Susceptibility to Phytophthora cinnamomi and sensitivity to phosphorus in native Australian plants: why are they linked? Phytophthora cinnamomi is the cause of "Phytophthora dieback", recognised by the Federal Government as a major threat to Australia's biodiversity. This project will enhance our understanding of interactions between species belonging to two iconic Australian plant families (Proteaceae and Myrtaceae) and this serious threat. This understanding will underpin the development of ....Susceptibility to Phytophthora cinnamomi and sensitivity to phosphorus in native Australian plants: why are they linked? Phytophthora cinnamomi is the cause of "Phytophthora dieback", recognised by the Federal Government as a major threat to Australia's biodiversity. This project will enhance our understanding of interactions between species belonging to two iconic Australian plant families (Proteaceae and Myrtaceae) and this serious threat. This understanding will underpin the development of new chemicals to be used in combating the pathogen. In addition, it will provide molecular markers for phosphorus insensitivity and Phytophthora resistance that will be vital for Australia's horticultural industry as well as for the successful rehabilitation of minesites in areas suffering from "Phytophthora dieback". Read moreRead less
The genus Banksia: can ecophysiological traits associated with nutrient acquisition explain species distribution and rarity? We aim to investigate if an important aspect of a specialised mechanism of nutrient acquisition by different species of the genus Banksia (Proteaceae) accounts for their distribution and rarity. This aspect is the pattern of exudates that are produced by their 'proteoid' roots. Different species of the Proteaceae produce different exudates and it is envisaged that variatio ....The genus Banksia: can ecophysiological traits associated with nutrient acquisition explain species distribution and rarity? We aim to investigate if an important aspect of a specialised mechanism of nutrient acquisition by different species of the genus Banksia (Proteaceae) accounts for their distribution and rarity. This aspect is the pattern of exudates that are produced by their 'proteoid' roots. Different species of the Proteaceae produce different exudates and it is envisaged that variation in pattern reflects their capacity to grow on certain soil types. Our studies will provide key information on processes that determine species distribution, with consequences for defining better management regimes for rare and endangered species.Read moreRead less
DNA Method for Detection of Phytophthora cinnamomi in Soil and Plant Material. The need to impose strict quarantine procedures to prevent the spread of Jarrah Dieback disease hampers the activities of the mining, tourism, wildflower, nursery, and bee keeping industries. These procedures are time consuming and require a high degree of technical expertise. They result in false negatives facilitating the spread of the disease in asymptomatic material. This project will develop a DNA test for detec ....DNA Method for Detection of Phytophthora cinnamomi in Soil and Plant Material. The need to impose strict quarantine procedures to prevent the spread of Jarrah Dieback disease hampers the activities of the mining, tourism, wildflower, nursery, and bee keeping industries. These procedures are time consuming and require a high degree of technical expertise. They result in false negatives facilitating the spread of the disease in asymptomatic material. This project will develop a DNA test for detection of the pathogen in soil and plant material to make detection easier, quicker, and specific. The outcomes will be a test for detection of the dieback pathogen and technology to detect pathogens in soil samples.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100078
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,000.00
Summary
Multiphoton confocal microscope. Recent developments in light microscopy have revolutionised modern molecular and cellular biology. Dramatic improvements in microscope hardware and software and in the range of fluorescent markers used to tag selected cellular components now provide new and exciting opportunities to localise and determine the function of ions and molecules not only in preserved samples but also, most excitingly, in living cells. The proposed multiphoton confocal microscope will ....Multiphoton confocal microscope. Recent developments in light microscopy have revolutionised modern molecular and cellular biology. Dramatic improvements in microscope hardware and software and in the range of fluorescent markers used to tag selected cellular components now provide new and exciting opportunities to localise and determine the function of ions and molecules not only in preserved samples but also, most excitingly, in living cells. The proposed multiphoton confocal microscope will allow researchers in Canberra to obtain high quality images of static and moving components in living cells and tissues and will facilitate the discovery of new knowledge that contributes to our understanding and control of development and disease in both plants and animals.Read moreRead less
Eucalyptus gomphocephela (tuart) decline in Western Australia. The decline and death of tuart forest in Western Australia is spectacular, widespread and a significant threat to biodiversity. There is widespread concern and political pressure because of diverse landuse pressures, yet it remains poorly understood and no remedial action is available. This project will attempt to determine the causes by examining predisposing factors (hydrological, salinity, nutrition, fire) and their interaction wi ....Eucalyptus gomphocephela (tuart) decline in Western Australia. The decline and death of tuart forest in Western Australia is spectacular, widespread and a significant threat to biodiversity. There is widespread concern and political pressure because of diverse landuse pressures, yet it remains poorly understood and no remedial action is available. This project will attempt to determine the causes by examining predisposing factors (hydrological, salinity, nutrition, fire) and their interaction with pests and diseases, and the remedial actions necessary. On the basis of these results, propose an action plan so land managers and community groups can arrest and reverse tuart decline.Read moreRead less
