Agriculture and Food

Ecological drivers of disease spread in horticultural tree crops

This project investigates ecological interactions that influence disease spread in tree crop horticultural systems. The expected outcomes are improved understanding of ecological drivers of the dynamics of diseases and ecological intervention/restoration strategies for disease management. The potential benefit is chemically limited sustainable disease management in horticulture, benefiting industry and the environment.

Influencing factors of feed intake and digestion in prawns

This Project will investigate poorly understood mechanisms regulating feed consumption in prawns through a multi-disciplinary approach studying feeding behaviour, digestive physiology, nutritional needs and metabolism regulation. The expected outcomes are to better understand dietary factors and physiological mechanisms promoting feed consumption and return of appetite in juvenile prawns. This may lead to the application of new feed and feeding strategies to enhance aquaculture performance and sustainability.  

Repurposing & fortification of nutrient-rich waste streams

This project investigates the potential of the combined waste streams from the two industries to develop new ingredients for food applications. The expected outcome is a framework to develop products from reclaimed and fortified nutrient-rich fractions suited to their physico-chemical properties. The potential benefit is improved nutrient upcycling, reduced food waste and carbon footprint. 

Extending the shelf life of UHT plant protein beverages

This Project aims to improve understanding and overcome the negative effects of the secondary lipid oxidation products and Maillard reaction in UHT plant protein beverages. The expected outcome is a methodology to impede the negative impact of malodorous/browning reactions in high protein UHT beverages. This may lead to the extension of shelf life of these products furthering export opportunities.