Associate Professor Robert Spooner-Hart

Associate Professor Robert Spooner-Hart

Associate Professor of AgriFood and Protected Cropping,
Dean's Unit, School of Science

Associate Professor in Applied Entomology,
Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

Biography

Robert Spooner-Hart is Associate Professor of Sustainable Plant Production Systems at Western Sydney University, Australia. He was previously Director of the Centre for Horticulture & Plant Science for 10 years, and the inaugural Director of the Centre for Plant & Food Science. He has been a Visiting Professor at Southern Cross University and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science. He has extensive experience in entomological research and development, with a major emphasis on sustainable pest management and pollinators. This work has focused on biological control, using inundative releases of arthropod predators and parasitoids, entomopathogens as well as pesticides of natural origin, and biology of native pollinators. He has been chief investigator for projects funded by ARC, HAL, RIRDC, AusAID and CRDC. He is named inventor on 5 international patents for botanical pesticides. He has published widely in the areas of plant protection, integrated pest management, apiculture and sustainable horticulture, especially olives, as well as numerous government reports, industry papers and consultancy reports. He has supervised 22 PhD and 4 Research MSc (Hons) students in entomology, apiculture, sustainable crop production and plant protection.

This information has been contributed by Associate Professor Spooner-Hart.

Qualifications

  • PhD University of Western Sydney
  • MEd University of Sydney
  • DipEd Sydney Teachers College
  • CertTeach Department of School Education NSW
  • BSc Agr University of Sydney

Interests

  • Entomology, apiculture, integrated pest management, botanical pesticides

Organisational Unit (School / Division)

  • Dean's Unit, School of Science
  • Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

Contact

Email: R.Spooner-Hart@westernsydney.edu.au
Phone: (02) 4570 1429
(02) 4570 1429
Mobile: 0414953129
0414953129
Location: S12.1.014
HawkesburyS12.1.014
Hawkesbury

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Publications

Chapters in Books

  • Halcroft, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Dollin, A. (2013), 'Australian stingless bees ', Pot-honey: A Legacy of Stingless Bees, Springer 9781461449591.
  • Sergeeva, V., Hall, B., Tesoriero, L. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2012), 'Olive diseases and disorders in Australia and New Zealand', Olive Diseases and Disorders, Transworld Research Network 9788178955391.
  • Huda, S., Hind-Lanoiselet, T., Derry, C., Murray, G. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2007), 'Examples of coping strategies with agrometeorological risks and uncertainties for integrated pest management', Managing weather and climate risks in agriculture, Springer 9783540727446.

