Ms
Melanie Ford
Research Scientist
My role in the department
Mel is a fruit researcher working on subtropical and tropical perennial crops in Carnarvon. In her role at DPIRD, she investigates new technologies and techniques for growing crops for the future. These include the use of protected cropping structures, canopy shapes for future mechanisation, environmental sensing equipment, and propagation methods.
My background
Mel has 13 years of experience working in agriculture and extension services at The University of Adelaide, CSIRO, Washington State University, and the private sector. Her previous research topics include temperate horticulture, viticulture, plant and soil nutrition, salinity stress, and post-harvest cereal pathology. She has also worked on seed germination with a focus on Australian native plants.
Projects
- Evaluating high-density trellised mangoes under protected cropping structures
- Demonstrating next-generation resilient orchard cropping systems
- Evaluating persimmon varieties under protected cropping structures
Key Expertise
Science communication, agricultural technology, climate change, abiotic stress, mango physiology, jackfruit phenology, viticulture, and post-harvest pathogens.
Qualifications
- PhD in Agriculture, University of Adelaide
- BSc in Integrated Plant Science, Washington State University