ORCID Profile
0000-0002-9843-6616
Current Organisation
Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
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In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Conservation and Biodiversity | Horticultural Production not elsewhere classified | Horticultural Production | Agricultural Biotechnology not elsewhere classified | Environmental Science and Management |
Urban and Industrial Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity | Ornamentals, Natives, Flowers and Nursery Plants | Environmentally Sustainable Plant Production not elsewhere classified | Macadamias | Forest and Woodlands Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2012
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-04-2022
Abstract: The Myrtaceae is a very large and erse family containing a number of economically and ecologically valuable species. In Australia, the family contains approximately 1700 species from 70 genera and is structurally and floristically dominant in many erse ecosystems. In addition to threats from habitat fragmentation and increasing rates of natural disasters, infection by myrtle rust caused by Austropuccinia psidii is of significant concern to Australian Myrtaceae species. Repeated infections of new growth have caused host death and suppressed host populations by preventing seed set. Although most Myrtaceae species demonstrate orthodox seed storage behavior, exceptional species such as those with desiccation sensitive seed or from myrtle rust-suppressed populations require alternate conservation strategies such as those offered by cryobiotechnology. Targeting seven key Australian genera, we reviewed the available literature for ex les of cryobiotechnology utilized for conservation of Myrtaceae. While there were only limited ex les of successful cryopreservation for a few genera in this family, successful cryopreservation of both shoot tips and embryonic axes suggest that cryobiotechnology provides a viable alternative for the conservation of exceptional species and a potential safe storage method for the many Myrtaceae species under threat from A. psidii.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 18-06-2023
DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.16.545047
Abstract: Traits with intuitive names, a clear scope and explicit description are essential for all trait databases. Reanalysis of data from a single database, or analyses that integrate data across multiple databases, can only occur if researchers are confident the trait concepts are consistent within and across sources. The lack of a unified, comprehensive resource for plant trait definitions has previously limited the utility of trait databases. Here we describe the AusTraits Plant Dictionary (APD), which extends the trait definitions included in the new trait database AusTraits. The development process of the APD included three steps: review and formalisation of the scope of each trait and the accompanying trait description addition of trait meta-data and publication in both human and machine-readable forms. Trait definitions include keywords, references and links to related trait concepts in other databases, and the traits are grouped into a hierarchy for easy searching. As well as improving the usability of AusTraits, the Dictionary will foster the integration of trait data across global and regional plant trait databases.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-07-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S10531-021-02244-1
Abstract: Seed banking of rainforest species is hindered by lack of knowledge as to which species are tolerant of desiccation and freezing. We assessed 313 Australian rainforest species for seed banking suitability by comparing the germination percentage of fresh seeds to seeds dried at 15% RH and seeds stored at −20 °C after drying. We then compared desiccation responses to environmental, habit, fruit and seed characteristics to identify the most useful predictors of desiccation sensitivity. Of 162 species with ≥ 50% initial germination, 22% were sensitive to desiccation, 64% were tolerant and 10% were partially tolerant the responses of 4% were uncertain. Of 107 desiccation tolerant species tested for response to freezing, 24% were freezing sensitive or short-lived in storage at −20 °C. Median values for fresh seed moisture content (SMC), oven dry weight (DW) and the likelihood of desiccation sensitivity ( P D-S ) were significantly greater for desiccation sensitive than desiccation tolerant seeds. Ninety-four to 97% of seeds with SMC 29%, DW 20 mg or P D-S 0.01 were desiccation tolerant. Ordinal logistic regression of desiccation response against environmental, habit, fruit and seed characteristics indicated that the likelihood of desiccation sensitivity was significantly increased by a tree habit, fleshy fruit, increasing fresh SMC and increasing P D-S . The responses observed in this study were combined with earlier studies to develop a simple decision key to aid prediction of desiccation responses in untested rainforest species.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-03-2006
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/BT18147
Abstract: An alarming proportion of Australia’s unique plant bio ersity is under siege from a variety of environmental threats. Options for in situ conservation are becoming increasingly compromised as encroaching land use, climate change and introduced diseases are highly likely to erode sanctuaries regardless of best intentions. Ex situ conservation is currently limited to botanic garden living collections and seed banking, with in vitro and cryopreservation technologies still being developed to address ex situ conservation of species not amenable to conventional storage. Cryopreservation (storage in liquid nitrogen) has been used successfully for long-term biosecure storage of shoot tips of several species of threatened Australian plants. We present a case for building on this research and fostering further development and utilisation of cryopreservation as the best means of capturing critical germplasm collections of Australian species with special storage requirements (e.g. recalcitrant-seeded taxa and species with short-lived seeds) that currently cannot be preserved effectively by other means. This review highlights the major issues in cryopreservation that can limit survival including ice crystal damage and desiccation, toxicity of cryoprotective agents, membrane damage, oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. Progress in understanding and mitigating these stresses is vital for advancing cryopreservation for conservation purposes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 09-2022
