Field Trip and Workshops
SCHEDULE
- Monday 14th - Tuesday 15th September : Grampians Broadacre Field trip
- Tuesday 15th September : Nematology Workshop + Welcome Reception from 6.00pm.
- Wednesday 16th & Thursday 17th September : ASDS Sessions
- Friday 18th September : Potato and Strawberry Field Tour
Grampians Broadacre Cropping Field Tour
When: Monday 14 - Tuesday 15 September 2026
Time: Departing Rendezvous 08:00 on 14th September and returning on 15th September at 17:00
Location: Grains Innovation Park, 110 Natimuk Rd, Horsham VIC 3400
Cost: Extimated $470 -550 (includes transport, meals and accommodation on the night of the 14th)
Max no. of participants: 30 (a minimum number will need to be met for tour to proceed as an overnight)
Summary: A field tour showcasing Field Crop Pathology research into the management of fungal, bacterial, viral and nematode diseases of grain crops including cereals, pulses and canola. Includes a visit to the soilborne disease initiative field trials, pathology lab and glasshouse, along with a Grain Innovation Park tour of the Australian Grains Genebank, Crop Quality and Molecular Plant Breeding teams.
Conveners: Chloe Findlay (Research Scientist – Pulse Pathology), Dr. Dharushana Thanabalasingam (Senior Research Scientist – Plant Pathology), Agriculture Victoria (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action), 110 Natimuk Rd, Horsham, VIC 3400
Nematology Workshop
When: Tuesday 15 September 2026
Time: 8.30am - 3.30pm
Where: Rendezvous Melbourne
Cost: $110 AUD for delegates.
Workshop only registrations are available, however are subject to availability and preference will be given to delegates if numbers exceed capacity. Workshop only registrations will be approximateily $195 AUD
Summary: Themed ‘All things Nematology -the expected and the unexpected’ this one-day event will cover various aspects of nematology research including laboratory observations, diagnostics, surveys, taxonomy and free-living nematodes. The workshop will include presentations from various Nematologists in Australia as well as some practical sessions on free-living nematodes and diagnostics. More details on speakers and topics to follow soon.
Conveners: Dr Chantelle Girgan, Senior Diagnostician & Research Scientist | Plant Pathology | Microbial Sciences, Pests and Diseases | Agriculture Victoria Research, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
E: chantelle.girgan@agriculture.vic.gov.au
M: +61 488 336 877
AgriBio Centre 5 Ring Road, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083
Potato and strawberry field tour to Yarra Valley
When: Friday 18th September 2026
Time: 09:00 - 17:00
Departs: Rendezvous Melbourne
Cost: $125 (estimate only - transport and lunch included
Max No of participants: 40
Delegates are invited to express their interest in the upcoming Potato and strawberry Field Tour, to be held on 18th September 2026 from 9:00–17:00 at the Toolangi Research Station (1015 Myers Creek Road, Toolangi). This full-day event will feature an in-depth tour of the Toolangi Research Station, including its tissue culture facility, minituber production systems, and strawberry runner production areas. The workshop will provide an engaging platform to discuss the latest research outcomes, and address challenges related to biosecurity preparedness, diagnostics, and disease management. The program also includes a relaxing lunch at a local Yarra Valley winery, offering additional networking opportunities. Delegates are welcome to present papers as part of the workshop program. Convened by Dr Nigel Crump, General Manager and Principal Scientist, this tour promises a valuable and informative day. Interested participants are encouraged to register early due to limited places.
Summary: A workshop on key potato diseases aimed to promote discussion surrounding the latest knowledge and research outcomes. Discussion on key challenges including biosecurity preparedness, diagnostics and disease management. Delegates are invited to present papers at this workshop to be held at Toolangi Research Station in the Yarra Valley
Convenors: Dr Nigel Crump, General Manager and Principal Scientist, 1015 Myers Creek Road, Toolangi Vic 3777