Professor Jason Able
Head, School of Agriculture, Food & Wine
School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Jason is the Head of School of Agriculture, Food & Wine. From a research perspective, he leads the national faba bean breeding program with the University of Adelaide being the lead organisation. Working in collaboration with the University of Sydney, SARDI and NSW DPI, the program aims to drive forward grower profitability for this high value pulse commodity.
Jason also has a diverse range of research interests, the results of which can eventually be applied to breeding programs. They include:
* Fundamental science that centres on micro RNAs (miRNAs) and their role in enhancing crop productivity (through either stress adaptation and/or reproductive fitness);
* Understanding the molecular mechanisms that control meiosis in bread and durum wheat;
* Ranking and screening barley and wheat varieties for frost tolerance, where he led the National Frost Initiative that was invested through the GRDC;
* Elucidating key compounds that contribute to barley malt flavour.
- My Research
- Career
- Publications
- Grants and Funding
- Teaching
- Supervision
- Professional Activities
- Contact
Jason is a Professor in Plant Breeding. Between 2010-2021, he led the durum wheat breeding program at the Waite (Durum Breeding Australia - Southern Node), which was focussed on developing new durum wheat varieties for our ever-changing environments and an ever-expanding market. During that time, Jason released his first variety DBA Aurora in 2014, his second in 2018 (DBA Spes), and third in 2019 (DBA Artemis); while he also played an important role in releasing WID802 and Yawa (both in 2012). DBA Aurora was a step-change variety and to this day still enjoys significant market share nationally. Jason currently leads the national faba bean breeding program, which is invested through the GRDC and has a number of collaborators including SARDI, the University of Sydney and NSW DPI. Jason and his team have developed excellent collaborative linkages with many colleagues, including: E/Professor Diane Mather (University of Adelaide), Professor Amanda Able (University of Adelaide), Dr Mike Sissons (NSW DPI), Professor Carla Ceoloni (University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy) and Professor Graham Moore (John Innes Centre, UK). Jason is actively engaged with multiple grain and pulse stakeholders across Australia and around the globe. Key stakeholders nationally include the Southern Australia Durum Growers Association (SADGA), GRDC, SAGIT, San Remo Macaroni Company Pty Ltd, MAURI anz, Mellco, Coopers and Viterra.
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2020 - ongoing Professor in Plant Breeding (Continuing) University of Adelaide 2016 - 2019 Associate Professor in Plant Breeding (Continuing) University of Adelaide 2013 - 2015 Senior Lecturer in Plant Breeding (Continuing) University of Adelaide 2010 - 2012 Lecturer in Plant Breeding (Tenurable) University of Adelaide 2005 - 2010 MPB CRC & UA Research Fellow (Fixed-Term Contract) University of Adelaide 2002 - 2004 GRDC Post-Doctoral Fellow (Fixed-Term Contract) University of Adelaide 2001 - 2001 CSIRO Post-Doctoral Fellow CSIRO -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title 1997 - 2001 University of Queensland Australia PhD -
Research Interests
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Journals
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Book Chapters
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Conference Papers
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Conference Items
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Theses
Year Citation 2016 Liu, H. (2016). Genome-wide characterisation of microRNAs and their target genes in different durum wheat genotypes under water limiting conditions. (PhD Thesis, University of Adelaide). -
Plant Breeder's Rights
Year Citation 2018 Publication status: Published online
PBR name: DBA Spes
Authors: Able JA
Author affiliation: (1088981) Able, Jason
Publication date: 23 February 2018
PBR family name: Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) DBA Spes
Country registered: Australia
PBR app number: 2017/261
Associated authors: Able JA
Filed date: 30 August 2017
Patent status: Accepted
Source URL: http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/pbr_db/plant_detail.cfm?AID=25009685
Funding acknowledgements: Grains Research and Development CorporationSan Remo Macaroni CompanyThe University of Adelaide
Record created at source: 25 May 20182018 Publication status: Published online
PBR name: DBA Spes
Authors: Able JA
Author affiliation: (1088981) Able, Jason
Publication date: 23 February 2018
PBR family name: Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) DBA Spes
Country registered: Australia
PBR app number: 2017/261
Associated authors: Able JA
Filed date: 30 August 2017
Patent status: Accepted
Source URL: http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/pbr_db/plant_detail.cfm?AID=25009685
Funding acknowledgements: Grains Research and Development CorporationSan Remo Macaroni CompanyThe University of Adelaide
Record created at source: 25 May 20182018 Publication status: Published online
PBR name: DBA Artemis
Authors: Able JA
Author affiliation: (1088981) Able, Jason
Publication date: 23 February 2018
PBR family name: Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) DBA Artemis
Country registered: Australia
PBR app number: 2017/262
Associated authors: Able JA
Filed date: 30 August 2017
Source URL: http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/pbr_db/plant_detail.cfm?AID=25009684
Funding acknowledgements: Grains Research and Development CorporationSan Remo Macaroni CompanyThe University of Adelaide
Record created at source: 25 May 20182018 Publication status: Published online
PBR name: DBA Artemis
Authors: Able JA
Author affiliation: (1088981) Able, Jason
Publication date: 23 February 2018
PBR family name: Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) DBA Artemis
Country registered: Australia
PBR app number: 2017/262
Associated authors: Able JA
Filed date: 30 August 2017
Source URL: http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/pbr_db/plant_detail.cfm?AID=25009684
Funding acknowledgements: Grains Research and Development CorporationSan Remo Macaroni CompanyThe University of Adelaide
Record created at source: 25 May 20182015 PBR name: DBA-Aurora
Authors: Able J
Author affiliation: A1088981
Publication date: 28 July 2015
PBR family name: Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) DBA-Aurora
Country registered: Australia
Granted date: 28 July 2015
PBR app number: 2013/233
Filed date: 13 September 2013
Patent status: Granted
Statement of responsibility: South Australia
Rights statement: South Australia
Description: Durum variety that was developed and released under Durum Breeding Australia during Spring 2014. In releasing this variety, many years evaluation was undertaken including breeding trials, disease trials, National Variety Trials (NVT); along with PBR trials established and analysed, subsequently leading to PBR being granted; Wheat Quality Australia (WQA) accreditation tests performed and submitted for evaluation (with ADR - Premium Australian Durum classification being awarded); and other relevant stakeholders consulted before being given approval to release the variety.
