A Canadian scientist has travelled more than one thousand miles to tap into Charles Sturt University (CSU) expertise as part of research into the invasive weed known as ‘mile-a-minute’.
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Mile-a-minute or Mikania micranthais - a fast growing, smothering vine - is a major weed in the tropics of Africa, India, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands. It’s also found in northern Australia.
- Professor Clements
Professor David Clements of Trinity Western University in Canada is spending five months at the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation at CSU in Wagga as part of the prestigious Endeavour Research Fellowship program.
“Mile-a-minute or Mikania micranthais - a fast growing, smothering vine - is a major weed in the tropics of Africa, India, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands. It’s also found in northern Australia,” said Professor Clements.
“I am a field biologist and this Fellowship will give me the time and opportunity to understand the plant better in the laboratory,” he said.
Professor Clements has swapped the northern hemisphere winter for a hot Australian summer but said he’s enjoying his first visit to Australia.
“The 40 degree days in Wagga are certainly a contrast to the cold weather back home,” Professor Clements said.
“I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing the Australian wildlife, kangaroos hopping around the University campus and the koalas at a local nature reserve,” he said.
The program is offered by the Australian Government to support high-achieving individuals to undertake study, research and professional development overseas and gain international experience.
- www.therural.com.au
