Ecophysiological limitations that affect water and carbon balance within large tree canopies: a comparative investigation. Supply of water to forest canopies is a major control of hydrological, atmospheric and biotic processes that impinge on groundwater stability, catchment yield, the fate of pollutants and plant productivity. Fundamental aspects of water transport and distribution within plant tissues remain obscured by conflicting experimental data and conflicting theoretical models that des ....Ecophysiological limitations that affect water and carbon balance within large tree canopies: a comparative investigation. Supply of water to forest canopies is a major control of hydrological, atmospheric and biotic processes that impinge on groundwater stability, catchment yield, the fate of pollutants and plant productivity. Fundamental aspects of water transport and distribution within plant tissues remain obscured by conflicting experimental data and conflicting theoretical models that describe physiological functioning.
Potential hydraulic constraints to the exchange of water and carbon between leaf and atmosphere require investigation before accurate models and informed decisions can be made with respect to the role of forests in biosphere-atmosphere processes. I will use large trees to investigate physiological and morphological determinants of hydraulic function and consider relationships between tree size, water requirements and water supply.
This project will foster comparative analyses of hydraulic functioning in large angiosperm and conifer species to elucidate universal principles that relate form to function and explain relationships between trees and their environment.
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Balancing Water Quality and Ecosystem Health with Water Yield -- Ecosystem Response to Thinning in Wungong Catchment. Reduced rainfall in past decades and future climate uncertainty have added a sense of urgency in Australia to search for new water resources to sustain a growing economy and population. A forest thinning trial is planned in the Wungong Catchment, Western Australia, to substantially increase water yield. Thinning is attractive as a low-cost option, and is potentially suitable for ....Balancing Water Quality and Ecosystem Health with Water Yield -- Ecosystem Response to Thinning in Wungong Catchment. Reduced rainfall in past decades and future climate uncertainty have added a sense of urgency in Australia to search for new water resources to sustain a growing economy and population. A forest thinning trial is planned in the Wungong Catchment, Western Australia, to substantially increase water yield. Thinning is attractive as a low-cost option, and is potentially suitable for other catchments. However the potential environmental and ecological impacts, which are major community concerns, must be investigated. This project will assess the levels of impact, associated ecosystem responses and the capacity of catchment ecosystems to sustain such management intervention.Read moreRead less
Susceptibility to Phytophthora cinnamomi and sensitivity to phosphorus in native Australian plants: why are they linked? Phytophthora cinnamomi is the cause of "Phytophthora dieback", recognised by the Federal Government as a major threat to Australia's biodiversity. This project will enhance our understanding of interactions between species belonging to two iconic Australian plant families (Proteaceae and Myrtaceae) and this serious threat. This understanding will underpin the development of ....Susceptibility to Phytophthora cinnamomi and sensitivity to phosphorus in native Australian plants: why are they linked? Phytophthora cinnamomi is the cause of "Phytophthora dieback", recognised by the Federal Government as a major threat to Australia's biodiversity. This project will enhance our understanding of interactions between species belonging to two iconic Australian plant families (Proteaceae and Myrtaceae) and this serious threat. This understanding will underpin the development of new chemicals to be used in combating the pathogen. In addition, it will provide molecular markers for phosphorus insensitivity and Phytophthora resistance that will be vital for Australia's horticultural industry as well as for the successful rehabilitation of minesites in areas suffering from "Phytophthora dieback". Read moreRead less
Eucalyptus gomphocephela (tuart) decline in Western Australia. The decline and death of tuart forest in Western Australia is spectacular, widespread and a significant threat to biodiversity. There is widespread concern and political pressure because of diverse landuse pressures, yet it remains poorly understood and no remedial action is available. This project will attempt to determine the causes by examining predisposing factors (hydrological, salinity, nutrition, fire) and their interaction wi ....Eucalyptus gomphocephela (tuart) decline in Western Australia. The decline and death of tuart forest in Western Australia is spectacular, widespread and a significant threat to biodiversity. There is widespread concern and political pressure because of diverse landuse pressures, yet it remains poorly understood and no remedial action is available. This project will attempt to determine the causes by examining predisposing factors (hydrological, salinity, nutrition, fire) and their interaction with pests and diseases, and the remedial actions necessary. On the basis of these results, propose an action plan so land managers and community groups can arrest and reverse tuart decline.Read moreRead less
Investigation of the metabolism, molecular targets and environmental fate of the seed germination stimulant, butenolide. The potent germination stimulant, known as butenolide, is expected to provide substantial benefits for improving seed germination and seedling vigour of many plant species used in agriculture, land restoration and rehabilitation. Currently, little is known about the stability, persistence and distribution of the butenolide in natural environments and the mechanism of seed dorm ....Investigation of the metabolism, molecular targets and environmental fate of the seed germination stimulant, butenolide. The potent germination stimulant, known as butenolide, is expected to provide substantial benefits for improving seed germination and seedling vigour of many plant species used in agriculture, land restoration and rehabilitation. Currently, little is known about the stability, persistence and distribution of the butenolide in natural environments and the mechanism of seed dormancy breaking. This study now provides a unique opportunity for Australian research to establish a world-leading position in understanding the processes that regulate seed dormancy, particularly in relation to post-mining land rehabilitation. The research findings will also have wider application in plant conservation, weed control and crop production.Read moreRead less