CQUniversity Centre for Plant and Water Science representatives recently attended the Australian Society for Horticultural Science Conference on ‘Smart Science for Innovative Horticultural Enterprises', held on the Gold Coast.

Professor David Midmore was invited to present at a workshop on Horticultural Lifestyles, talking about integrated vermiculture, aquaculture and hydroponics.

Plant and Water Science reps enjoy some down-time during the conference

Professor Kerry Walsh spoke on recent advances in measuring and predicting fruit quality and Dr Phul Subedi gave a presentation on the use of Near Infrared Spectroscopy for detecting mango maturity.

Posters were presented by CQUniversity researchers including:

- Ria Reyes on Stevia rebaudiana;

- Karuna Shrestha on compost teas; and

- Manouchehr Torabi on aspects of air bubble size in aerated irrigation water.

Professor Midmore said this was a significant event "at a time when public funding for agricultural research is at an all-time low as a percentage of GDP".

"Close to 130 national and international participants enjoyed the varied program, which was prefaced by the news that the CSIRO has confirmed the closure of its premier Horticultural Research Centre at Merbein in Victoria," Professor Midmore said.  "Despite renowned success in servicing the needs of the horticultural industry, the CSIRO centre is to be closed."