Grains Australia CEO Richard Simonaitis speaks at the International What Congress in Perth last week. Photo: Grains Australia

THE THIRD International Wheat Congress has wrapped up following a big week which brought delegates from across Australia and around the world.

Hosted by Murdoch University’s Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, the congresd aims to accelerate the progress of international wheat research and development.

It also provides a platform for researchers to present their findings, share insights, and exchange ideas which can contribute to enhancing the sustainability and resilience of wheat-production systems.

Presenters included CIMMYT director general Dr Bram Govaerts speaking on international  wheat research perspectives, and Professor Peter Langridge, chair of the scientific board of the German-based International Wheat Initiatives.

Organisational perspectives came from WA Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development director general Heather Brayford, Grains Research and Development Corporation managing director Nigel Hart.

Presenting a rundown on international research collaboration for R&D was Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research chief executive officer Prof Wendy Umberger.

CIMMYT research Dr Carolina Saint Pierre presents on the Low-N footprint wheat mission, or CropSustaiN, at the International Wheat Congress held last week in Perth.

Sessions at the congress covered included:

• Genomics;
• Diversity, evolution and genetic reservoirs;
• Breeding;
• Improving abiotic stress tolerance;
• Resistance against biotic stresses;
• Developing climate-smart wheat;
• Global production, research and trade;
• Sustainable agronomy, crop management and digital agriculture;
• Impacts of wheat research, including a look at the East African wheat transformation; and,
• Wheat’s interface with human health and nutrition.

The International Wheat Congress is a biennial event first held in July 2019 in Saskatoon, Canada, with the second congress held in Beijing, China.

The next congress is scheduled to be held in Bologna, Italy in May 2026.

Source: IWC