30 September 2003 Lincoln Graduates Help Industries Acquire Competitive Advantage

Lincoln University contributes to numerous land-based industries, orcharding included, by underpinning production know-how with scientific knowledge.

Scientific knowledge progresses through research, and enrolments in research degrees at Lincoln University have grown significantly in recent years, with a quarter of all the qualifications awarded at this year's Graduation Ceremony being in the postgraduate category.

Among the expanding areas of activity with the potential to provide immense benefits to particular land-based industries is biotechnology, which essentially involves taking aspects of biological systems and developing them into practical, beneficial, applications of commercial or other value.

"Biotechnology is one of the key technologies of the 21st century," says Lincoln University's Professor of Plant Biotechnology Brian Jordan.

"Used wisely it has the potential to provide substantial benefits to New Zealand's agriculture and horticulture.

"New approaches such as biotechnology are driving progress internationally and at Lincoln University we recognise that New Zealand graduates must have the skills that are in demand in order to take advantage of expanding career opportunities and ensure success for the country's land-based industries.”

Lincoln students acquire those skills by working alongside and being taught by scientists such as plant scientist Dr Mike Mickelbart of the University's Soil, Plant and Ecological Sciences Division.

Dr Mickelbart is working at the molecular and physiological levels on the impact of environmental stress on plants.

He joined the Lincoln staff two years ago from the University of California, Riverside, and his specialist research area is investigating changes in plant gene expression and metabolism in response to environmental stress such as drought and low temperatures.

In particular he is looking at an organic compound called glycinebetaine that is synthesised by some plant species in responses to environmental stress. The compound is believed to play a role in the protection of cellular membranes to prevent cellular damage.

Grapes and ryegrass are two of the crops to which he is relating this research.

From his work in California, Dr Mickelbart also has a specialist knowledge of avocados and he is investigating changes in the capacity of photosynthesis in avocado shoots and the development of avocado shoots in different environmental conditions.

"It is through exposure to such work that Lincoln University students acquire an edge to take with them as graduates into the commercial world of New Zealand's land-based industries where knowledge equals competitive advantage," says Lincoln University Schools Liaison Officer Tim Edmonds, who joined the staff in July this year.

Tim is part of a four-member liaison team made up of Nicola Martin (North Island), Jeremy Tumoana (Maori Liaison Officer) and another new appointee, Tarewa Williams, who takes up his duties in December.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand