Professor Brian Sindel
Professor of Weed Science , Weed science - School of Environmental and Rural Science
Biography
Professor Brian Sindel, BScAgr (Hons), DipEd (Dist), PhD (USyd), is a weed scientist who, together with his students, has led Australian research into the ecology and control of over a dozen different weed species including fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis), serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma), Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana), Coolatai grass (Hypparhenia hirta), saffron thistle (Carthamus lanatus), feathertop wiregrass (Aristida latifolia), winter grass (Poa annua), chickweed (Stellaria media) and lippia (Phyla canescens). His research experience spans the natural environment (including sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island for 6 years) and many of the rural industries, having conducted weed research programs for MLA, AWI, GRDC, LWA, DAFF, RIRDC, CRDC, HAL, HIA, the AAD and NHT, as well as the Cotton and Weed Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs). Starting out as a high school agriculture teacher, Brian also investigated native grass (kangaroo grass, Themeda triandra) domestication for CSIRO, and as part of UNE's commitment to the Future Food Systems CRC, is currently their Education Director, supporting innovation and growth across the Australian food value chain.
Qualifications
BScAgr(Hons) (Syd), DipEd(Dist), PhD (Syd)
Teaching Areas
AGRO200, AGRO311, AGRO422/522
Primary Research Area/s
Pasture weeds; Antarctic weeds; Weeds of vegetablesResearch Interests
- Weed ecology and management
- Pasture and crop weed ecology and management
- Weed seed banks
- Weed surveys
- Crop competition and herbicide tolerance
Research Supervision Experience
30 years as a research supervisor
Publications
Selected publications only. Full publications list available through the UNE Weed Science group
Sindel, B., Berney, P., Coleman, M., Marshall, G. and Reeve, I. (2013). Improving regional adoption of weed control. A case study in the NSW Northern and Southern Tablelands. 130 pp. Report to the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. ISBN 978-1-74254-509-7.
Williams L., Kristiansen P., Shaw J., Sindel B. and Wilson S.C. (2013) Weeds down under: Invasion of the sub-Antarctic wilderness of Macquarie Island. Plant Protection Quarterly. 28, 71-72.
Grech, C.J., McLaren, D.A., Lowien, J., McWhirter, L., Butler, K.L. and Sindel, B.M. (2012). Assessment of management options for Chilean needle grass in sheep‐grazing systems. Grass and Forage Science. 69, 119-128.
Macdonald, M.J., Whalley, R.D.B., Julien, M.H. and Sindel, B.M. (2012). Flood-induced recruitment of the invasive perennial herb Phyla canescens (lippia). The Rangeland Journal. 34, 269-276.
Sindel, B. and Coleman, M. (2012) Fireweed. A Best Practice Management Guide for Australian Landholders. 33 pp., University of New England. ISBN 978-1-921597-37-4.
Chejara V.K., Kriticos D.J., Kristiansen P., Sindel B.M., Whalley R.D.B. and Nadolny C. (2010) The current and future potential geographical distribution of Hyparrhenia hirta. Weed Research 50, 174-184.
Sindel B. and Coleman, M. (2010). Weed Detection and Control on Small Farms. A Guide for Owners. 21 pp., University of New England and Land and Water Australia. ISBN 978-1-921597-07-7.
Widderick M., Walker S.R., Sindel B.M. and Bell K.L. (2010). Germination, emergence, and persistence of Sonchus oleraceus, a major crop weed in subtropical Australia. Weed Biology and Management 10, 102-112.
Sindel B. (2009). Fireweed in Australia – Directions for Future Research. 65pp. Report for the Bega Valley Fireweed Association (BVFA) and DAFF.
Chejara, V.K., Kristiansen, P., Whalley, R.D.B., Sindel, B.M. and Nadolny, C. (2008). Factors affecting germination of Coolatai grass (Hyparrhenia hirta). Weed Science, 56, 543-548.
Datta, A., Sindel, B.M., Kristiansen, P., Jessop, R.S. and Felton, W.L. (2008). The effect of soil pH on chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genotype sensitivity to isoxaflutole. Plant and Soil, 303, 49-54.
Narwal, S., Sindel, B.M. and Jessop, R.S. (2008). Dormancy and longevity of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) as affected by soil type, depth, rainfall, and duration of burial. Plant and Soil, 310, 225-234.
Cowan, T.F., Sindel, B.M., Jessop, R.S. and Browning, J.E. (2007). Mapping the distribution and spread of Nassella trichotoma (serrated tussock) with a view to improving detectability, containment and eradication. Crop Protection 26, 228-231.
Kristiansen, P., Sindel, B.M. and Jessop, R.S. (2007). Weed management in organic Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) production. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 22,1-16.
van der Meulen, A.W., Reeve, I.J. and Sindel, B.M. (2007). Weed management on grazing properties: a survey of livestock producers in New South Wales and Victoria. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 47, 1415-1421.
Sindel, B.M. (2006). Brian Sindel. Agricultural Science. In The God Factor. 40 Scientists and Academics Explain Why they Believe in God. Revised Edition. pp. 55-59, ed J.F. Ashton, HarperCollinsPublishers, Sydney.
Sindel, B.M. (2006). Management of weeds in pasture systems. In Handbook of Sustainable Weed Management. eds. H.P. Singh, D.R. Batish and R.K. Kohli, pp. 771-790. Food Products Press, Binghamton, USA.
Gardener, M.R., Whalley, R.D. and Sindel, B.M. (2003). Ecology of Nassella neesiana, Chilean needle grass, in pastures on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. II. Seedbank dynamics, seed germination, and seedling recruitment', Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 54, 621-626.
Grace, B.S., Sheppard, A.W., Whalley, R.D.B. and Sindel, B.M. (2002). Seedbanks and seedling emergence of saffron thistle (Carthamus lanatus) in eastern Australian pastures, Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 53, 1327-1334.
Sindel, B.M. ed. (2000). Australian Weed Management Systems. 506 pp. RG and FJ Richardson, Melbourne, ISBN 0-9587439-4-0.
Sindel, B.M., Radford, I.J., Holtkamp, R.H. and Michael, P.W. (1998). Senecio madagascariensisPoir. In The Biology of Australian Weeds Volume 2eds F.D. Panetta, R.H. Groves and R.C.H. Shepherd. pp. 247-267, R.G. and F.J. Richardson, Melbourne.
Sindel, B.M., Davidson, S.J., Kilby, M.J. and Groves, R.H. (1993). Germination and establishment of Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass) as affected by soil and seed characteristics. Australian Journal of Botany, 41, 105-117.
Sindel, B.M. and Michael, P.W. (1992). Spread and potential distribution of Senecio madagascariensis Poir. (fireweed) in Australia. Australian Journal of Ecology, 17, 21-26.
Sindel, B.M. (1991). A review of the ecology and control of thistles in Australia. Weed Research, 31, 189-201.
Consultancy Interests
Weed ecology and management
