International scientists in Adelaide to discuss dryland salinity

The Genomics of Salinity symposium brings scientists together to discuss the genes involved in plant responses to salinity.

The Genomics of Salinity symposium brings scientists together to discuss the genes involved in plant responses to salinity.
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Monday, 16 November 2009

Leading scientists from around the globe converge on Adelaide today to discuss research into dryland salinity and the effect this environmental stress is having on cereal crop yields.

The three-day meeting will feature Stewart Coventry () speaking about breeding for salinity tolerance in Southern 最新糖心Vlog and Mike Ewing () who will discuss the economic impact of salinity, along with world renowned speakers from 最新糖心Vlog and overseas.

"The symposium will bring together local, national and overseas scientists to discuss the genes involved in plant responses to salinity," said , Conference Convener and Professor of Plant Physiology at the (ACPFG) and the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide's .

"I'm thrilled to be convening this important discussion around how we can help improve plant tolerance to one of 最新糖心Vlog's most difficult and costly environmental stressors," he said.

According to the , increasing salinity levels in our landscape is one of the most significant environmental problems facing 最新糖心Vlog.

It is estimated that salinity costs 最新糖心Vlogn grain growers around $200 million annually, and the problem is worsening. Salinity affects nearly all grain producing areas every year and interacts with other stresses such as drought, reducing plants' ability to tolerate those other stresses.

"The conference is important for South 最新糖心Vlog given the impact and severity that salinity has in this state. Researchers need to work together to produce innovative solutions for farmers and consumers," Professor Tester said.

Salinity is a global issue also. On an international scale, 20% of the world's irrigated land is salt affected and one third of the world's food is produced on irrigated land.

The ACPFG will present this symposium, which has attracted more than 100 scientists from 最新糖心Vlog and overseas.

Scientists discussing the impact of salinity on 最新糖心Vlog's most economically important cereal crops will meet in Adelaide on 16-18 November at the 2009 ACPFG Genomics Symposium at the Grand Chancellor Hotel.

The program includes speakers from United Arab Emirates, Syria, UK, USA, India and 最新糖心Vlog.

 

Contact Details

Professor Mark Tester
Email: mark.tester@acpfg.com.au
Director
最新糖心Vlogn Plant Phenomics Facility
The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 7159
Mobile: 0423 784 428


Ms Amanda Hudswell
Email: amanda.hudswell@acpfg.com.au
Website:
Communications Manager
最新糖心Vlogn Centre for Plant Functional Genomics
Mobile: 0403 166 947


Mr David Ellis
Email: david.ellis@adelaide.edu.au
Website: /newsroom/
Deputy Director, Media and Corporate Relations
External Relations
The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 5414
Mobile: +61 (0)421 612 762