Understanding the control of male germ-line development by the germline-restrictive silencing factor in plants. The world population is currently increasing at an unprecedented rate, with a concomitant requirement to double the food production from the same amount of arable land. To ensure global political and social stability, equitably increasing sustainable food production without compromising environmental integrity remains a major challenge. This proposal investigates the molecular mechanis ....Understanding the control of male germ-line development by the germline-restrictive silencing factor in plants. The world population is currently increasing at an unprecedented rate, with a concomitant requirement to double the food production from the same amount of arable land. To ensure global political and social stability, equitably increasing sustainable food production without compromising environmental integrity remains a major challenge. This proposal investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying male germ line initiation and development in plants. Switching off male gamete development in some crop plants will create male sterile lines, which, when crossed with genetically distinct lines, will have the potential to produce hybrids that yield 20-30 percent more crop without additional inputs. Read moreRead less
Epigenetic programming of plant sperm cells. Most of the grains and seeds that form the world's food supply are the result of the successful functioning of sperm and egg cells during fertilisation. This proposal aims to investigate the nature of sperm cell genome programming in plants and unravel molecular processes that give these cells their unique identity. This innovative and challenging research will also provide an excellent opportunity for training the next generation of scientists. The o ....Epigenetic programming of plant sperm cells. Most of the grains and seeds that form the world's food supply are the result of the successful functioning of sperm and egg cells during fertilisation. This proposal aims to investigate the nature of sperm cell genome programming in plants and unravel molecular processes that give these cells their unique identity. This innovative and challenging research will also provide an excellent opportunity for training the next generation of scientists. The outcomes of this proposal will enhance Australia's international lead in this field and will pave the way toward the development of new approaches for sustaining and enhancing crop productivity under changing environmental conditions. Read moreRead less
Development of Novel Pesticidal Agents. We have discovered a family of naturally occurring plant proteins called the cyclotides that have potent insecticidal activity against Helicoverpa species, one of the major pests on cotton and corn in Australia and world wide. Preliminary evidence has shown that they also have activity against major pests to livestock in Australia, including sheep blowflies. To develop these proteins as potential pesticidal agents it is necessary to understand the struct ....Development of Novel Pesticidal Agents. We have discovered a family of naturally occurring plant proteins called the cyclotides that have potent insecticidal activity against Helicoverpa species, one of the major pests on cotton and corn in Australia and world wide. Preliminary evidence has shown that they also have activity against major pests to livestock in Australia, including sheep blowflies. To develop these proteins as potential pesticidal agents it is necessary to understand the structural basis for their activity. We will do this by chemically synthesising peptides with selected residues mutated to determine their effects on activity.Read moreRead less
Nanostructured liquid crystal particles as Next Generation agricultural bioactive delivery systems. Improving the efficiency of use of agricultural chemicals, through utilization of novel liquid crystalline carriers particles, will deliver significant environmental and economic benefits. Reduced overall usage and input of chemicals into the environment, together with lower water consumption in the treatment of crops will contribute to an Environmentally Sustainable Australia, with benefits in re ....Nanostructured liquid crystal particles as Next Generation agricultural bioactive delivery systems. Improving the efficiency of use of agricultural chemicals, through utilization of novel liquid crystalline carriers particles, will deliver significant environmental and economic benefits. Reduced overall usage and input of chemicals into the environment, together with lower water consumption in the treatment of crops will contribute to an Environmentally Sustainable Australia, with benefits in reduced salinity. More economical farming will also lead to flow on benefits to other businesses in rural communities. The project will also enhance Australia's reputation in the uptake of nanotechnologies, and in training of young scientists in the nanotechnology field.Read moreRead less
A novel link between plant pathogen defence and DNA repair capability. Plants and plant-based industries are essential for the provision of food, clothing and building materials and underpin the economies of rural communities. Plant yield and quality and the biodiversity of natural systems are dramatically reduced by disease. The fundamental knowledge gained from our research will enable manipulation of the factors that enhance disease resistance resulting in a significant benefit to Australian ....A novel link between plant pathogen defence and DNA repair capability. Plants and plant-based industries are essential for the provision of food, clothing and building materials and underpin the economies of rural communities. Plant yield and quality and the biodiversity of natural systems are dramatically reduced by disease. The fundamental knowledge gained from our research will enable manipulation of the factors that enhance disease resistance resulting in a significant benefit to Australian agriculture and protection of our natural resources. The current reliance for disease control on chemicals that damage the environment will be reduced and our research will contribute directly to the provision of cheaper, simpler and more effective methods of control.
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Plant Protein Signalling Networks. We will assess the functional role of PNPs (novel plant protein hormones) at a biochemical, molecular and cellular level. Importantly, as stresses from climatic extremes are increasing, this will lead to new insights and critical appreciation of the processes plants use to regulate their water status. Since water and solute status underpins the regulation of plant growth and development, these findings will have a major impact on both agriculture and horticul ....Plant Protein Signalling Networks. We will assess the functional role of PNPs (novel plant protein hormones) at a biochemical, molecular and cellular level. Importantly, as stresses from climatic extremes are increasing, this will lead to new insights and critical appreciation of the processes plants use to regulate their water status. Since water and solute status underpins the regulation of plant growth and development, these findings will have a major impact on both agriculture and horticulture in Australia. The new insights that we gain can be used to directly accelerate progress towards the development of plants with improved drought and salinity tolerance that will lead to better crop and pasture productivity under harsh Australian conditions.Read moreRead less