Innovation competition weeds out the solution

A winner of UniQuest’s 2006 Trailblazer innovation competition, Naomi Diplock has developed a biological control for the eradication of Parkinsonia, one of Australia’s top 20 weeds.

Parkinsonia is a thorny shrub that forms thickets threatening more than 75 per cent of mainland Australia, and is listed on the Weeds of National Significance register.

Naomi has researched a naturally occurring fungus which kills Parkinsonia and can be administered to large areas of the weed. Once administered, the fungus spreads.

In presenting her winning pitch to the Trailblazer judges, Ms Diplock stated that her Parkinsonia treatment would provide a permanent solution to a major environmental problem.

“Land care is vitally important in rural Australia and to supply a low cost biological solution to a weed of this nature would be hugely beneficial,” said Ms Diplock.

”My solution is far more cost effective than current control methods and the biological control method would only need to be administered once.”

Ms Diplock’s innovative research caught the attention of UQ’s main commercialisation company, UniQuest Pty Ltd, which runs the annual Trailblazer competition.

UniQuest Managing Director, David Henderson said the Trailblazer judges were impressed by Ms Diplock’s research and the opportunities surrounding it.

“The environmental and commercial applications of Naomi’s research are important, as it could help eradicate a very serious weed affecting land owners across Australia,” said Mr Henderson.

Trailblazer is an annual event designed to reward and inspire researchers as well as promote innovative research with commercial potential. In 2006, entries were received from across all UQ’s faculties with 11 awards presented to staff and students.

For interviews or further information contact: Jane Milne or Julia Renaud, UniQuest (3365 4037 or 0438 436 179) or Naomi Diplock (3365 0294).