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Western Australian plant geneticists have played an integral role in identifying a new semidwarf gene to breed barley crops that can better withstand climate change. The collaboration between the Western Crop Genetics Alliance, University of Tasmania and Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science offers a new opportunity for developing barley varieties that can adapt to modern farming conditions.
The researchers have discovered a new semidwarf gene and developed diagnostic molecular markers to support faster breeding of varieties which carry desirable traits such as enhanced early emergence characteristics with deep seeding.
Chengdao Li is director of the Alliance, a partnership between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Murdoch University. Professor Li said climate change has threatened production sustainability of common crop varieties based on the ‘green revolution’ in the 1960s and ‘70s.
“This green revolution was based on ‘dwarfing’ gene mutations that led to shorter stems, reducing competition for resources and helping lift yields,” he said.
“However, in warm and dry environments, commonly found in Australia’s cropping regions, the genes may overly reduce plant height, making mechanical harvest difficult.
"As climate change affects the intensity and frequency of rainfall, varieties with these genes may reduce grain weight, yield and biomass, particularly in drought-affected environments.
“It is also reported that the green revolution genes decrease coleoptile length, leading to poor emergence under deep sowing, a practice that growers have been using to ameliorate drought impacts.”
Professor Li said there was an urgent need for plant breeders to select short-statured barley cultivars with enhanced early emergence characteristics to counteract the climate change impact on grain production. More...
Source: DPIRD | Photo: Murdoch University [Jingye Cheng (PhD student of University of Tasmania and Murdoch University), Professor Chengdao Li (Western Crop Genetics Alliance director) and Dr Yong Han (DPIRD molecular geneticist) inspect the gene-edited RGT Planet with modified plant height and flowering time at the GRDC Grain Precinct at Murdoch University.]
Australian exporters will see faster export documentation and easier access into Singapore’s markets, as certification between Australia and Singapore moves towards paperless trading.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Acting Deputy Secretary Nicola Hinder PSM said Australia and Singapore committed to the Digital Economy Agreement in 2020, collaborating on digital trade to benefit our agricultural and food industries.
“Using electronic export certification (eCert) means the relevant information is sent directly to overseas government agencies almost instantly, allowing for quicker clearance times so producers can get their goods to market faster,” Ms Hinder said. “This results in less time waiting on a rubber-stamp for paperwork, a reduction in fraudulent behaviour and easier record keeping."
A parallel exchange process has started, with paper certification operating alongside the eCert for consignments of edible meat exported from Australia. Australian government counterparts in Singapore will have both methods of certification during the transition period.
“We plan to be fully paperless later this year and to add other commodities as agreed,” Ms Hinder said. “The Digital Economy Agreement delivers a comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperation, to help businesses and consumers make the most of the digital economy." More...
Source and Image: DAFF
Australian wheat is expected to comprise a record 13.7% share of global wheat exports in 2022-23, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has reported in its latest Australian wheat export snapshot.
This is a 1% increase from 2021-22 and an 8.5% increase from the drought affected 10-year low of 5.2% in 2019-20. This forecast is due to record levels of Australian production, conflict in Ukraine, and drought conditions in the United States and Argentina.
With Australia's record wheat exports helping to fill global supply gaps, approximately half go to the ASEAN region, predominately Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Australian wheat exports to China have also increased. This is primarily due to the price of feed-wheat falling below the price of feed-corn (both are substitute options for animal feed). More...
Source: DAFF | Photo: DPIRD
Exporters are larger and better performing than non-exporters, according to a new report just released by Austrade.
Across a wide range of countries and industries, the inaugural Australian State of Exporters Report 2022 found that exporters are larger, more productive, more skill and capital-intensive, more innovative and pay higher wages.
The report said Australian exporters were more resilient to the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Export businesses were 9% more likely to survive the COVID-19 pandemic than non-exporters.
In 2020-21 Australian companies exported to more than 230 markets, generating $1.56 trillion in turnover in 2020-21 and contributing $646.6 billion value added to the Australian economy. More...
Source and Image: Austrade | Related: Exporters drive Australian jobs and economy Source: Australian Minister for Trade
Global growth is projected to fall from an estimated 3.4% in 2022 to 2.9% in 2023, then rise to 3.1% in 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says in its latest World Economic Outlook Update.
The forecast for 2023 is 0.2% higher than predicted by the IMF in October 2022, but below the historical (2000–19) average of 3.8%. The rise in central bank rates to fight inflation and Russia’s war in Ukraine continue to weigh on economic activity.
The rapid spread of COVID-19 in China dampened growth in 2022, but the recent reopening has paved the way for a faster-than-expected recovery. while still above pre-pandemic (2017–19) levels of about 3.5%. More...
Source and Graphic: IMF | Related: A second year of sharply slowing growth Source: World Bank
Further information
Agribusiness, commercial fishing and aquaculture news from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). If you have any questions or information to share, please email export@dpird.wa.gov.au.
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Important disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.
Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2023.
