A5010839236- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Seed Germination and Physiology
- Plant Parasitism and Resistance
- Allelopathy and phytotoxic interactions
- Pasture and Agricultural Systems
- Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
- Plant and animal studies
- Fire effects on ecosystems
- Mine drainage and remediation techniques
- Legume Nitrogen Fixing Symbiosis
- Seedling growth and survival studies
- Plant Water Relations and Carbon Dynamics
- Tree Root and Stability Studies
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Weed Control and Herbicide Applications
- Tree-ring climate responses
- Soil erosion and sediment transport
- Plant tissue culture and regeneration
- Agronomic Practices and Intercropping Systems
- Plant Stress Responses and Tolerance
- Turfgrass Adaptation and Management
- Peatlands and Wetlands Ecology
- Coastal wetland ecosystem dynamics
- Heavy metals in environment
The University of Western Australia
2013-2024
Curtin University
2021-2024
The King's College
2018-2024
University of Prince Edward Island
2024
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
2019-2021
Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority
2009-2019
Parks Victoria
2018-2019
Iron Ore Company (Canada)
2019
ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology
2008
Discovery of the primary seed germination stimulant in smoke, 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (KAR1), has resulted identification a family structurally related plant growth regulators, karrikins. KAR1 acts as key trigger for many species from fire-prone, Mediterranean climates, but molecular mechanism this response remains unknown. We demonstrate that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), an ephemeral temperate northern hemisphere never, to our knowledge, been reported be responsive fire or...
Abstract Demand for restoration of resilient, self‐sustaining, and biodiverse natural ecosystems as a conservation measure is increasing globally; however, efforts frequently fail to meet standards appropriate this objective. Achieving these requires management underpinned by input from diverse scientific disciplines including ecology, biotechnology, engineering, soil science, ecophysiology, genetics. Despite research activity, gap between the immediate needs practitioners outputs science...
Summary Demographic recruitment processes, such as seed germination and seedling emergence, are critical transitional phases to the re‐establishment of degraded plant populations, but often fail due rainfall not supporting requirements. Using species from widespread arid Australian perennial grass genus Triodia , we investigated interactions seeds in different dormancy states their functional envelope response water stress after simulated pulse events. Seed was alleviated varying degrees by...
Abstract Seasonal drought and heavily impeded soils reduce restoration success in Mediterranean‐type postmine soils, where up to 90% seedling mortality has been observed after 2 years. To alleviate these barriers, amendments were incorporated into the soil profile of a freshly mined sand quarry. Within quarry, three 223 m replicate sites contained two substrate amendments: 12% v/v native‐sourced mulch or gravel within top 50 cm profile. Three remnant provided “natural” reference system....
Karrikinolide (KAR1) is a smoke-derived chemical that can trigger seeds to germinate. A potential application for KAR1 synchronizing the germination of weed seeds, thereby enhancing efficiency control efforts. Yet not all species germinate readily with KAR1, and it known whether seemingly non-responsive be induced respond. Here major agronomic family, Brassicaceae, used test hypothesis stimulatory response may present in physiologically dormant but expressed under circumstances. Seeds eight...
Abstract Mining of mineral resources produces substantial volumes crushed rock based wastes that are characterised by poor physical structure and hydrology, unstable geochemistry potentially toxic chemical conditions. Recycling these substrates is desirable can be achieved blending waste with native soil to form a ‘novel substrate’ which may used in future landscape restoration. However, post-mining substrate ‘soils’ likely contain significant abiotic constraints for both plant microbial...
Grasslands across the globe are undergoing expansive degradation due to human impacts and climate change. If restoration of degraded native grassland is be achieved at scale now required, cost-effective means for seed-based establishment grass species crucial. However, seeds present numerous challenges associated with handling germination performance that must overcome improve efficiency seeding. Previous research has demonstrated complete removal palea lemma (husk) maximises performance,...
Restoration of native plant communities through direct seeding often experience low seedling establishment success rates, partly due to competition with invasive weed species. To improve success, herbicides can be applied control competition, however, this have negative impacts on the seeded Activated carbon (AC) incorporated into newly developed seed enhancement technologies adsorb and increase tolerance. This study expands upon research completed date, by developing new formulations...
The rapid expansion of urban areas worldwide is leading to native habitat loss and ecosystem fragmentation degradation. Although the study urbanisation’s impact on biodiversity gaining increasing interest globally, there still a disconnect between research recommendations urbanisation strategies. Expansion Perth metropolitan area Swan Coastal Plain in south-western Australia, one world’s thirty-six hotspots, continues affect Banksia Woodlands (BWs) ecosystem, federally listed Threatened...
Abstract Recruitment for many arid‐zone plant species is expected to be impacted by the projected increase in soil temperature and prolonged droughts associated with global climate change. As seed dormancy considered a strategy avoid unfavorable conditions, understanding mechanisms underpinning vulnerability these factors critical recruitment intact communities, as well restoration efforts arid ecosystems. This study determined effects of water stress on processes six grass genus Triodia...
Abstract Soil microbial inoculants are increasingly being explored as means to improve soil conditions facilitate ecological restoration. In southwestern Western Australia, highly biodiverse Banksia woodland plant communities threatened by various factors including climate change, land development and mining. restoration is necessary conserve this community. The use of inoculation in has not yet been investigated. Here, we evaluated the efficacy a commercial inoculant (GOGO Juice, Neutrog...
The smoke-derived compound karrikinolide (KAR1) shows significant potential as a trigger for the synchronous germination of seeds in variety plant-management contexts, from weed paddocks, to native when restoring degraded lands. Understanding how KAR1 interacts with seed physiology is necessary precursor development an efficient and effective management tool. This study tested ability stimulate global agronomic Brassica tournefortii, at different hydration states, gain insight into timing...
Regeneration dynamics in many arid zone grass species are regulated by innate seed dormancy mechanisms and environmental cues (temperature, moisture fire) that result infrequent germination following rainfall. This study investigated bet-hedging strategies associated with Triodia from north-west Australia, assessing (1) the effects of mechanical restriction imposed indehiscent floral bracts (i.e. floret) covering (2) impact alleviation on florets cleaned seeds removed) when germinated under...
Abstract Restoration of degraded arid and semi‐arid land faces the challenge reinstating vegetation communities exposed to limited variable rainfall events that in combination with a deficit original topsoil may exceed thresholds for seedling development. In series glasshouse experiments, we evaluated variation drought responses (i) 21 zone plant species from mining intensive Pilbara region Western Australia an substrate (ii) four selected ( Acacia inaequilatera , spondylophylla Eucalyptus...