Source URL: http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/pbr_db/plant_detail.cfm?AID=17169920
Funding acknowledgements: Grains Research and Development CorporationSan Remo Macaroni Pty LtdThe University of Adelaide
Verification-status: Verified
Record created at source: 12 December 20142015 PBR name: DBA-Aurora
Authors: Able J
Author affiliation: A1088981
Publication date: 28 July 2015
PBR family name: Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) DBA-Aurora
Country registered: Australia
Granted date: 28 July 2015
PBR app number: 2013/233
Filed date: 13 September 2013
Patent status: Granted
Statement of responsibility: South Australia
Rights statement: South Australia
Description: Durum variety that was developed and released under Durum Breeding Australia during Spring 2014. In releasing this variety, many years evaluation was undertaken including breeding trials, disease trials, National Variety Trials (NVT); along with PBR trials established and analysed, subsequently leading to PBR being granted; Wheat Quality Australia (WQA) accreditation tests performed and submitted for evaluation (with ADR - Premium Australian Durum classification being awarded); and other relevant stakeholders consulted before being given approval to release the variety.
Source URL: http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/pbr_db/plant_detail.cfm?AID=17169920
Funding acknowledgements: Grains Research and Development CorporationSan Remo Macaroni Pty LtdThe University of Adelaide
Verification-status: Verified
Record created at source: 12 December 20142012 PBR name: WID802
Alternative title: WID802
Authors: Able JA
Publication date: 4 September 2012
PBR family name: WID802
Country registered: Australia
Granted date: 4 September 2012
PBR app number: 2011/231
Filed date: 1 November 2011
Patent status: Granted
Description: Durum variety where PBR trials were established, analysis completed, WQA accreditation obtained and paperwork submitted; while still under the mentor of Professor Tony Rathjen.
Source URL: http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/pbr_db/plant_detail.cfm?AID=14455827
Funding acknowledgements: GRDC, UA, San Remo
Record created at source: 12 December 20142012 PBR name: Yawa
Alternative title: WID803
Authors: Able JA
Publication date: 4 September 2012
PBR family name: Yawa
Country registered: Australia
Granted date: 4 September 2012
PBR app number: 2011/232
Filed date: 1 November 2011
Patent status: Granted
Description: Durum variety where PBR trials were established, analysis completed, WQA accreditation obtained and paperwork submitted; while still under the mentor of Professor Tony Rathjen.
Source URL: http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/pbr_db/plant_detail.cfm?AID=14455828
Funding acknowledgements: GRDC, UA, San Remo
Record created at source: 12 December 2014 -
Datasets
Year Citation 2021 Liu, H., Able, A., & Able, J. (2021). Multi-omics analysis of small RNA, transcriptome and degradome in T. turgidum – regulatory networks of grain development and abiotic stress response. 2021 Liu, H., Able, A., & Able, J. (2021). Small RNAs and their targets are associated with the transgenerational effects of water-deficit stress in durum wheat. 2021 Liu, H., Able, A., & Able, J. (2021). Nitrogen starvation-responsive microRNAs under the effects of transgenerational stress in durum wheat seedlings. 2021 Liu, H., Able, A. J., & Able, J. A. (2021). Small RNA, transcriptome and degradome analysis of the transgenerational heat stress response network in durum wheat. 2020 Liu, H., Able, A., & Able, J. (2020). Integrated analysis of small RNA, transcriptome, and degradome sequencing reveals the water-deficit and heat stress response network in durum wheat. 2020 Liu, H., Able, A., & Able, J. (2020). Transgenerational effects of water-deficit and heat stress on germination and seedling vigour – new insights from durum wheat microRNAs. 2015 Liu, H., Searle, I., Watson-Haigh., Baumann., Mather, D. E., Able, A. J., & Able, J. A. (2015). Genome-wide identification of differentially expressed microRNAs in leaves and the developing head of four durum genotypes during water deficit stress. 2006 Able, J. A. (2006). Microarray expression analysis of meiosis and microsporogenesis in hexaploid bread wheat.
