Research within the Eucalypt Genetics group falls into several main areas:

Contact: B.M.Potts@utas.edu.au for more details.

Population, ecological and conservation genetics

We are using microsatellites and candidate gene sequences to study gene flow and local population structure. Maternally inherited chloroplast DNA markers are used to assess the evolutionary significance of hybridization as well as for phylogeographic studies aimed at detecting historical migration routes and refugia.

Both molecular and quantitative genetic approaches are being used in conservation genetic studies and we are undertaking research to assess the risk and impact of hybridization between plantation and native eucalypt species. We are members of the ARC Environmental Futures network “Discovering the past and present to shape the future: networking environmental sciences for understanding and managing Australian biodiversity” Incorporation of our research results into management strategies is facilitated through our involvement in Biodiversity research in the CRC for Forestry that has its headquarters at the University of Tasmania.

Evolution and speciation

We are using nuclear and chloroplast DNA to study higher-level phylogeny of Eucalyptus. Novel research projects involve the use of single copy nuclear genes for phylogeny analysis – and the impact of genetic recombination on this - is currently underway. High-genome coverage and throughput AFLP technology is used to find and quantify the degree of genetic differences between species. DNA barcoding technology is also currently being developed for use with eucalypts.

Plant-animal interactions and community genetics

We are studying the manner in which genetic variation in eucalypts affects their interaction with a variety of pathogen, insect and marsupial species. We are collaborating with pathologists and entomologists to study the genetic basis of disease resistance and plant genetic factors affecting insect host choice using the commercially important E. globulus and E. nitens. A core area of research investigates aspects of the genetic and chemical basis of eucalypt resistance to browsing mammalian herbivores. Projects focus on aspects of herbivore feeding preferences and plant genetic/chemical ecology. In collaboration with scientists in the USA, we are extending these genetic studies to the community, examining the genetic control of eucalypt-animal-fungi interactions and the impact of eucalypt host genetic diversity on the structure and composition of dependent communities and ecosystem processes (i.e. the extended phenotype of the tree).

Reproductive biology

We are undertaking research on factors affecting seed production and the success of controlled pollination as well as studies to understand the genetic control of self-incompatibility, flowering time and flowering precocity. We collaborate with seedEnergy who has established a state-of-the-art seed production facility close to the University where techniques for mass and controlled pollination are being refined.

Tree breeding and quantitative genetics

Researchers specialize in the genetics of E. globulus and E. nitens, the two main plantation eucalypts grown in Australia. Our research group is known for its use of individual tree models for genetic parameter estimation and genetic evaluation as well as its work on breeding objectives in forest trees. This research involves interaction with the National E. globulus breeding program which is ran by the Southern Tree Breeding Association.

Genomics

Research in this area involves understanding the structure and function of the eucalypt genome. We have completed a full sequence of the eucalyptus globulus chloroplast genome are involved in genome mapping and QTL studies, and gene sequencing and expression studies aimed at understanding the genetic control of disease resistance, flowering, vegetative phase change and wood properties. This work focuses on E. globulus. We are participants in the CRC for Forestry research project using association genetics to identify gene variants controlling wood properties in E. globulus and E. nitens. We are active participants in the International Eucalyptus Genome Network that is currently attempting to initiate a public domain, full genome sequence of E. grandis. We currently have a project to develop diversity array technology for eucalypts, which will allow high-throughput genotyping. This will open the way to high resolution mapping of key eucalypt species to help with sequence assembly, compare eucalypt genome structure and allow transfer of sequence information from E. grandis to E. globulus and E. nitens.

News and Events

Single Gum Theory (Environment, June 2008 Qantas)

A genome among the gum trees (LifeScientist 27th August 2007)

Eucalypt genome to be sequenced (ABC Science Online 5 July 2007)

Tree of a nation Eucalypts are the scent, shape and shade of the Australian bush (Article on eucalypts Australian Geographic Issue 86 Apr - Jun 2007 p. 74-91)

Article of collaborative work with Northern Arizona University (20 August 2006)

Careers in Eucalypt Genetics....