Journal Articles

  • Smagghe, F., Spooner-Hart, R., Chen, Z. and Mak, M. (2023), 'Biological control of arthropod pests in protected cropping by employing entomopathogens : efficiency, production and safety', Biological Control, vol 186 .
  • Liu, H., Hall, M., Brettell, L., Wang, J., Halcroft, M., Nacko, S., Spooner-Hart, R., Cook, J., Riegler, M. and Singh, B. (2023), 'Microbial diversity in stingless bee gut is linked to host wing size and influenced by the environment', Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, vol 198 .
  • Nacko, S., Hall, M., Gloag, R., Lynch, K., Spooner-Hart, R., Cook, J. and Riegler, M. (2023), 'Heat stress survival and thermal tolerance of Australian stingless bees', Journal of Thermal Biology, vol 117 .
  • Katlav, A., Nguyen, D., Morrow, J., Spooner-Hart, R. and Riegler, M. (2022), 'Endosymbionts moderate constrained sex allocation in a haplodiploid thrips species in a temperature-sensitive way', Heredity, vol 128, no 3 , pp 169 - 177.
  • Soulaimani, B., Laghzaoui, E., Babram, M., Spooner-Hart, R., Hassani, L. and Abbad, A. (2022), 'Optimization of the insecticidal response of combined essential oils from Satureja alpina, Rosmarinus officinalis and Ammodaucus leucotrichus using a designed mixtures approach', International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, vol 42, no 3 , pp 2501 - 2512.
  • Nacko, S., Hall, M., Spooner-Hart, R., Cook, J., Bernauer, O. and Riegler, M. (2022), 'Cucurbit crops in temperate Australia are visited more by native solitary bees than by stingless bees', Journal of Apicultural Research, vol 61, no 5 , pp 675 - 687.
  • Le Gros, K., Makinson, J. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2022), 'Hygienic behaviour in the Australian stingless bees Tetragonula carbonaria and T. hockingsi', Journal of Apicultural Research, vol 61, no 5 , pp 578 - 590.
  • Hall, M., Brettell, L., Liu, H., Nacko, S., Spooner-Hart, R., Riegler, M. and Cook, J. (2021), 'Temporal changes in the microbiome of stingless bee foragers following colony relocation', FEMS Microbiology Ecology, vol 97, no 1 .
  • Mak, M., Beattie, K., Basta, A., Randall, D., Chen, Z. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2021), 'Triangulation of methods using insect cell lines to investigate insecticidal mode-of-action', Pest Management Science, vol 77, no 1 , pp 492 - 501.
  • Nacko, S., Hall, M., Duncan, M., Cook, J., Riegler, M. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2020), 'Scientific note on small hive beetle infestation of stingless bee (Tetragonula carbonaria) colony following a heat wave', Apidologie, vol 51, no 6 , pp 199 - 1201.
  • Robertson, A., Finch, J., Young, A., Spooner-Hart, R., Outim, S. and Cook, J. (2020), 'Species diversity in bee flies and hover flies (Diptera: Bombyliidae and Syrphidae) in the horticultural environments of the Blue Mountains, Australia', Austral Entomology, vol 59, no 3 , pp 561 - 571.
  • Morrow, J., Sa, T., Beattie, G., Milham, P., Riegler, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Holford, P. (2019), 'Additions of sugar and nitrogenous fertiliser affect plant nitrogen status and soil microbial communities', Applied Soil Ecology, vol 139 , pp 47 - 55.
  • Laghzaoui, E., Kasrati, A., Abbad, A., Leach, D., Spooner-Hart, R. and El Mouden, E. (2018), 'Acaricidal properties of essential oils from Moroccan plants against immature ticks of Hyalomma aegyptium (Linnaeus, 1758) : an external parasite of the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca)', International Journal of Acarology, vol 44, no 7 , pp 315 - 321.
  • Neumann, P., Spiewok, S., Pettis, J., Radloff, S., Spooner-Hart, R. and Hepburn, R. (2018), 'Differences in absconding between African and European honeybee subspecies facilitate invasion success of small hive beetles', Apidologie, vol 49, no 5 , pp 527 - 537.
  • Shanks, J., Haigh, A., Riegler, M. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2017), 'First confirmed report of a bacterial brood disease in stingless bees', Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, vol 144 , pp 7 - 10.
  • Nguyen, D., Morrow, J., Spooner-Hart, R. and Riegler, M. (2017), 'Independent cytoplasmic incompatibility induced by Cardinium and Wolbachia maintains endosymbiont co-infections in haplodiploid thrips populations', Evolution, vol 71, no 4 , pp 995 - 1008.
  • Khan, I. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2017), 'Temperature-dependent development of immature stages of predatory ladybird beetle Stethorus vagans (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) at constant and fluctuating temperatures', Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae, vol 63, no 1 , pp 83 - 96.
  • Dao, T., Beattie, A., Spooner-Hart, R., Riegler, M. and Holford, P. (2017), 'Primary parasitoids of red scale (Aonidiella aurantii) in Australia and a review of their introductions from Asia', Insect Science, vol 24, no 1 , pp 150 - 168.
  • Dao, T., Meats, A., Beattie, A. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2017), 'Mortality on fruit in citrus orchards caused by naturally occurring enemies of red scale Aonidiella aurantii : relation to spatial distribution of patch density and season', Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, vol 162, no 2 , pp 218 - 233.
  • Nguyen, V., Beattie, A., Meats, A., Holford, P. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2017), 'Oviposition responses of Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) to mineral oil deposits on tomato fruit', Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, vol 165, no 1 , pp 19 - 28.
  • Kasrati, A., Jamali, C., Spooner-Hart, R., Legendre, L., Leach, D. and Abbad, A. (2017), 'Chemical characterization and biological activities of essential oil obtained from mint timija cultivated under mineral and biological fertilizers', Journal of Analytical Methods in Chemistry, vol 2017 .
  • Nguyen, D., Spooner-Hart, R. and Riegler, M. (2016), 'Loss of Wolbachia but not Cardinium in the invasive range of the Australian thrips species, Pezothrips kellyanus', Biological Invasions, vol 18, no 1 , pp 197 - 214.
  • Halcroft, M., Dollin, A., Francoy, T., King, J., Riegler, M., Haigh, A. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2016), 'Delimiting the species within the genus Austroplebeia, an Australian stingless bee, using multiple methodologies', Apidologie, vol 47, no 1 , pp 76 - 89.
  • Mathenge, C., Riegler, M., Beattie, A., Spooner-Hart, R. and Holford, P. (2015), 'Genetic variation amongst biotypes of Dactylopius tomentosus', Insect Science, .
  • Mann, J., Markham, J., Peiris, P., Spooner-Hart, R., Holford, P. and Nair, T. (2015), 'Use of olive mill wastewater as a suitable substrate for the production of laccase by cerrena consors', International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, vol 99 , pp 138 - 145.
  • Nguyen, D., Spooner-Hart, R. and Riegler, M. (2015), 'Polyploidy versus endosymbionts in obligately thelytokous thrips', BMC Evolutionary Biology, vol 15, no 1 .
  • Kasrati, A., Jamali, C., Bekkouche, K., Spooner-Hart, R., Leach, D. and Abbad, A. (2015), 'Chemical characterization and insecticidal properties of essential oils from different wild populations of Mentha suaveolens subsp. timija (BRIQ.) HARLEY from Morocco', Chemistry and Biodiversity, vol 12, no 5 , pp 823 - 831.
  • Mustafa, S., Spooner-Hart, R., Duncan, M., Pettis, J., Steidle, J. and Rosenkranz, P. (2015), 'Age and aggregation trigger mating behaviour in the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida (Nitidulidae)', Science of Nature: Naturwissenschaften, vol 102, no 9-10 .
  • King, J., Riegler, M., Thomas, R. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2015), 'Phylogenetic placement of Australian carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae)', Austral Entomology, vol 54, no 4 , pp 366 - 375.
  • Mustafa, S., Spiewok, S., Duncan, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Rosenkranz, P. (2014), 'Susceptibility of small honey bee colonies to invasion by the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida (Coleoptera, Nitidulidae)', Journal of Applied Entomology, .
  • Abbad, A., Kasrati, A., Jamali, C., Zeroual, S., M'hamed, T., Spooner-Hart, R. and Leach, D. (2014), 'Insecticidal properties and chemical composition of essential oils of some aromatic herbs from Morocco', Natural Product Research, vol 28, no 24 , pp 2338 - 2341.
  • Dao, T., Meats, A., Beattie, A. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2014), 'Ant-coccid mutualism in citrus canopies and its effect on natural enemies of red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)', Bulletin of Entomological Research, vol 104, no 2 , pp 137 - 142.
