Research Fellow
Overview
Disrupting the status quo and closing the circular bioeconomy
Dr Jitka Kochanek is the founder and leader of the Plant Performance Laboratory at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. At the interface of biology and materials science, she utilises bioengineering to disrupt the status quo within the global bioeconomy. Specifically, her pioneering research aims to supersede dated industry practices with new, highly efficient products and to replace outdated materials (unsustainable, damaging etc) with cutting-edge biomaterials that close the circular economy.
Her latest scientific achievement has been the discovery of a new material that is a ‘technology platform’ upon which multiple technologies are being developed through tailoring of parent materials, such as for biomedical and food packaging applications, as well as for agriculture and environmental rehabilitation. In 2021 she gained private industry funding from a prominent Australian SME for translation and commercialisation is expected over a 2–5-year timeframe. Since parent materials are plant-based, the platform promises a closed circular economy.
In the agri-environmental space, Dr Kochanek’s vision is sustainable real-time plant regulation, using novel biomaterials and technologies. The most commercially advanced product promises to be a disruptive tool for better future-proofing agriculture and wild plant ecosystem restoration, having successfully delivered emerging growth regulators that assist plants to cope with climate-related stressors, such as heatwaves and drought. Additionally, classic chemistries have been delivered to plants at 100-10,000-fold lower dosages than current commercial practices, thus generating social licence and slashing chemical costs.
Dr Kochanek has collaborated with some of the world’s top organisations and researchers, such as conservation ecologists at Kew Gardens in the UK, natural product chemists via the Flematti Group at the University of Western Australia and materials scientists within the Rowan Group at the University of Queensland. She has had the pleasure of supervising/mentoring >30 research students and 2 postdoctoral researchers.
Other notable career achievements
Since 2010 Dr Kochanek has been principal chief investigator across 8 industry and government projects worth >$2.3M (Federal/Horticulture Innovation Australia, Local/Brisbane City Council, State/Qld Government and private industry projects), a research consultant for the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR, developing sustainable and cost-effective crop sanitation technologies in Papua New Guinea) and won the CSIRO ON-Prime accelerator program in 2019 for her visionary agri-technologies. Other notable achievements are that Dr Kochanek became a stand-alone researcher at <2 years post-PhD, after securing funding as principal CI ($302K, 2010); has developed a novel systematic framework to close the circular economy for waste recycling technologies; was among the first to confirm empirical evidence for epigenetics in plants or animals; and has developed a bioassay to rapidly ascertain plant responses for growth promoting/harming compounds. The bioassay provides the ability to predict chemical dosages for plants within 1 week.
Research Interests
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Agricultural bioengineering & innovation with global impact
• Efficient and targeted chemical delivery to plants • Improved environmental and human safety profiles • Technology commercialisation and business development • Agricultural research-for-development • Seed science, plant physiology and epigenetics • Horticulture, agriculture, revegetation • Biochar and organic waste optimisation for plant industries
Research Impacts
Disrupting the status quo and closing the circular bioeconomy
- Development of new, highly efficient products from cutting-edge biomaterials to replace unsustainable or damaging materials and to close the circular economy.
- Discovery of a ‘technology platform’ with biomedical, food packaging, agricultural and environmental rehabilitation applications. The platform has translation funding from a prominent Australian SME and commercialisation is expected over a 2–5-year timeframe.
- Sustainable real-time plant regulation using novel biomaterials and technologies. The most advanced product has successfully delivered emerging growth regulators that assist plants to cope with climate-related stressors, such as heatwaves and drought. Hence promises to be a disruptive tool for better future-proofing agriculture and ecosystem restoration.
- Development of a systematic framework to tailor waste recycling technologies for end user needs. The framework is being used to control disease and provide commercial opportunities for smallholder famers in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and has assisted Australian horticulture and Brisbane City Council with waste decision frameworks.
