Forest Molecular Biology and Genetics Research Group |
Project Details |
Functional genetic analysis of wood formation genes in Eucalyptus
(Antanas Spokevicius, Gerd Bossinger, Alexander Myburg – University of Pretoria; Australian Research Council, Sappi - RSA)
Co-funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC), this collaborative project between the UM, the University of Pretoria and Sappi aims to elucidate the roles of selected candidate genes and regulatory molecules (miRNAs) involved in aspects of wood formation such as cell proliferation, primary cell wall expansion and secondary cell wall formation. The impact of altered gene expression on specific wood traits is being assessed by Induced Somatic Sector Analysis (ISSA) which, as we have demonstrated, is a powerful new tool for the functional analysis of xylogenesis genes in stems of forest tree species.
Molecular investigations into pattern formation during cambium differentiation in tree stems
(Emma Crewdson, Gerd Bossinger, Antanas Spokevicius, John Bowman – Monash University)
Induced Somatic Sector Analysis (ISSA) involves in vivo transformation of cambial cells in tree stems and the assessment of the resultant transformed tissue. Using visual reporter genes, this PhD project examines the extent and boundaries of such transgenic sectors to study pattern formation during the process of cambium differentiation and wood formation. Transgene-induced alterations to predicted patterns are analyzed to unravel molecular processes that determine fundamental aspects of meristem initiation and maintenance.
The Functional Analysis of Genes Associated with Wood Formation
(Lynette Taylor, Gerd Bossinger, Antanas Spokevicius, Simon Southerton – CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products)
This PhD project involves studying the effects of candidate gene expression on the economically important wood quality trait known as cellulose microfibril angle (MFA). Specifically investigating the molecular control of and relationship between cytoskeletal structures and fibre morphology during secondary growth in eucalypts. To do this I have undertaking transgenic approaches using the ISSA methodology and gene expression studies. The gene family under investigation is Alpha and Beta-Tubulins, which are involved in cortical microtubule formation in plants.
Identification of genes controlling wood fibre properties in Eucalyptus nitens
(Nahida Bhuiyan, Gerd Bossinger, Simon Southerton – CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products, Gavin Moran – Australian National University; Australian Research Council, Sappi - RSA)
Co-funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Sappi, this collaborative PhD project between the UM and the CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products identifies genes that influence wood fibre development and which have a strong influence on pulp properties aiming to develop genetic markers to track superior genes during breeding. Identification of allelic variation is achieved by combining microarray, molecular, and fibre trait analysis using a control crossed eucalypt progeny trial.
Genetic association studies of fundamental wood fibre components in Pinus radiata resource populations
(Josquin Tibbits, Gerd Bossinger, Peter Ades, Michael Henson – Forests-NSW; Australian Research Council)
Co-funded by Forests New South Wales and the Australian Research Council (ARC), this project aims to genetically dissect economically important wood property traits with a view towards the incorporation of this knowledge into breeding activities and the improvement of the Pinus radiata replacement crop. Results are expected to also provide valuable insights into genetic aspects of the evolutionary history and fundamental biology of radiata pine. We use candidate-gene association studies and differential expression profiling, with result-validation by Induced Somatic Sector Analysis (ISSA) and application in advanced breeding material.
Association studies in Eucalyptus globulus
(Luke McManus, Saravanan Thavamanikumar, Gerd Bossinger; CRC-Forestry)
Within the frame of the CRC for Forestry’s ‘High-Value Wood Resources’ programme, this project aims, through the use of genetic association studies in Eucalyptus globulus, to identify causal genetic markers for pulpwood quality variables including pulp yield, basic density, growth, cellulose content and lignin content. Markers for these and other traits will be supplied to CRC Industry partners to improve pulpwood quality and quantity derived from future generations of plantation grown E. globulus.
Using genetic association studies for the improvement of wood and fibre properties in Eucalyptus globulus
(Saravanan Thavamanikumar, Gerd Bossinger, Luke McManus, Josquin Tibbits; CRC-Forestry)
Supported by the CRC for Forestry, this PhD project aims to detect in Eucalyptus globulus associations between allelic variation (at the sequence level) and phenotypic variation which would allow for marker assisted selection. Within the frame of this thesis it is proposed, through candidate gene based association studies, to increase wood production and value by improvement of solid wood and fibre properties in eucalypts. This study will aid the development of molecular markers that are expected to allow early identification of beneficial alleles and allele combinations significantly accelerating the breeding and selection process.
Intraspecific variation of gene expression in response to low temperature stress in Eucalyptus delegatensis
(Alastair Reed, Gerd Bossinger, Peter Ades, Chantal Teulieres – UPS France; Department of Sustainability and Environment)
This PhD study combines physiological, genetic and molecular information to investigate cold tolerance in natural stands of Eucalyptus delegatensis. Seed was collected from an elevational gradient at Mt Stirling, Victoria, and used to conduct laboratory tests comparing frost tolerance and the expression of the CBF1 transcription factor. CBF transcription factors are known to act as a 'master-switch' in cold acclimation in plants and provide a focus for candidate gene association studies. Species and ecotype comparisons have shed light on eucalypt evolution and ecology, as well as on the utility of CBF SNPs for tree improvement and as guide for seed selection for re-vegetation efforts.
The development of gene pool management strategies for Eucalyptus regnans
(Paul Nevill, Peter Ades, Gerd Bossinger; CRC-Forestry)
This PhD study forms part of the CRC for Forestry's Biodiversity program and investigates genetic variation in Eucalyptus regnans, the world's tallest flowering tree. Nuclear microsatellite markers will be used to examine genetic diversity and connectivity within the species. Chloroplast markers will be used to examine the evolutionary history of the species. Adaptive variation is currently being examined via modeling of provenance trial data using environmental surrogates to explain provenance performance. Information from the nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite studies combined with findings on adaptive variation will be used to develop a GIS based decision support tool for industry.
Forensic DNA analysis of impounded wood
(Lachlan Wilson, Josquin Tibbits, Paul Nevill, Gerd Bossinger; Department of Sustainability and Environment)
This project aims to determine the origin of alleged illegally harvested wood by using DNA fingerprinting techniques. Residual and live cambial tissue was taken for DNA extraction from impounded wood, previously identified stumps and remaining crown material left in the forest, as well as surrounding live trees. Microsatellite markers were used to fingerprint all samples comparing a number of alleles at various loci. Stump and crown tissue provided a perfect match in all cases; however impounded wood samples were clearly not linked to the material identified in the forest, demonstrating that this approach provides an efficient means for forensic investigation and conflict resolution.
Molecular ‘fingerprints’ of soil microbial populations
(Lauren Bennett, Sabine Kasel, Josquin Tibbits; Department of Sustainability and Environment)
This project is part of a larger program entitled ‘Advanced indicators of ecosystem health’ supported by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. We have successfully applied the fingerprinting technique ‘Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism’ (T-RFLP) to questions regarding soil fungal patterns among different land-uses and within remnant woodlands. Ongoing research will focus on more detailed analyses of temporal and spatial patterns in soil microbial composition, and on examining links between soil function (e.g. greenhouse gas fluxes) and composition of functional genes (pmoA genes for methane consumption; amoA genes for ammonia-oxidation).
The effects of hot water treatment and biocontaminants on the tissue of dormant grapevine propagating material
(Helen Waite, Peter May, Gerd Bossinger; CRC-Viticulture)
Hot water treatment (HWT) of dormant grapevine cuttings is used as a chemical free control for a number of pests and diseases. However, occasionally unacceptably high rates of mortality occur when HWT is applied in commercial settings. Previous research has shown that factors including variety, seasonal conditions and cold storage affect the response to HWT. In order to understand the effects of HWT on cutting tissue, this PhD project, in association with the CRC for Viticulture, investigates heat shock protein expression in susceptible and resistant grapevine varieties with a view to modifying HWT protocols to reduce losses of cuttings and preserve efficacy.
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