In vitro propagation (through somatic embryogenesis) of rush and sedge species important for land rehabilitation. This project aims to transform existing propagation methods for rushes and sedges (recalcitrant, but key colonizer species) for restoring critical biodiversity in Australian mine-site restoration. This will be achieved through the process of somatic embryogenesis and will result in cost effective and efficient mass propagation. Significantly, this somatic embryogenesis research will ....In vitro propagation (through somatic embryogenesis) of rush and sedge species important for land rehabilitation. This project aims to transform existing propagation methods for rushes and sedges (recalcitrant, but key colonizer species) for restoring critical biodiversity in Australian mine-site restoration. This will be achieved through the process of somatic embryogenesis and will result in cost effective and efficient mass propagation. Significantly, this somatic embryogenesis research will provide the springboard for development of seed analogues (coated, desiccated somatic embryos) with subsequent economies from bypassing more costly nursery production of whole plants, utilizing existing infrastructure for direct seeding of restoration sites, and reducing dependence on dwindling reserves of wild-harvested seed.Read moreRead less
Forest ecosystem diversity, function and service in response to perturbations: the key regulatory role of biogeochemical cycling. The natural and anthropogenic perturbations such as elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen(N) deposition, fires and land contamination have transformed much of the land surface on the earth and significantly modified terrestrial biogeochemical cycles in the past century. This project seeks to develop and apply novel nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ....Forest ecosystem diversity, function and service in response to perturbations: the key regulatory role of biogeochemical cycling. The natural and anthropogenic perturbations such as elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen(N) deposition, fires and land contamination have transformed much of the land surface on the earth and significantly modified terrestrial biogeochemical cycles in the past century. This project seeks to develop and apply novel nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, isotopic and bio-molecular techniques to examine the key role of interactive biogeochemical cycles of carbon and major elements (N, Phosphorous) in regulating forest ecosystem responses to these perturbations. This project will result in improved mitigation and adaptation strategies for such perturbations, thereby restoring and sustaining forest ecosystems and conserving biodiversity in natural ecosystems.Read moreRead less
The physiological ecology of forest succession: explaining shade tolerance variation in evergreen and deciduous trees. This work will strengthen both the theoretical framework and the local knowledge base for sustainable timber production from natural forests, and for habitat restoration programs (National Research Priority 1.5: Sustainable Use of Australia's Biodiversity). These same advances of global and local relevance will also enable better quality input into models predicting vegetation d ....The physiological ecology of forest succession: explaining shade tolerance variation in evergreen and deciduous trees. This work will strengthen both the theoretical framework and the local knowledge base for sustainable timber production from natural forests, and for habitat restoration programs (National Research Priority 1.5: Sustainable Use of Australia's Biodiversity). These same advances of global and local relevance will also enable better quality input into models predicting vegetation dynamics under climate change scenarios (Research Priority 1.7: Responding to climate change & variability). Furthermore, by clarifying relationships of shade tolerance with other stress-tolerance strategies, this work will help us understand the evolutionary potential of local floras to respond to global change.Read moreRead less
Functional genetic analysis of wood formation genes in Eucalyptus. Eucalypts are the world's most important plantation hardwood species due to their superior wood characteristics and high growth rates that make them excellent carbon sequestration platforms. Australia is the custodian of the world's natural eucalypt resource and our results will assist in their sustainable use with the potential to transform the national forestry industry by helping to streamline tree improvement efforts. This wi ....Functional genetic analysis of wood formation genes in Eucalyptus. Eucalypts are the world's most important plantation hardwood species due to their superior wood characteristics and high growth rates that make them excellent carbon sequestration platforms. Australia is the custodian of the world's natural eucalypt resource and our results will assist in their sustainable use with the potential to transform the national forestry industry by helping to streamline tree improvement efforts. This will be achieved by increasing our understanding of the development and production of wood, which will lead to increased productivity (more and better quality wood from less land). Custom designed wood also holds much promise for the production of novel biopolymers and as a renewable source for improved biofuels.Read moreRead less
