Why are many fungicide lead compounds active against pathogens in axenic culture but inactive when applied to infected plants? It is much cheaper and easier to screen compounds for fungicidal activity in vivo (that is against the fungus grown in axenic culture) than to test in planta. However, it is commonly observed that compounds active in in vivo screens do not subsequently prove to be active in planta. The aim of this project is to investigate the physiological, biochemical and genetics basi ....Why are many fungicide lead compounds active against pathogens in axenic culture but inactive when applied to infected plants? It is much cheaper and easier to screen compounds for fungicidal activity in vivo (that is against the fungus grown in axenic culture) than to test in planta. However, it is commonly observed that compounds active in in vivo screens do not subsequently prove to be active in planta. The aim of this project is to investigate the physiological, biochemical and genetics basis of this discrepancy and to attempt to provide tools that circumvent the problem. It is expected the project will generate novel information on the environment in the plant experienced by the fungus.Read moreRead less
A novel method of broad-acre weed seedbank management using a naturally occuring germination stimulant. The discovery of a novel butenolide that promotes seed germination has potential to provide significant economic benefits for Australia's agricultural sector, providing a vehicle to move towards minimum-weed agricultural systems achieved through broad-acre stimulation of the weed seedbank. Our aim is for butenolide to promote uniform release of weed seed dormancy, increased germination, and gr ....A novel method of broad-acre weed seedbank management using a naturally occuring germination stimulant. The discovery of a novel butenolide that promotes seed germination has potential to provide significant economic benefits for Australia's agricultural sector, providing a vehicle to move towards minimum-weed agricultural systems achieved through broad-acre stimulation of the weed seedbank. Our aim is for butenolide to promote uniform release of weed seed dormancy, increased germination, and greater synchrony in early stage seedling growth and thus more effective knock-down following herbicide applications.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms and manipulation of seed dormancy maintenance in annual ryegrass and other weed species. A better understanding of seed dormancy in annual ryegrass will lead to a greater variety of management options for removal of this weed from cropping zones, focusing on diminishing the weed seed bank. Additionally, the knowledge gained from the study of ryegrass could be applied to native species in terms of optimising germination of difficult species and conservation of seeds of rare species.
Thermodynamics inversion for mineral systems. This project aims to provide a newly developed science approach to the Australian Lithospheric Architecture Magnetotelluric Project (AusLAMP). AusLAMP provides unparalleled geophysical information aimed at unravelling the tectonic history of the Australian continent and its mineral potential. The project will use thermodynamically based geodynamic simulators to jointly analyse and quantify intraplate deformation. This will illuminate the cause of dri ....Thermodynamics inversion for mineral systems. This project aims to provide a newly developed science approach to the Australian Lithospheric Architecture Magnetotelluric Project (AusLAMP). AusLAMP provides unparalleled geophysical information aimed at unravelling the tectonic history of the Australian continent and its mineral potential. The project will use thermodynamically based geodynamic simulators to jointly analyse and quantify intraplate deformation. This will illuminate the cause of driving fluid flow thorough the lithosphere, mineralisation phenomena, their datasets and geometries, and dynamic aspects of the processes driving mineral systems.Read moreRead less
The response of mitochondria to oxidative stress in plants. Crops encounter many situations in their environment which place them under stress. Reactive oxygen molecules produced in these situations act as messengers to trigger defence mechanisms but also cause cellular damage. Mitochondria are the subcellular compartments involved in energy production and are essential for plant development and growth. However, they also have been implicated in the response of plants to stress and pathogen atta ....The response of mitochondria to oxidative stress in plants. Crops encounter many situations in their environment which place them under stress. Reactive oxygen molecules produced in these situations act as messengers to trigger defence mechanisms but also cause cellular damage. Mitochondria are the subcellular compartments involved in energy production and are essential for plant development and growth. However, they also have been implicated in the response of plants to stress and pathogen attack, and in production of reactive oxygen molecules. This proposal seeks to investigate how mitochondria are involved in these processes, focusing on the role of terminal oxidases. Potential outcomes include crops better able to cope with environmental stress.Read moreRead less
Advanced gravity and electromagnetic methods for uncovering the deep Earth. Advanced gravity and electromagnetic methods for uncovering the deep Earth. This project aims to improve the sensitivity of airborne gravity gradiometers and electromagnetic sensors so airborne surveys can detect underground structures at greater depths. Aircraft motion and turbulence limit the effectiveness of existing instruments. Advanced vibration isolation and noise reduction algorithms will allow instruments to ima ....Advanced gravity and electromagnetic methods for uncovering the deep Earth. Advanced gravity and electromagnetic methods for uncovering the deep Earth. This project aims to improve the sensitivity of airborne gravity gradiometers and electromagnetic sensors so airborne surveys can detect underground structures at greater depths. Aircraft motion and turbulence limit the effectiveness of existing instruments. Advanced vibration isolation and noise reduction algorithms will allow instruments to image to significantly greater depths, to map geology more accurately. This is expected to contribute to the discovery of new economic mineral and hydrocarbon resources.Read moreRead less
High performance electromagnetic airborne mineral exploration for discovery of deep earth resources. Airborne mineral exploration underpins Australia’s mining industry. Sensing systems are particularly effective for discovering nickel ore and water bodies but salty soil often blocks signals. This project uses a patented breakthrough in vibration isolation to create instruments able to detect minerals 50 per cent to 100 per cent deeper than normal.
Geomagnetic induced currents in the Australian electricity supply network. This project will develop measures to protect the Australian electricity supply network from adverse effects of enhanced solar activity. This is essential for risk assessment and long term asset management of the Australian electricity network.
Practical application of gene silencing: is delivery of long double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) by plant cells efficient in conferring host resistance to parasitic nematodes? Nematode that attack plants cause $120 billion of crop losses worldwide. Chemicals used for their control are being phased out because of environmental concerns, and natural resistance is limited. The aim of this project is to use Australian IP to develop a new form of resistance to nematodes based on knowledge of th ....Practical application of gene silencing: is delivery of long double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) by plant cells efficient in conferring host resistance to parasitic nematodes? Nematode that attack plants cause $120 billion of crop losses worldwide. Chemicals used for their control are being phased out because of environmental concerns, and natural resistance is limited. The aim of this project is to use Australian IP to develop a new form of resistance to nematodes based on knowledge of the host-pathogen interactions. A successful outcome could contribute an additional 5-20% increase in crop yields (depending on the crop) through inherent resistance of crops to nematode pests. This would benefit rural communities and the national economy, and could also generate international royalties.Read moreRead less
Role of organic matter and soil biota in optimising crop nutrition in sustainable farming systems. Australian grain producers face increasing competition on the world market from countries with cheap production costs (China, Argentina, Brazil). This project will develop biological farming systems based on improving soil health and enhancing soil microflora and nutrient cycling. Western Australia and other states are currently defining certification guidelines for sustainable farming systems (inc ....Role of organic matter and soil biota in optimising crop nutrition in sustainable farming systems. Australian grain producers face increasing competition on the world market from countries with cheap production costs (China, Argentina, Brazil). This project will develop biological farming systems based on improving soil health and enhancing soil microflora and nutrient cycling. Western Australia and other states are currently defining certification guidelines for sustainable farming systems (including biological ones). Selling grain produced in certified biological farming system will attract market premium, therefore enhancing the position of Australian farmers. This project will produce fertiliser recommendation systems incorporating organic fertilisers, thus decreasing costs of production and maintaining clean and healthy environment.Read moreRead less