Functional and structural characterisation of Defective embryo and meristems (Dem) proteins involved in plant development. The proposed research will lead to advances in understanding the regulation of plant development, a process impacting on agriculture, environmental management and human health, areas designated as national research priorities. This understanding is required for modifying plant growth and architecture to fit particular environments, for example generating plants with more ext ....Functional and structural characterisation of Defective embryo and meristems (Dem) proteins involved in plant development. The proposed research will lead to advances in understanding the regulation of plant development, a process impacting on agriculture, environmental management and human health, areas designated as national research priorities. This understanding is required for modifying plant growth and architecture to fit particular environments, for example generating plants with more extensive and deeper roots to mine the soil moisture and nutrients to enhance crop productivity in Australia, and maintaining the competitive advantage of Australian agriculture in view of the range of environmental conditions encountered in this country. The project will also contribute to the health of the Australian population through consumable plants in the diet.Read moreRead less
Feasting on protein? Strategies of organic nitrogen acquisition by plant roots. Crops require large amounts of nitrogen for growth. Application of nitrogen fertiliser enhances yield, but causes off-site nitrogen pollution, a main threat to ecosystem integrity. Most nitrogen in soil occurs as organic complexes that are broken down by soil organism into small compounds, which are taken up roots or lost from the soil. This project will generate fundamental knowledge of how an Australian species and ....Feasting on protein? Strategies of organic nitrogen acquisition by plant roots. Crops require large amounts of nitrogen for growth. Application of nitrogen fertiliser enhances yield, but causes off-site nitrogen pollution, a main threat to ecosystem integrity. Most nitrogen in soil occurs as organic complexes that are broken down by soil organism into small compounds, which are taken up roots or lost from the soil. This project will generate fundamental knowledge of how an Australian species and a crop species with unusual root specialisations access soil organic nitrogen, thus increasing the efficiency of nitrogen use and reducing nitrogen loss. The research employs cutting-edge techniques for sustainable resource use, improved efficiency of crops and farming systems, and preservation of Australia's biodiversity.Read moreRead less
Reducing uncertainties in greenhouse gas emissions from sub-tropical land use systems. The principle outcome of the research is the identification of sustainable land use management strategies that will ensure the continued productivity and profitability of food and fibre in the Australian sub-tropics and tropics in response to climate change whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Regional communities will benefit through a greater awareness of emission sources and sinks and exposure to viabl ....Reducing uncertainties in greenhouse gas emissions from sub-tropical land use systems. The principle outcome of the research is the identification of sustainable land use management strategies that will ensure the continued productivity and profitability of food and fibre in the Australian sub-tropics and tropics in response to climate change whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Regional communities will benefit through a greater awareness of emission sources and sinks and exposure to viable and practical strategies that promote productivity through regional diversity in land use. Improved data on greenhouse gas accounts will also ensure the Australia community is provided with full and accurate representation in international climate change fora and policy development.Read moreRead less