Overview
Background
Associate Professor Craig Hardner holds a bachelor in Forest Science awarded by the University of Melbourne, and BSc (Hons) and PhD from the University of Tasmania. Prior to his PhD, A/Prof Hardner worked as a Research Fellow at Swedish Agricultural University 1988-1990 supporting willow breeding for energy production. Between 1996-2007, A/Prof Hardner lead the CSIRO macadamia breeding program. A/Prof Hardner joined the University of Queensland in 2007 and commenced a joint appointment with Queensland Government as a research fellow in horticulture breeding and genetics. He has an extensive collaboration network in horticulture breeding and conservation including domestic and international organisations and Universities.
A/Prof Hardner was lead author on a 128 page review of macadamia genetics and domestication published in 2009 and is curator of macadamia cultivar descriptions for HortScience. He was awarded a Churchill fellowship in 2012 to travel to Hawaii to trace the domestication pathway of macadamia.
Availability
- Associate Professor Craig Hardner is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, University of Melbourne
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Tasmania
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Tasmania
Research interests
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Quantitative genetics
I am a world leader in development and application of mixed model methods for prediction of genetic value in forestry, macadamia, sugar cane, mango, and apple. In particular, I am interested in use of multi-variate approaches to model complex experimental designs including multiple locations, repeated measures, and spatial variation, and genetics including individual, parental, non-additive variation and polyploidy. I am also developing approaches for using genomic relationship matrices to leverage historical breeding and variety testing data to expand knowledge of GxE in horticultural crops.
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Conservation genetics of macadamia
Macadamia is an iconic Australian genus, being the only international crop domesticated from Australian flora. My research in this area uses sequencing and molecular markers to improve understanding of structure of remnant wild populations and trace the domestication history of the major sources of germplasm utilised for commercial production. This research also investigates opportunities available for breeding from utilisation of the remnant wild resources. I published a 128 pages seminal review of macadamia genetics and domestication in 2009.
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Tree breeding
I have major research activity in the quantitative genetics and breeding of perennial crops. I have an extensive background in genetic improvement of eucalypt and macadamia crops.I bred and selected new macadamia cultivars targeted specifically to Australian industry that will be released in 2017, and continue as a co-principal investigator on the current breeding program with responsibility for genetic analyses, evaluation of alternative breeding strategies and estimation of economic weights for selection.
Research impacts
MACADAMIA
Dr Hardner is responsible for developing new macadamia cultivars selected specifically for Australian production systems, promising a 30% increase in productivity. He also leads research on tracing the domestication of macadamia and identifying the wild origin of domesticated cultivars to further improve knowledge of the cultural history of the plant. He initiated, and is a member, of the Macadamia Conservation Committee which brings together Australian industry, university researchers, government officers, and NGOs to develop and support strategies for conservation of macadamia in the wild.
IMPROVED SELECTION METHODS
Dr Hardner has developed statistical approaches, and software for implementation, to improve prediction of genetic value of selection candidates in sugar cane, apple and eucalypts. His research on analysis of alternative breeding strategies has contributed to more efficient breeding strategies for macadamia, apple, eucalypts and strawberry.
ADAPTATION IN HORTICULTURAL CROPS
Dr Hardner is working with international researchers to use genomic approaches to combine historical data collected previously on varieties planted in different locations to improve understanding of the GxE to underpin improved production efficiency through better matching of genotype and production environment. This work will also be used to improve adaption strategies under the effects of climate change.
Works
Search Professor Craig Hardner’s works on UQ eSpace
2022
Journal Article
Signatures of selection in recently domesticated macadamia
Lin, Jishan, Zhang, Wenping, Zhang, Xingtan, Ma, Xiaokai, Zhang, Shengcheng, Chen, Shuai, Wang, Yibin, Jia, Haifeng, Liao, Zhenyang, Lin, Jing, Zhu, Mengting, Xu, Xiuming, Cai, Mingxing, Zeng, Hui, Wan, Jifeng, Yang, Weihai, Matsumoto, Tracie, Hardner, Craig, Nock, Catherine J. and Ming, Ray (2022). Signatures of selection in recently domesticated macadamia. Nature Communications, 13 (1) 242, 242. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-27937-7
2022
Conference Publication
Genomic Selection to improve quantitative resistance to Blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans ) in Canola (Brassica napus )
Lambrides, Christopher , Liddle, Willow , Tabah, David , Hardner, Craig and Arief, Vivi (2022). Genomic Selection to improve quantitative resistance to Blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans ) in Canola (Brassica napus ). Australasian Plant Breeding Conference, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 9-11 May 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
The pursuit of excellence; some reflections after 50+ years of plant breeding at The University of Queensland (9771)
Lambrides, Christopher , Basford, Kaye , DeLacy, Ian , Cooper, Mark , Hardner, Craig , Godwin, Ian , Dieters, Mark and Arief, Vivi (2022). The pursuit of excellence; some reflections after 50+ years of plant breeding at The University of Queensland (9771). Australasian Plant Breeding Conference, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 9-11 May 2022.
2021
Journal Article
Phenotypic characterisation for growth and nut characteristics revealed the extent of genetic diversity in wild macadamia germplasm
Mai, Thuy T. P., Hardner, Craig M., Alam, Mobashwer M., Henry, Robert J. and Topp, Bruce L. (2021). Phenotypic characterisation for growth and nut characteristics revealed the extent of genetic diversity in wild macadamia germplasm. Agriculture, 11 (7) 680, 1-14. doi: 10.3390/agriculture11070680
2021
Journal Article
Genomic selection and genetic gain for nut yield in an Australian macadamia breeding population
O’Connor, Katie M., Hayes, Ben J., Hardner, Craig M., Alam, Mobashwer, Henry, Robert J. and Topp, Bruce L. (2021). Genomic selection and genetic gain for nut yield in an Australian macadamia breeding population. BMC Genomics, 22 (1) 370, 1-12. doi: 10.1186/s12864-021-07694-z
2021
Journal Article
Global genotype by environment trends in growth traits for Eucalyptus dunnii
Bird, Michael G., Hardner, Craig M., Dieters, Mark, Heberling, Mónica, Montouto, Cristian, Arnold, Roger J., Ruiz, Federico, Schapovaloff, Juan and Gore, Peter L. (2021). Global genotype by environment trends in growth traits for Eucalyptus dunnii. New Forests, 53 (1), 101-123. doi: 10.1007/s11056-021-09846-1
2021
Journal Article
Correction of database SNP accession numbers misassigned to SNPs of the 8K IRSC apple SNP array
Edge-Garza, Daniel A., Villamil-Castro, Miguel, Main, Dorrie and Hardner, Craig (2021). Correction of database SNP accession numbers misassigned to SNPs of the 8K IRSC apple SNP array. Tree Genetics and Genomes, 17 (2) 17, 1-4. doi: 10.1007/s11295-021-01500-3
2021
Journal Article
Empirical evaluation of multi-trait DNA testing in an apple seedling population
Ru, Sushan, Hardner, Craig, Evans, Kate, Main, Dorrie, Carter, Patrick A., Harshman, Julia, Sandefur, Paul, Edge-Garza, Daniel and Peace, Cameron (2021). Empirical evaluation of multi-trait DNA testing in an apple seedling population. Tree Genetics and Genomes, 17 (1) 13. doi: 10.1007/s11295-021-01494-y
2021
Journal Article
Global genomic prediction in horticultural crops: promises, progress, challenges and outlook
Hardner, Craig, Kumar, Satish, Main, Dorrie and Peace, Cameron (2021). Global genomic prediction in horticultural crops: promises, progress, challenges and outlook. Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 8 (2), 353-355. doi: 10.15302/J-FASE-2021387
2020
Journal Article
RosBREED: bridging the chasm between discovery and application to enable DNA-informed breeding in rosaceous crops
Iezzoni, Amy F., McFerson, Jim, Luby, James, Gasic, Ksenija, Whitaker, Vance, Bassil, Nahla, Yue, Chengyan, Gallardo, Karina, McCracken, Vicki, Coe, Michael, Hardner, Craig, Zurn, Jason D., Hokanson, Stan, van de Weg, Eric, Jung, Sook, Main, Dorrie, da Silva Linge, Cassia, Vanderzande, Stijn, Davis, Thomas M., Mahoney, Lise L., Finn, Chad and Peace, Cameron (2020). RosBREED: bridging the chasm between discovery and application to enable DNA-informed breeding in rosaceous crops. Horticulture Research, 7 (1) 177. doi: 10.1038/s41438-020-00398-7
2020
Journal Article
Chromosome-scale assembly and annotation of the macadamia genome (Macadamia integrifolia HAES 741)
Nock, Catherine J., Baten, Abdul, Mauleon, Ramil, Langdon, Kirsty S., Topp, Bruce, Hardner, Craig, Furtado, Agnelo, Henry, Robert J. and King, Graham J. (2020). Chromosome-scale assembly and annotation of the macadamia genome (Macadamia integrifolia HAES 741). G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, 10 (10), 3497-3504. doi: 10.1534/g3.120.401326
2020
Journal Article
Demand driven breeding of horticultural tree crops: proof of concept using macadamia
Kern, Stephane, Santos, Bruno, Cave, Robyn, Topp, Bruce and Hardner, Craig (2020). Demand driven breeding of horticultural tree crops: proof of concept using macadamia. Australian Macadamia Society News Bulletin, 75-76.