  • Yang, Y., Beattie, A., Spooner-Hart, R., Huang, M., Barchia, I. and Holford, P. (2013), 'Influences of leaf age and type, non-host volatiles, and mineral oil deposits on the incidence, distribution, and form of stylet tracks of Diaphorina citri', Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, vol 147, no 1 , pp 33 - 49.
  • Halcroft, M., Haigh, A. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2013), 'Ontogenic time and worker longevity in the Australian stingless bee, Austroplebeia australis', Insectes Sociaux, vol 60, no 2 , pp 259 - 264.
  • Halcroft, M., Spooner-Hart, R., Haigh, A., Heard, T. and Dollin, A. (2013), 'The Australian stingless bee industry : a follow-up survey, one decade on', Journal of Apicultural Research, vol 52, no 2 , pp 1 - 7.
  • Halcroft, M., Haigh, A., Holmes, S. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2013), 'The thermal environment of nests of the Australian stingless bee, Austroplebeia australis', Insectes Sociaux, vol 60, no 4 , pp 497 - 506.
  • Keshlaf, M., Mensah, R., Nicetic, O. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2013), 'Effect of synthetic queen mandibular pheromone on pollination of cotton by honey bees, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)', Mellifera, vol 13, no 26 , pp 21 - 29.
  • Keshlaf, M., Basta, A. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2013), 'Assessment of toxicity of fipronil and its residues to honey bees', Mellifera, vol 13, no 26 , pp 30 - 38.
  • Cen, Y., Yang, C., Holford, P., Beattie, A., Spooner-Hart, R., Liang, G. and Deng, X. (2012), 'Feeding behaviour of the Asiatic citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, on healthy and huanglongbing-infected citrus', Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, vol 143 , pp 13 - 22.
  • Loni, A., Spooner-Hart, R. and Lucchi, A. (2012), 'First record of Zombrus bicolor (Enderlein) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Doryctinae) in western Europe', ZooKeys, vol 219 , pp 87 - 91.
  • Luck, J., Asaduzzaman, M., Banerjee, S., Bhattacharya, I., Coughlan, K., Chakraborty, A., Debnath, G., De Boer, R., Dutta, S., Griffiths, W., Hossain, D., Huda, S., Jagannathan, R., Khan, S., O'Leary, G., Miah, G., Saha, A. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2012), 'The effects of climate change on potato production and Potato Late Blight in the Asia-Pacific Region', APN Science Bulletin, , no 2 , pp 28 - 33.
  • Hall, B., Tesoriero, L. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2012), 'Diseases and disorders of olives in Australia', Acta Horticulturae, vol 949 , pp 323 - 328.
  • Neumann, P., Hoffmann, D., Duncan, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Pettis, J. (2012), 'Long-range dispersal of small hive beetles', Journal of Apicultural Research, vol 51, no 2 , pp 214 - 215.
  • Halcroft, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Newmann, P. (2011), 'Behavioral defense strategies of the stingless bee, Austroplebeia australis, against the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida', Insectes Sociaux, vol 58, no 2 , pp 245 - 253.
  • Greco, M., Spooner-Hart, R., Beattie, A., Barchia, I. and Holford, P. (2011), 'Stocking rates of Trigona carbonaria for the pollination of greenhouse capsicums', Journal of Apicultural Research, vol 50, no 4 , pp 299 - 305.
  • Greco, M., Spooner-Hart, R., Beattie, A., Barchia, I. and Holford, P. (2011), 'Australian stingless bees improve greenhouse Capsicum production', Journal of Apicultural Research, vol 50, no 2 , pp 102 - 115.
  • Buchholz, S., Merkel, K., Spiewok, S., Imdorf, A., Pettis, J., Westervelt, D., Ritter, W., Duncan, M., Rosenkranz, P., Spooner-Hart, R. and Neumann, P. (2011), 'Organic acids and thymol: Unsuitable for alternative control of Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)?', Apidologie, vol 42, no 3 , pp 349 - 363.
  • Buchholz, S., Merkel, K., Spiewok, S., Imdorf, A., Pettis, J., Westervelt, D., Ritter, W., Duncan, M., Rosenkranz, P., Spooner-Hart, R. and Neumann, P. (2011), 'Organic acids and thymol: Unsuitable for alternative control of Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)?', Apidologie, vol 42, no 3 , pp 349 - 363.
  • Rhodes, J., Harden, S., Spooner-Hart, R., Anderson, D. and Wheen, G. (2011), 'Effects of age, season and genetics on semen and sperm production in Apis mellifera drones', Apidologie, vol 42, no 1 , pp 29 - 38.
  • Greco, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Holford, P. (2010), 'A stingless bee hive design for a broader climate range', Journal of Apicultural Research and Bee World, vol 49, no 3 , pp 290 - 292.
  • Mathenge, C., Holford, P., Hoffman, J., Zimmerman, H., Spooner-Hart, R. and Beattie, A. (2010), 'Determination of biotypes of Dactylopius tomentosus (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) and insights into the taxonomic relationships of their hosts, Cylindropuntia spp.', Bulletin of Entomological Research, vol 100, no 3 , pp 347 - 358.
  • Mathenge, C., Holford, P., Hoffman, J., Zimmermann, H., Spooner-Hart, R. and Beattie, A. (2010), 'Hybridization between Dactylopius tomentosus (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) biotypes and its effects on host specificity', Bulletin of Entomological Research: Containing Original and Review Articles on Economic Entomology, vol 100, no 3 , pp 331 - 338.
  • Neumann, P., Hoffman, D., Duncan, M. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2010), 'High and rapid infestation of isolated commercial honey bee colonies with small hive beetles in Australia', Journal of Apicultural Research and Bee World, vol 49, no 4 , pp 343 - 344.
  • Mann, J., Markham, J., Peiris, P., Nair, T., Spooner-Hart, R. and Holford, P. (2010), 'Screening and selection of fungi for bioremediation of olive mill wastewater', World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, vol 26, no 3 , pp 567 - 571.
  • Liang, W., Meats, A., Beattie, A., Spooner-Hart, R. and Jiang, L. (2010), 'Conservation of natural enemy fauna in citrus canopies by horticultural mineral oil : comparison with effects of carbaryl and methidathion treatments for control of armored scales', Insect Science, vol 17 , pp 414 - 426.
  • Greco, M., Hoffmann, D., Dollin, A., Duncan, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Neumann, P. (2010), 'The alternative Pharaoh approach : stingless bees mummify beetle parasites alive', Naturwissenschaften, vol 97, no 3 , pp 319 - 323.
  • Liang, W., Meats, A., Beattie, A., Spooner-Hart, R. and Jiang, L. (2010), 'Contrasting effects of two pesticides on motile arthropods in a citrus orchard canopy', Australasian Journal of Ecotoxicology, vol 16, no 1 , pp 27 - 32.
  • Xue, Y., Beattie, A., Meats, A., Spooner-Hart, R. and Herron, G. (2009), 'Impact of nC24 agricultural mineral oil deposits on the searching efficiency and predation rate of the predatory mite Phytoseilus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae).', Australian Journal of Entomology, vol 48, no 3 , pp 258 - 264.
  • Xue, Y., Beattie, A., Meats, A., Spooner-Hart, R. and Herron, G. (2009), 'Relative toxicity of nC24 agricultural mineral oil to Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Phytoseilus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and its possible relationship to egg structure', Australian Journal of Entomology, vol 48, no 3 , pp 251 - 257.
  • Xue, Y., Meats, A., Beattie, A., Spooner-Hart, R. and Herron, G. (2009), 'The influence of sublethal deposits of agricultural mineral oil on the functional and numerical responses of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Hytoseiidae) to its prey, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)', Experimental and Applied Acarology, vol 48, no 4 , pp 291 - 302.
  • Mathenge, C., Holford, P., Hoffman, J., Spooner-Hart, R., Beattie, A. and Zimmermann, H. (2009), 'The biology of Dactylopius tomentosus (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)', Bulletin of Entomological, vol 99, no 6 , pp 551 - 559.
  • Mathenge, C., Holford, P., Hoffman, J., Zimmermann, H., Spooner-Hart, R. and Beattie, A. (2009), 'Distinguishing suitable biotypes of Dactylopius tomentosus (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) for biological control of Cylindropuntia fulgida var. fulgida (Caryophyllales: Cactaceae) in South Africa', Bulletin of Entomological Research, vol 99, no 6 , pp 619 - 627.
  • Sergeeva, V., Braun, U., Spooner-Hart, R. and Nair, T. (2009), 'Observations on spot caused by Fusicladium oleagineum on olives (Olea europaea) in New South Wales, Australia', Australasian Plant Disease Notes, vol 4, no 1 , pp 26 - 28.
  • Bucholz, S., Merkel, K., Spiewok, S., Pettis, J., Duncan, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Neumann, P. (2009), 'Alternative control of Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) with lime and diatomaceous earth', Apidologie, vol 40, no 5 , pp 535 - 548.
