Dr Mark O’Connell

Research Scientist - Agricultural Water Management / Team Leader

Horticulture Production Sciences, Agriculture Victoria

Type of Research / Topic:

• Increased stone fruit profitability by consistently meeting market expectations,
• Rootstock & training systems for Stonefruit,
• Profitable pears economic analysis, and
• Irrigation management information systems.

Relevant experience:

Dr Mark O'Connell has 32+ years experience in research and development with expertise in rainfed and irrigated farming systems, dryland salinity and soil-water-plant dynamics. Recent research focus includes irrigation management, plant physiology and agronomy of irrigated perennial horticultural crops.

• Highly Commended, 2016, Farm Services and Agriculture Research Science Award, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources
• Winner, 2010 Future Farming Systems Innovation Award, Department of Primary Industries
• Finalist, 2010 Primary Elements Award, Department of Primary Industries
• Finalist, 2007 Daniel McAlpine Science Award, Department of Primary Industries
• CRC Irrigation Futures, PhD Scholarship (2007-2010)
• Winner, 2003 Enhancing Science Networks, Scientific Exchange Program, Department of Primary Industries
• Co-editor, 2008 Proceedings of the Fifth International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops. Acta Horticulturae volume 792.
• RWS Nicholas Agricultural Science Scholarship, 1993, The University of Melbourne
• Over 30 journal publications

Mark has a keen research interest with the use of state-of-the-art of instrumentation for plant physiology research, satellite remote sensing and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Recent research interests are in the area of non-destructive technologies for fruit quality assessment (DA meter, NIR) and light interception measurement of canopies.