Other research impact:
- PhD research in partnership with Kew Gardens in the UK (2004-08) was among the first to demonstrate empirical evidence for epigenetic effects in either plants or animals,
- Developed a novel screening bioassay to rapidly ascertain plant responses for growth promoting or toxic compounds,
- Elucidated the chemical mechanisms behind positive and negative biochar effects on the plant phenotype.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Bachelor (Honours), The University of Queensland
Publications
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Book Chapter: The role of karrikins in addressing pressing global challenges
Kochanek, Jitka, McGregor, Georgina, Tryggestad, Kenneth A., Flematti, Gavin R., Wang, Yunwei and Krisantini, Santi (2023). The role of karrikins in addressing pressing global challenges. Strigolactones, alkamides and karrikins in plants: recent updates and future prospects. (pp. 249-271) edited by Soumya Mukherjee and Tariq Aftab. Boca Raton, Fl.: CRC Press. doi: 10.1201/9781003224525-22
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Journal Article: Biochar for intensification of plant-related industries to meet productivity, sustainability and economic goals: a review
Kochanek, Jitka, Soo, Rochelle M., Martinez, Cristina, Dakuidreketi, Aloesi and Mudge, Agnieszka M. (2022). Biochar for intensification of plant-related industries to meet productivity, sustainability and economic goals: a review. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 179 106109, 106109. doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.106109
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Journal Article: Organic wastes amended with sorbents reduce N2O emissions from sugarcane cropping
Westermann, Maren, Brackin, Richard, Robinson, Nicole, Salazar Cajas, Monica, Buckley, Scott, Bailey, Taleta, Redding, Matthew, Kochanek, Jitka, Hill, Jaye, Guillou, Stéphane, Freitas, Joao Carlos Martins, Wang, Weijin, Pratt, Chris, Fujinuma, Ryo and Schmidt, Susanne (2021). Organic wastes amended with sorbents reduce N2O emissions from sugarcane cropping. Environments, 8 (8) 78, 1-18. doi: 10.3390/environments8080078
Grants
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A Spinifex-based Nanomaterials Platform for Climate-ready Crops and Mine-Site Restoration
(2024–2025) Australia's Economic Accelerator Seed Grants
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Dr Jitka Kochanek - Maternity Funding (Advance Queensland Women's Academic Fund)
(2017–2018) Queensland Government Advance Queensland Women's Academic Fund
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On farm evaluation of vegetable seed viability using non-destructive techniques
(2017) Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
Supervision
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Helping crops cope as climatic extremes escalate: elucidating plant responses to novel growth enhancing compounds
Doctor Philosophy
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The optimisation of novel plant promoting compounds and their delivery methods for the Australian Vegetable Industry
(2022) Doctor Philosophy
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(2018) Doctor Philosophy
Publications
Book Chapter
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The role of karrikins in addressing pressing global challenges
Kochanek, Jitka, McGregor, Georgina, Tryggestad, Kenneth A., Flematti, Gavin R., Wang, Yunwei and Krisantini, Santi (2023). The role of karrikins in addressing pressing global challenges. Strigolactones, alkamides and karrikins in plants: recent updates and future prospects. (pp. 249-271) edited by Soumya Mukherjee and Tariq Aftab. Boca Raton, Fl.: CRC Press. doi: 10.1201/9781003224525-22
Journal Article
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Kochanek, Jitka, Soo, Rochelle M., Martinez, Cristina, Dakuidreketi, Aloesi and Mudge, Agnieszka M. (2022). Biochar for intensification of plant-related industries to meet productivity, sustainability and economic goals: a review. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 179 106109, 106109. doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.106109
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Organic wastes amended with sorbents reduce N2O emissions from sugarcane cropping