  • Mann, J., Markham, J., Peiris, P., Nair, T., Spooner-Hart, R. and Holford, P. (2009), 'Screening and selection of fungi for bioremediation of olive mill wastewater', World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, vol 26, no 3 , pp 567 - 571.
  • Buchholz, S., Schafer, M., Spiewok, S., Pettis, J., Duncan, M., Ritter, W., Spooner-Hart, R. and Neumann, P. (2008), 'Alternative food sources of Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)', Journal of Apicultural Research, vol 47, no 3 , pp 202 - 209.
  • Spiewok, S., Duncan, M., Spooner-Hart, R., Pettis, J. and Neumann, P. (2008), 'Small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, populations II: Dispersal of small hive beetles', Apidologie, vol 39, no 6 , pp 683 - 693.
  • Greco, M., Jones, A., Spooner-Hart, R. and Holford, P. (2008), 'X-ray computerised microtomography (MicroCT): A new technique for assessing External and internal morphology of bees', Journal of Apicultural Research, vol 47, no 4 , pp 286 - 291.
  • Sergeeva, V., Braun, U., Spooner-Hart, R. and Nair, T. (2008), 'First report of Pseudocercospora cladosporioides on olive berries (Olea europaea L.) in Australia', Australasian Plant Disease Notes, vol 3, no 1 , pp 24 - 24.
  • Halcroft, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Neumann, P. (2008), 'A non-invasive and non-destructive method for observing in-hive behaviour of the Australian stingless bee, Austroplebeia australis', Journal of Apicultural Research, vol 47, no 1 , pp 82 - 83.
  • Sergeeva, V., Spooner-Hart, R. and Nair, T. (2008), 'Evidence of early flower infection in olives (Olea europaea) by Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides causing anthracnose disease', Australasian Plant Disease Notes, vol 3, no 1 , pp 81 - 82.
  • Sergeeva, V., Spooner-Hart, R. and Nair, T. (2008), 'First report of Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides causing leaf spots of olives (Olea europaea) in Australia', Australasian Plant Disease Notes, vol 3, no 1 , pp 143 - 144.
  • Liang, W., Beattie, A., Meats, A. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2007), 'Impact on soil-dwelling arthropods in citrus orchards of spraying horticultural mineral oil, carbaryl or methidathion', Australian Journal of Entomology, vol 46, no 1 , pp 79 - 85.
  • Spiewok, S., Pettis, J., Duncan, M., Spooner-Hart, R., Westervelt, D. and Neumann, P. (2007), 'Small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, populations I: Infestation levels of honeybee colonies, apiaries and regions', Apidologie, vol 38 , pp 595 - 605.
  • Nandy, D., Das, S., Ghose, M. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2007), 'Effects of salinity on photosynthesis, leaf anatomy, ion accumulation and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency in five Indian mangroves', Wetlands Ecology and Management, vol 15 , pp 347 - 357.
  • Nguyen, V., Meats, A., Beattie, A., Spooner-Hart, R., Liu, Z. and Jiang, L. (2007), 'Behavioural responses of female Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, to mineral oil deposits', Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 122, vol 122, no 3 , pp 215 - 221.
  • Bell, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Haigh, T. (2006), 'Pollination of greenhouse tomatoes by the Australian bluebanded bee Amegilla (Zonamegilla) holmesi (Hymenoptera: Apidae)', Journal of Economic Entomology, vol 99, no 2 , pp 437 - 442.
  • Greco, M., Bell, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Holford, P. (2006), 'X-ray computerized tomography as a new method for monitoring Amegilla holmesi nest structures, nesting behaviour, and adult female activity', Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, vol 120, no 1 , pp 71 - 76.
  • Nandy Datta, P., Ghose, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Das, S. (2006), 'Is Heritiera fomes Buch. Ham. Less adapted to the present conditions of the Indian Sundarbans compared to other mangrove species', Annals of Tropical Research, vol 28, no 2 , pp 76 - 91.
  • Tan, B., Sarafis, V., Beattie, A., White, R., Kabanoff, L. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2005), 'Localization and movement of mineral oil in plants by fluorescence and confocal microscopy', Journal of Experimental Botany, vol 56420 , pp 2755 - 2763.
  • Greco, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Holford, P. (2005), 'A new technique for monitoring Trigona carbonaria brood status using X-ray computerised tomography.', Journal of Apicultural Research, vol 44, no 3 , pp 97 - 100.
  • Tan, B., Reddy, N., Sarafis, V., Beattie, A. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2005), 'Noninvasive localization of petroleum-derived spray oil in plants with chemical shift selective magnetic resonance imaging', HortScience, vol 40, no 3 , pp 720 - 725.
  • Rasikari, H., Leach, D., Waterman, P., Spooner-Hart, R., Basta, A., Banbury, L., Winter, K. and Forster, P. (2005), 'Cytotoxic clerodane diterpenes from Glossocarya calcicola', Phytochemistry, vol 66 , pp 2844 - 2850.
  • Rasikari, H., Leach, D., Waterman, P., Spooner-Hart, R., Basta, A., Banbury, L. and Forster, P. (2005), 'Acaricidal and Cytotoxic Activities of Extracts from Selected Genera of Australian Lamiaceae', Journal of Economic Entomology, vol 98, no 4 , pp 1259 - 1266.
  • Nicholas, A., Spooner-Hart, R. and Vickers, R. (2005), 'Abundance and natural control of the woolly aphid Eriosoma lanigerum in an Australian apple orchard IPM program', BioControl, vol 50 , pp 271 - 291.
  • Sergeeva, V., Tesoriero, L., Spooner-Hart, R. and Nair, T. (2005), 'First report of Macrophomina phaseolina on olives (Olea europaea) in Australia', Australasian Plant Pathology, vol 34, no 2 , pp 273 - 274.
  • Nicholas, A., Spooner-Hart, R. and Vickers, R. (2004), 'Susceptibility of eight apple varieties to damage by Forficula auricularia L. (Dermaptera: forficulidae), an effective predator of Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann (Hemiptera: aphididae)', General and Applied Entomology, vol 33 , pp 21 - 24.
  • Nicholas, A., Spooner-Hart, R. and Vickers, R. (2003), 'Control of woolly aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann) (Hemiptera: Pemphigidae) on mature apple trees using insecticide soil-root drenches', Australian Journal of Entomology, vol 42 , pp 6 - 11.
  • Sergeeve, V., Nair, T., Barchia, I., Priest, M. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2003), 'Germination of B conidia of Phomopsis viticola', Australasian Plant Pathology, vol 32 , pp 105 - 107.
  • Spooner-Hart, R. and Herron, G. (2003), 'Laboratory based relative pesticide efficacy against cyclamen mite, phytonemus pallidus', General and Applied Entomology, vol 32 , pp 61 - 64.
  • Cannard, M., Spooner-Hart, R. and Milner, R. (2002), 'Pathogenicity of water and oil based suspensions of Metarhizium Anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin and Beauveria Bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin to citrus mealybug, Planococcus Citri (Risso) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)', General and Applied Entomology, vol 31 , pp 75 - 79.
  • Sergeeva, V., Nair, T., Legendre, L., Kabanoff, L. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2002), 'The use of fluorochromes to determine the effect of chlorine dioxide on survival of Plasmopara viticola on grapevine', Australasian Plant Pathology, vol 31 , pp 295 - 297.
  • Spooner-Hart, R., Tesoriero, L., Hall, B., Page, F., Learmonth, S. and Conlan, D. (2002), 'Progress towards pest and disease management in Australian olive production', Advances in Horticultural Science, vol 16 , pp 218 - 224.
  • Sergeeva, V., Nair, T., Verdanega, J., Shen, C., Barchia, I. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2002), 'First report of anilinopyrimidine-resistant phenotypes in Botrytis cinerea on grapevines in Australia', Australasian Plant Pathology, vol 31 , pp 299 - 300.
  • Zabaras, D., Spooner-Hart, R. and Wyllie, G. (2002), 'Effects of mechanical wounding on concentration and composition of essential oil from Melaleuca alternifolia leaves', Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, vol 30 , pp 399 - 412.
  • Khan, I., Spooner-Hart, R., Bailey, P., Khalil, S. and Ullah, F. (2002), 'Morphological Studies of the Predatory Ladybird Beetle Stethorus vagans (Blackburn) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)', Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, vol 5, no 1 , pp 29 - 33.
  • Howpage, D., Spooner-Hart, R. and Vithanage, V. (2001), 'Influence of honey bee (Apis mellifera) on kiwifruit pollination and fruit quality under Australian conditions', New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, vol 29 , pp 51 - 59.

