Dr Wolfgang Spielmeyer, identifying and cloning wheat genes for yield improvement.

Dr Wolfgang Spielmeyer: identifying and cloning wheat genes for yield improvement

Dr Wolfgang Spielmeyer is mapping and isolating durable disease resistance genes to develop perfect markers that will assist in breeding wheat cultivars with effective and stable resistance.

• 30 March 2010 | Updated 24 November 2011

Overview

• Current activities
• Background
• Academic qualifications
• Achievements

Current activities

Dr Wolfgang Spielmeyer is a Principal Research Scientist and Research Team Leader.

He is currently developing robust genetic markers for agronomically important traits and is mapping major quantitative trait loci (groups of associated genes) for traits that contribute to better crop establishment and greater root growth.

Background

Dr Spielmeyer joined CSIRO in 1994 as a Doctorate student.

He commenced his postdoctoral research in 1997 to work on mapping of rust resistance genes in wheat.

Academic qualifications

Dr Spielmeyer holds the following qualifications:

• Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours, First Class) University of Tasmania, Australia, 1993
• Doctor of Philosophy, Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory, 1997.

Achievements

Dr Spielmeyer has received the:

• Australian Institute of Agricultural Science Medal for outstanding academic performance, 1992
• Recipient of CSIRO Plant Industry Research Team Awards as part of the rust resistance group in 2006 and the salt tolerance group in 2007.

See a list of scientific papers published by Dr Speilmeyer on the next page.