Influence of high temperature on phenology, metabolism and the fate of axillary buds and inflorescences in grapevine. Subtropical regions in Australia, due to a warm climate, land and water availability, have the potential to produce a variety of agricultural produce, particularly fruit, to meet market demand. However adoption of fruit crops, many of which, including table grape, have temperate origins, requires intensive management. Despite years of agronomic R&D, production remains variable du ....Influence of high temperature on phenology, metabolism and the fate of axillary buds and inflorescences in grapevine. Subtropical regions in Australia, due to a warm climate, land and water availability, have the potential to produce a variety of agricultural produce, particularly fruit, to meet market demand. However adoption of fruit crops, many of which, including table grape, have temperate origins, requires intensive management. Despite years of agronomic R&D, production remains variable due to a lack of fundamental knowledge on how climate impacts on the development cycle, particularly flowering, required to produce fruit. This proposal will carry out basic research to provide knowledge that will enable consistent production and expansion of table grape and other temperate crop industries.Read moreRead less
The role of phytotoxins in ray blight disease of pyrethrum and significance of toxin tolerance to disease resistance. Ray blight disease, caused by Phoma ligulicola, is the greatest threat to the Australian pyrethrum industry causing $2.0M in annual losses. We aim to clarify the pathology of P.ligulicola in pyrethrum, focussing on the role of fungal toxins during infection. Toxin importance in disease will be determined through histology and induction of toxin- pathogen mutants. Toxins will be ....The role of phytotoxins in ray blight disease of pyrethrum and significance of toxin tolerance to disease resistance. Ray blight disease, caused by Phoma ligulicola, is the greatest threat to the Australian pyrethrum industry causing $2.0M in annual losses. We aim to clarify the pathology of P.ligulicola in pyrethrum, focussing on the role of fungal toxins during infection. Toxin importance in disease will be determined through histology and induction of toxin- pathogen mutants. Toxins will be characterised and used in tissue culture to select obtain toxin tolerant pyrethrum clones that will be evaluated for agronomic performance and disease resistance. Successful development of resistant clones will decrease production costs, minimise risk of fungicide resistance development and reduce environmental pollution.Read moreRead less
Domestication of blue-banded bees for greenhouse pollination. The tomato industry is currently shifting towards production in greenhouses, which allows climate control and improved pest management. A lack of pollinators is an obstacle to this move. This project will establish protocols for large-scale use of native blue-banded bees as pollinators in greenhouses, especially for tomatoes. Pollination by native bees increases fruit weight by 15%, comparable to the effects of bumblebees used overs ....Domestication of blue-banded bees for greenhouse pollination. The tomato industry is currently shifting towards production in greenhouses, which allows climate control and improved pest management. A lack of pollinators is an obstacle to this move. This project will establish protocols for large-scale use of native blue-banded bees as pollinators in greenhouses, especially for tomatoes. Pollination by native bees increases fruit weight by 15%, comparable to the effects of bumblebees used overseas. Significant economic, environmental and health benefits are expected from this project. The outcome will satisfy an industry need and remove an environmental threat by finding indigenous substitutes for alien bumblebees.Read moreRead less
The contribution of beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to sustainable tomato production in Australia. Formation of beneficial arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) by processing tomatoes has been used as an indicator of 'healthy soil' in an environmental monitoring audit of the industry in southern Australia, but field occurrence of the AM fungi and their potential contribution to tomato nutrition and productivity are not well understood. We will determine the responsiveness of widely-grown tomat ....The contribution of beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to sustainable tomato production in Australia. Formation of beneficial arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) by processing tomatoes has been used as an indicator of 'healthy soil' in an environmental monitoring audit of the industry in southern Australia, but field occurrence of the AM fungi and their potential contribution to tomato nutrition and productivity are not well understood. We will determine the responsiveness of widely-grown tomato varieties to AM inoculation and relate colonisation in the field to farming practices. The results will determine the potential benefits of AM fungi to tomato crops, in the context of development of environmentally and economically sustainable practices both in Australia and overseas. Read moreRead less
Molecular tools for understanding, predicting and managing flowering and reproductive development in Brassica oleracea. This project integrates basic research with application to a significant horticultural industry, building on Australia's position as a leader in world research on molecular and genetic regulation of flowering. The project will strengthen Australia's research reputation in this field, provide new tools for cultivar screening in and management of B. oleracea seed crops. The proj ....Molecular tools for understanding, predicting and managing flowering and reproductive development in Brassica oleracea. This project integrates basic research with application to a significant horticultural industry, building on Australia's position as a leader in world research on molecular and genetic regulation of flowering. The project will strengthen Australia's research reputation in this field, provide new tools for cultivar screening in and management of B. oleracea seed crops. The project will deliver training for 3 PhD students at the interface between basic and applied research. A shortage of skilled scientists with ability to link understanding of plant development at the molecular/genetic level with improved crop management practices has been identified by the horticultural sector as a major challenge. Read moreRead less
Propagation of terrestrial orchids for cultivation and conservation using in vitro symbiotic germination and tuberisation . The objective is to make Australian terrestrial orchids which have spectacular and unusual flower shapes and colours easier to grow, by producing tubers coated with mycorrhizal fungi. The availability of such propagules will be of value for horticulture, reintroduction of orchid species when rehabilitating mined land, and restoration of populations of rare and endangered ....Propagation of terrestrial orchids for cultivation and conservation using in vitro symbiotic germination and tuberisation . The objective is to make Australian terrestrial orchids which have spectacular and unusual flower shapes and colours easier to grow, by producing tubers coated with mycorrhizal fungi. The availability of such propagules will be of value for horticulture, reintroduction of orchid species when rehabilitating mined land, and restoration of populations of rare and endangered species. At present germination of the dust-like seeds with the appropriate mycorrhizal fungus, and handling the slow growing delicate seedlings makes these beautiful species unavailable except to the dedicated orchid enthusiast. Read moreRead less