On Tuesday, Mr Borchardt’s Year 12 Agricultural Systems class made the short trip to The University of Adelaide Waite Campus. We were hosted by Amanda Able, Professor in Plant Science at the School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, as part of the class’s Plant Science topic. We visited the Plant Accelerator at the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility (APPF), where students saw plant research and phenotyping first hand.  This involved a huge range of technologies, including an X-ray CT system. The Plant Accelerator also uses other imaging technologies to monitor plant growth and health. Associate Professor Bettina Berger gave us an insight into the research being done on the impacts of frost, drought, disease and other issues facing Australian agriculture. It was interesting to see a current trial studying the growth of commercially grown Christmas trees in different soils. Dr Lieke van der Hulst presented on the ARC Centre for Excellence in Plants for Space work within the Plant Genomics Centre.
The range of study areas available to students at the Waite Campus include plant science, soil science viticulture and oenology, and applications of mechanical and chemical engineering. At Urrbrae we’re fortunate to have ready access to amazing research facilities and academics involved in cutting edge research.
Thanks to Professor Amanda Able and her team for welcoming us and sharing their work with our students.

Brenton Borchardt
Assistant Principal – Learner Agency & Classroom Practice