Profiles
Nigel Swarts
UTAS Home Dr Nigel Swarts
Nigel Swarts
Senior Lecturer in Applied Tree Physiology
Room 301, Life Sciences Building, Sandy Bay Campus
+61 3 6226 2174 (phone)
Dr Nigel Swarts is a Research Fellow in the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture at the University of Tasmania. He is interested in the field of tree physiology and specifically tree crop nutrition. Nigel leads two collaborative projects on nitrogen management in tree crop production systems, and is currently supervising eight PhD students and two honours students. Nigel has a background in Conservation Biology and Natural Resource Management with research focusing on rare and endangered orchids from across Australia. He has a strong track record in the field of orchid conservation with two highly cited review articles and a book published in 2017.
Biography
Before joining the University of Tasmania, Nigel held a postdoctoral position at the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority in Perth, Western Australia. From 2008 to 2010, Nigel managed a conservation biology research program at the Kings Park Botanic Gardens and completed research into the mycorrhizal relationships of Western Australian orchids. He completed his PhD with distinction on the conservation of critically endangered orchids with the University of Western Australia in 2008 (supervised by Prof. Stephen Hopper and Prof. Kingsley Dixon).
Nigel's research has led to a better understanding of the role of mycorrhizal specialization in the ecology and rarity of the Orchidaceae. His work has contributed to the development of new approaches to the conservation and recovery of terrestrial orchids based on key biological and ecological requirements for orchid survival. Nigel led a team of volunteers in the ex situ culture and propagation of Western Australia's orchids. Upon moving to Tasmania in 2009, Nigel developed a similar conservation and research program at the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens. Nigel joined TIA in May 2011 and is currently Sandy Bay location leader for the Horticulture Centre and leader for Tree Crops working group.
Nigel has an established track record with publications in international peer reviewed journals, spoken at major international conferences, regularly presents at industry conferences and field days, received over $4.5m in grant funding, and supervised honours and masters students to completion. Nigel also holds an adjunct senior lecturer position at the University of Western Australia.
Career summary
Qualifications
| Degree | Thesis Title | University | Country | Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD with Distinction | Integrated conservation of the rare and endangered terrestrial orchid Caladenia huegelii H.G. Reichb. | University of Western Australia | Australia | 2008 |
| BSc (1st Class Hons) | Conservation of orchids in the Swan Coastal Plain | Curtin University | Australia | 2005 |
Memberships
Professional practice
- Tasmanian Threatened Species Link
- IUCN Early career Orchid Specialist Group
- Tasmanian Threatened Species Committee
Administrative expertise
Nigel currently leads (CI) two research projects (funded by HIA and DOA) with national and international collaborators. Nigel is a member on the More Profit from Nitrogen Program Steering Committee and the Productivity Irrigation Pests and Soils (PIPS) Program Steering Committee.
Whilst at the BGPA, he managed the Western Australian Orchid Research Program.
Teaching
Mycorrhiza, Orchids, Tree Nutrition, Conservation Biology, Nitrogen, Horticulture, Conservation Genetics, Apples, Cherries
Teaching expertise
Nigel holds an adjunct senior lecturer position at UWA and provides guest lectures in horticulture and mycorrhizal biology where required.
Teaching responsibility
Nigel currently supervises two honours and eight PhD students.
Research Appointments
- Representation on the IUCN Orchid Specialist Group as an early career researcher
View more on Dr Nigel Swarts in WARP
Expertise
- Nutrient management in deciduous tree crops
- Post-harvest fruit quality assessment
- Mitigation of nitrous oxide emissions
- Conservation of terrestrial orchids
- Orchid rarity and threats
- Mycorrhizal interactions
Research Themes
Nigel's research on tree physiology aligns to the University's theme of Environment, Resources and Sustainability. In his two key research projects, the management of nutrient resources are considered in the context of a productive landscape. In this case, the productive landscape is apple and cherry orcharding in the Huon Valley, one of Tasmania's key horticulture regions and high value production industries. The management of nitrogen in these industries is critical to producing high quality fruit for domestic and international sale. Additionally, mismanagement of nitrogen can have negative environmental outcomes through groundwater contamination or increased fertiliser induced greenhouse gas emissions (N2O). Nigel's research aims to determine a complete nitrogen budget for apple and cherry production that accounts for nutrient cycling, optimum timing to meet resource demand and mitigation of environmental impacts.
Collaboration
Nigel is currently leading two collaborative projects which are aimed at obtaining a better understanding of nutrient management in horticultural tree crops.
The first project funded by HIA forms part of the Productivity, Irrigation, Pests and Soils (PIPS) program and involves collaboration with Plant and Food Research New Zealand.
The second project, forms part of the More Profit from Nitrogen program funded by the Rural Research and Development for Profit initiative by the federal Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and is a cross RDC program investigating more efficient use of nitrogen.
Awards
- Distinction for PhD
Current projects
- Precision Fertigation for Improved Apple Orchard Productivity, 2012-2015, (HIA)
- Reducing nitrous oxide emissions in key perennial tree crop industries , 2013 – 2016, (DOA)
- Specialization in mycorrhiza of orchids across temperate Australian terrestrial orchid genera, 2013 – 2016, Herman Slade Foundation
- Continental-scale specialisation in mycorrhiza of orchids, 2012-2016, Australian Orchid Foundation
Fields of Research
- Horticultural Crop Growth and Development (070601)
- Horticultural Production (070699)
- Terrestrial Ecology (060208)
- Conservation and Biodiversity (050202)
- Oenology and Viticulture (070604)
- Mycology (060505)
- Post Harvest Horticultural Technologies (incl. Transportation and Storage) (070605)
- Crop and Pasture Nutrition (070306)
- Food Processing (090805)
- Plant Developmental and Reproductive Biology (060703)
- Population, Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics (060411)
- Nutritional Physiology (111103)
- Wine Chemistry and Wine Sensory Science (090806)
- Agriculture, Land and Farm Management (070199)
- Soil Physics (050305)
- Nutrition and Dietetics (111199)
- Fisheries Sciences (070499)
- Sustainable Agricultural Development (070108)
- Plant Biology (060799)
- Entrepreneurship (150304)
- Medical Biochemistry and Metabolomics (110199)
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (110499)
- Fisheries Management (070403)
Research Objectives
- Pome Fruit, Pip Fruit (820210)
- Stone Fruit (820211)
- Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity at Regional or Larger Scales (960805)
- Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity (960808)
- Wine Grapes (820306)
- Ornamentals, Natives, Flowers and Nursery Plants (820209)
- Atmospheric Composition (incl. Greenhouse Gas Inventory) (960201)
- Climate Change Mitigation Strategies (960302)
- Horticultural Crops (820299)
- Urban and Industrial Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity (960812)
- Beverages (excl. Fruit Juices) (860102)
- Farmland, Arable Cropland and Permanent Cropland Soils (961402)
- Summer Grains and Oilseeds (820499)
- Farmland, Arable Cropland and Permanent Cropland Water Management (960905)
- Health (929999)
- Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity of environments (960899)
- Berry Fruit (excl. Kiwifruit) (820202)
- Nutrition (920411)
- Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences (970106)
- Fisheries - Wild Caught (830299)
- Control of Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species in Marine Environments (960407)
- Rehabilitation of Degraded Farmland, Arable Cropland and Permanent Cropland Environments (961202)
- Nutraceuticals and Functional foods (860105)
- Environmentally Sustainable Plant Production (829899)
- Tobacco (820305)
Publications
Total publications
118
Journal Article
(22 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Way ML, Jones JE, Swarts ND, Dambergs RG, 'Phenolic content of apple juice for cider making as influenced by common pre-fermentation processes using two analytical methods', Beverages, 5, (3) Article 53. ISSN 2306-5710 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3390/beverages5030053 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Way ML; Jones JE; Dambergs RG | |
| 2018 | Hardie M, Ridges J, Swarts N, Close D, 'Drip irrigation wetting patterns and nitrate distribution: comparison between electrical resistivity (ERI), dye tracer, and 2D soil-water', Irrigation Science, 36, (2) pp. 97-110. ISSN 0342-7188 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s00271-017-0567-3 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 3 Co-authors: Hardie M; Ridges J; Close D | |
| 2018 | Abobaker AM, Bound SA, Swarts ND, Barry KM, 'Effect of fertiliser type and mycorrhizal inoculation on growth and development of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)', Rhizosphere, 6 pp. 11-19. ISSN 2452-2198 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.rhisph.2018.01.005 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1 Co-authors: Abobaker AM; Bound SA; Barry KM | |
| 2017 | Girschik L, Jones JE, Kerslake FL, Robertson M, Dambergs RG, et al., 'Apple variety and maturity profiling of base ciders using UV spectroscopy', Food Chemistry, 228 pp. 323-329. ISSN 0308-8146 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.02.012 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 8 Co-authors: Girschik L; Jones JE; Kerslake FL | |
| 2016 | Montagu K, Swarts N, 'Nitrous oxide emissions - something to smile about', Australian Tree Crop, 2016, (Feb/Mar) pp. 52-53. (2016) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 2016 | Phillips RD, Barrett MD, Dalziell EL, Dixon KW, Swarts ND, 'Geographical range and host breadth of Sebacina orchid mycorrhizal fungi associating with Caladenia in south-western Australia', Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 182, (1) pp. 140-151. ISSN 0024-4074 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/boj.12453 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4Web of Science - 5 | |
| 2016 | Reiter N, Whitfield J, Pollard G, Bedggood W, Argall M, et al., 'Orchid re-introductions: an evaluation of success and ecological considerations using key comparative studies from Australia', Plant Ecology, 217, (1) pp. 81-95. ISSN 1385-0237 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11258-015-0561-x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 25Web of Science - 27 | |
| 2016 | Swarts N, Bristow M, 'More profit from nitrogen in cherries and mangoes', Australian Tree Crop, 2016, (Aug/Sep) pp. 16-17. (2016) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 2016 | Swarts N, Montagu K, Oliver G, Southam-Rogers L, Hardie M, et al., 'Benchmarking nitrous oxide emissions in deciduous tree cropping systems', Soil Research, 54, (5) pp. 500-511. ISSN 1838-675X (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/SR15326 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 6 Co-authors: Oliver G; Hardie M; Corkrey R; Close D | |
| 2015 | Phillips RD, Peakall R, Retter BA, Montgomery K, Menz MHM, et al., 'Pollinator rarity as a threat to a plant with a specialized pollination system', Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 179, (3) pp. 511-525. ISSN 0024-4074 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/boj.12336 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 14Web of Science - 13 | |
| 2014 | Merritt DJ, Hay FR, Swarts ND, Sommerville KD, Dixon KW, 'Ex situ conservation and cryopreservation of orchid germplasm', International Journal of Plant Sciences, 175, (1) pp. 46-58. ISSN 1058-5893 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1086/673370 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 22Web of Science - 20 | |
| 2014 | Swarts N, 'The curious case of the Windswept Helmet-orchid', Australian Plants, 27, (221) pp. 360-365. ISSN 0005-0008 (2014) [Non Refereed Article] | |
| 2014 | Swarts ND, Clements MA, Bower CC, Miller JT, 'Defining conservation units in a complex of morphologically similar, sexually deceptive, highly endangered orchids', Biological Conservation, 174 pp. 55-64. ISSN 0006-3207 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2014.03.017 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 11Web of Science - 11 | |
| 2013 | De Long JR, Swarts ND, Dixon KW, Egerton-Warburton LM, 'Mycorrhizal preference promotes habitat invasion by a native Australian orchid: Microtis media', Annals of Botany, 111, (3) pp. 409-418. ISSN 0305-7364 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcs294 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 21Web of Science - 22 | |
| 2013 | Nurfadilah S, Swarts ND, Dixon KW, Lambers H, Merritt DJ, 'Variation in nutrient-acquisition patterns by mycorrhizal fungi of rare and common orchids explains diversification in a global biodiversity hotspot', Annals of Botany, 111, (6) pp. 1233-1241. ISSN 0305-7364 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/aob/mct064 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 25Web of Science - 24 | |
| 2013 | Swarts N, 'Securing Tasmania's rarest orchids from extinction', The Running Postman, (16) pp. 6. ISSN 1835-6141 (2013) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 2010 | Swarts ND, Sinclair EA, Francis AA, Dixon KW, 'Ecological specialization in mycorrhizal symbiosis leads to rarity in an endangered orchid', Molecular Ecology, 19, (15) pp. 3226-3242. ISSN 0962-1083 (2010) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2010.04736.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 82Web of Science - 79 Co-authors: Francis AA | |
| 2009 | Swarts ND, Dixon KW, 'Terrestrial orchid conservation in the age of extinction', Annals of Botany, 104, (3) pp. 543-556. ISSN 0305-7364 (2009) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcp025 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 269Web of Science - 231 | |