Conference Papers

  • Spooner-Hart, R. and King, J. (2018), 'Determining origins of populations of the Australian olive lace bug, Froggattia olivinia (Hemiptera: Tingidae), using cytochrome oxidase I as a mitochondrial molecular marker', International Olive Symposium, Split, Croatia.
  • Leach, D., Spooner-Hart, R. and Beattie, K. (2016), 'Pharmacognosy of Centipeda cunninghamii, an endemic Australian traditional medicinal plant', International Horticultural Congress, Brisbane, Qld..
  • Spooner-Hart, R. and Leach, D. (2016), 'Investigating sustainable production of the Australian medicinal plant Centipeda cunninghamii (DC.) A. Braun & Asch. (Asteraceae)', International Horticultural Congress, Brisbane, Qld..
  • Sergeeva, V., Nair, T. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2008), 'New evidence of flower infection in olives Colletotrichum', 9th International Congress of Plant Pathology Workshop, Turin Italy.
  • Sergeeva, V., Spooner-Hart, R. and Nair, T. (2008), 'Diagnosis and detection of fungi occurring on olives in Australia', 9th International Congress of Plant Pathology, Turin Italy.
  • Sergeeva, V., Spooner-Hart, R. and Nair, T. (2008), 'Appendaged Coelomycetes on grapevines in Australia', 9th International Congress of Plant Pathology Workshop, Turin Italy.
  • Sergeeva, V. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2008), 'Important Diseases and their control measures', Australian Olive Expo, Canberra.
  • Nair, T., Markham, J., Woodfield, R. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2007), 'Low cost olive waste management by bioremediation technology', New Technologies for the Treatment and Valorization of Agro By-Products, Terni Italy.
  • Spooner-Hart, R. and Huda, S. (2007), 'Project Implementation and Monitoring', Climate and Crop Disease Risk Management: An International Initiative in the Asia-Pacific Region, Hyderabad, India.
  • Huda, S., Hind-Lanoiselet, T., Derry, C., Murray, G. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2007), 'New Cropping Strategies for Agrometeorological Risks and Uncertainties in Integrated Pest Management', Climate and Crop Disease Risk Management: An International Initiative in the Asia-Pacific Region, Hyderabad.
  • Huda, S., Spooner-Hart, R. and Nair, T. (2003), 'Using climate information to screen disease risk of olive growing areas in Australia', 8th International Congress on Plant Protection, Christchurch, NZ.
  • Liang, W., Beattie, A., Meats, A., Jiang, L. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2002), 'Efficacy of a horticultural mineral oil for control of purple scale and white louse scale in orange orchards', Spray Oils Beyond 2000: Sustainable Pest and Disease Management, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
  • Liu, Z., Beattie, A., Johnson, D. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2002), 'Influence of deposits of a horticultural mineral oil and selected fractions of paraffinic and naphthenic petroleum-derived oils on oviposition by Queensland fruit fly on tomato fruit', Spray Oils Beyond 2000: Sustainable Pest and Disease Management, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
  • Liu, Z., Beattie, A. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2002), 'Feeding and oviposition responses of greenhouse thrips to horticultural mineral oil deposits on Valencia orange fruit and mango leaves', Spray Oils Beyond 2000: Sustainable Pest and Disease Management, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
  • Basta, A. and Spooner-Hart, R. (2002), 'Efficacy of an extract of Dorrigo pepper against two-spotted mite and greenhouse thrips', Spray Oils Beyond 2000: Sustainable Pest and Disease Management, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Other Publications