Maximising the essential oil yield of blue mallee plantations. Felton, Grimwade and Bickford Pty Ltd will collaborate with us to develop plant material and methods for establishing profitable plantations of blue mallee (Eucalyptus polybractea) for eucalyptus oil production. This is important because, as a result of recent legislation, the forest patches currently used in oil production will soon be unavailable to the company. We will also investigate the physiological and biochemical mechanism ....Maximising the essential oil yield of blue mallee plantations. Felton, Grimwade and Bickford Pty Ltd will collaborate with us to develop plant material and methods for establishing profitable plantations of blue mallee (Eucalyptus polybractea) for eucalyptus oil production. This is important because, as a result of recent legislation, the forest patches currently used in oil production will soon be unavailable to the company. We will also investigate the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying oil quality and quantity in blue mallee. This knowledge will assist the industry in the longer term by allowing them to improve and modify their products in response to changes in market demands.Read moreRead less
Enhancing the essential oil yield of clonal blue mallee plantations. Production of high quality eucalyptus oil in Victoria involves sustainable harvesting of foliage from public land. A recent review of land use by the Victorian Government has required that, over the next few years, oil producers move their harvesting operations into plantations on private land. This project will assist producers by developing methods for establishing plantations of eucalypts (blue mallee) with very high and e ....Enhancing the essential oil yield of clonal blue mallee plantations. Production of high quality eucalyptus oil in Victoria involves sustainable harvesting of foliage from public land. A recent review of land use by the Victorian Government has required that, over the next few years, oil producers move their harvesting operations into plantations on private land. This project will assist producers by developing methods for establishing plantations of eucalypts (blue mallee) with very high and economically viable yields of eucalyptus oil. This research will help restore Victoria's position as one of the major producers of high quality eucalyptus oil. Read moreRead less
Hybridisation and gene flow in Eucalyptus. We propose to use a molecular approach to study hybridisation in eucalypts. We will study the genetic barriers to gene flow and provide base-line data to assess the potential threat of genetic pollution from exotic plantations to our native forest gene pools. We will concentrate our studies on species of subgenus Symphyomyrtus which includes all the major plantation species. This will allow us to extend our long-running studies of hybridisation towar ....Hybridisation and gene flow in Eucalyptus. We propose to use a molecular approach to study hybridisation in eucalypts. We will study the genetic barriers to gene flow and provide base-line data to assess the potential threat of genetic pollution from exotic plantations to our native forest gene pools. We will concentrate our studies on species of subgenus Symphyomyrtus which includes all the major plantation species. This will allow us to extend our long-running studies of hybridisation towards understanding the dynamics and consequences of genetic invasion and help develop guidelines to minimise the risk of genetic pollution.Read moreRead less
Profitable plantations of blue mallee for essential oil production. This project will develop the methods and knowledge required for establishing plantations of eucalypts (blue mallee) with very high and economically viable yields of eucalyptus oil. It is expected that the research will underpin an expansion of the essential oil industry both in Victoria and elsewhere in Australia.
Manipulation of transcription factors that control plant architecture. This project will provide fundamental knowledge about how plant body plans are constructed and elaborated. In particular this proposal could influence agriculture in two manners. First, we will examine the ability to control infestations of parasitic plants in the field using the expression of small RNA molecules and second, we will determine whether manipulation of expression of specific transcription factors can alter the ....Manipulation of transcription factors that control plant architecture. This project will provide fundamental knowledge about how plant body plans are constructed and elaborated. In particular this proposal could influence agriculture in two manners. First, we will examine the ability to control infestations of parasitic plants in the field using the expression of small RNA molecules and second, we will determine whether manipulation of expression of specific transcription factors can alter the characteristics of secondary growth plants.Read moreRead less
Accelerated breeding for a changing environment: genomic and physiological profiling of newly generated polyploid trees. Global climate change threatens the health and productivity of forests and plantations. Because tree breeding is slow, elite trees cannot be adapted rapidly to new environments. A new procedure for accelerated tree breeding has been developed by the industry partner. The procedure, termed polyploidisation, increases DNA content and produces novel traits that can improve plant ....Accelerated breeding for a changing environment: genomic and physiological profiling of newly generated polyploid trees. Global climate change threatens the health and productivity of forests and plantations. Because tree breeding is slow, elite trees cannot be adapted rapidly to new environments. A new procedure for accelerated tree breeding has been developed by the industry partner. The procedure, termed polyploidisation, increases DNA content and produces novel traits that can improve plant growth and resilience. Polyploidisation is a natural force in plant evolution and its routine application for tree breeding has much potential. Using diverse approaches, we will investigate how newly synthesised polyploid tree species perform under heat and drought stress.Read moreRead less