Restoration: Tree species are fundamentally important in restoration because of their role in structuring the living communities, and modulating essential ecosystem processes. Eucalypt gene-pools are diverse and this variation can be harnessed to maximize long-term success of restoration plantings, at the same time helping to maintain genetic diversity and integrity of our flora. We are involved in partnerships with Greening Australia as well as CSIRO Land and Water in research aimed at providing a genetic framework to guide restoration in the face of climate change. As part of our collaboration with Greening Australia we have established a major experimental infrastructure as part of their Midlands restoration plantings in Tasmania.

Conservation: Genetic resource management is an important element in forest conservation, as genetic diversity is essential for the long term evolutionary stability and productivity of forest species. We use molecular and quantitative genetic data to contribute to conservation management plans for endangered as well as more widespread species of economic or ecological significance.

Invasion genetics is becoming increasingly important as plants and animals are unintentionally and intentionally spread outside of their native ranges. In support of forest certification we have been studying gene flow from eucalypt plantations in Australia and its impact on the integrity of native gene pools.

We are looking for Honours and PhD students in projects such as:

Restoration genetics

• Climate adaptation capacity in declining woodlands
• Recreating structure and function in restored woodlands
• Matching species to site in restoration design
• Direct seeding technology
• Strategies for choosing and deploying provenances for resilient revegetation
• Restoration of ex-plantation sites for agricultural or biodiversity benefits

Conservation genetics

• Assessing the conservation value of ex situ plantings of the rare Eucalyptus morrisbyi
• Population genetics of the Tasmanian endemic yellow gums

Invasion genetics

• Management of offsite effects of tree plantings: genetic risks

Contact: Rebecca Jones or  Peter Harrison