Meet Crop protection team member – Geoff Thomas
Geoff Thomas is a Plant Pathologist based in the Perth DPIRD office. Geoff was raised on a farm in Jerramungup which is where his interest in WA agriculture was developed.
Geoff has worked with DPIRD for more than 30 years. He joined the Cereal Pathology group as Technical Officer in the late 1980s, before taking a position as a Research Officer in lupin pathology in 1996, specializing in epidemiology and management of anthracnose. Since the mid-2000s Geoff’s role has expanded to include a return to cereal pathology (wheat, barley, oat), involvement in pulse pathology and continued research in lupins. His research encompasses epidemiology, integrated management, disease modelling and variety screening for major foliar diseases. Geoff is also passionate about providing extension services and training in disease identification and management.
Outside work, Geoff enjoys a variety of exercise pursuits and is a keen runner, having run the Great Ocean Road Marathon this year. He also enjoys keeping his family supplied with fresh produce from his home vegetable garden.