T&G Global has announced the recipient of the 2023 Edward Turner Horticulture Futures Grant, Reuben Panting, a Masters's student at Auckland University.
The postgraduate tertiary student grant, valued at $10,000 NZD, was established to celebrate T&G's 125th anniversary and is named in honour of company founder Edward Turner.
T&G Global's Chief Executive, Gareth Edgecombe, stated that the company was delighted to appoint Reuben as the inaugural recipient of the Edward Turner Horticulture Futures Grant.
"Reuben greatly impressed us with his passion for the horticulture industry and his interest in addressing key issues that threaten the sustainability of fruit varieties," said Edgecombe.
"Reuben's commitment to innovation, development and commercialisation in the field of biology fits the intent of the Grant perfectly, and we're looking forward to seeing him complete his studies and bring his ideas and discoveries into the industry in the future."
Reuben Panting, 21, originally from Nelson, is currently undertaking a Master of Science at the University of Auckland, focusing on plant and microbial biotechnology. He completed a Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Biological Sciences - Biotechnology pathway in 2022. These academic studies have led Reuben to develop a strong interest in plant biotechnology, microbiology and how the intersection of these fields can lead to innovation for practical gains.
As part of his two-year Masters's programme, Reuben will be conducting the research component at the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research in conjunction with the University of Auckland.
The research involves studying the genetic basis of the pathogenicity of Venturia Inaequalis, the causal agent of apple scab and the single most economically important pathogen of apples in the world. Reuben hopes the discoveries made through his research will directly inform apple breeders and aid in developing more resistant apple cultivars to this disease.
"I am honoured to be chosen as the recipient of T&G's Grant, which will help support me as I continue my studies and research to complete my Master of Science. I believe that the horticultural industry is responsible for investing in the future, with research playing an important part in developing practical innovations in deep-science fields," shared Panting, the grant winner.
Panting shared that he was excited to be a part of the innovation the industry makes to combat factors such as extreme weather that can make common horticultural diseases worse or more challenging to manage.
