as of 12 July 2008
Functional foods in horticulture
Objective
To bring together Australasian researchers involved in developing ‘fresh, functional’ fruit and vegetable products and discuss how best to deliver benefits for human health
Proposed format
Whole, fresh and functional?
There is a wealth of epidemiological data linking diets rich in fruit and vegetables to improved health. How can researchers help bridge the gap between the compelling epidemiological evidence and the sparser data linking specific phytonutrients with specific health indicators? In this workshop we will consider the regulatory environment: identifying the few high-level health claims permitted by FSANZ, and why they were permitted. We shall discuss the use of metabolomics as a tool for complex compositional analysis. We will share information on the often-overlooked areas of the effects of cooking and bioavailability of phytonutrients. And finally we will consider the use of bioassays and biomarkers in terms of the reliability of the evidence they provide for individual benefits.
This workshop is a networking opportunity for the key Australasian research groups engaged in researching the links between fruit and vegetable composition and human health.
Dr Julian Heyes (Crop Research New Zealand) National and international guest speakers
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Welcome & introductions; Epidemiology and phytonutrients
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Participants feel welcome; intro to the research challenge
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Julian does introduction then ‘check-in’ around the room; presentation and discussion
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Regulatory environment: permissible claims
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Participants understand content and high-level claims
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Presentation followed by discussion: how will new health claims be permitted?
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Simone Rochefort, DPIV (tbc)
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Participants understand metabolomics and its potential
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Presentation followed by discussion: how will new techniques contribute?
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Margot Skinner, HortResearch
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Participants understand need to have reliable suite of bioassays or biomarkers for speedy trials
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Presentation followed by discussion: how can we integrate these approaches with metabolomics to open up new health opportunities?
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Bioavailability and cooking
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Sarah Morrison, CFR (tbc)
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Participants understand interaction between phytonutrients, factors influencing bioavailability
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Presentation followed by discussion: how can we what else needs to be considered apart from composition?
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Case study: high zeaxanthin sweetcorn
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Case study: high antioxidant Queen Garnet Plum
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List of participants, interests in collaboration, potential applications
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Modern horticultural extension – using new tools to advantage
Objective
To achieve greater awareness of electronic communication, information sharing and decision support tools for horticulture extension; to improve networking with colleagues and clients; to achieve hands-on experience with some important tools.
Proposed format
E-technologies enable better extension and communication systems for horticulture but it can be a challenge to decide which ones will meet your objectives.
In this workshop we will examine technologies for electronic communication, information sharing and decision support tools for horticulture extension. We will also look at ways to improve networking with colleagues and clients and we’ll have hands-on experience with some important tools.
A brief introduction will address key issues in delivering extension to a horticultural industry spread across several states. Then we will examine some web 2.0 technologies decision support software. Overviews will be followed by hands-on experience and several demonstrations of existing uses of the technology. In the live webinar, the group will be connected to a speaker in Western Australia and discuss the many uses of the online meeting room.
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Introduction. Rowland Holmes
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Web 2.0 tools. Guest presenter, Dean Power (eco2oh)
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Afternoon tea. Visit the static Web 2.0 and decision support displays.
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Decision support & diagnostic systems software. Guest Presenters, Matt Taylor (University of Queensland) and Amy Carmichael (QUT).
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Online conferencing and training. Guest presenter Geoff Knights (DPI&F).
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Learnings and open forum.
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Waiting for the future or making it happen – The time is now. Lifestyle horticulture
Objective
To achieve increased understanding of the scope and importance of lifestyle horticulture research and development. Waiting for the future or making it happen – the time is now.
To generate and capture discussion on the future of the field and how we as researchers can shape that future – including funding options, priority research areas, national collaborative relationships, etc.
Proposed format
1:30 Introduction by Prof Daryl Joyce, UQ
1:45 Presentations by four lifestyle horticulture researchers
- Dr Dion Harrison flower colour
- Prof David Midmore green roofs
- Ms Lyndal Plant water harvesting
- Dr Rachel Poulter turf
2:45 Discussion facilitated by Shane Holborn, DPI&F
3:00 The reminder of the time will be devoted to group discussion of the future of this field of research and development, where it is headed and how to:
- Facilitate and increase collaboration
- Identify and enhance funding options
- Establish needs and priorities in the field commensurate with its inherent economics, social, environmental and policy values
Mechatronics in Horticulture – sensing technologies, robotics and automation
Objective
To achieve for industry and researchers an increased awareness in the capacity of these new technologies to improve efficiency and profitability in horticultural systems and the capability within Australia to provide these technology.
The workshop output is for industry and research horticulturists to critically scrutinise current production and supply chain systems to capture the benefits of these new technologies.
Proposed format
Professor John Billingsley, supported by national and international guest speakers.
13:30 General introduction: Bob Williams DPI&F
13:45 Professor John Billingsley – Some horticultural applications of machine vision
14:15 Professor Jay Katupitiya – A streamlined approach to future autonomous horticultural farming
14:45 TBA – Utilisation of laser cutting technology
15:10 TBA – Putting new technology into practice (proposed Tony De Luca from Mackay Marketing)
16:00 - 17:30 Three case studies:
- re-engineering the banana production/harvesting/supply chain system
- rethinking lettuce production
- man-less mandarins.
Plant physiology – understanding the control of plant growth and development
Objective
To generate discussion of current progress and future directions in understanding the control of plant growth and development (and potential impact of climate change).
Proposed format
Lead by Prof Richard Williams, UQ,
The workshop will focus on two main topics:
Environmental control of plant growth and development (impact of climate change)
Produce quality (pre or post harvest factors) – fruit, veg or flowers.
For each topic, about 4 authors of selected abstracts (also invited to submit posters) will have 5 to 10 minutes to highlight their work. Followed by a facilitated discussion building on the presentations.