| 2009 | Swarts ND, Dixon KW, 'Perspectives on orchid conservation in botanic gardens', Trends in Plant Science, 14, (11) pp. 590-598. ISSN 1360-1385 (2009) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2009.07.008 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 62Web of Science - 59 | |
| 2009 | Swarts ND, Sinclair EA, Krauss SL, Dixon KW, 'Genetic diversity in fragmented populations of the critically endangered spider orchid Caladenia huegelii: implications for conservation', Conservation Genetics, 10, (5) pp. 1199-1208. ISSN 1566-0621 (2009) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s10592-008-9651-9 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 32Web of Science - 32 | |
| 2009 | Wright M, Cross R, Dixon K, Huynh T, Lawrie D, et al., 'Propagation and reintroduction of Caladenia', Australian Journal of Botany, 57 pp. 373-387. ISSN 0067-1924 (2009) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/BT08137 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 21Web of Science - 18 | |
| 2007 | Swarts ND, Sinclair EA, Dixon KW, 'Characterization of microsatellite loci in the endangered grand spider orchid Caladenia huegelii (Orchidaceae)', Molecular Ecology Notes, 7, (6) pp. 1141-1143. ISSN 1471-8278 (2007) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-8286.2007.01810.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 5 |
Book
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Swarts ND, Dixon KW, 'Conservation Methods for Terrestrial Orchids', J. Ross Publishing, United States, pp. 240. ISBN 978-160427-123-2 (2017) [Authored Research Book] |
Chapter in Book
(4 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Commander L, Auld T, Rossetto M, Ooi M, Reiter N, et al., 'Pre-translocation assessment of biology and ecology', Guidelines for the Translocation of Threatened Plants in Australia, Australian Network for Plant Conservation, LE Commander, DJ Coates, L Broadhurst, CA Offord, RO Makinson and M Matthes (ed), Australia, pp. 31-45. ISBN 978-0-9752191-3-3 (2018) [Research Book Chapter] | |
| 2018 | Kent K, Holzel N, Swarts N, 'Polyphenolic Compounds in Sweet Cherries: A focus on Anthocyanins', Polyphenols: Mechanisms of Action in Human Health and Disease, Elsevier Inc, R Watson, V Preedy, S Zibadi (ed), pp. 103-118. ISBN 9780128130063 (2018) [Research Book Chapter] DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-813006-3.00010-6 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Kent K; Holzel N | |
| 2018 | Swarts N, Hancock N, Beaumont L, Moore JL, Van Leeuwen S, et al., 'Selecting source and recipient sites', Guidelines for the Translocation of Threatened Plants in Australia, Australian Network for Plant Conservation, LE Commander, DJ Coates, L Broadhurst, CA Offord, RO Makinson and M Matthes (ed), Australia, pp. 46-58. ISBN 978-0-9752191-3-3 (2018) [Research Book Chapter] | |
| 2014 | Lambers H, Shane MW, Laliberte E, Swarts N, Teste F, et al., 'Plant Mineral Nutrition', Plant Life on the Sandplains in Southwest Australia: A Global Biodiversity Hotspot, UWA Publishing, H Lambers (ed), Crawley, Australia, pp. 101-128. ISBN 9781742585642 (2014) [Research Book Chapter] |
Conference Publication
(68 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Tan BZ, Ajudiya A, Swarts N, Close D, 'Apple tree nutrition for improved productivity', Hort Connections 2019, 6-7 June 2019, Melbourne, Australia (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Tan BZ; Close D | |
| 2019 | Green S, Clothier B, Al-Muaini A, Dawoud M, Lumumba B, et al., 'Tree water use and irrigation management for salinity and drought', 9th International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops, 17-20 June 2019, Matera, Italy (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Hardie M | |
| 2019 | Ocean T, Bound S, Swarts N, Nissen R, 'How covered cropping impacts fruit quality in sweet cherries', Fruit Growers Tasmania Winter Conference, 7-8 June 2019, Hobart, Australia (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Bound S; Nissen R | |
| 2019 | Quin P, Holzel N, Swarts N, 'More profit from nitrogen: nitrogen use in commercial cherry orchards', More Profit from Nitrogen Partner Forum, 4-7 September 2019, Gold Coast, Queensland (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Quin P; Holzel N | |
| 2019 | Quin P, Holzel N, Swarts N, 'More profit from nitrogen: nitrogen use in commercial cherry orchards', Australian Fertiliser Industry Conference, 5-6 September 2019, Gold Coast, Queensland (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Quin P; Holzel N | |
| 2019 | Quin P, Swarts N, Holzel N, Close D, 'More profit from nitrogen: nitrogen use in commercial cherry orchards', Fruit Growers Tasmania Cherry Workshop, 19 September 2019, Somercotes Cherries, Tasmania (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Quin P; Holzel N; Close D | |
| 2019 | Quin PR, Swarts ND, Oliver G, Paterson SC, Friendl J, et al., 'Nitrogen use in commercial cherry orchards', Soil Science Australia, National Soils Conference, 18-23rd November 2018, Melbourne (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Quin PR; Oliver G; Paterson SC | |
| 2019 | Sidhu RS, Bound S, Swarts N, Morrison P, 'Influence of orchard conditions on fruit quality of Envy' apple', Fruit Growers Tasmania, Apple Industry Workshop, 8 October 2019, Huonville, Tasmania (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Bound S | |
| 2019 | Swarts N, 'Fruit nutrition science for a consumer driven future', Hort Connections 2019, 6-7 June 2019, Melbourne, Australia (2019) [Plenary Presentation] | |
| 2019 | Swarts N, Close D, Buntain M, 'TIA Research 2019', Fruit Growers Tasmania Winter Conference, 7-8 June 2019, Hobart, Tasmania (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Close D; Buntain M | |
| 2019 | Swarts N, Green S, Hardie M, Tan BZ, Close D, 'Improved tree and fruit nutrition for the Australian apple industry', Apple Pear Australia LTD Speed Updating Plenary session 2018, Brisbane, Australia, pp. 1-10. (In Press) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Hardie M; Tan BZ; Close D | |
| 2019 | Swarts N, Jones J, Schmidtke L, Dodds K, Jones R, et al., 'Australian Cider Research and Development Program', Cider Australia AusCider Conference, 5-6 June 2019, Hobart, Australia (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Jones J; Jones R; Kerslake F | |
| 2019 | Swarts N, Tan BZ, Close D, 'Nitrogen use efficiency in apple orchards', Fruit Growers Tasmania, Apple Industry Workshop, 8 October 2019, Huonville, Tasmania (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Tan BZ; Close D | |
| 2019 | Morris M, Swarts N, Dietz C, Close D, 'Uptake efficiency and internal allocation of nitrogen in apple trees', Acta Horticulturae, 27-30 June 2017, Bozen-Bolzano, Italy, pp. 1-6. (In Press) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Morris M; Dietz C; Close D | |
| 2019 | Tan BZ, Swarts N, Close D, 'Where did fertilizer nitrogen go in your apple orchard?', Fruit Growers Tasmania Winter Conference, 7-8 June 2019, Hobart, Australia (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Tan BZ; Close D | |
