New Post-Harvest Biosecurity Laboratory

A new laboratory focused on post-harvest biosecurity was officially opened at Murdoch University on November 27 2009.

Established at the University’s School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, the new laboratory is Western Australia’s first research and development facility dedicated to improving the quality of storing grain.

Principal Scientist, Murdoch University’s Associate Professor YongLin Ren, said this exciting initiative was timely as post-harvest biosecurity and security of stored grain becomes increasingly important around the world due to the threat of global food shortages.

“The Post-Harvest Biosecurity Stored Grain Research Laboratory at Murdoch University will develop new risk mitigation options that will contribute profitably to plant biosecurity, food and trade safety and help maintain the Australian grain industry position as a market leader in domestic and international trade with sound, cost-effective and safe storage technology,” Dr Ren said.

Scientists at the laboratory will undertake biological studies of insect pests and microorganisms that affect stored products, develop pest management strategies and examine stored product management.

The initiative will also increase education and social awareness, providing online information about Australian grain storage, insect management and industry regulations and enhance Murdoch University’s students’ learning and research in plant biosecruity and food security.

The laboratory team and infrastructure are a joint investment of the Department of Agriculture and Food (WA) and the Cooperative Research Centre for National Plant Biosecurity.

Image: Professor Giles Hardy, Head of the Murdoch-based State Centre of Excellence in Climate Change and Woodland and Forest Health, and Dr YongLin Ren hold jars of weavils in the new laboratory.