We investigate ways in improving hop for the brewing and emerging industries, including: (i) in vitro tetraploid induction and evaluation by flow cytometry; (ii) mutagenesis to generate superior varieties; and (iii) gene/protein discovery. We also use some of the above technologies for polyploid breeding in commercial species of Acacia. Additionally, we use tissue culture for the improvement and conservation of rare and threatened native Tasmanian plants.
In the Developmental Genetics group, we are using a molecular genetic approach to understand more about the basic biology of important processes in plant development, using pea as a model system. Interests within the group include plant hormone biosynthesis, light perception, the control of flowering, stem elongation, apical dominance, phase change and seed development. We also maintain an extensive collection of developmental mutants.
Tasmania's vegetation provides many opportunities to study patterns and ecological processes. One area of interest is the impact of climate change (CO2 increase) on the vegetation, and this work makes use of a field-based Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) facility. Other studies focus on the fossil record of the last 65 million years and biogeographic patterns in the extant vascular and cryptogam flora.
Our research focuses on eucalypts and includes environmental genetics & tree breeding. We study the genetic structure of eucalypt populations & gene flow between plantations & native forests in order to develop better conservation strategies, understand the sequence of evolution in the genus & the evolutionary processes operating & determine the genetic basis of interactions between eucalypts & dependent mammals, insects & fungi. Tree breeding research is undertaken through the CRC.
The Forest Ecology Group is a dynamic group of people and research fields. We use a range of research techniques to investigate links between plants and the environment, and the change in these interactions caused by climate change.
This research focuses on harmful microalgal blooms in coastal eutrophication, the fishfarming, shellfish culture and shipping industries. Our recognition of toxic dinoflagellates with the potential to kill consumers of shellfish has led to Australia-wide monitoring programs for biotoxins. Our detection of viable toxic dinoflagellate cysts in ships' ballast waters has led to the introduction of special quarantine regulations which are now being adopted on an international basis.
