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.
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.
Links
[1] https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/sites/gateway/files/styles/gw_large/public/Mel%20Ford%20Photo%20web.jpg?itok=6Eq9HG5w
[2] https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/melanie-ford