| 2019 | Walker H, Jones J, Swarts N, Kerslake F, 'Yield project: Spur vs Cane pruning', Wine Tasmania ''Cut, cut, cut!'' Soft Pruning Workshop, 24-25 June 2019, Launceston and Hobart (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Walker H; Jones J; Kerslake F | |
| 2019 | Way M, Jones J, Swarts N, Dambergs B, 'Measuring and mapping quality in Australian cider', Cider Australia AusCider Conference, 5-6 June 2019, Hobart, Australia (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Way M; Jones J; Dambergs B | |
| 2019 | Green S, Oliver G, Swarts N, Hardie M, Clothier B, et al., 'Measurement of sap flow in young apple trees using the average gradient heat-pulse method', Acta Horticulturae, 22-26 May 2017, Fullerton, USA, pp. 1-6. (In Press) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Oliver G; Hardie M; Close D | |
| 2018 | Jones J, Walker H, Kerslake F, Swarts N, 'Informed pruning decisions', Under Vine Cover Crop & Mechanical Pruning Workshop for Wine Tasmania, 8 May 2018, Hobart, Australia, pp. 1-25. (2018) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Jones J; Walker H; Kerslake F | |
| 2018 | Swarts N, 'Terrestrial orchid conservation: from understanding the biology to implementing recovery actions', NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Saving our species program, June 2018, Sydney, Australia, pp. 1-37. (2018) [Keynote Presentation] | |
| 2018 | Swarts N, 'What's new at TIA?', Proceedings from the FruitGrowers Tasmania Conference, 24-26 May 2018, Devonport, Tasmania, pp. 1. (2018) [Conference Extract] | |
| 2018 | Swarts N, Buntain M, 'What's new at TIA?', Fruit Growers Tasmania Annual May Conference, 24-26 May 2018, Launceston, pp. 1-14. (2018) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Buntain M | |
| 2018 | Swarts N, Green S, Hardie M, Tan BZ, Close D, 'Improved tree and fruit nutrition for the Australian apple industry', Apple Pear Australia LTD, Productivity, Irrigation, Pests, Soils (PIPS) Program V2 Partner forum, June 2018, Brisbane, Australia, pp. 1-14. (2018) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Hardie M; Tan BZ; Close D | |
| 2018 | Swarts N, Jones J, Kerslake F, Way M, Close N, et al., 'Seeding cider research in the Apple Isle', Batlow Cider Conference, 18 May 2018, New South Wales, Australia, pp. 1-20. (2018) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Jones J; Kerslake F; Way M; Close N | |
| 2018 | Swarts N, Quin P, Holzel N, Close D, 'Optimising nutrient management in cherries', Rural Research and Development for Profit, More Profit from Nitrogen Partner Forum, July 2018, Darwin, Australia, pp. 1-23. (2018) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Quin P; Holzel N; Close D | |
| 2018 | Way M, Jones J, Swarts N, Dambergs R, 'Mapping Australian cider uniqueness for the production of high quality and consistent craft cider', Proceedings from the Cider Industry Conference, 18 May 2018, New South Wales, Australia, pp. 1-15. (2018) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Way M; Jones J; Dambergs R | |
| 2017 | Barry K, Abobaker A, Mohammed R, Mohamed H, Bound S, et al., 'Exploring functional applications of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in sweet cherry and links to fruit quality', 9th International Conference on Mycorrhiza: Book of Abstracts, 30 July-4 August 2017, Prague, Czech Republic, pp. 19. (2017) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Barry K; Abobaker A; Mohammed R; Mohamed H; Bound S; Glen M | |
| 2017 | Green S, Clothier B, Oliver G, Swarts N, Hardie M, et al., 'Sap flow in apple trees using the heat-pulse method', Program, 10th International Workshop on Sap Flow, 22-26 May 2017, Fullerton, California, United States (2017) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Oliver G; Hardie M; Close D | |
| 2017 | Kerslake FL, Carew ALJ, Jones JE, Dambergs RG, Swarts ND, et al., 'Australian cider: learning from the past, moving into the future through industry-embedded research', Proceedings of the XXVIIes Entretiens Scientifiques Lallemand, 25 April 2017, Tallinn, Estonia ISBN 9782981525581 (2017) [Non Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Kerslake FL; Carew ALJ; Jones JE; Dambergs RG; Close DC; Girschik L; Way ML; Walker H | |
| 2017 | Mohammed R, Glen M, Swarts N, Doyle R, Barry K, 'Diversity and abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in native and managed landscape in Tasmania, Australia', 9th International Conference on Mycorrhiza: Book of Abstracts, 9th International Conference on Mycorrhiza, Prague, Czech Republic, pp. 154. (2017) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Glen M; Doyle R; Barry K | |
| 2017 | Swarts N, Close D, Hardie M, Oliver G, Tan B, et al., 'Apple tree and fruit nutrition for improved productivity', Plenary presentation for the Apple Pear Australia LTD, Productivity, Irrigation, Pests, Soils (PIPS) Program V2, 18 December 2017, Gold Coast, Australia, pp. 1-11. (2017) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Close D; Hardie M; Oliver G; Tan B | |
| 2017 | Swarts N, Close D, Morris M, 'Uptake and internal allocation of nitrogen in apple trees', VIII ISHS Symposium on Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Crops, 27-30 June 2017, Bolzano, Italy (2017) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Close D; Morris M | |
| 2017 | Swarts N, Hardie M, Green S, Close D, 'Strategic Irrigation and Nitrogen Assessment Tool for Apples (SINATA)', Program Apple and pear Speed Updating 2017, 25 May 2017, Launceston, Tasmania, pp. 9. (2017) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Hardie M; Close D | |
| 2017 | Swarts N, Quin P, Holzel N, Close D, 'Optimising nutrient management in cherries', Invited plenary presentation for the Rural Research and Development for Profit, More Profit from Nitrogen Partner Forum, August 2017, Coolangatta, pp. 1-14. (2017) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Quin P; Holzel N; Close D | |
| 2017 | Swarts ND, Mertes EF, Close DC, 'Role of nitrogen fertigation in sweet cherry fruit quality and consumer perception of quality: At- and postharvest', Acta Horticulturae, 23-27 June 2013, Plasencia, Spain, pp. 503-510. ISSN 0567-7572 (2017) [Refereed Conference Paper] DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2017.1161.80 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Mertes EF; Close DC | |
| 2016 | Swarts N, Hardie M, Green S, Close D, 'Apple tree and fruit nutrition for improved productivity', Plenary presentation for the Apple Pear Australia LTD, Productivity, Irrigation, Pests, Soils (PIPS) Program V2, 30 December 2016, Gold Coast, Australia, pp. 1-16. (2016) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Hardie M; Close D | |
| 2016 | Abobaker AM, Bound SA, Swarts N, Close DC, 'Effect of humic based soil conditioner, effective microbes and fertiliser on growth and flowering of sunflower (Helianthus annus L. Dwarf Sunsation')', Acta Horticulturae, 17-22 August 2014, Brisbane, Australia, pp. 291-298. ISSN 0567-7572 (2016) [Refereed Conference Paper] DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1112.39 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Abobaker AM; Bound SA; Close DC | |
