop Updates, held at Crown Perth, has attracted a record attendance of more than 500 delegates.
The two-day event is presented by the Grain Industry Association of WA on behalf of the department and GRDC.
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