The Australian Grains Genebank has continued to build its global reputation.
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It recently welcomed visiting scientists from Myanmar (formerly Burma) who travelled to Horsham to see first-hand how the world-class facility operated.
Genebank leader Dr Sally Norton welcomed the delegation who were from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
The visitors included Director General Naing Kyi Win, Genebank Head Dr Minn San Thein and Database Management Specialist Ohn Mar Aung.
During their week-long stay, the international guests got a broad overview of genebank activities.
Ohn Mar Aung stayed on for a further three weeks to get a deeper understanding of how the genebank operates.
The visiting scientists were involved in seed identification activities and shown protocols for the storage and safekeeping of crop germplasm that will be useful to them.
Dr Norton said the aim of the study tour was to improve capacity building in genebank operation.
“The visitors learnt about methods and processes that are in line with international genebank standards,” she said.
“But, importantly, it was also an opportunity for information exchange with our AGG staff learning from our guests and leading to possible collaboration in the future.”
Myanmar is home to a national genebank which houses around 20,000 accessions of grain crops and some vegetables.
Dr Norton said that on their return to Myanmar, the visiting scientists would extend their new knowledge to their colleagues.
Ohn Mar Aung said the visit would support future collaboration in the conservation and use of crop genetic resources between Myanmar’s national gene bank and the Australian Grains Genebank.
“We learnt a lot about crop germplasm management which will enable us to have fruitful discussions of mutual benefit,” she said.
The number of international visiting scientists undertaking research with Agriculture Victoria has doubled in the past three years.
Agriculture Victoria research director Traci Griffin said it was a reflection of Agriculture Victoria’s growing reputation in the global science community.
“Agriculture Victoria is growing as a well-regarded research and innovation destination throughout the world due to our wide range of state-of-the-art capabilities and the quality of its research and innovation outcomes,” she said.
More than 30 international researchers visited Agriculture Victoria sites in 2018, with the majority visiting the Grains Innovation Park.