| 2016 | Perry EM, Bluml M, Goodwin I, Cornwall D, Swarts ND, 'Remote sensing of N deficiencies in apple and pear orchards', Acta Horticulturae, 17-22 August 2014, Brisbane, Australia, pp. 575-580. ISSN 0567-7572 (2016) [Refereed Conference Paper] DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1130.86 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 2 | |
| 2016 | Reiter N, Freestone M, Young C, Almond E, Wicks M, et al., 'An orchid conservation partnership for southeastern Australia', Proceedings of 6th International Orchid Conservation Congress (IOCC6), 16-20 May 2016, Hong Kong, China, pp. 13. (2016) [Plenary Presentation] | |
| 2016 | Swarts N, Girschik L, Jones J, Kerslake F, Carew A, 'Are desserts seconds ripe for cider?', Proceedings of 2016 National Horticulture Convention, 23-25 June 2016, Gold Coast, Australia, pp. 46-47. (2016) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Girschik L; Jones J; Kerslake F; Carew A | |
| 2016 | Dixon K, Swarts N, 'Building the technological toolkit for orchid conservation', Proceedings of 6th International Orchid Conservation Congress (IOCC6), 16-20 May 2016, Hong Kong, China, pp. 1. (2016) [Keynote Presentation] | |
| 2016 | Swarts N, Hardie M, Green S, Clothier B, Goodwin I, et al., 'Precision fertigation for improved apple orchard productivity', Proceedings of 2016 Future Orchards National Tour, June 2016, Tasmania, pp. 1-25. (2016) [Keynote Presentation] Co-authors: Hardie M; Close D | |
| 2016 | Swarts ND, Hardie M, Close DC, 'Precision nitrogen fertigation and irrigation management for improved apple quality', Acta Horticulturae, 17-22 August 2014, Brisbane, Australia, pp. 485-489. ISSN 0567-7572 (2016) [Refereed Conference Paper] DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1130.73 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 1 Co-authors: Hardie M; Close DC | |
| 2016 | Davis E, Jones JE, Kerslake FL, Dambergs R, Swarts N, 'Early-season nitrogen use to manipulate yield and wine phenolics', 16th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference, 24-28 July 2016, Adelaide, South Australia (2016) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Davis E; Jones JE; Kerslake FL | |
| 2015 | Swarts N, 'Precision fertigation for improved apple orchard productivity', National Horticulture Convention 2015, 25-27 June 2015, Gold Coast, Australia (2015) [Conference Extract] | |
| 2015 | Swarts N, Hardie M, Green S, Close D, 'Apple tree and fruit nutrition for improved productivity', Apple Pear Australia LTD, Productivity, Irrigation, Pests, Soils (PIPS) Program V2, 30 December 2015, pp. 1-10. (2015) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Hardie M; Close D | |
| 2014 | Bound SA, Abobaker AM, Close DC, Swarts ND, 'Effect of humic based soil conditioner, effective microbes and fertiliser on growth and flowering of sunflower', Proceedings of the 29th International Horticultural Congress, 17-24 August 2014, Brisbane, Australia (2014) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Bound SA; Abobaker AM; Close DC | |
| 2014 | Oliver G, Swarts N, Hardie M, Close D, Rogers G, et al., 'Understanding the role of nitrogen management in apple orcharding to mitigate nitrous oxide emissions', National Agricultural Nitrous Oxide Research Program (NANORP) Meeting, November 2014, Canberra, Australia (2014) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Oliver G; Hardie M; Close D | |
| 2014 | Ridgers J, Hardie M, Swarts N, Close D, 'Evaluation of electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) for in situ mapping of drip irrigation and fertigation wetting patterns', Proceedings of the Soil Science Australia National Soil Science Conference 2014, 23-27 November 2014, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 1-4. (2014) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Ridgers J; Hardie M; Close D | |
| 2014 | Swarts N, 'Terrestrial orchid conservation and research - a Tasmanian perspective', 10th Australasian Plant Conservation Conference 2014, 11-14 November 2014, Hobart, Australia (2014) [Plenary Presentation] | |
| 2014 | Swarts N, Hardie M, Close D, Goodwin I, Perry E, et al., 'Precision fertigation for improved apple orchard productivity', Fruit Growers Tasmania Annual May Conference 2014, 22-25 May 2014, Hobart, Australia (2014) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Hardie M; Close D | |
| 2014 | Swarts N, Hardie M, Green S, Close D, 'Precision fertigation for improved apple orchard productivity', Regional Stone and Pomefruit R&D Forum 2014, 22 October 2014 (2014) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Hardie M; Close D | |
| 2014 | Swarts N, Hardie M, Oliver G, Close D, Rogers G, et al., 'Reducing N2O emissions in key perennial tree crop industries', National Agricultural Nitrous Oxide Research Program (NANORP) Meeting, February 2014, Canberra, Australia (2014) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Hardie M; Oliver G; Close D | |
| 2014 | Swarts ND, Hardie M, Green S, Close DC, 'Precision nitrogen fertigation for improved apple quality and reduced leaching', 29th International Horticultural Congress 2014, 17-22 August 2014, Brisbane, Australia (2014) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Hardie M; Close DC | |
| 2014 | Swarts ND, Hardie MA, Oliver GS, Close DC, 'Understanding the role of nitrogen management in apple orcharding to mitigate nitrous oxide emissions', 29th International Horticultural Congress 2014, 17-22 August 2014, Brisbane, Australia (2014) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Hardie MA; Close DC | |
| 2013 | Swarts N, 'The secret life of orchids', UTAS Research Week 2013, September 2013, Hobart, Australia (2013) [Keynote Presentation] | |
| 2013 | Swarts N, Phillips R, Barrett M, Dixon K, 'Diversity and distribution of mycorrhizal fungi associating with Caladenia in the biodiversity hotspot South-west Australia', 5th International Orchid Conservation Congress 2013, 2-6 December 2013, Reunion Island (2013) [Plenary Presentation] | |
| 2013 | Swarts ND, 'Precision fertigation for improved apple orchard productivity', Invited presentation to the Apple & Pear Australia Limited Research Review - Speed Updating 2013, 17th August 2013, Gold Coast, Queensland (2013) [Conference Extract] | |
| 2013 | Swarts ND, Mertes EF, Close DC, 'Role of nitrogen fertigation in cherry fruit quality and consumer perception', 2013 Fruit Growers of Tasmania May Conference, 23-25 May 2013, Hobart, Tasmania (2013) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Mertes EF; Close DC | |
| 2013 | Swarts ND, Mertes EF, Close DC, 'Role of nitrogen fertigation in cherry fruit quality and consumer perception', Proceedings of the 7th International Cherry Symposium, 23-27 June 2013, Plasencia, Spain (2013) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Mertes EF; Close DC | |
| 2013 | Swarts N, Hardie M, Oliver G, Close D, Rogers G, 'Reducing N2O emissions in key perennial tree crop industries', National Agricultural Nitrous Oxide Research Program (NANORP) Meeting, August 2013, Canberra, Australia (2013) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Hardie M; Oliver G; Close D | |
| 2012 | Swarts N, 'Using mycorrhizal fungi in orchid conservation', Fungi Conservation and Management Symposium 2012, 26-30 April 2012, Hobart, Australia (2012) [Plenary Presentation] | |