  • 2014, 'Evaluation of Key Chemicals for Pest Management in the Olive Industry', Report
  • 2013, 'Agronomic and Extraction Parameters for Centipeda cunninghamii Production', Report

Current Projects

Title: Development of Blue-banded bees as managed buzz pollinators
Funder:
  • Horticulture Innovation Australia (ACRG)
  • Horticulture Innovation Australia (ACRG)
  • University of Western Sydney
  • University of Western Sydney
  • The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research
  • Horticulture Innovation Australia (ACRG)
Western Researchers: James Cook, Ben Moore, Markus Riegler, Michelle Mak, Simon Tierney and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2021-06-28 - 2026-12-15
ID: P00027356

Previous Projects

Title: Natural Insecticides from Selected, Endemic Genera of the Family Lamiaceae [via Southern Cross University]
Funder:
  • Australian Research Council (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2001-01-01 - 2003-12-31
ID: P0009538
Title: Investigations on oil from the native plant Erimophila as a termite repellent
Funder:
  • AusIndustry - Dept Industry Science & Resources
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2003-09-01 - 2004-08-31
ID: P0014256
Title: Effects of elevated CO2 on plant feeding arthropods via influence on host plants
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart and Andrew Beattie
Years: 2000-01-01 - 2000-12-31
ID: P0013488
Title: Studies in the Glutamate Field
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 1996-06-21 - 2001-12-31
ID: P0013026
Title: Effects of elevated CO2 on plant feeding arthropods via influence on host plants
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart and Andrew Beattie
Years: 2000-01-01 - 2000-12-31
ID: P0011150
Title: Sustainable pest and disease management in Australian olive production
Funder:
  • Rural Industries R&D Corporation (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2001-07-01 - 2004-12-31
ID: P0010452
Title: Olive Conference Spain
Funder:
  • Rural Industries R&D Corporation (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2002-05-01 - 2002-06-28
ID: P0010454
Title: Drone honey bees - semen production [via NSW Agriculture]
Funder:
  • Rural Industries R&D Corporation (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart and Michael Duncan
Years: 2002-07-01 - 2006-07-31
ID: P0010462
Title: Monitoring and developing management strategies for soil insect pests of potatoes [via Dept of Agriculture WA]
Funder:
  • Horticulture Australia Limited (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2001-07-01 - 2004-06-30
ID: P0010476
Title: Bioaasay and field trials on field collected populations of WFT to maintain industry access to pesticides [via USYD]
Funder:
  • Horticulture Australia Limited (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2000-07-01 - 2003-06-30
ID: P0010478
Title: Biological control of the fruit-tree borer [via NSW Dept of Primary Industries]
Funder:
  • Horticulture Australia Limited (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2005-05-05 - 2007-07-23
ID: P0010486
Title: National strategy for the management of western flower thrips and tomato spotted wilt virus [via Sydney Uni]
Funder:
  • Horticultural Research & Development Corporation
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 1997-12-31 - 2000-06-30
ID: P0010640
Title: Sustainable Potato Production in Highland NSW Stage 4
Funder:
  • Horticultural Research & Development Corporation
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 1998-12-01 - 1999-11-30
ID: P0010644
Title: Sydney Basin Vegetable Production Exhibition
Funder:
  • Horticultural Research & Development Corporation
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2001-03-20 - 2001-05-31
ID: P0010650
Title: Development of olive pest and disease field guide
Funder:
  • Rural Industries R&D Corporation (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2005-09-01 - 2007-03-30
ID: P0014435
Title: Sustainable Control of Small Hive Beetle Through Targeting in-Ground Stages
Funder:
  • Rural Industries R&D Corporation (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2006-08-01 - 2007-12-31
ID: P0014443
Title: Development of a new Australian biological control agent
Funder:
  • Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2004-09-13 - 2006-09-12
ID: P0014488
Title: Safe use of fungicides to manage berry rot diseases for sustainable oleaculture
Funder:
  • Horticulture Australia Limited (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart and Tan Nair
Years: 2006-10-01 - 2009-12-31
ID: P0015026
Title: Centre for Biopesticides and Semiochemicals: Novel insecticides and synergists from endemic and exotic flora
Funder:
  • Cotton Research & Development Corporation (ACRG)
  • Rural Industries R&D Corporation (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart, David Leach and Zhonghua Chen
Years: 2013-10-01 - 2018-09-30
ID: P00021732
Title: Development of olive pest and disease field guide
Funder:
  • Nufarm
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2005-09-01 - 2007-03-30
ID: P0015065
Title: Development of olive pest and disease field guide
Funder:
  • Spray Adjuvant Company of Australia Pty Ltd
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2005-09-01 - 2007-03-30
ID: P0015066
Title: Improving management of Salvinia in temperate aquatic ecosystems [via Uni of Wollongong]
Funder:
  • NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2007-11-05 - 2010-07-31
ID: P0015789
Title: Improvement of Vietnamese vegetable seed and seedling production using GAP principles and establishing production of superior hybrid varieties [Site Visit] [via Hassall & Associates]
Funder:
  • Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart, Oleg Nicetic and Tony Haigh
Years: 2006-07-26 - 2006-08-31
ID: P0015285
Title: Improvement of Vietnamese vegetable seed and seedling production using GAP principles and establishing production of superior hybrid varieties [via Hassall & Associates]
Funder:
  • Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart and Tony Haigh
Years: 2007-02-23 - 2011-12-30
ID: P0015506
Title: Residue data for key chemicals in the Australian olive industry
Funder:
  • Horticulture Australia Limited (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2012-06-12 - 2014-12-24
ID: P00020515
Title: Extending petroleum spray oil (PSO) based IPM for horticulture
Funder:
  • Horticultural Research & Development Corporation
Western Researchers: Andrew Beattie and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 1996-07-01 - 2000-03-31
ID: P0010646
Title: Manipulation of biochemical signaling to improve crop yield under rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Jann Conroy and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2001-11-01 - 2003-03-31
ID: P0010670
Title: Environment technology - a preparatory model system for recovery, reuse and recycling of waste products in oleaculture
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Tan Nair, Robert Spooner-Hart and Julie Markham
Years: 2005-03-03 - 2006-03-02
ID: P0014541
Title: Development of a novel, non-chemical technique based on the EppoMNPV baculovirus for the control of the lightbrown apple moth
Funder:
  • Australian Research Council (ACRG)
  • Ag Biotech Australia Pty Ltd
Western Researchers: Paul Holford, Robert Spooner-Hart and Andrew Beattie
Years: 2004-03-15 - 2009-06-30
ID: P0012666
Title: Olfactory Responses of Two Dacine Fruit Flies to Mineral Oil Volatiles
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Andrew Beattie and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2005-07-25 - 2006-07-26
ID: P0014760
Title: Effects of mineral oil on the tritrophic interactions between plant, two-spotted mite Tetranychus urticae and the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney Hawkesbury Foundation Limited
Western Researchers: Andrew Beattie and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2005-05-13 - 2006-02-09
ID: P0014777
Title: Integrated system for analysis of structure and function of tree canopies
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Jann Conroy, Robert Spooner-Hart, Kelvin Montagu and Tony Haigh
Years: 2005-10-05 - 2006-10-04
ID: P0014809
Title: Climate Risk Management for Crop Protection: An International Initiative
Funder:
  • Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research
Western Researchers: Samsul Huda, Robert Spooner-Hart and Chris Derry
Years: 2006-06-16 - 2009-02-28
ID: P0014859
Title: Combining Disparate Data Sources to Demonstrate Disease/Pest Status [via Dept of Agriculture & Food WA]
Funder:
  • Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: Samsul Huda, Robert Spooner-Hart and Liwan Liyanage
Years: 2007-10-09 - 2008-04-30
ID: P0015624
Title: Developing Ecologically Sustainable Pest and Disease Management Strategies for Citrus, with Emphasis on Huanglongbing
