It has been quite the journey that Tendo has taken to get to his role with NSW DPI under a partnership with GRDC in building research capacity for the grains industry. From Uganda to Ethiopia, from South Africa to Sydney and now to Tamworth where he and his wife call home.

His interest in agriculture stemmed from his father, a cattle geneticist who worked for CGIAR (formerly the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research) when Tendo was growing up.

“Growing up, I was constantly exposed to and interested in various aspects of agricultural research. I always thought I would end up in the sciences. In fact, I had always wanted to become a vet. However, I got to university and was really intrigued by soils and the wonderful, and not so wonderful, microorganisms in them”.

Prior to coming to Tamworth, Tendo’s research revolved around photosynthesis with the aim of increasing the yield of important food crops, with a focus on molecular pathways. This research took place at the University of Sydney’s node of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis. Wanting to get back in the paddock, Tendo moved into his current position in 2017.

What skills have you developed because of the project?

“I feel my technical and scientific expertise were sound coming into this project, but it has been the development in both my leadership and administrative skills that has been the greatest benefit. I am very grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me to lead projects where my project management skills have developed significantly.”

These skills are still growing as a result of the capacity building project.

“One of the key things I am constantly reminded of is that project completion is a team effort and how valuable technical staff are in the success of a project. It takes a team to run a successful project”

The reason Tendo likes research in the grains industry is that you are always answering intriguing questions, questions that are important to growers that can lead to practice change or increased long-term productivity on farm.

“Research leads to more research”

Tendo’s thoughts on working in the grains industry:

Working for NSW DPI in the grains industry has given Tendo the opportunity to work with leading researchers, to build collaborations and to get different aspects on research questions and answers.

“I want to use the relationships I have formed through the capacity building project in future collaborations, where I hope to continue to answer important questions faced by the agricultural industry.”

“I enjoy working in the grains industry because I am doing something that really interests me - agricultural research. I have always conducted research that in one way or another was aimed to improve resilience and increase productivity. So, when I was given the opportunity to continue doing this research at a leading Institute with NSW DPI, I grabbed it with both hands. I have enjoyed my time at DPI so far. I am part of a great team who are doing great research”.

How will your research help farmers? How will it bring about practice change on a farm level?

The project Tendo is currently working on is investigating the impacts of low levels of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), previously known as VAM, on crop yield, especially in chickpeas. The research is about validating and building on previous projects and information and delivering this to a younger generation. Especially in the light of recent drought years where AMF levels measured through PREDICTA® B surveys have been very low. Tendo thinks it is imperative to highlight the importance of soil health and how we can improve nutrient utilisation.

“The benefits of beneficial microbes are well documented in literature, but not all growers actively look to monitor and maintain beneficial microbes in their soils. We tend to focus on the bad bugs, rather than the good ones”.

Consequences of the Capacity Building Position that will help the larger community?

Tendo recognises that the grains industry is very important to Australia’s economic and social success, with farmers importance in the larger community often not well acknowledged by the broader community. Tendo hopes his research will help Australian grain growers improve their productivity with increasing food production benefiting the larger community as well.

“The project I am currently working on will hopefully contribute towards increased productivity and long-term sustainability in the chickpea industry”.

What collaborations have you developed because of the project?

Tendo has formed a number of collaborations in this and previous projects that will be significant and beneficial for his career moving forward.

“I have been lucky to have been able to consult and work alongside leading researchers in the field of crop nutrition and soil microbiology since joining NSW DPI. I was initially involved in nutrition projects where I was able to gain valuable experience working alongside experienced scientists from UQ, DAF, NSW DPI and the GRDC. This current project revolves more around soil microbiology and consulting experienced plant pathologists here at Tamworth DPI has definitely helped strengthen my project approach”.

What have been the biggest surprises in your research?

Tendo is frequently surprised at how resilient crops can be. Farmers in the NW of NSW have been through some dry seasons in recent years where soil water has been severely limited.

“Once in a while you come across a crop that does a lot better than you were expecting with limited soil moisture. It makes you realise that there is a lot we do know about water and nutrient acquisition, but also a lot to learn”.

What do you do when you’re not looking down a microscope or frolicking in the paddock?

“On weekends, I am generally screaming “Come on Souths!” at a television, often with ice-packs on my hammys/knees/ankles from my exertions in local grade soccer from the night before”.