Modelling spatial and temporal dynamics of rhizosphere exudation. Existing crop root systems are poorly suited to Australian soils with low nutrient availability. Using a simulation model to develop computer-aided design of 3-D root structure and function, tailored to particular environments, this project will enhance breeding for increased nutrient-use efficiency.
Unravelling the secrets of the rhizosphere of crops. Phosphate is one of the most important limiting nutrients for crop growth and production. Plant acquisition of soil phosphate largely depends on root proliferation to accelerate soil exploration, and on phosphate bioavailability mediated by root exudates and rhizosphere microorganisms. Central to this is the need for a better understanding of the complex biogeochemical interfaces in the rhizosphere. This project explores recently developed non ....Unravelling the secrets of the rhizosphere of crops. Phosphate is one of the most important limiting nutrients for crop growth and production. Plant acquisition of soil phosphate largely depends on root proliferation to accelerate soil exploration, and on phosphate bioavailability mediated by root exudates and rhizosphere microorganisms. Central to this is the need for a better understanding of the complex biogeochemical interfaces in the rhizosphere. This project explores recently developed non-destructive imaging, isotope, and metabolism techniques to generate a systematic research tool in tracking rhizosphere interactions and imaging phosphate dynamics from macroscale to nanoscale levels. This study will provide new opportunities to improve crop nutrient use efficiency and crop production.Read moreRead less
Purification and bioactivity of legume protein as nutritional supplements . Lupin seed is a major Australian high protein legume crop, undervalued at only ~$200 tonne due to its use as an animal feed. However this project aims to add value to the crop by designing a scalable food-grade and commercialisable technology to purify the protein gamma-conglutin from lupin seed waste as a nutraceutical for human blood glucose control. The process optimisation and mechanism of action for gamma-congluti ....Purification and bioactivity of legume protein as nutritional supplements . Lupin seed is a major Australian high protein legume crop, undervalued at only ~$200 tonne due to its use as an animal feed. However this project aims to add value to the crop by designing a scalable food-grade and commercialisable technology to purify the protein gamma-conglutin from lupin seed waste as a nutraceutical for human blood glucose control. The process optimisation and mechanism of action for gamma-conglutin will be informed by proteomic analysis and cellular studies. From the project farmers may benefit through adding a premium to their crop value, a new gamma-conglutin purification technology will be available for processors to commercialise and consumers will have a natural product to help their blood glucose control.Read moreRead less
Does calcium toxicity explain the absence of most Proteaceae from calcareous habitats? Native Proteaceae plants inhabit sandy environments across Australia, but are invariably limited in their distribution by soil conditions. This project will determine elemental and genetic factors that determine Proteaceae distribution and survival, in order to improve ecosystem conservation and restoration strategies and preserve biodiversity.
Phosphorus-efficient Australian plants: applications for crop improvement. This project aims to investigate ways to improve the phosphorus (P) efficiency of selected crops (Lupinus) in Australia. The phosphorus impoverished soils in Australia has allowed the evolution of plants that are highly efficient at acquiring and using phosphorus. Increasing understanding of highly-efficient phosphorus use mechanisms at the physiological, biochemical, anatomical and molecular biological levels will provid ....Phosphorus-efficient Australian plants: applications for crop improvement. This project aims to investigate ways to improve the phosphorus (P) efficiency of selected crops (Lupinus) in Australia. The phosphorus impoverished soils in Australia has allowed the evolution of plants that are highly efficient at acquiring and using phosphorus. Increasing understanding of highly-efficient phosphorus use mechanisms at the physiological, biochemical, anatomical and molecular biological levels will provide knowledge of traits to guide breeding efforts to develop more phosphorus efficient crops that can perform well in P-limited environments; an outstanding strategy to balance the phosphorus demand for increasing global food production with gradually decreasing non-renewable phosphorus reserves. An expected outcome of this project is to develop crops better able to use scarce phosphorus.Read moreRead less