Crops
Drugging plants to learn their secrets
New University of Melbourne research finds that discovering chemicals and drugs that affect the circadian rhythms of plants could improve crop yields.
Tackling a global crop pandemic - from the air
The spread of Xf bacteria is a huge threat to global agriculture, but University of Melbourne research is enhancing airborne detection methods to control it.
Smaller plants show promise for future food crops
University of Melbourne researchers have bred smaller soybean plants with the same yield, raising hopes smaller crops could grow more food on less land.
Food to fight hidden hunger
University of Melbourne researchers are redesigning wheat to create healthier versions of one of the world’s favourite foods – bread.
A question of quinoa
Traditional knowledge from the Andean peoples is inspiring University of Melbourne research on quinoa flowering and the development of future breeding programs.
Planning for climate extremes in global farming
A new study, led by the University of Melbourne, finds that climate extremes, like heatwaves and droughts, are impacting on the food we get from global crops.
Making friends with fronds: understanding plants’ feelings
Dr Kim Johnson from the University of Melbourne discusses how plants respond to their environments and how this understanding can help grow better crops.
The power of recycled poo
A study, led by the University of Melbourne, finds that animal poo does a better job than synthetic fertilisers for many crops and reduces nitrogen pollution.
Silage: Rocket-fuel for cows
Silage provides key nutrition for livestock and allows farmers to manage feed - we ask University of Melbourne experts what it is, and why it smells?
From Burundi to Australia: Transplanting farming know-how
Former Burundian refugees in rural Mildura are helping University of Melbourne researchers discover how different farming methods could be used in Australia.