Researchers from the Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR), Prof Ilaria Germishuizen, Dr Julian Chan and Dr Danvir Ramesar, together with Prof Brett Hurley from the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, participated in the International Acacia Conference 2026 in Vietnam. The event brought together researchers and industry representatives from 17 countries to share advances in Acacia research, plantation management and sustainable wood production.
ICFR made a strong contribution to the scientific programme, delivering three oral presentations.
Prof Germishuizen presented “Strengthening smallholder wattle forestry in Ethiopia: species choice, silviculture, and early disease detection”, highlighting ICFR’s involvement in the ACIAR-supported project aimed at improving the productivity and sustainability of smallholder forestry in Ethiopia.
Dr Chan presented “Performance comparison of selected individuals in progeny tests vs their performance as clones of Acacia mearnsii in South Africa”, showcasing advances in South African wattle breeding, particularly efforts to improve tolerance to frost and wattle rust, caused by Uromycladium acaciae.
Dr Ramesar presented “Near Infrared Spectroscopy as a Rapid Diagnostic Tool to Differentiate Acacia mearnsii and Acacia decurrens”, demonstrating the potential of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a rapid, practical tool for species identification.
With three scientific presentations, ICFR had a prominent presence on the international stage, showcasing its research expertise and contributions to sustainable Acacia forestry. The conference also provided valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships with international researchers, particularly the Australian collaborators and ACIAR team supporting the Ethiopian project.
A highlight of the conference was a field excursion to FSC-certified smallholder Acacia mangium x Acacia auriculiformis plantations, a wood-processing facility, and a furniture factory supplying international brands such as IKEA. The visits demonstrated how smallholder growers can successfully participate in global markets through well-established, functional value chains linking plantation production to internationally competitive manufacturing.
The conference provided an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge, showcase ICFR’s research and strengthen international partnerships