| 2011 | Quentin A, Measham PF, Swarts ND, Hardie MA, Bound SA, et al., 'Understanding carbohydrate and nutrient storage and remobilisation in fruitlet abscission for sweet cherry', Proceedings of Horticulture for the Future Conference, 18-22nd September 2011, Mantra Erskine Beach Resort, Lorne, Victoria (2011) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Quentin A; Measham PF; Hardie MA; Bound SA; Close DC | |
| 2009 | Swarts ND, 'Terrestrial Orchid conservation - Science into Action: Perspectives from Australia ', Presentation to the 5th International Symposium on Diversity and Conservation of Asian Orchids, Japan (2009) [Conference Extract] | |
| 2007 | Swarts ND, Batty AL, Hopper SD, Dixon KW, 'Does integrated conservation of terrestrial orchids work?', 3rd International Orchid Conservation Congress, 19-23 March 2007, San Jose, Costa Rica, Lankesteriana, 7 (1-2), pp. 219-222. ISSN 1409-3871 (2007) [Refereed Conference Paper] | |
| 2007 | Swarts ND, Dixon KW, 'Integrated conservation of the rare terrestrial orchid Caladenia huegelii', Presentation to the National Caladenia Workshop 2007, Adelaide, Australia (2007) [Conference Extract] | |
| 2007 | Swarts ND, Dixon KW, 'Does integrated conservation of terrestrial orchids work? ', Presentation to the 3rd International Orchid Conservation Congress 2007, San Jose, Costa Rica (2007) [Conference Extract] | |
| 2004 | Swarts ND, Batty AL, Dixon KW, 'Integrated conservation of the rare terrestrial orchid Caladenia huegelii', Presentation to the 2nd International Orchid Conservation Congress 2004, Sarasota, USA (2004) [Conference Extract] |
Contract Report, Consultant's Report
(2 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Swarts N, Wapstra M, 'Threatened Tasmanian Orchids Flora Recovery Plan', Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Australia (2017) [Contract Report] | |
| 2016 | Walker H, Jones J, Kerslake F, Carew A, Swarts N, et al., 'The scientific principles underpinning inconsistencies in cider quality', University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government, Hobart, Tasmania (2016) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Walker H; Jones J; Kerslake F; Carew A; Close D |
Other Public Output
(21 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Hardie M, Swarts N, 'Soil characterisation and water use in Australian apple orchards', Australian Fruit Grower, Apple and Pear Australia Ltd, Australia, 13, Spring, pp. 54-55. (2019) [Magazine Article] Co-authors: Hardie M | |
| 2019 | Holzel N, Quin P, Swarts ND, 'Sweet results of research', The Mercury, News Corp Australia, Hobart, Australia, 5 April 2019, pp. 28-28. (2019) [Newspaper Article] Co-authors: Holzel N; Quin P | |
| 2019 | Holzel N, Quin PR, Swarts ND, 'Would you like your cherries peeled?', Nitrogen Matters, 8, January (2019) [Internal Newsletter] Co-authors: Holzel N; Quin PR | |
| 2019 | Swarts N, Holzel N, Quin P, 'Nitrogen Natters', Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, Hobart, Tasmania, 10, pp. 1-2. (2019) [Internal Newsletter] Co-authors: Holzel N; Quin P | |
| 2019 | Wright M, Swarts ND, 'Orchid conservation team field trip', Fagus, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Hobart, Tasmania (2019) [Magazine Article] Co-authors: Wright M | |
| 2019 | Holzel N, Quin P, Swarts N, 'Research Project Updates: Summer days give way to laboratory daze', Nitrogen Natters, CRDC, 9 April 2019 (2019) [Internal Newsletter] Co-authors: Holzel N; Quin P | |
| 2018 | Holzel N, Kent K, Swarts ND, 'Optimising fruit quality and nutritive properties of sweet cherries', Australian Tree Crop, Ag Communication Solutions Pty Ltd, Australia, August/September 2018, pp. 16-17. (2018) [Magazine Article] Co-authors: Holzel N; Kent K | |
| 2018 | Holzel N, Quin PR, Swarts ND, 'Plant litter, foliar nutrients and a whole lot of diggin'!', Nitrogen Natters, October (2018) [Magazine Article] Co-authors: Holzel N; Quin PR | |
| 2018 | Swarts N, 'Cherries ripe for research', Tasmanian Country, News Corp Australia, Hobart, Australia, 5 January 2018, p. 10. (2018) [Media Interview] | |
| 2018 | Swarts N, 'Sacrificing cherry trees for greater good', Launceston Examiner, News Corp Australia, Tasmania, Australia, 14 June 2018, p. 32. (2018) [Media Interview] | |
| 2017 | Swarts N, 'She'll be apples with right timing', Tasmanian Country, News Corp Australia, Hobart, 6 October 2017, p. 9. (2017) [Media Interview] | |
| 2017 | Swarts N, 'The power of 'N'', Cherry Magazine, Cherry Growers Australia, Australia, Spring 2017, 5, pp. 10-12. (2017) [Media Interview] | |
| 2017 | Swarts N, Holzel N, 'Optimising nutrient management for improved productivity and fruit quality in cherries', Nitrogen Natters, Australia, 5 April 2018, p. 1. (2017) [Magazine Article] Co-authors: Holzel N | |
| 2017 | Tan BZ, Swarts N, Close D, 'What becomes of nitrogen in your orchard?', Australian Fruitgrower, Apple and Pear Australia Limited, Australia, 11, 6 (2017) [Magazine Article] Co-authors: Tan BZ; Close D | |
| 2016 | Swarts N, 'Precision fertigation to improve apple orchard productivity', Australian Fruitgrower, APAL, Melbourne, Australia, 9, 1, pp. 26-29. (2016) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2016 | Swarts ND, Bristow M, 'More profit from nitrogen in cherries and mangoes', Australian Tree Crop, Australia, August/September 2016, pp. 16-17. (2016) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2015 | Swarts ND, 'Is too much nitrogen a cause of poor fruit quality?', Australian Cherries, Cherry Growers Australia Inc, Hobart, Tasmania, Winter, pp. 15-17. (2015) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2014 | Swarts N, 'Apple orchard fertigation trial: second season results', Australian Fruitgrower, Apple and Pear Australia Ltd, Melbourne, Australia, 8, 7, pp. 22-24. (2014) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2013 | Swarts ND, 'Do your farm management practises influence green house gas emissions?', Australian FruitGrower, Australia (2013) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2013 | Swarts ND, 'Does your farm management practises influence green house gas emissions?', Australian Cherries, Cherry Growers Australia Inc, Hobart, Tasmania, 11, June (2013) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2013 | Swarts ND, Close DC, Goodwin I, Green S, Clothier B, 'Precision fertigation for improved orchard productivity', pips Apple & Pear, Australian Fruit Grower, www.apal.org.au, March, p. 26. (2013) [Magazine Article] Co-authors: Close DC |
Grants & Funding
Funding Summary
Number of grants
21
Total funding
$6,099,560
Projects
Harriet Walker Wine Australia Travel Bursary Application (2019)$2,000
- Description
- Travel Bursary application to Wine Australia to support travel to the International Symposium on Precision Management of Orchards and Vineyards, Italy October 2019
- Funding
- Wine Australia ($2,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Travel/Conference
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Jones JE; Swarts ND
- Year
- 2019
Determining dose response variations in human absorption and metabolism of anthocyanins from Tasmanian sweet cherries: a pilot cross-over study (2018)$18,551
- Description
- A pilot-crossover study aims to determine and compare the dose-response variation of anthocyanins and phenolic metabolites in urine and faecal matter in humans over 24h after consumption of anthocyanin-rich sweet cherries.