Funder:
  • Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: Andrew Beattie, Robert Spooner-Hart and Paul Holford
Years: 2007-02-28 - 2010-01-31
ID: P0015149
Title: Climate Risk Management for Crop Protection: An International Initiative
Funder:
  • Hassall & Associates International
Western Researchers: Samsul Huda, Robert Spooner-Hart and Chris Derry
Years: 2006-06-16 - 2010-12-31
ID: P0015267
Title: Integrated system for analysis of structure and function of tree canopies
Funder:
  • University of Technology Sydney
Western Researchers: Jann Conroy, Robert Spooner-Hart, Kelvin Montagu and Tony Haigh
Years: 2006-07-17 - 2006-10-04
ID: P0015281
Title: Novel approaches for use of mineral oil in organic farming and for control of brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) in rice
Funder:
  • SK Energy Co Ltd
Western Researchers: Oleg Nicetic and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2006-08-15 - 2009-12-31
ID: P0015292
Title: Healthy bee populations for sustainable pollination in horticulture
Funder:
  • Bayer Australia Limited
  • Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd
  • University of Western Sydney
  • Horticulture Innovation Australia (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: James Cook, Markus Riegler, Robert Spooner-Hart, Sally Power, Paul Rymer, Ian Anderson, Brajesh Singh and Catriona Macdonald
Years: 2016-06-27 - 2023-05-05
ID: P00023560
Title: Assessing the effectiveness of Farmer Field Schools for implementation of Citrus IPM in Vietnam [via Hassall & Associates]
Funder:
  • Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: Debbie Rae, Oleg Nicetic, Robert Spooner-Hart and Andrew Beattie
Years: 2004-11-04 - 2007-02-28
ID: P0014495
Title: Impacts of Foliar N on the Biological Control of Black Scale (saissetia Oleae (Olivier)) in Olive Groves in Southern Australia
Funder:
  • Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam
Western Researchers: Paul Holford, Andrew Beattie, Robert Spooner-Hart and Markus Riegler
Years: 2015-03-02 - 2018-03-01
ID: P00022969
Title: CONFIDENTIAL: Biogene Feasibility Study
Funder:
  • Cotton Research & Development Corporation (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2015-12-01 - 2016-06-30
ID: P00023166
Title: Characterisation and optimization of petroleum spray oils and new generation pesticide mixtures
Funder:
  • SK Energy Co Ltd
Western Researchers: Oleg Nicetic, Andrew Beattie and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2004-07-06 - 2006-07-05
ID: P0010818
Title: Introduction of the principles of GAP for citrus through implementation of citrus IMP using Farmer Field Schools [via Hassall & Associates]
Funder:
  • Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: Oleg Nicetic, Robert Spooner-Hart and Debbie Rae
Years: 2007-02-23 - 2010-08-31
ID: P0015510
Title: Sustainable pest and disease management in Australian olive production
Funder:
  • Southern Highlands Olive Growers Association Inc
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2001-07-01 - 2004-12-31
ID: P0012164
Title: Development of olive pest and disease field guide
Funder:
  • Rylstone Olive Press
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2006-03-01 - 2006-12-30
ID: P0015064
Title: Integrated system for measurement of dynamics of carbon, nitrogen and water in terrestrial ecosystems
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart, John Cairney, Jann Conroy and Alison Mcinnes
Years: 2006-09-01 - 2007-08-31
ID: P0015244
Title: The development of the plant extract AP778 (Eremophilone Oil) as a termiticide
Funder:
  • BioProspect Limited
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2007-01-24 - 2011-06-30
ID: P0015491
Title: Stingless Bees as Effective Managed Pollinators for Australian Horticulture
Funder:
  • Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd
  • Horticulture Innovation Australia (ACRG)
  • Olam Orchards Australia Pty Ltd
Western Researchers: James Cook, Robert Spooner-Hart, Markus Riegler, Ian Anderson, Brajesh Singh, David Tissue and Sally Power
Years: 2017-10-02 - 2023-05-05
ID: P00024544
Title: An Integrated Pest and Disease Management Extension Program for the Olive Industry
Funder:
  • Horticulture Innovation Australia (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart, Andrew Beattie and Paul Holford
Years: 2017-10-01 - 2020-10-30
ID: P00024589
Title: Can native stingless bees be used as pollinators of vegetable seed crops?
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
  • Rijk Zwaan Australia Pty Ltd
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart and Tony Haigh
Years: 2008-07-08 - 2009-07-30
ID: P00016164
Title: Evaluation of key chemicals for pest management in the olive industry
Funder:
  • Horticulture Australia Limited (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2009-05-30 - 2014-03-30
ID: P00016423
Title: Evaluation of anti-Varroa boards for increase in honey production
Funder:
  • Rural Industries R&D Corporation (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2008-11-28 - 2009-05-31
ID: P00016424
Title: Production of high quality cured vanilla beans
Funder:
  • Australian Vanilla Plantation Pty Ltd
Western Researchers: Paul Holford, Barry Mcglasson, Mark Williams and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2008-12-16 - 2012-01-31
ID: P00016233
Title: Electrophysiological and molecular identification of novel biopesticides (PhD Scholarship)
Funder:
  • Cotton Research & Development Corporation (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart and Zhonghua Chen
Years: 2015-07-01 - 2020-06-30
ID: P00022915
Title: Use of climate, crop, disease and pest modelling for better decision making
Funder:
  • Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering
Western Researchers: Samsul Huda and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2009-11-16 - 2009-11-18
ID: P00017208
Title: The effects of climate change on pests and diseases of major food crops in India, Bangladesh and Australia [via Cooperative Research Centre National Plant Biosecurity DPI VIC]
Funder:
  • Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research
Western Researchers: Samsul Huda and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2009-07-01 - 2011-06-30
ID: P00017172
Title: Workshop on Climate and Agricultural Risk Management, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2009 [via Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia]
Funder:
  • Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research
Western Researchers: Samsul Huda and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2009-11-29 - 2009-12-06
ID: P00016596
Title: Climate Risk Management in Rural Communities in Developing Countries of the Asia Pacific Region
Funder:
  • Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: Samsul Huda and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2009-11-18 - 2009-11-22
ID: P00017180
Title: Small hive beetle management using pheromone and attractants: a scoping study
Funder:
  • Department of Primary Industries, Victoria
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2009-12-01 - 2010-12-30
ID: P00017597
Title: A Transcriptome Study towards the Discovery of Novel Genes for a New Bio-pesticide
Funder:
  • NSW Department of Primary Industries
Western Researchers: Zhonghua Chen and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2015-01-01 - 2015-08-30
ID: P00022517
Title: Phylogeny of Australian Saprinus spp. Erichson (Coleoptera: Histeridae) - contrasting ecological, morphological and molecular data
Funder:
  • Australian Biological Resources Study (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: Markus Riegler and Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2011-08-28 - 2011-09-01
ID: P00020257
Title: Integrated Protection of Olive Crops workshop and olive IPM field visit Spain
Funder:
  • Rural Industries R&D Corporation (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart
Years: 2009-05-28 - 2009-07-08
ID: P00017138
Title: Agronomic and extraction parameters for Centipeda (Part 2) - Optimising flowering yield of bioactives from Centipeda cunninghamii
Funder:
  • Rural Industries R&D Corporation (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: Tony Haigh, Robert Spooner-Hart and David Leach
Years: 2014-06-05 - 2017-08-31
ID: P00022050
Title: Phylogenetic relationship of Australian Silphidae species with comparison to non-endemic species
Funder:
  • Australian Biological Resources Study (non ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart, Markus Riegler and Richard Thomas
Years: 2012-11-25 - 2012-11-28
ID: P00020962
Title: Agronomic and Extraction Parameters for Centipeda Cunninghamii Production
Funder:
  • Rural Industries R&D Corporation (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Robert Spooner-Hart and David Leach
Years: 2012-05-16 - 2013-06-28
ID: P00021017

