John Hampton

Professor John Hampton is a distinguished academic at Lincoln University's Department of Agricultural Sciences, where he has served as Professor of Seed Technology since 1999. He also directs the Lincoln University Seed Research Centre and has previously directed the Bio-Protection and Ecology Division. His research focuses on seed-based approaches to address climate change impacts on seed production and quality, biocontrol microbes for plant protection, and seed treatment technologies for enhancing plant resilience.

Professor Hampton's research interests span multiple areas of agricultural science with a particular focus on seed technology and bio-protection. His work examines how bioinoculants can alleviate plant stress from both biotic and abiotic sources, the impacts of climate change on seed quality, methods for reducing nitrogen losses in agricultural systems, bio-control of plant pathogens and pests, plant endophytes, and vegetable seed production. His innovative research has led to significant commercial applications, including the development of Trichoderma-based seed treatments currently being commercialized with industry partners.

His extensive publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to agricultural science, with recent work focusing on fungal volatile organic compounds, seed treatment technologies, plant-microbe interactions, and climate change adaptation strategies. His research bridges fundamental science with practical applications for sustainable agriculture.

• PGG Wrightson Significant Achievement Award
• NZIAHS for services to the Seed Industry
• Doug Campbell Award
• Yates Award
• Sir Arthur Ward Science Communication Award
• NRAC Doctoral Fellowship
• Fellow of the NZ Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science
• Fellow of the Agronomy Society of New Zealand

Professor Hampton has supervised numerous graduate students across diverse research topics related to seed science, plant protection, and sustainable agriculture. His research has been supported by significant industry partnerships including projects with Ravensdown Ltd on "Biologicals for Pastoral Agriculture" (2019-2021) and PGG Wrightson Seeds Ltd on the Primary Growth Partnership project "A New Vision for Pastoral Agriculture through Seed and Nutritional Technology Development" (2013-2016). He has also led international development projects in Nepal and Afghanistan that successfully doubled household income for cooperative members.

Professor Hampton leads the Bio-Protection Research Centre and Lincoln University Seed Research Centre teams, focusing on developing innovative biocontrol solutions for agricultural challenges. His work bridges academic research with practical industry applications, particularly in seed treatment technologies and microbial solutions for plant protection.