My role in the department
Ciara is a plant pathologist based in the Geraldton Port Zone. She conducts research in the field and laboratory to improve understanding of how disease contraints affect the yield and quality of broadacre crops such as wheat, barley, lupins and canola. Ciara develops integrated disease management strategies, and extends this information via online publications, field days, crop updates and other channels to benefit the WA grains industry. Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ciara_Beard2
My background
Ciara has over 20 years experience in researching broadacre crop protection issues and effectively extending research results to industry. She is a respected researcher and source of plant pathology information in the Geraldton Port Zone, within WA and across Australia. On joining DPIRD (previously DAFWA) in 2001, Ciara had a brief role in farming systems and economics before moving into plant pathology research and extension, where she remains. Ciara's skillset includes designing and implementing field and laboratory experiments; diagnosing disease problems in cereals, canola and lupins; giving advice, presenting research results to growers and consultants on effective use of fungicides and other strategies to manage disease; and extension of research results.
Projects
- Disease surveillance and related diagnostics for the Australian grains industry (Western region) GRDC and DPIRD funded project; DAW2104-003RTX
- Sclerotinia management for narrow leaf lupin crops in Western Australian farming systems, GRDC and DPIRD funded project with Mingenew Irwin Group and CCDM; DAW2104-002RTX
Key Expertise
Qualifications
- BSc in Agriculture with Honours, University of Western Australia, 2001
- Diploma of Project Management, North Metropolitan TAFE, WA, 2018
My articles
Mapping at Dowerin Field day FILE IMAGE M16_2220.jpg
![DPIRD staff photographed at a previous Dowerin Field Day The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development team will be back at Dowerin Machinery Field Days with large property maps available for farmers to check out their properties. Pictured at a previous Dowerin Field Days event is DPIRD research](https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/sites/gateway/files/styles/group_logo/public/Mapping%20at%20Dowerin%20Field%20day%20FILE%20IMAGE%20M16_2220.jpg?itok=m2PUb9_-)
Christine Zaicou-Kunesch Steve Cosh Chad Reynolds Carla Wilkinson Sarah Collins Steve Davies Jo Walker - Soil Amelioration .JPG
Sheep truck.jpg
![WA sheep and goat owners are encouraged to check their stock ID and movement requirements before Operation Brand Aid starts in July. Sheep truck on country back road](https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/sites/gateway/files/styles/group_logo/public/Sheep%20truck.jpg?itok=cP2YWh5P)
Vet workshop IMG_0861.jpg
![Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development field vet Kristine Rayner with Katanning Saleyards manager Rod Bushell during a practical exercise at the Katanning saleyards. Two vets standing in a saleyard](https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/sites/gateway/files/styles/group_logo/public/Vet%20workshop%20IMG_0861.jpg?itok=lGUaAVup)
NBG - Bait Rack Day.jpg
![Making meat baits for wild dogs, at a recent community baiting day organised by the Northern Biosecurity Group. Baits on a rack](https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/sites/gateway/files/styles/group_logo/public/NBG%20-%20Bait%20Rack%20Day.jpg?itok=mlRfLlTS)