A University of Queensland project to mass-produce a more genetically diverse and resilient species of the native Australian emu bush will boost vital land restoration and revegetation efforts across the country.
The ARC Linkage project, led by UQ’s Dr Robyn Cave from the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, aims to improve seed germination of the hardy shrub, important to desert ecosystems.
The project was initiated by the Eremophila Study Group of the Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), which has already commissioned the University to conduct other research on seed formation in this genus, funded by Native Plants Queensland.
“Emu bush, or Eremophila, is the fifth most diverse genus of Australian native plants, providing habitat, nectar and fruit for insects and birds while stabilising soils,” Dr Cave said.
“Until now, Eremophilas have received little research attention so there is a gap in our understanding of how they will respond to changes in climate, including their use in land restoration.”
Researchers at UQ are using a combination of molecular biology, DNA sequencing and proteomics to gain insights into the mechanisms that control seed germination in Eremophila.
Industry partners in the project, Kersbrook Landcare and the Study Group, will be collecting samples and providing facilities for germination trials.
The Australian Genome Research Facility will also be providing specialised genomic analysis.
“Any large restoration projects have so far had to propagate the plant from cuttings, but our research will change that,” Dr Cave said.
“Our aim is to enable land restoration groups and commercial nurseries to grow a range of Eremophila species from seed, meaning greatly improved biodiversity at planting sites, with seedlings adaptable to a range of growing conditions.
“Specifically, we are exploring enhanced coatings for seeds and pre-treatments, either chemical or mechanical, which will improve germination and promote the growth of healthy seedlings.”
Researchers say a change from using cuttings to seed-propagated plants will facilitate natural adaptations in the plant to a warmer, drier climate.
“Revegetation of degraded lands and mine sites using a wide range of native herbs, shrubs and trees is important to encourage self-sustainable ecological systems,” Dr Cave said.
“Most species of emu bush are endemic to arid inland regions, where increased temperatures and water stress are placing significant strain on native plants.
“These stressors have been found to stop seed germination in six arid zone native grasses and there are more than 240 species of Eremophila which could share the same fate.
“It is our job to figure out ways to improve seed germination in as many of those species as possible and in the process, change the outcome of restoration projects in Australia.”
Media: Dr Robyn Cave, r.cave@uq.edu.au, +61 (07) 5460 1240, Faculty of Science Media, science.media@uq.edu.au, +61 (0)438 162 687.