Westermann, Maren, Brackin, Richard, Robinson, Nicole, Salazar Cajas, Monica, Buckley, Scott, Bailey, Taleta, Redding, Matthew, Kochanek, Jitka, Hill, Jaye, Guillou, Stéphane, Freitas, Joao Carlos Martins, Wang, Weijin, Pratt, Chris, Fujinuma, Ryo and Schmidt, Susanne (2021). Organic wastes amended with sorbents reduce N2O emissions from sugarcane cropping. Environments, 8 (8) 78, 1-18. doi: 10.3390/environments8080078
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Zinc biofortification of immature maize and sweetcorn (Zea mays L.) kernels for human health
Cheah, Zhong Xiang, O’Hare, Tim J., Harper, Stephen M., Kochanek, Jitka and Bell, Michael J. (2020). Zinc biofortification of immature maize and sweetcorn (Zea mays L.) kernels for human health. Scientia Horticulturae, 272 109559. doi: 10.1016/j.scienta.2020.109559
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Kochanek, Jitka, Long, Rowena L., Lisle, Allan T. and Flematti, Gavin R. (2016). Karrikins identified in biochars indicate post-fire chemical cues can influence community diversity and plant development. PLoS ONE, 11 (8) e0161234, e0161234. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161234
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Kochanek, Jitka, Steadman, Kathryn J., Probert, Robin J. and Adkins, Steve W. (2011). Parental effects modulate seed longevity: Exploring parental and offspring phenotypes to elucidate pre-zygotic environmental influences. New Phytologist, 191 (1), 223-233. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2011.03681.x
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Pre-zygotic parental environment modulates seed longevity
Kochanek, Jitka, Buckley, Yvonne M., Probert, Robin J., Adkins, Steve W. and Steadman, Kathryn J. (2010). Pre-zygotic parental environment modulates seed longevity. Austral Ecology, 35 (7), 837-848. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2010.02118.x
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Kochanek, J., Steadman, K., Probert, R.J. and Adkins, S.W. (2009). Variation in seed longevity among different populations, species and genera found in collections from wild Australian plants. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY, 57 (2), 123-131. doi: 10.1071/BT09023
Conference Publication
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Beyond Arabidopsis: Paving the way to commercial applications of karrikin compounds
Tryggestad, Kenneth, Krisantini, Santi, Flematti, Gavin and Kochanek, Jitka (2019). Beyond Arabidopsis: Paving the way to commercial applications of karrikin compounds. 4th Edition of the Global Conference on Plant Science and Molecular Biology, London, United Kingdom, 19-21 September, 2019.
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Dakuidreketi, A., Aitken, E., Furlong, M. and Kochanek, J. (2018). The potential effect of karrikinolide (KAR(1)) in inducing resistance against Alternaria solani on tomato. International Congress of Plant Pathology (ICPP), Boston, Massachusetts, 29 July - 3 August 2018. St. Paul, MN, United States: American Phytopathological Society.
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Kochanek, J., Swift, R. S., Kochanek, M. A., Cox, J. and Flematti, G. R. (2016). A systematic approach to recycling organics for horticulture: comparing emerging and conventional technologies. XXIX International Horticultural Congress on Horticulture: Sustaining Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes (IHC2014): International Symposia on Water, Eco-Efficiency and Transformation of Organic Waste in Horticultural Production, Brisbane, Australia, 17-22 August, 2014. Leuven, Belgium: International Society for Horticultural Science. doi: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1112.44
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On-farm outcomes from the Green City Loop project
Kranz, Brenda and Kochanek, Jitka (2015). On-farm outcomes from the Green City Loop project. National Biological Farming Conference & Expo 2015, Lismore, NSW, Australia, 6-8 November 2015.
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Biochar and compost combination superior to single ameliorant inputs in a blueberry orchard soil
Cox, Justine and Kochanek, Jitka (2014). Biochar and compost combination superior to single ameliorant inputs in a blueberry orchard soil. Soil Science Australia National Soil Science Conference: Securing Australia's soils, Melbourne, Australia, 2014.
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Kochanek, Jitka and Kachenko, Anthony (2014). Closing the green city loop. Nursery and Garden Industry Annual Conference: Blue Sky Thinking, Real Green Living, Sydney, Australia, 10-13 March 2014.