DOI: 10.1071/BT22011
Abstract: Context Seed dormancy is one issue hindering implementation of conservation actions for rainforest species. Aims We studied dormancy and germination in Tasmannia sp. Mt Bellenden Ker and Tasmannia membranea, two tropical montane rainforest species threatened by climate change, to develop a better understanding of dormancy in the species and the genus. Methods Dormancy was classified for T. sp. Mt Bellenden Ker on the basis of an imbibition test, analysis of embryo to seed length (E:S) ratios and germination in response to the following four dormancy-breaking treatments: (1) scarification of the seedcoat near the micropylar end (2) removal of the seedcoat (3) application of 100 mg L−1 or (4) 500 mg L−1 gibberellic acid. The most effective treatment was then tested on T. membranea. The requirement for light for germination was also assessed. Key results Both scarified and intact seeds imbibed water. Initial E:S ratios were .22 for both species and increased up to 0.74 after 40 days, just before radicle emergence, for T. sp. Mt Bellenden Ker. Germination proportions were significantly higher in Treatments 1 and 2 than the remaining treatments for T. sp. Mt Bellenden Ker T. membranea responded similarly well to Treatment 1. Germination under alternating light/dark conditions was slightly, but not significantly, greater than germination in the dark alone. Conclusions Both species have morphophysiological dormancy and treatments that remove seedcoat resistance to embryo growth facilitate germination. These treatments may improve germination in other species from the genus Tasmannia. Implications This knowledge will aid the germination of seeds to implement conservation strategies for Tasmannia spp.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 23-06-2023
DOI: 10.1071/BT22055
Abstract: Context Understanding the factors that influence viable-seed production is crucial in the conservation of threatened plant species, yet these factors are often poorly understood. Aims We investigated the reproductive biology of Zieria granulata C.Moore ex Benth., an endangered Australian endemic with a limited distribution, with the intent of improving conservation and restoration outcomes. Methods Components of floral biology, including floral ontogeny and nectar production, were quantified to determine the pollination syndrome and the likely breeding system. Flower-visitor surveys (using both digital video recordings and human observations), a manipulative wind-pollination experiment and hand-pollination experiments were conducted to investigate pollination vectors and confirm the breeding system. Key results Z. granulata flowers were small, white, protandrous and produced highly ornamented pollen grains and small quantities of nectar these characteristics suggest that the species fits the general entomophily syndrome. All floral visitors were arthropod species and of the 72 visitors observed, predominantly from the Dipteran and Hymenopteran families, 18 could be regarded as potential pollinators. Failure of simulated wind gusts (40 km h−1) to transport pollen ≥5 cm indicated that anemophily is unlikely for this species. Autonomous and manipulative selfing did not result in viable seed set, indicating that this is an obligate outcrossing species. However, fruit and viable-seed production was highly variable within and among some other treatments. Pre-dispersal seed predation was recorded at all study sites. Conclusions Pre-dispersal seed predation was recorded at all study sites and is a likely factor inhibiting viable-seed production. Implications This knowledge will be used to improve seed yield for collections used for ex situ conservation and restoration programs for the endangered Z. granulata.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1071/BT17096
Abstract: Rainforests in the South Pacific hold a considerable amount of plant ersity, with rates of species endemism % in some countries. This ersity is rapidly disappearing under pressure from logging, clearing for agriculture or mining, introduced pests and diseases and other anthropogenic sources. Ex situ conservation techniques offer a means to limit the loss of plant ersity. Seed banking is considered the most efficient and cost effective of these techniques but is applicable only to seed capable of tolerating desiccation and cold storage. Data on the degree of tolerance of these conditions was lacking for more than half of the 1503 South Pacific rainforest genera examined for this review. Of the 710 genera for which data were available, the storage behaviour of 324 was based on an assessment of only one or two species, although 76% of those genera contained at least 10 species. Many of the unstudied or poorly studied genera are shared across several South Pacific nations, providing an excellent opportunity for collaboration on future ex situ research and conservation. Of the 386 genera for which three or more species have been studied, 343 have a very high proportion of species ( % of those tested) that are suitable for seed banking. Seed banking could therefore provide a suitable means for preserving a large proportion of the rainforest flora before it becomes extinct in the wild. Alternatives for preserving species that are not suitable for seed banking are also discussed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-12-2020
DOI: 10.1111/NPH.17086
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-04-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/NPH.15502
