By Muhammad Arslan Mahmood – PhD student – April 2024
Visiting a partner industry is a wonderful opportunity for PhD students in life science subjects. The visit(s) provide a broad view of your proposed PhD project and its real-life implications. I had the privilege of visiting Pacific Seeds, my partner industry, where I was able to observe their on-going experiments and get in-person training. During my week-long stay, numerous doors opened up for me. The visit offered invaluable insights into my PhD project, highlighting the potential areas that needed further exploration. I participated in a variety of activities including seeds sorting, canola plant crossing for trait introgression, and learning about backcrossing and hybrid canola production.
I also visited their fields which are located in Gatton (approx. 60 kms from Toowoomba). Furthermore, they have a high-throughput canola seeds planter and a spray drone with the latest built-in technology.
Lastly, I believe this industry visit will also be helpful for my future career, especially if I decide to transition from academia to the industry. Below is a summary of the activities I undertook during my week at Pacific Seeds:
- Visited Pacific seeds facilities (greenhouses, storage silos etc.) and research labs.
- Visited Pacific Seeds fields (maize & sorghum) and farms (farm equipment) – At Gatton
- Attended presentation on Pacific Seeds and their hybrid seeds development research.
- I gave presentation about my PhD project to breeders and research officers.
- Did canola seed sorting.
- Get knowledge about blackleg ascospore shower things, crossing and backcrossing
- Did some practice on canola crossing.
- Joined their monthly canola meeting.
- Attended a short presentation on MAGIC (Multi- parent advanced generation inter-cross) population.
- Discussed their research progress and problems they are facing.