2020
Journal Article
Genetic structure of wild germplasm of macadamia: species assignment, diversity and phylogeographic relationships
Mai, Thuy, Alam, Mobashwer, Hardner, Craig, Henry, Robert and Topp, Bruce (2020). Genetic structure of wild germplasm of macadamia: species assignment, diversity and phylogeographic relationships. Plants, 9 (6) 714, 1-16. doi: 10.3390/plants9060714
2020
Journal Article
Genome-wide association studies for yield component traits in a macadamia breeding population
O’Connor, Katie, Hayes, Ben, Hardner, Craig, Nock, Catherine, Baten, Abdul, Alam, Mobashwer, Henry, Robert and Topp, Bruce (2020). Genome-wide association studies for yield component traits in a macadamia breeding population. BMC Genomics, 21 (1) 199, 199. doi: 10.1186/s12864-020-6575-3
2020
Conference Publication
Phylogenetic relationship among Macadamia integrifolia and Macadamia tetraphylla wild accessions
Mai, Thuy Thi Phuong, Alam, Mobashwer, Henry, Robert, Hardner, Craig and Topp, Bruce (2020). Phylogenetic relationship among Macadamia integrifolia and Macadamia tetraphylla wild accessions. Third International Tropical Agriculture Conference (TROPAG 2019), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11–13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: M D P I AG. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036067
2020
Conference Publication
Breeding for resistance to husk spot disease in macadamia
Nunn, Jasmine, Alam, Mobashwer, Akinsanmi, Olufemi, Hardner, Craig and Topp, Bruce (2020). Breeding for resistance to husk spot disease in macadamia. The Third International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 11-13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI AG. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036103
2019
Conference Publication
Data Access and Use: From Rosbreed Data Management to Genomic Prediction
Main, Dorrie, Jung, Sook, Peace, Cameron, Bassil, Nahla, Hardner, Craig M., McFerson, James R., Iezzoni, Amy F., Lee, Taein, Cheng, Chun-Huai, Hough, Heidi, Luby, James J., Gasic, Ksenija, Humann, Jodi L., Edge-Garza, Daniel, Zurn, Jason, DeVetter, Lisa Wasko, Evans, Kate, Sebolt, Audrey, Vanderzande, Stijn and Coe, Michael (2019). Data Access and Use: From Rosbreed Data Management to Genomic Prediction. Annual Conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS), Las Vegas, NV United States, 22-25 July 2019. Alexandria, VA United States: American Society for Horticultural Science.