Abstract: Trait-based approaches have improved our understanding of plant evolution, community assembly and ecosystem functioning. A major challenge for the upcoming decades is to understand the functions and evolution of early life-history traits, across levels of organization and ecological strategies. Although a variety of seed traits are critical for dispersal, persistence, germination timing and seedling establishment, only seed mass has been considered systematically. Here we suggest broadening the range of morphological, physiological and biochemical seed traits to add new understanding on plant niches, population dynamics and community assembly. The ersity of seed traits and functions provides an important challenge that will require international collaboration in three areas of research. First, we present a conceptual framework for a seed ecological spectrum that builds upon current understanding of plant niches. We then lay the foundation for a seed-trait functional network, the establishment of which will underpin and facilitate trait-based inferences. Finally, we anticipate novel insights and challenges associated with incorporating erse seed traits into predictive evolutionary ecology, community ecology and applied ecology. If the community invests in standardized seed-trait collection and the implementation of rigorous databases, major strides can be made at this exciting frontier of functional ecology.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1071/BT08008
Abstract: Ex situ conservation of threatened terrestrial orchids requires the simultaneous conservation of their mycorrhizal associations. A method for encapsulating both seed and fungi in alginate beads (known as encapsulation–dehydration) was applied to the storage and propagation of two endangered orchid species in NSW, Australia—Pterostylis saxicola D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem. and Diuris arenaria D.L.Jones. We tested the effect of storage duration and temperature on fungal recovery and germination potential in vitro, and recorded survival for seedlings subsequently transferred to potting mix. Storage at 23°C significantly reduced fungal recovery and germination for both species after only 3 months (P 0.05), whereas storage at 4°C significantly reduced fungal recovery for P. saxicola after 6 months (P 0.05). Storage for 6 months at −18 and −196°C had no significant effect on the fungal recovery and germination percentages of either species. All beads transferred directly from in vitro culture to potting mix resulted in the establishment of at least one seedling, and production of a healthy tuberoid, when transferred near the commencement of the natural growing season. The encapsulation–dehydration method may have a practical application for use in ex situ conservation of other terrestrial orchids, as well as their mycorrhizal fungi.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1071/PC19026
Abstract: We investigated ex situ conservation options for two Australian rainforest species severely affected by myrtle rust in the wild – Rhodamnia rubescens (Benth.) Miq. and Rhodomyrtus psidioides (G.Don) Benth. Both species were successfully initiated into tissue culture though the rate of contamination was high and not significantly improved by the disinfection techniques tested. Explants surviving initiation grew well on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS pH 6.0) with 30gL−1 sucrose, 1 µm benzyl adenine and 0.2 µm indole-3-butyric acid. Culture of R. rubescens for eight weeks on MS with 0, 5, 10 or 20 µm indole-3-butyric acid resulted in root production for some plantlets, and successful transfer to potting mix no significant differences in root production among treatments were detected. Both species were successfully propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings with strike rates of 0–67% for R. rubescens and 0–75% for R. psidioides. For R. rubescens, pretreatment of cuttings with Zaleton® and incubation in Preforma® plugs reduced the time to root development and significantly improved the strike rate (P=0.001). R. rubescens seed proved to be orthodox and suitable for standard seedbanking R. psidioides seed proved to be freezing sensitive but suitable for storage at 4°C. As the two species now produce few viable seeds in the wild, however, conservation by seedbanking will first require the establishment of a seed orchard from vegetatively propagated plants. We recommend swift action to conserve species in the Pacific similarly affected by myrtle rust before their growth and reproductive capacity are seriously diminished.
Publisher: International Seed Testing Association
Date: 04-2009
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1086/673370
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-03-2009
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-06-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-09-2023
DOI: 10.1002/PPP3.10421
Publisher: International Seed Testing Association
Date: 31-08-2020
DOI: 10.15258/SST.2020.48.2.03
Abstract: We tested for dormancy in three species of Acronychia (Rutaceae) occurring in the rainforest in eastern Australia, A. imperforata , A. laevis and A. oblongifolia , by incubating fresh intact seeds on 0.8% water agar for one month at 25/10°C. Four different techniques were then tested for their effect on dormancy: (i) incubation of intact seeds on agar incorporating gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) (ii) seed coat removal (decoating) (iii) scarification near the radicle emergence point (scarification-emergence point) and (iv) scarification opposite the radicle emergence point (scarification-back). Imbibition tests were performed to determine whether dormancy was due to an impermeable seed coat. Germination differed among treatments, but all three species showed a similar pattern. Intact seeds showed 6% germination after one month indicating the presence of dormancy. Highest germination ( 65%) was observed following scarification-emergence point treatment. Seed coat removal also resulted in increased germination (40-47%), in comparison with intact seeds, but GA 3 and scarification-back treatments did not ( 12%). Though the seedcoats of all species were permeable, increased germination responses to decoating and scarification-emergence point treatments suggest scarification is required to clear the radicle emergence point. This may be a useful dormancy-breaking technique for Acronychia spp. and may be suitable for related Rutaceae species.
Publisher: International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)
Date: 06-2014
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 16-04-2013
DOI: 10.1111/BOJ.12021
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1071/BT22126
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1071/BT22104
Publisher: International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)
Date: 09-2015
Start Date: 10-2021
End Date: 10-2025
Amount: $308,032.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 02-2023
End Date: 01-2027
Amount: $710,423.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity