University of Tasmania, Australia

The eco-physiology of Callitris is being tested under severe drought and CO2 levels.

In controlled glasshouse conditions Calltiris species are subjected to a range of environmental conditions to monitor the effects on growth.

Currently species from four regions of Australia are being treated; C.preissii (WA), C.preissii (SA), C.rhomboidea (TAS) and C.columellaris (NSW). Other species from NSW, NT and QLD have also been prepared for future study. The scheduled treatments are; three levels of drought intensity; three levels of temperature and two levels of carbon dioxide. The variables assessed are leaf water potential, transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate and growth. Dissection and analysis of cells formed under these treatments may be done at a later stage.

This research will supplement understanding of the growth of the "field trees" of other studies.