- Funding
- University of Tasmania ($18,551)
- Scheme
- Grant-BH Research Theme
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Kent K; Swarts ND; Sharman MJ; Charlton K
- Year
- 2018
Stabilising and increasing yield and quality in Tasmanian vineyards (2017 - 2019)$381,260
- Description
- The principal aim of this project is to better manage fruitfulness for stabilised or increased vineyard yields whilst maintaining or improving wine quality, through the development of grower decision support tools.
- Funding
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment ($381,260)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Jones JE; Kerslake FL; Dambergs RG; Close DC; Swarts ND; Merry AM
- Period
- 2017 - 2019
Mapping Australian cider uniqueness for the production of high quality and consistent craft cider (2017 - 2020)$108,000
- Description
- The project will consider interactions between apple variety, rootstock, and environment across different Australian regions.
- Funding
- Westpac Banking Corporation ($108,000)
- Scheme
- Donation - Individual
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Jones JE; Swarts ND
- Period
- 2017 - 2020
DNA sequence analysis of mycorrhizal fungi (2017 - 2018)$41,069
- Description
- DNA sequences obtain from isolated mycorrhizal fungi will be analysed using Geneious R7. Analysed data will be prepared for publication in high impact journals
- Funding
- Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ($41,069)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Swarts ND
- Period
- 2017 - 2018
Improving grapevine quality and yield through improved vine nutrition and pruning (2017 - 2019)$54,953
- Description
- The current proposal will establish nutrient and irrigation treatments with the aim of stabilising yield across seasons. Preliminary work by TIAs Grape and Wine Team over the past two years has established that nutrient application in vineyards could well be contributing to the lack of yield consistency.An additional decision which faces growers is the choice around timing of pruning, and the style of pruning, either cane or spur pruning. This decision is further complicated by the introduction of mechanical cane and spur pruners to the state. Under cane pruning systems, knowledge about cane selection is also vital.The proposal is tightly aligned with the WA strategic plan 2015-2020, priority 1, Increasing demand and the premium paid for all Australian wine, specifically strategy 3 which is to build Australian Grape and Wine Excellence.
- Funding
- Wine Australia ($54,953)
- Scheme
- Scholarship
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Jones JE; Swarts ND; Kerslake FL
- Period
- 2017 - 2019
Waste to profit in urchin fisheries: developing business opportunities to ensure fishery sustainability and safeguard reef dependant fisheries from destructive urchin grazing (2017 - 2018)$52,102
- Description
- Increasing the viability of urchin fisheries is particularly important for the range-extending Centrostephanus rodgersii which is threatening the productivity and profitability of the lucrative abalone and rock lobster fishing grounds as far south as the Tasman Peninsula (south-eastern Tasmania).Waste products from urchin fisheries account for over 85% of the harvested biomass, with up to 180 tonnes of sea urchin waste produced annually. Developing saleable by-products from waste will increase the viability and profitability of urchin fisheries by 1) creating new business opportunities 2) reducing waste disposal and transport costs and 3) enabling increased harvest levels temporally (longer seasons), spatially (further from port) and at an increased density. Cost effective control of Centrostephanus is a key priority of the Tasmanian Government as well as the Tasmanian Abalone and Rock Lobster Council. A profitable Centrostephanus fishery is seen as the best way to achieve this. However, profitability in the fishery is currently low given the species lower roe quality. Methods to reduce costs and increase profitability are vital for a prosperous fishery and control of destructive urchin grazing.Initial studies have indicated that urchin gut contain high levels of bioactive molecules with anti-thrombotic activity. Similar activities recently conducted in abalone processing waste have developed separation strategies for anti-thrombotic and anti-coagulant molecules. These methods are being patented by CSIRO and FRDC for future commercial engagement. Preliminary trials indicate that the separation strategies developed for abalone can be extended to urchin processing waste isolating molecules with nutraceutical grade bioactivity. Initial biochemical analyses have also shown that urchin testes contain essential micronutrients deficient in Australian soils providing a basis for the development of agricultural products. Developing business opportunities from the vast quantities of urchin waste is seen as an effective way to increase the viability of urchin fisheries while simultaneously reducing costs associated with urchin waste management and decreasing urchin numbers in valuable abalone and rock lobster fishing grounds.
- Funding
- Fisheries Research & Development Corporation ($52,102)
- Scheme
- Grant-Annual Open Call Round
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Keane JP; Chick R; Swarts ND; Browne K
- Period
- 2017 - 2018
Optimising nutrient management for improved productivity and fruit quality in cherries (2017 - 2020)$2,252,506
- Description
- This project addresses priorities 1, 2 and 4 of the .., and will improve farm gate profit for growers by conducting research and demonstration trials in the field which benchmark the sources and scale of nitrogen losses across a range of horticultural industries nationally. It will profit and environmental outcomes for industries by developing new management practices based on a better understanding of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) from manure and crop fertiliser practices. In horticultural industries, past studies have shown that 88% of the total nitrogen inputs (300 to1.2 t N per annum) from fertilizers and manures can be lost and this is having major environmental consequences and losing profit for industry. Unknowingly for growers, most of this N is being leached into waterways or being lost to the atmosphere as the potent greenhouse and ozone degrading gas, nitrous oxide or wasted as nitrogen gas. Our past research on a limited scale, DAFF (NANORP) and HIA funded fertigation and NUE projects have shown that up to 44% of applied N fertiliser can be lost to the atmosphere and 50% of applied nitrogen fertilisers leached into sensitive waterways from the apple and vegetable industries. They have also shown a 50% reduction in nitrogen emissions and gains of $1500/ha by using enhanced efficiency fertilizers and manures inhibitors which prevent losses of nitrogen from soil systems. This project will expand these findings and benchmark industries use and wastage of nitrogen. Improved soil management strategies developed by this project will provide industries with new fertilizer and manure technologies (Enhanced efficiency fertilizers) and information to better manage soil water and nutrient dynamics in horticulture cropping land.