Why does phosphite protect some plants against Phytophthora but not others? Plant diseases caused by Phytophthora pose a major threat to Australia's biodiversity, horticulture and agriculture. The systemic chemical potassium phosphite is a key component of management strategies, but its effectiveness varies on different plant species. We will use molecular and biochemical techniques to understand why some plant species are protected against Phytophthora dieback by phosphite while others are not. ....Why does phosphite protect some plants against Phytophthora but not others? Plant diseases caused by Phytophthora pose a major threat to Australia's biodiversity, horticulture and agriculture. The systemic chemical potassium phosphite is a key component of management strategies, but its effectiveness varies on different plant species. We will use molecular and biochemical techniques to understand why some plant species are protected against Phytophthora dieback by phosphite while others are not. This will improve the options for managing bushland affected by dieback and will also expand our knowledge of plant disease resistance.Read moreRead less
Population Genetics of Fungal Pathogens that Threaten the Biosecurity of Australia's Eucalypts. Many new pathogens and diseases are emerging on exotic eucalypt plantations throughout the world. These emerging diseases pose a threat to native eucalypt forests and plantations in Australia. Vigilant quarantine measures are necessary to prevent the introduction of potentially devastating pathogens into Australia. However, incursions do occur and there is a great need to study these pathogens now, ....Population Genetics of Fungal Pathogens that Threaten the Biosecurity of Australia's Eucalypts. Many new pathogens and diseases are emerging on exotic eucalypt plantations throughout the world. These emerging diseases pose a threat to native eucalypt forests and plantations in Australia. Vigilant quarantine measures are necessary to prevent the introduction of potentially devastating pathogens into Australia. However, incursions do occur and there is a great need to study these pathogens now, before they enter Australia. By studying the population genetics of pathogens, their evolutionary potential can be estimated and with that the extent of the risk they pose to native and planted eucalypts in Australia can be determined.Read moreRead less
Fungal pathogens threatening the sub-tropical eucalypt plantation industry in Australia. Eucalypt plantations in Australia are at risk from both native pathogens and those that have emerged on exotic eucalypt plantations and been introduced to Australia. Most of the serious pathogens of exotic plantations have emerged in the sub-tropics in climates very similar to those in Queensland. It is not known if these pathogens have already been introduced to Australia; however, increased movement of ger ....Fungal pathogens threatening the sub-tropical eucalypt plantation industry in Australia. Eucalypt plantations in Australia are at risk from both native pathogens and those that have emerged on exotic eucalypt plantations and been introduced to Australia. Most of the serious pathogens of exotic plantations have emerged in the sub-tropics in climates very similar to those in Queensland. It is not known if these pathogens have already been introduced to Australia; however, increased movement of germplasm and forest products increases the risk of introducing new eucalypt pathogens. This project will involve a detailed examination of pathogens present on eucalypts in Queensland. Studies of the diversity of pathogens and determination of their reproductive mode and their pathogenicity will enable for detailed risk assessments. Assessment of genetic trials for disease incidence will provide valuable information for future selections and breeding.Read moreRead less
Long-term survival of Phytophthora cinnamomi in black gravel soils on mining leases in the jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest. Approximately 41% of the 5750 plant species in Western Australia are susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi a pathogen recognised as a key threatening process to Australia's biodiversity by the Federal Government. This project will enhance our understanding of how the pathogen survives in soil and tolerant plant species. It will determine how the pathogen is able to su ....Long-term survival of Phytophthora cinnamomi in black gravel soils on mining leases in the jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest. Approximately 41% of the 5750 plant species in Western Australia are susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi a pathogen recognised as a key threatening process to Australia's biodiversity by the Federal Government. This project will enhance our understanding of how the pathogen survives in soil and tolerant plant species. It will determine how the pathogen is able to survive long-term as dormant propagules and how this dormancy can be broken. This project will be relevant to managers of natural ecosystems and to the horticultural industries throughout Australia and will assist in developing effective ways to manage this ecologically devastating plant pathogen. Read moreRead less