Carboxylate exudation and phosphorus acquisition in eucalypts. Eucalypts are thought to rely on mycorrhizas to acquire phosphorus (P). Using leaf manganese concentrations in the field to proxy rhizosphere carboxylates, followed by plant growth in low P-solutions, it was shown that some, but not all eucalypts that grow on P-impoverished soils release carboxylates from their roots. This trait is a strategy of Proteaceae to access soil P, but assumed not to be used by eucalypts. This game-changing ....Carboxylate exudation and phosphorus acquisition in eucalypts. Eucalypts are thought to rely on mycorrhizas to acquire phosphorus (P). Using leaf manganese concentrations in the field to proxy rhizosphere carboxylates, followed by plant growth in low P-solutions, it was shown that some, but not all eucalypts that grow on P-impoverished soils release carboxylates from their roots. This trait is a strategy of Proteaceae to access soil P, but assumed not to be used by eucalypts. This game-changing discovery challenges the current dogma that eucalypts invariably rely on mycorrhizas to acquire P. This project will explore the significance of this newly-described trait for functioning of eucalypts more broadly and produce results that are important for conservation, restoration and forestry activities. Read moreRead less
Molecular characterisation of the fungal disease defence response in tropical sandalwood (Santalum album). The tropical sandalwood industry in Australia is a highly profitable and expanding enterprise; however this cannot be taken for granted. Fungal diseases in tropical plantations are of increasing concern to growers and left unchecked could result in substantial economic loss and an unsustainable industry. This research seeks to understand the defence response of the tree in order to develop ....Molecular characterisation of the fungal disease defence response in tropical sandalwood (Santalum album). The tropical sandalwood industry in Australia is a highly profitable and expanding enterprise; however this cannot be taken for granted. Fungal diseases in tropical plantations are of increasing concern to growers and left unchecked could result in substantial economic loss and an unsustainable industry. This research seeks to understand the defence response of the tree in order to develop tools to combat fungal disease by rapid selection of highly resistant trees. Essential oil production is also linked to the defence response. Understanding this response as well as exploring chemical means of increasing both disease resistance and oil production will deliver a substantial economic benefit to the expanding tropical sandalwood industry.Read moreRead less
Indian Sandalwood: genetic and oil diversity, and oil biochemistry of the Australian germplasm collection. The main aim is to improve the commerciality of the sandalwood industry in tropical Australia through smarter tree selection and breeding by development of knowledge of oil quality and quantity, oil biochemistry and DNA marker-assisted selection of the germplasm collection available in Australia.
Improved growth of Pinus radiata through better modelling and management of photosynthesis and respiration. This research will use recently developed technologies to deliver the first comprehensive analysis of the effects of thinning and fertilizer on distribution of photosynthetically active proteins and nitrogenous metabolites in P. radiata. We seek to develop mechanistic and empirical understandings of photosynthesis, respiration, water use and growth and thus better model and predict effec ....Improved growth of Pinus radiata through better modelling and management of photosynthesis and respiration. This research will use recently developed technologies to deliver the first comprehensive analysis of the effects of thinning and fertilizer on distribution of photosynthetically active proteins and nitrogenous metabolites in P. radiata. We seek to develop mechanistic and empirical understandings of photosynthesis, respiration, water use and growth and thus better model and predict effects of management actions on yield of commercial softwood plantations. We will also apply similarly new but complementary and compatible technologies to assess photosynthesis, water use and respiration characteristics of a range of P. radiata genotypes of known growth potential. Our aim here is to develop new tools to help selection of high-yielding genotypes. The data collected will again be used to inform our development of a new growth model where the 'driver' of growth is respiration and where hydraulic architecture and soil water balance limits photosynthesis and water use.
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