Professor Peter Prentis

Biography

I am a Professor in genomics in the School of Biology and Environmental Science/Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy at QUT.  I currently serve as Centre Director of the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy at QUT. I am the Lead Chief Investigator for the “Genetics for Next Generation Orchards” initiative, a major five year, $41 million Hort Innovation Frontiers program. This initiative aims to enhance Australian tree crop breeding by integrating advanced genomics, molecular markers, and automation ready orchard designs to produce the next generation of almond, apple, citrus, macadamia and mango varieties.

My current research employs a combination of high throughput genomics, bioinformatics and field experiments to address evolutionary questions in human dominated and agricultural production systems. The questions I am currently investigating include the application of genomic approaches to improve productivity in fruit tree species, better control pest species in horticulture and help conserve wild species. My research uses diverse species to answer applied questions but mainly fruit crops and their wild relatives, as well as pest fruit fly species. This research is developing new ways to use male attractants in the management of pest insects and new approaches to reduce the length of juvenility in tree breeding programs.

My previous research investigated the evolutionary genomics of plant species and sea anemones. This research answered fundamental questions about the genomics of adaptation and venom production, the genomics of artificial selection in crops as well as population genetic studies in invasive species.