Horsham scientist Joe Panozzo has received a national award in recognition of his extensive grain quality research which has contributed to improved grain varieties for Australian growers
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NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Director General and Farrer Memorial Trust Chairman, Scott Hansen this week presented the 2015 Farrer Memorial Medal to Dr Joe Panozzo a grains chemist, for his innovative grain quality research.
Mr Hansen congratulated Dr Joe Panozzo, a senior research scientist from the Department of Economic Development Jobs Transport and Resources..
“Dr Panozzo has made significant advances in improving the efficiency in testing germplasm within plant breeding programs for quality traits in wheat, barley, canola, lentils and field peas,” Mr Hansen said.
Dr Panozzo currently leads the research team within the grains and forage chemistry group at the Grains Innovation Park in Horsham, Victoria. In his oration, Dr Panozzo asked the question –‘Will current plant breeding for grain quality traits be applicable in a changing environment?’
Dr Panozzo said what may not be apparent to those not directly associated with plant improvement is the need to look into the future to foresee issues which may arise in a decade.
“These issues may be related to the outbreak of new plant diseases, the effects of climate-variability, the establishment of new markets or a shift in food trends,” Dr Panozzo said.
“The development of new varieties is becoming more difficult. Scientists try to combine genes which confer increased grain yields, improved agronomic traits for adaptability in a changing environment, resistance to pests and diseases as well as ensuring grains meet the market specifications.
“In a competitive environment, gaining or maintaining market share is important for profitability, so breeding programs target quality traits to align with the largest markets. Also, with the acceleration of lifestyle diseases and the apparent increase in cereal based allergies, further research in developing varieties to assist in overcoming these issues will become more important.”
Dr Panozzo’s research includes the application of digital image analysis to quantify seed characteristics in pulse grains.