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Kochanek, Jitka and Blanchard, Christine (2014). Closing the green city loop. 2014 Annual Arboriculture Conference, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia, 2014.
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Plants in the black: tackling the food, energy and climate change crises, one plant at a time
Kochanek, Jitka and Flematti, Gavin (2012). Plants in the black: tackling the food, energy and climate change crises, one plant at a time. Australian Frontiers of Science: Science for a Green Economy (Australian Academy of Science Symposium), Sydney, Australia, 2-4 December 2012.
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Understanding the biochemical basis of flower colour in Australian native Ptilotus and Gomphrena
Harrison, Deon, Kochanek, Jitka and Joyce, Daryl (2010). Understanding the biochemical basis of flower colour in Australian native Ptilotus and Gomphrena. Australian Flora Foundation, Australia, 2010.
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Seed longevity can be changed by the pre-zygotic parental environment
Kochanek, Jitka, Steadman, Kathryn J., Probert, Robin J. and Adkins, Steve W. (2008). Seed longevity can be changed by the pre-zygotic parental environment. ANPC Seventh National Conference: Our Declining Flora – Tackling the Threats, Mulgoa, N.S.W., Australia, 21-24 April 2008. Canberra, Australia: Australian Network for Plant Conservation.
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Kochanek, J., Steadman, K. J., Probert, R. and Adkins, S. W. (2008). Seed longevity can be modified by the parental environment in selected Australian native plant species. A Green Future? Biodiversity under Climate Change' Forum, Pullenvale, Brisbane, Australia, April 12 2008. The Hut Environmental & Community Association Inc (THECA).
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Kochanek, J., Steadman, K. J., Probert, R. J. and Adkins, S. W. (2007). The effects of provenance and plant growth environment on the seed longevity of the genus Wahlenbergia in Australia. Seed Ecology II 2007: The 2nd ISSS Meeting on Seeds and the Environment, Perth, Western Australia, 9-13 September, 2007. Perth, Australia: UniPrint, University of Western Australia.
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The impact of maternal vegetative stress on seed longevity
Kochanek, Jitka, Steadman, Kathryn J., Probert, Robin J. and Adkins, Steve W. (2007). The impact of maternal vegetative stress on seed longevity. 28th ISTA Congress 2007, Iguassu Falls, Brazil, 5-11 May 2007. Bassersdorf, Switzerland: International Seed Testing Association - ISTA.
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Kochanek, Jitka, Steadman, Kathryn J., Probert, Robin J. and Adkins, Steve W. (2007). The impact of provenance, season and seed differences on the seed longevity of nine Australian native species. 28th ISTA Congress Diversity in Seed Technology, Iguassu Falls, Brazil, 7-9 May, 2007. Basserdorf, Switzerland: International Seed Testing Association - ISTA.
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Dormancy issues for Australian floricultural species
Johnston, M. E., Bauer, L., O'Brien, S. and Kochanek, J. (2005). Dormancy issues for Australian floricultural species. Fifth Australian Workshop on Native Seed Biology, Brisbane, Australia, 21-23 June, 2004. Brisbane, Australia: Australian Centre for Minerals Extension and Research.
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Seed longevity of Queensland native species and the effects of maternal environment
Kochanek, J., Steadman, K. J., Probert, R. J. and Adkins, S. W. (2005). Seed longevity of Queensland native species and the effects of maternal environment. 8th International Workshop on Seeds - Germinating New Ideas, Sheraton Hotel, Brisbane, Qld, 8-13 May, 2005. Brisbane, Qld, Australia: International Society for Seed Science.
Other Outputs
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Sowing success through transformational technologies
Kochanek, Jitka (2021). Sowing success through transformational technologies. North Sydney, NSW, Australia: Horticulture Innovation Australia.