2019
Journal Article
Apple whole genome sequences: recent advances and new prospects
Peace, Cameron P., Bianco, Luca, Troggio, Michela, van de Weg, Eric, Howard, Nicholas P., Cornille, Amandine, Durel, Charles-Eric, Myles, Sean, Migicovsky, Zoë, Schaffer, Robert J., Costes, Evelyne, Fazio, Gennaro, Yamane, Hisayo, van Nocker, Steve, Gottschalk, Chris, Costa, Fabrizio, Chagné, David, Zhang, Xinzhong, Patocchi, Andrea, Gardiner, Susan E., Hardner, Craig, Kumar, Satish, Laurens, Francois, Bucher, Etienne, Main, Dorrie, Jung, Sook and Vanderzande, Stijn (2019). Apple whole genome sequences: recent advances and new prospects. Horticulture Research, 6 (1) 59, 59. doi: 10.1038/s41438-019-0141-7
2019
Journal Article
Population structure, genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium in a macadamia breeding population using SNP and silicoDArT markers
O’Connor, Katie, Kilian, Andrzej, Hayes, Ben, Hardner, Craig, Nock, Catherine, Baten, Abdul, Alam, Mobashwer and Topp, Bruce (2019). Population structure, genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium in a macadamia breeding population using SNP and silicoDArT markers. Tree Genetics & Genomes, 15 (2) 24, 24. doi: 10.1007/s11295-019-1331-z
2019
Journal Article
Selecting for nut characteristics in macadamia using a genome-wide association study
O’Connor, Katie, Hayes, Ben, Hardner, Craig, Alam, Mobashwer and Topp, Bruce (2019). Selecting for nut characteristics in macadamia using a genome-wide association study. HortScience, 54 (4), 629-632. doi: 10.21273/hortsci13297-18
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Craig Hardner is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Improved breeding methods for horticultural tree crops
There are a number of areas that can be explored with in this research rea including: (i) use of mixed models to improve prediction accuracy of genetic potential, (ii) modelling of alternative breeding strategies, including understanding the efficiency of current observational based approaches, (iii) economic impact of breeding methods
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Leveraging historical international data to better understand adaptation patterns in horticultural tree crops
This study is part of a large international collaboration that I lead. The approach is to examine the success of using genomic data to combine existing data previously collected by field evaluation programs to improve understanding of genotype and environment matching and improve strategies for dealing with the impact of climate change. crops include apple, peach, strawberry, cherry, macadamia and possibly mango.
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Structure and origin of domesticated macadamia germplasm
This study will undertake historical research and use molecular approaches to better understand the different sources of macadamia germplasm introduced into Hawaii, California and South Africa during the 20th century and how that contributes to the currently utilised commercial cultivars.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Genetics of sensory traits in pineapple
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Heather Smyth, Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino
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Doctor Philosophy
Fast-tracking genetic gains for E. smithii pulp plantations
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Alice Hayward
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Doctor Philosophy
Choice analysis evaluating factors influencing horticultural crop cultivars adoption and how those are accounted for in bio-economic modelling
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bruce Topp
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Doctor Philosophy
Genetics of sensory traits in pineapple
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Heather Smyth, Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino
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Master Philosophy
Unravelling the identity and relationships of Australian apple varieties
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Alice Hayward
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing a rapid and cost effective genotyping method for blueberry breeding
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bruce Topp, Professor Robert Henry
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Doctor Philosophy
Choice analysis evaluating factors influencing horticultural crop cultivars adoption and how those are accounted for in bio-economic modelling
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bruce Topp, Dr Shabbir Ahmad
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Doctor Philosophy
Genetics of fruit sensory traits in strawberry
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Heather Smyth, Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino
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Doctor Philosophy
Choice analysis evaluating factors influencing horticultural crop cultivars adoption and how those are accounted for in bio-economic modelling
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bruce Topp, Dr Shabbir Ahmad
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Doctor Philosophy
Global Genomic Prediction in Apple
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Kai Voss-Fels, Dr Elizabeth Ross
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Doctor Philosophy
Genomic prediction in mango
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Daniel Ortiz-Barrientos
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing a rapid and cost effective genotyping method for blueberry breeding
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bruce Topp, Professor Robert Henry
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Doctor Philosophy
Genotyping by sequencing in Apple
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Elizabeth Ross
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Doctor Philosophy
Tropical fruit flavour: Identifying key aroma compounds that underpin sensory quality traits
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Heather Smyth
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Global Genomic Prediction in Apple
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Kai Voss-Fels, Dr Elizabeth Ross
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing genetic parameters of growth and wood property traits, and deployment strategies, for pulpwood production improvement in Eucalyptus dunnii
Principal Advisor
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Genetic variation in Macadamia for resistance to Husk Spot, caused by Pseudocercospora macadamiae
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Femi Akinsanmi, Dr Mobashwer Alam, Professor Bruce Topp
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Genomic-assisted exploitation of wild germplasm for improvement of macadamia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Henry, Dr Mobashwer Alam, Professor Bruce Topp
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Selection strategies to improve yield in macadamia using component traits and genomics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Henry, Dr Mobashwer Alam, Professor Ben Hayes, Professor Bruce Topp
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Multi-trait selection of strawberries in southeast Queensland
Associate Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Genetic Improvement of Corymbia citriodora: Mixed model applications
Associate Advisor
Media
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