Supervision

Associate Professor Spooner-Hart is available to be a principal supervisor for doctoral projects

Current Supervision

Thesis Title: Ecology of Red Scale (Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) [Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Diaspididae]) in Citrus Orchards on the Central Coast of New South Wales
Field of Research: Natural And Physical Sciences
Thesis Title: An investigation into the effects of harvest timing and regulated deficit irrigation on olive oil yield and quality
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Impacts of Foliar N on the Biological Control of Black Scale (Saissetia Oleae (Olivier)) in Olive Groves in Southern Australia
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Development of a novel, non-chemical technique based on the EppoMNPV baculovirus for the control of light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana)
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Electroantennogram (EAG) and Behavioural Responses of Queensland Fruit Fly, Bactrocera Tryoni (Froggatt) [Diptera: Tephritidae]) to Mineral Oil, Plant and Ant Volatiles
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: The utility of Farmer Field Schools as a platform for adaptive research of and experiential learning for implementation of sustained management of citrus in Vietnam.
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Australian native bees as greenhouse pollinators
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: The Biology and Ecology of Australia's Blue Banded Bee
Field of Research:

Previous Supervision

Thesis Title: The Effect of Harvest Timing and Irrigation Management on Olive Oil Quality
Field of Research: Agriculture, Environmental And Related Studies
Thesis Title: Fruit-Tree Borer (Maroga Melanostigma): Investigations on its Biological Control in Prune Trees
Field of Research: Food Science And Biotechnology
Thesis Title: The Development of Diagnostic Radioentomology and its Application to the Biology and Management of Bees
Field of Research: Agriculture, Environmental And Related Studies
Thesis Title: Investigations into the Biology, Behaviour and Phylogeny of a Potential Crop Pollinator: the Australian Stingless Bee, Austroplebeia australis
Field of Research: Natural And Physical Sciences
Thesis Title: Production of High-Quality Cured Vanilla Beans
Field of Research: Environmental Studies, N.e.c.
Thesis Title: Carrion insects and their application to forensic investigations in Richmond NSW, with particular reference to significant Coleoptera
Field of Research: Forensic Science
Thesis Title: Genetic Diversity, Reproductive Systems and Endosymbionts of Two Invasive Thrips Species
Field of Research: Horticulture; Zoology; Other Agriculture, Environmental And Related Studies; Genetics
Thesis Title: Ecology of Red Scale (Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) [Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Diaspididae]) in Citrus Orchards on the Central Coast of New South Wales
Field of Research: Natural And Physical Sciences
Thesis Title: Tetragonula carbonaria and Disease: Behavioural and Antimicrobial Defences Used by Colonies to Limit Brood Pathogens
Field of Research: Microbiology; Zoology; Other Natural And Physical Sciences
Thesis Title: Elucidating Novel Biopesticide Modes of Action in Insects: Physiological, Cellular and Molecular Approaches
Field of Research: Pest And Weed Control
Thesis Title: Assessing pathogen risks to Australian stingless bees
Field of Research: Land, Parks And Wildlife Management

Western Sydney University

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