Horticultural Plant Improvement

Breeding of new improved cultivars is essential if Australia is to establish and maintain a competitive edge internationally. Research addresses breeding of horticultural crops via both hybridisation and molecular techniques. Our research has resulted in the release of the first three Banksia cultivars for cut flower production.

• Breeding Eucalypts for Cut Stem Production

More recently research into almond breeding has been the focus of work in horticulture. Dr Michelle Wirthensohn has been involved in work funded by the Almond industry of Australia.

The primary aims of the work are listed here.

• The Australian Almond Breeding Program - Dr Michelle Wirthensohn
• Mastering Marzipan - Dr Tricia Franks, Dr Chris Ford, Dr Michelle Wirthensohn, Dr Brent Kaiser.
• DNA and Paternity Studies in Olives - Dr Jenny Guerin
• Self Incompatibility in Almond - Dr Michelle Wirthensohn

For information about studying in this field please visit our Student Services page.