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
Understanding plant uptake of organic and inorganic nitrogen for optimal fertiliser application in forestry. Nitrogen (N) in soils occurs in both organic and inorganic forms. Plants can take up inorganic N - nitrate and ammonium - but, on average, these account for only 5% of the soluble N in soils. Recent evidence suggests that plants may be able to tap into some of the 95% of N that occurs in organic forms. We will investigate the importance of organic N uptake for two plantation Eucalyptus sp ....Understanding plant uptake of organic and inorganic nitrogen for optimal fertiliser application in forestry. Nitrogen (N) in soils occurs in both organic and inorganic forms. Plants can take up inorganic N - nitrate and ammonium - but, on average, these account for only 5% of the soluble N in soils. Recent evidence suggests that plants may be able to tap into some of the 95% of N that occurs in organic forms. We will investigate the importance of organic N uptake for two plantation Eucalyptus species by tracing the uptake of different N forms by bacteria, fungi and eucalypts. This information will redefine what is meant by 'available N' and will guide the development of a new test for soil N status.Read moreRead less
Economics of carbon, nitrogen and water use in Acacia and Eucalyptus. Australia's flora is dominated by plants with sclerophyllous foliage, that is hard leaves that are tolerant of nutrient and/or water stress. Either nutrient and/or water stress are suggested as driving the evolution of sclerophylly and distribution of extant species. Mechanisms of tolerance to drought and nutrient stress differ, and these differences are reflected in patterns of nitrogen and carbon allocation and economics o ....Economics of carbon, nitrogen and water use in Acacia and Eucalyptus. Australia's flora is dominated by plants with sclerophyllous foliage, that is hard leaves that are tolerant of nutrient and/or water stress. Either nutrient and/or water stress are suggested as driving the evolution of sclerophylly and distribution of extant species. Mechanisms of tolerance to drought and nutrient stress differ, and these differences are reflected in patterns of nitrogen and carbon allocation and economics of nitrogen and water use in photosynthesis. The present study will use these differences in economics to distinguish between water- and nutrient-driven adaptations in a range of Acacia and Eucalyptus species from mesic to arid environments.Read moreRead less
Environmental and genetic control over blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) timber colour, density, and recovery. The project will investigate the roles of environment and genetics in the expression of wood characteristics in blackwood. It will determine the potential heritability of valuable blackwood wood traits and provide a sound understanding of the basis of colour expression. Heartwood characteristics, particularly colour, density, ring width and knottiness determine the commercial value of blac ....Environmental and genetic control over blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) timber colour, density, and recovery. The project will investigate the roles of environment and genetics in the expression of wood characteristics in blackwood. It will determine the potential heritability of valuable blackwood wood traits and provide a sound understanding of the basis of colour expression. Heartwood characteristics, particularly colour, density, ring width and knottiness determine the commercial value of blackwood. The limited research on these characteristics, all undertaken outside Australia, points to combined genetic and environmental control. By understanding the relative importance that environmental conditions and genetic material have in producing desirable wood traits, growers will be better able to realise the full commercial value of blackwood.Read moreRead less
Assessing the risk of genetic pollution from Eucalyptus globulus and Corymbia plantations. We will provide the biological information necessary to assess the risk of genetic pollution of native eucalypt forest from plantations of Eucalyptus globulus and Corymbia torelliana. Key biological factors that can act as barriers to hybridisation including flowering time, pollen and seed dispersal distances, crossability, hybrid fitness and the potential for backcrossing will be identified and used to de ....Assessing the risk of genetic pollution from Eucalyptus globulus and Corymbia plantations. We will provide the biological information necessary to assess the risk of genetic pollution of native eucalypt forest from plantations of Eucalyptus globulus and Corymbia torelliana. Key biological factors that can act as barriers to hybridisation including flowering time, pollen and seed dispersal distances, crossability, hybrid fitness and the potential for backcrossing will be identified and used to develop strategies to reduce the risk of genetic pollution. The molecular differentiation between populations of the E. globulus complex, including plantations, will be studied to provide a genetic framework for the management of the genepool of this most important hardwood plantation species.Read moreRead less
Genetic impacts on eucalypt forest biodiversity. Australia is the centre of origin for most of the world's eucalypt genetic resources. This project will provide the research required to develop management strategies to reduce the risk of genetic pollution of this important genetic resource from the expanding eucalypt plantings in Australia. It will provide leading-edge science to better assess the risk and impact of genetic pollution not only on the native eucalypt gene pools per se but also on ....Genetic impacts on eucalypt forest biodiversity. Australia is the centre of origin for most of the world's eucalypt genetic resources. This project will provide the research required to develop management strategies to reduce the risk of genetic pollution of this important genetic resource from the expanding eucalypt plantings in Australia. It will provide leading-edge science to better assess the risk and impact of genetic pollution not only on the native eucalypt gene pools per se but also on the structure and biodiversity of the fungi, insect and vertebrate communities that are dependent on the eucalyptsRead moreRead less
Ultra-high-throughput genotyping of Eucalyptus trees: Development and application of diversity array technology for genomic studies. A major international eucalypt genomic project is underway. Australia needs to take part because the Australian public would expect Australia to be at the forefront of research on one of its national symbols. Eucalypts are critically important to biodiversity and commercial forestry. The development of the proposed generic eucalypt DArT chip will help keep Australi ....Ultra-high-throughput genotyping of Eucalyptus trees: Development and application of diversity array technology for genomic studies. A major international eucalypt genomic project is underway. Australia needs to take part because the Australian public would expect Australia to be at the forefront of research on one of its national symbols. Eucalypts are critically important to biodiversity and commercial forestry. The development of the proposed generic eucalypt DArT chip will help keep Australia at the forefront of genetic and genomic research in eucalypts and help develop our biotechnology industry. Such research is essential for future forest tree breeding. Furthermore, eucalypt forests are one of our most important natural assets and their continual preservation requires that we develop better knowledge of their natural genetic variation and development.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
Biosecurity of Australia's eucalypts at risk from exotic diseases present in the Asian region. Biosecurity of Australia's flora and fauna is a National Research Priority, however currently there are no projects in Australia dealing with the threats and risks of exotic diseases to Australian native forests and hardwood plantations and consequently our proposed project is unique. It is through years of networking and collaboration that such a project is possible within our group. The network of sc ....Biosecurity of Australia's eucalypts at risk from exotic diseases present in the Asian region. Biosecurity of Australia's flora and fauna is a National Research Priority, however currently there are no projects in Australia dealing with the threats and risks of exotic diseases to Australian native forests and hardwood plantations and consequently our proposed project is unique. It is through years of networking and collaboration that such a project is possible within our group. The network of scientists put together in this project, both in Australia and Asia, results in a team of trained scientists studying and estimating the risk of existing disease threats and being vigilant for new disease threats. 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