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
High temperature limits of leaf function. In arid and semi-arid central Australia, Acacia spp. dominate the over-storey, but this shifts to Eucalyptus and Corymbia spp. in more mesic coastal regions. Areas of central Australia are extremely hot, dry and sunny, and it is this combination of stresses that likely excludes Eucalyptus spp. from many landforms. There has been little research on high temperature tolerance of Acacia and Eucalyptus, despite the putative importance of this stress, in co ....High temperature limits of leaf function. In arid and semi-arid central Australia, Acacia spp. dominate the over-storey, but this shifts to Eucalyptus and Corymbia spp. in more mesic coastal regions. Areas of central Australia are extremely hot, dry and sunny, and it is this combination of stresses that likely excludes Eucalyptus spp. from many landforms. There has been little research on high temperature tolerance of Acacia and Eucalyptus, despite the putative importance of this stress, in combination with other stresses, in limiting species? distributions. Our program of collaborative research will examine the tolerance of Acacia and Eucalyptus to a combination of high temperatures, drought and high light.Read moreRead less
Exploring the genetic and functional diversity nexus in ericoid mycorrhizal and related symbioses. Epacrids are important components of the Australian flora and several are considered threatened, yet we know relatively little regarding the importance of ericoid mycorrhizal fungal diversity to their survival. The proposed work will provide essential information on the functional significance of ericoid mycorrhizal endophyte diversity in the growth and survival of epacrids. It will further lead to ....Exploring the genetic and functional diversity nexus in ericoid mycorrhizal and related symbioses. Epacrids are important components of the Australian flora and several are considered threatened, yet we know relatively little regarding the importance of ericoid mycorrhizal fungal diversity to their survival. The proposed work will provide essential information on the functional significance of ericoid mycorrhizal endophyte diversity in the growth and survival of epacrids. It will further lead to improved propagation of epacrids and better informed decisions for sustainable management of Australian native vegetation.Read moreRead less
Nutrition in the Gouldian finch - developing an optimal 'life-history diet'. Native Australian birds such as the budgerigar, cockatiel, cockatoo, zebra finch and Gouldian finch dominate the pet trade with tens of millions kept across the world. Currently these birds are fed inadequate diets based on a few generic seeds (of European origin). Our study will investigate the nutritional needs of the Gouldian finch and the nutritional content of native Australian seeds, ultimately designing an optima ....Nutrition in the Gouldian finch - developing an optimal 'life-history diet'. Native Australian birds such as the budgerigar, cockatiel, cockatoo, zebra finch and Gouldian finch dominate the pet trade with tens of millions kept across the world. Currently these birds are fed inadequate diets based on a few generic seeds (of European origin). Our study will investigate the nutritional needs of the Gouldian finch and the nutritional content of native Australian seeds, ultimately designing an optimal diet that will dramatically improve the health of these captive birds. We will develop a new product based on Australian plants, which are adapted to growing in even in the poorest soils and climates in Australia and which will form the basis of a new commercial crop for domestic and international markets. Read moreRead less