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Grower input opportunity: Future R&D for improved on farm vegetable seed quality
Kochanek, Jitka (2018, 05 01). Grower input opportunity: Future R&D for improved on farm vegetable seed quality Lockyer Valley Growers Magazine
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VG16028: On farm evaluation of vegetable seed viability using non-destructive techniques
Kochanek, Jitka (2018, 01 01). VG16028: On farm evaluation of vegetable seed viability using non-destructive techniques Vegenotes magazine
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On farm evaluation of vegetable seed viability using non-destructive techniques
Kochanek, Jitka (2017). On farm evaluation of vegetable seed viability using non-destructive techniques. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Horticulture Innovation Australia .
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Turning seed quality failure into consistent success: How widespread is the problem?
Kochanek, Jitka (2017, 01 01). Turning seed quality failure into consistent success: How widespread is the problem? HortLink Magazine: Horticulture Innovation Australia (Summer 2017)
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Potential new products for sustainable floriculture
Kochanek, Jitka (2016, 02 01). Potential new products for sustainable floriculture Australian Flower Industry Magazine 8-9.
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Closing the ‘Green City Loop’ – green organics for urban green environments
Kochanek, Jitka, Flematti, Gavin, Cox, Justine, Braunig, Jennifer, Drage, Daniel, Mueller, Jochen and George, Chris (2015). Closing the ‘Green City Loop’ – green organics for urban green environments. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited.
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Designing new products to match grower needs
Kochanek, Jitka (2015, 01 01). Designing new products to match grower needs HortLink Magazine
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Kochanek, Jitka, Flematti, Gavin, Long, Rowena, Cox, Justine, Swift, Roger and Kochanek, Mark (2014). Novel, sustainable and profitable horticultural management systems: soil amendments, waste reuse and carbon sequestration. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Horticulture Australia.
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Understanding the biochemical basis of flower colour in Australian native Ptilotus and Gomphrena
Harrison, Dion, Kochanek, Jitka and Joyce, Daryl (2010). Understanding the biochemical basis of flower colour in Australian native Ptilotus and Gomphrena. Willoughby, NSW, Australia: Australian Flora Foundation.
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N, P & K deficiency diagnosis in and consequences for Ptilotus nobilis production
Harrison, Dion, Joyce, Daryl and Kochanek, Jitka (2009). N, P & K deficiency diagnosis in and consequences for Ptilotus nobilis production. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Horticulture Australia.
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Parental Growth Environment Modulates Seed Longevity: Investigations Using Australian Native Species
Kochanek, Jitka (2008). Parental Growth Environment Modulates Seed Longevity: Investigations Using Australian Native Species. PhD Thesis, School of Land, Crop and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland.
Grants (Administered at UQ)
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A Spinifex-based Nanomaterials Platform for Climate-ready Crops and Mine-Site Restoration
(2024–2025) Australia's Economic Accelerator Seed Grants
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Dr Jitka Kochanek - Maternity Funding (Advance Queensland Women's Academic Fund)
(2017–2018) Queensland Government Advance Queensland Women's Academic Fund
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On farm evaluation of vegetable seed viability using non-destructive techniques
(2017) Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
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(2015–2020) Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
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Developing next-generation bio-fertilisers
(2015–2016) UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
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Closing the 'green city loop' - green organics for urban green environments
(2014–2015) Horticulture Australia Limited
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Closing the Green City Loop, Phase II: Innovative Product Development for Australian Horticulture
(2014–2015) Horticulture Australia Limited
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Accelerated crop development and environmental compliance of agricultural and food systems
(2013) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
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(2011–2012) UQ Early Career Researcher
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(2011–2012) UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
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(2010–2014) Horticulture Australia Limited
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(2009–2010) UQ FirstLink Scheme
PhD and MPhil Supervision
Current Supervision
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Helping crops cope as climatic extremes escalate: elucidating plant responses to novel growth enhancing compounds
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Completed Supervision
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The optimisation of novel plant promoting compounds and their delivery methods for the Australian Vegetable Industry
(2022) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
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(2018) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
