Carboxylate exudation and phosphate nutrition in Hakea prostrata (Proteaecea). Nonmycorrhizal Proteaceae are very successful in acquiring phosphate from nutrient-impoverished soils; their cluster roots account for this. They are also extremely sensitive to phosphate toxicity. We will elucidate aspects of production and release of carboxylates that are associated with functioning of cluster roots, using Hakea prostrata (Proteaceae) as a model. Types and rates of exudation by cluster roots, as in ....Carboxylate exudation and phosphate nutrition in Hakea prostrata (Proteaecea). Nonmycorrhizal Proteaceae are very successful in acquiring phosphate from nutrient-impoverished soils; their cluster roots account for this. They are also extremely sensitive to phosphate toxicity. We will elucidate aspects of production and release of carboxylates that are associated with functioning of cluster roots, using Hakea prostrata (Proteaceae) as a model. Types and rates of exudation by cluster roots, as influenced by development and environmental signals, will be assessed. Our findings will provide key information on adaptive mechanisms associated with both phosphate acquisition from phosphate-fixing soils and phosphate toxicity.Read moreRead less
Assessing plant virus threats to indigenous Western Australian flora: implications for biodiversity, conservation, ecosystem reclamation and the wildflower industry. Australia's unique flora is a valuable asset, not only in terms of aesthetic value, ecotourism, commercial floriculture, the environment and rural communities, but also in relation to water quality, a sink for carbon, and a source for novel medicinal chemicals. The threat posed by plant viruses to native flora has largely been igno ....Assessing plant virus threats to indigenous Western Australian flora: implications for biodiversity, conservation, ecosystem reclamation and the wildflower industry. Australia's unique flora is a valuable asset, not only in terms of aesthetic value, ecotourism, commercial floriculture, the environment and rural communities, but also in relation to water quality, a sink for carbon, and a source for novel medicinal chemicals. The threat posed by plant viruses to native flora has largely been ignored, but with global climate change, virus infection will become increasingly important. This study will document the role of plant viruses in the sustainability of Australia's floral heritage and industries, and develop strategies to limit virus spread through plant nurseries, rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems and conservation of threatened species.Read moreRead less