Ingrid Henriques

Plant Tissue Culture & Micropropagation Specialist with international experience in commercial plant biotechnology and large-scale in vitro propagation in Australia. Experienced in full-cycle tissue culture production including media formulation from basal chemical components, aseptic subculturing, rooting, greenhouse acclimatization and laboratory operations. Skilled in preparation of culture media from individual salts and compounds, including macro and micronutrients, vitamins and plant growth regulators.

Experienced in hormone-based media optimization using cytokinins (Kinetin, TDZ) and auxins (IBA, NAA), as well as contamination control strategies including Plant Preservative Mixture (PPM). Proven experience in high-volume commercial production environments supporting propagation of fruit tree rootstocks, avocado lines and persimmon, forestry species and ornamental plants. Recognized for training laboratory technicians and supporting workflow standardization and continuous improvement.

Agricultural Laboratory Technician - Fleming's Nurseries QLD Pty Ltd - Australia

(2023-07 - 2026-06)

Commercial plant tissue culture laboratory specializing in large-scale propagation of fruit trees, forestry species and ornamental plants.

• Trained all new laboratory technicians in aseptic techniques, subculturing and tissue culture workflows.
• Improved contamination control through refinement of explant preparation and cutting methods.
• Supported protocol optimization using Plant Preservative Mixture (PPM) adjustments.
• Managed multi-stage laboratory workflows under high production demand.
• Prepared 20–40 litres of sterile culture media daily, supporting commercial propagation workflows.
• Production scale equivalent to 24–48 culture vessel batches (∼833 mL each) or 288–576 plant containers per cycle.
• Prepared media from basal components including NH4NO3, ZnSO4 and other salts.
• Prepared hormone solutions including Kinetin, TDZ, IBA and NAA.
• Adjusted pH, sucrose, agar and additives according to species and stage requirements.
• Performed sterilization using autoclave systems under aseptic conditions.
• Performed aseptic subculturing during multiplication and rooting stages.
• Managed full-cycle in vitro propagation (establishment → multiplication → rooting).
• Propagated commercial species including: Apple (rootstock material), Pear (FN R1), Avocado (Zutano, BW lines), Persimmon (KJB line), Eucalyptus (commercial clones including Matong) and ornamental cultivars.
• Reduced contamination rates through improved explant preparation techniques.
• Adjusted media formulations and PPM concentration for contamination-sensitive cultures.
• Standardized propagation procedures to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Assisted in acclimatization of in vitro plantlets.
• Supported transplanting, irrigation and fertilization monitoring.
• Monitored plant health and identified contamination and disease risks.
• Trained all newly hired technicians in laboratory procedures and tissue culture workflows.
• Provided hands-on instruction in aseptic techniques, media preparation and subculturing.

Bachelor of Biological Sciences - Biological Sciences