The unsung heroes behind the Plant Research Centre – the team that never stops

SARDI’s Plant Research Centre (PRC) Greenhouse Services team comprising (L to R) Manager Nick Smart, Greenhouse Services Officer Gus Vithayathil and General Hand Andrew McGregor.

SARDI’s Plant Research Centre (PRC) Greenhouse Services team maintain a safe, secure and seamless operation - supporting the hub of South Australia's agricultural research at the Waite Campus.

Two years ago, at 3pm on Christmas Day, there was an unusual breakdown at SARDI’s PRC.

While most people were unwinding, enjoying downtime with family and friends, PRC Manager Nick Smart jumped into action.

“I got on a call, understood what the issue was and organised the relevant people to remedy the issue,” Nick says.

Within the hour action was underway, and shortly after the breakdown was resolved.

“If someone’s lab isn’t working or something goes wrong, we come to the rescue,” he says.

For Nick and his team, it doesn’t matter what time of day, month or year it is.

“We fix it and we fix it now.”

PRC: a champion for science and business

It’s that level of assurance and reliability that’s critical to the success of the PRC’s 50+ annual research projects; innovation and development that’s largely funded by industry, spanning grains, cereals and pulses, food sciences, and more.

It’s not only SARDI that relies on the PRC. Adelaide University, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Flinders University, and SA businesses like Integra Foods also utilise the centre’s 55 laboratories, 30 controlled environment rooms, 24 temperature-controlled rooms, and 24 greenhouses.

SARDI Research Officer Dr Simon Michelmore.

SARDI Research Officer Dr Simon Michelmore is working on the Grains Research Development Corporation’s (GRDC) Early Career Research (ECR) Fellowship project on pulse plant architecture, studying the genetic mechanisms that control shoot branching and grain yield in chickpeas and field peas.

Simon says the PRC provides a range of indispensable research capabilities.

“Not just the glasshouses and growth rooms, but cool rooms, seed stores, seed cleaning and specialty research equipment. Nick and the Greenhouse Services team are an incredible asset. They’re always happy to help with problems, providing prompt and professional services that keep our research projects running smoothly,” he says.

SARDI Research Scientist Dr Yusuf Genc.

Research Scientist Dr Yusuf Genc has had a long career of agricultural research with SARDI. He's currently working on a GRDC-funded greenhouse trial of salt-tolerant wheat lines. While his research begins with the germplasm, his experiments are built from the ground up on optimal soils.

“Soil really is the foundation of a good experiment. It influences water availability, nutrient supply, root development and, ultimately, plant performance."

With an on-site production facility of bespoke, research-ready and sterile soils, the PRC Greenhouse Services Team have a strong role to play in agricultural research.

“Nick ensures our soils are in great shape - providing the foundation for reliable experimental results and meaningful conclusions. Their support makes a real difference to the quality of our research.”

SARDI’s PRC creates bespoke soils mixes for SARDI and other well-known science powerhouses including CSIRO, Adelaide University and Flinders University.

The team that keeps innovation moving

Nick’s team comprises General Hand Andrew McGregor and Greenhouse Services Officer Gus Vithayathil.

The trio work consistently to uphold the PRC 'four R's' system; a mantra they operate by.

Refrigeration – delivering reliably consistent conditions for optimal outcomes

Risk – actively mitigating and managing risks to ensure safety and high performance

Reputation – an unwavering commitment to provision of first-class research support services and responsivity

Reduction – actively working towards best practice net zero emissions reduction.

Greenhouse Services Officer Gus says there’s so much that goes into keeping the facility and science thriving.

“Scientists need people like us to support their endeavours. We all operate collaboratively and by focusing on each of our areas of expertise, we can work together to flourish.”

Dr Simon Michelmore couldn’t agree more;

“They really are one of the many unsung heroes of agricultural research at the Waite campus."

To learn more about SARDI’s PRC, visit the Plant Research Centre webpage.