- Funding
- Department of Agriculture ($1,126,253)
- Collaborators
- Cotton Research and Development Corporation ($718,749); Horticulture Innovation Australia ($407,504)
- Scheme
- Grant-Rural R&D for Profit program
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Swarts ND
- Period
- 2017 - 2020
Improved productivity and profitability for the Australian apple and pear industry (2015 - 2019)$900,000
- Description
- This project in collaboration with Plant Food Research will develop a multi-season N budget underpinned by fertigation research that builds on findings from the current fertigation project (AP12006) and a decision support tool that will guide advisor/grower optimisation of irrigation and fertigation application for all major national regions. Fertigation research will include the continuation of a major ongoing nitrogen and irrigation trial at Lucaston Park Orchards in Southern Tasmania. This trial was established for AP12006 and fertigation and irrigation treatments will continue for the next four growing seasons creating one of the longest intensive nutrition trials ever completed in the POME fruit industry. Undertaking litter decomposition studies, labelled N research and monitoring tree performance and N leaching will enable us to determine for the first time a complete N budget for commercial apple production. This research will provide an understanding of how fertiliser application approach, rates and timings can be managed to best satisfy the trees N requirements, mitigate leaching and optimize productivity without a cost to fruit quality. The decision support tool backed by a meta-model incorporating data from field N fertigation trials, multi-site regional soil parameterisation, climate and tree physiological datasets will provide growers with a reliable assessment of their orchards soil, water and nutrient status based on their irrigation and fertiliser inputs. Growers and advisors will be trained in the usage of the decision support tool. This research will enable growers and advisers to explore different irrigation and fertilizer strategies and management practices for different soil types and climates in order to optimize yield achievement without cost to quality.
- Funding
- Horticulture Innovation Australia ($900,000)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Swarts ND; Close DC; Hardie MA
- Period
- 2015 - 2019
Diversity and abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in native and managed landscapes in Tasmania (2015 - 2017)$17,175
- Description
- This is an application for operating funds to support a PhD project (Mrs Reham Mohammed). This project will investigate the distribution and abundance of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in southern Tasmania, using a range of molecular approaches. Information of AMF in Tasmania is poor however interest in the role of soil biology for both conservation and productive landscapes is growing. AMF are symbionts that colonise plant roots and can play vital roles in plant functioning and soil health, both in natural and managed landscapes. The project aims include identification of key AMF species and exploration of how factors such as land use, soil type and season alters the diversity and abundance of these species
- Funding
- Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment ($17,175)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Barry KM; Swarts ND; Glen M; Oliver GS
- Period
- 2015 - 2017
Building Quality in Tasmania's Cider Industry (2015 - 2016)$59,819
- Funding
- Australian Wine Research Institute ($59,819)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Kerslake FL; Carew ALJ; Jones JE; Swarts ND
- Period
- 2015 - 2016
Optimising Cherry Firmness, Size and Post-Harvest Shelf Life: Fruit Set and Crop Load, Tree and Fruit Nutrition (2013 - 2015)$359,506
- Funding
- Horticulture Innovation Australia ($359,506)
- Scheme
- Grant-Industry Call
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Close DC; Bound SA; Swarts ND; Jones JE; Corkrey SR
- Period
- 2013 - 2015
Reducing nitrous oxide emissions in key perennial tree crop industries (2013 - 2015)$612,961
- Description
- This project will research benchmarking and mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4)) in two key Australian horticulture industries apples and cherries. This proposal addresses research gaps in three main areas: reducing N2O emissions; increasing soil carbon; and the interaction between N2O emissions and soil carbon.
- Funding
- Department of Agriculture ($612,961)
- Scheme
- Grant-CarbonFarmingFuture-Filling the Research Gap
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Swarts ND; Close DC; Hardie MA
- Period
- 2013 - 2015
Precision Fertigation for Improved Apple Orchard Productivity (2012 - 2015)$420,134
- Funding
- Horticulture Innovation Australia ($420,134)
- Scheme
- Grant-Industry Call
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Swarts ND; Close DC
- Period
- 2012 - 2015
Integrated Conservation and Translocation Research Program for Caladenia Huegelii (2010 - 2014)$700,000
- Funding
- Jandakot Airport Holdings ($700,000)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority
- Research Team
- Dixon Kingsley; Swarts ND; Merrit David
- Period
- 2010 - 2014
Continental-Scale Specialisation in Mycorrhiza of Orchids (2010 - 2011)$31,600
- Funding
- Australian Orchid Foundation ($31,600)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens
- Research Team
- Wright Magali; Swarts ND
- Period
- 2010 - 2011
Conservation of the Threatened Orchids in Tasmania's Midlands (2010)$7,264
- Funding
- Wildcare Tas ($7,264)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens
- Research Team
- Swarts ND
- Year
- 2010
Enhancing Threatened Orchid Conservation at Rubicon Sanctuary (2010 - 2011)$24,960
- Funding
- NRM Cradle Coast ($24,960)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens
- Research Team
- Swarts ND; Collier Phil
- Period
- 2010 - 2011
Extension - Enhancing Threatened Orchid Conservation at Rubicon Sanctuary (2010)$15,000
- Funding
- NRM Cradle Coast ($15,000)
- Scheme
- Grant - Extension
- Administered By
- Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens
- Research Team
- Swarts ND; Collier Phil
- Year
- 2010
Orchid Conservation Techniques Manual (2009 - 2010)$35,200
- Funding
- Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority ($35,200)
- Scheme
- Consultancy
- Administered By
- Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens
- Research Team
- Swarts ND
- Period
- 2009 - 2010
Seed Collection and Mycorrhizal Isolation of Targeted Tasmania Orchid Taxa (2009)$5,500
- Funding
- Australian Orchid Foundation ($5,500)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens
- Research Team
- Swarts ND
- Year
- 2009
Research Supervision
Current
8
Completed
1
Current
| Degree | Title | Commenced |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | The Effect of Pre-Harves Tree Management on Fruit Quality and Phenolic Chemistry in a Sweet Cherry During Post-Harvest Storage | 2012 |
| PhD | Diversity and Abundance of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Native and Managed Landscapes inTasmania | 2015 |
| PhD | Exploring Novel Use of Waste from the Invasive Sea Urchin Fishery Using Life Cycle Assessment | 2016 |
| PhD | Improving Grapevine Yield and Wine Quality Through Optimised Vine Nutrition and Pruning | 2017 |
| PhD | Mapping Australian Cider Uniqueness for the Production of High Quality and Consistent Craft Cider | 2017 |
| PhD | Optimising Nutrient Management for Improved Productivity and Fruit Quality in Cherries | 2017 |
| PhD | Optimising Nutrient Management for Improved Productivity and Fruit Quality in Apples | 2017 |
| Masters | Influence of Orchard Conditions on Fruit Quality of Envy Apple | 2019 |
Completed
| Degree | Title | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | The Influence of Fertiliser Type on Mycorrhizal Colonisation and Plant Growth of Horticultural Systems Candidate: Abdelsalam Mohamed Abobaker | 2017 |