Plant biology, production & biotechnology
Forest Molecular Biology and Genetics
This group contributes to the global research effort in plant genomics by investigating the molecular basis of tree development, wood formation, stress tolerance and genetic diversity. Basic research includes investigation of pattern formation during secondary growth. Strategic and applied research combines methods of molecular biology with molecular genetic association and gene expression studies where findings allow for the directed improvement of tree and wood characteristics within economic timeframes.
Current research includes:
- The developmental biology and molecular aspects of tree growth in general;
- cambial differentiation;
- wood formation;
- environmental stress tolerance.
Results not only complement current understanding of how individual trees can survive for hundreds of years but also benefit tree improvement, forest management and conservation programs. Main achievements lie in development of methods that for the first time allow for the functional analysis of large numbers of tree genes (ISSA), particularly where those relate to the process of wood formation.
Further information available from the Forest Molecular Biology and Genetics web site
Plant Science Group
This group engages in research activities that span the continuum from cell biology to plant production. The Group’s research activities are split into three main thematic areas.
Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
This area encompassing the following themes:
- Discovery of novel transcription factors and gene regulatory mechanisms by DNA-DNA and DNA-protein interactions
- Transcriptome analyses of legume shoot apical meristems
- Transcriptome analysis of defence responses to fungal attack of temperate legume species
- Small regulatory RNAs and micro-RNAs in post-transcriptional regulation of meristem genes.
- RNAi silencing of virus in carrot and celery crops
- Proteome mapping of shoot and root apical meristems
- Proteomic analysis of fungal defence mechanisms in chickpea
- Development of marker free wheat genetic transformation system and expression of value added genes
- Regeneration and transformations systems developed for vetch feed species and Doryanthes floriculture species
- Transformation compatible tissue culture and regeneration protocols Macademia, Pandorea and Scaevola
- Full molecular characterisation of cysteine pathway genes in vetch for improved feed value
- RNAi based gene silencing for allergens
- meristem functional genomics
- modified canola oil composition
- Site-directed mutagenesis and expression systems for allergen protein engineering for immunotherapy
- Evaluation of potential gene flow between canola crops and their weedy relatives
Further information available from the Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology web site.
Plant Breeding and Genetic Mapping
This area encompassing the following themes:
- Genetic mapping and QTL analyses of fungal defence in lentil and chickpea
- Seed quality trait mapping in chickpea and lentil.
- Genetic mapping, QTL analysis and physiological mechanisms elucidated for boron tolerance in Brassica sp.
- Novel phytocompound mining in chickpea
- Development of species-specific SSR marker systems for lentil, P. clamydospora and C. capsici
- Population structure analysis of important Australian crop fungal pathogens
- Identification and inheritance of key traits required for adaptation;
- breeding methods for blackleg resistance in Brassicas
- Development of Brassica napus and Brassica juncea cultivars adapted to the Australian environment
Further information available from the Biomarka web site.
Plant Health
This encompasses the following themes:
- Taxonomy, genetic diversity and evolution of plant pathogens ie Colletotrichum, Botrytis, Ascochyta, Fusarium
- Development of molecular probes for endemic and exotic disease diagnosis
- Functionality of avirulence and pathogenicity genes expressed during plant infection, specifically C. capsici in chilli pepper
- Fungicide resistance in Fusarium species that cause dry rot of potato
- Anthracnose disease complex of chilli pepper
Cropping Systems
This area, including annual and perennial crops, encompasses both broad acre and horticulture crops at physiologic and agronomic levels.