Manage & Conserve
We study how biological resources are created, stored and shared, and develop management strategies for biological and genetic diversity in natural and managed landscapes
Natural ecosystems, agriculture and forestry, and other natural resource value chains all depend on the management and conservation of plant diversity
Biodiversity is stored and housed in many forms: from intact ecosystems and populations, to seed collections in physical genebanks, to digital sequences in online databases.
Our group develops the management and conservation strategies which create, maintain, and utilise plant genetic resources.
We collaborate with international partners to develop and raise awareness of tools and best practices for the management of biological resources.
Case Study: Building a consortium on plant genetic resource management in Australasia
Indigenous plants of Australasia are becoming increasingly valuable crop and forest assets worldwide. But harnessing their genetic potential will require effective and socially responsible management of their seeds, strains, and digital sequences.
As a co-lead of the DivSeek International Network’s Regional Hub for Australasia, our lab coordinates a team of crop scientists and policy experts to understand the gaps and opportunities in the way we utilise plant genetic resources in our region.
Case Study: Managing genetic diversity of Whibley wattle, an endangered Acacia
Whibley wattle (Acacia whibleyana) is an endangered shrub whose range is restricted to five small subpopulations near Tumby Bay, South Australia.
Funded by the Federal Government’s Threatened Species Action Plan, we worked with regional government to investigate genetic diversity and connectivity among the fragmented subpopulations.
Our genomic analyses revealed a strong case for pollination and genetic rescue trials that stimulate gene flow across Whibley wattle’s range. This study culminated in a management plan for the species, which is now being implemented.
Image credit: Port Lincoln Times
Case Study: Managing genetic diversity and rethinking conservation units of silver daisy bush
Silver daisy bush (Olearia pannosa) is a listed as vulnerable in Australia. Its populations are small and fragmented, making future climate change a major threat. This project was funded by the Federal Government’s Threatened Species Action Plan, and conducted in partnership with Trees for Life.
We collected samples of O. pannosa across its range and analysed the genetic structure and diversity of the population. We discovered distinct genetic breaks (and a likely cryptic species) with major implications for the seed-sourcing of future restoration projects.
These findings were corroborated and complimented by phenotypic analysis and habitat suitability modelling. We used these results to inform the management plan for O. pannosa, which is now being implemented by Trees for Life.
Image Source: Fagg, M (CC BY 3.0)
Case Study: Periodic Table of Food
The Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI) is a global effort to create a public database of the biochemical composition and function of the food we eat using the latest mass spectrometry technologies and bioinformatics.
Our lab is leading the PTFI Centre for Excellence in Australasia. Working with international partner institutes, we are identifying translational opportunities in agriculture and environmental science to drive innovation and showcase the revolutionary potential of revealing the content of “nutritional dark matter”.
This work will lead into the EPIC CRC bid to boost the competitiveness and productivity of indigenous agribusiness.
Interested in Honours, Masters, PhD, or Postdoc opportunities?