Funding for the durum breeding program and closely aligned research is primarily from the GRDC, SAGIT and San Remo Macaroni Pty Ltd. Since 2012, Jason has been awarded grants worth in excess of $32,000,000. Below is a selection of some of the major projects he is currently involved in:
- 2020-2023 University of Adelaide (UA) chief investigator (CI) for a category-1 GRDC tender named ‘Using novel genetic diversity to increase Barley yields nationally’. A total of $926,372 over 3 years has been invested.
- 2020-2023 UA CI for a category-1 GRDC tender named 'Pulse Breeding Australia: Faba Bean Breeding'. A total in excess of $3,500,000 is being invested.
- 2020-2021 UA CI for a category-1 GRDC tender named ‘Durum Breeding Australia (DBA)’. A total of $1,250,000 over 1 year has been invested.
- 2018-2021 UA CI for a category-1 GRDC tender named ‘Improving Australian malt barley flavour to address Chinese brewing requirements’. Industry partners include Coopers and Glencore. A total of $1,177,154 over 3 years has been invested.
- 2019-2020 UA CI for a category-1 GRDC tender named ‘Durum Breeding Australia (DBA)’. A total of $1,250,000 over 1 year was invested.
- 2017-2020 UA CI for a category-3 SAGIT grant entitled: ‘Enhanced N-use efficiency in durum through improved genetics’. A total of $199,084 over three years was invested.
Jason coordinates the third year elective Plant Breeding III and lectures the majority of this course. He also coordinates the third year elective Plant Biotechnology III and contributes to components of another third year course, Professional Skills in Agricultural Science III. Jason also lectures to second year science undergraduates in the Bachelor of Science covering the broad area of plant biotechnology (in Principles of Biotechnology II). Since 2011, Jason has coordinated and led the 3rd year undergraduate field trip that explores the agricultural systems in and around South-East QLD. Between 2012-2016 (inclusive) Jason was the program coordinator for the Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences.
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Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2022 Co-Supervisor Agronomic and quality impacts of alternative dwarfing genes in barley Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Hien Minh Vu 2019 Principal Supervisor Breeding Faba Bean (Vicia Faba L.) for Acidic Soils of Australia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mr Samuel Catt -
Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2013 - 2023 Co-Supervisor Improving the Adaptation of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) to Heat Stress Conditions Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Paul Robert Telfer 2012 - 2014 Principal Supervisor Evaluating populations derived from complex crosses involving both bread wheat and durum wheat parentage for partial resistance to crown rot Master of Agricultural Science Master Full Time Mr Domenico Deserio 2012 - 2016 Principal Supervisor Genome-wide Characterisation of microRNAs and their target genes in different durum wheat genotypes under water limiting conditions Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Haipei Liu 2010 - 2014 Co-Supervisor Understanding the physiological mechanisms of ripening in capsicum Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Wan Mohd Aizat Wan Kamaruddin 2007 - 2011 Principal Supervisor An Investigation of Bread Wheat Meiosis via Proteomics and Gene-targeted Approaches: the Isolation and Characterisation of Four Meiotic Proteins Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Kelvin Khoo 2007 - 2010 Principal Supervisor Isolation and Characterisation of Wheat Genes with Early Meiotic Expression Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Hayley Jolly 2005 - 2008 Principal Supervisor Investigating Chromosome Pairing in Bread Wheat Using ASYNAPSIS I Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Scott Boden 2005 - 2009 Principal Supervisor Whole Genome Approaches to Identify Genes Involved in Early Meiosis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Wayne Crismani 2005 - 2012 Co-Supervisor Regulation of Candidate Genes in Black Point Formation in Barley Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mr Kerry Walker 2004 - 2008 Co-Supervisor The Genetic Basis of Barley Black Point Formation Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Dr Timothy March 2002 - 2007 Co-Supervisor Linked Disequilibrium Analysis of Hexaploid Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Sherri Kruger
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Board Memberships
Date Role Board name Institution name Country 2017 - ongoing Board Member Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation - Australia 2014 - 2016 Board Member Agricultural Bureau of South Australia - Australia -
Committee Memberships
Date Role Committee Institution Country 2014 - ongoing Vice-Chair International Expert Working Group Durum Genomics & Breeding Global - 2011 - ongoing Member Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee (GTTAC) Commonwealth Government's Department of Health Australia
Connect With Me
External Profiles