University of Tasmania, Australia

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Eucalypt Genetics

UTAS Home › Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology › School of Plant Science › Research  › Eucalypt Genetics

Our research focuses on eucalypts and includes environmental genetics and tree breeding.

We study the genetic structure of eucalypt populations and gene flow between plantations and native forests in order to develop better conservation strategies, understand the sequence of evolution in the genus and the evolutionary processes operating, and determine the genetic basis of interactions between eucalypts and dependent mammals, insects & fungi.

Tree breeding research is undertaken through the CRC.

 

Collaborators

Research Subgroups

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Population, ecological and conservation genetics

We are using microsatellites and candidate gene sequences to study gene flow and local population structure. Maternally inherited chloroplast DNA markers are used to assess the evolutionary significance of hybridization as well as for phylogeographic studies aimed at detecting historical migration routes and refugia.
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Evolution and speciation

We are using nuclear and chloroplast DNA to study higher-level phylogeny of Eucalyptus. Novel research projects involve the use of single copy nuclear genes for phylogeny analysis – and the impact of genetic recombination on this - is currently underway. High-genome coverage and throughput AFLP technology is used to find and quantify the degree of genetic differences between species. DNA barcoding technology is also currently being developed for use with eucalypts.
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Plant-animal interactions and community genetics

We are studying the manner in which genetic variation in eucalypts affects their interaction with a variety of pathogen, insect and marsupial species. We are collaborating with pathologists and entomologists to study the genetic basis of disease resistance and plant genetic factors affecting insect host choice using the commercially important E. globulus and E. nitens.
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Tree breeding and quantitative genetics

Researchers specialize in the genetics of E. globulus and E. nitens, the two main plantation eucalypts grown in Australia. Our research group is known for its use of individual tree models for genetic parameter estimation and genetic evaluation as well as its work on breeding objectives in forest trees. This research involves interaction with the National E. globulus breeding program which is ran by the Southern Tree Breeding Association.