Profiles
Rebecca Jones
Rebecca Jones
Postdoctoral Fellow
Room 208 , Life Sciences Building
Dr Rebecca Jones works on various aspects of eucalypt genetics, including phylogenetics, conservation genetics, developmental genetics, and evolution and speciation. She has published in journals such as Nature, New Phytologist and Molecular Biology and Evolution, supervised PhD, Masters and Honours students and has delivered invited talks in Australia and overseas.
Biography
After finishing Honours at UTAS in 2000, Rebecca worked with Dr Maurizio Rossetto at the Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics (Southern Cross University, Lismore) on the genetic effects of habitat fragmentation on rare rainforest trees (Elaeocarpus spp.), and then worked on various conservation genetics projects back at UTAS (Nothofagus, Eucalyptus). 
After travelling and living overseas for a year, Rebecca was inspired to return to study, and began her PhD studying the genetic relationships among populations of Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum), and the genetic and environmental factors influencing its flowering. This contributed to a risk assessment model to determine the probability and consequences of gene flow from bluegum plantations into native populations, and also identified populations of conservation significance.
Since completing her PhD in 2009, Rebecca has worked in ARC funded postdoctoral positions studying species divergence and hybridisation in eucalypts. She has a keen interest in eucalypt genomics and in 2010 was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to visit key international laboratories (in Europe and the USA) working with the Eucalyptus genome, to learn techniques for the analysis of the Eucalyptus genome sequence and investigate the research potential of the new genomics resources.
Career summary
Qualifications
| Degree | Thesis Title | University | Country | Date of Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Molecular evolution and genetic control of flowering in the Eucalyptus globulus species complex | University of Tasmania | Australia | 16/12/2009 |
| BSc (1st Class Hons) | Morphological and molecular variation in the Eucalyptus globulus complex | University of Tasmania | Australia | 12/12/2000 |
Teaching
Eucalypt gene pool management, genetic control, conservation genetics, biodiversity, flowering.
Teaching expertise
Rebecca delivers guest undergraduate lectures on plant conservation genetics.
View more on Dr Rebecca Jones in WARP
Expertise
Rebecca is currently working under an Australian Research Council grant studying eucalypt phylogenetics, hybridisation and the evolutionary processes in eucalypts. She is also involved in gene expression (focusing on flowering and phase change genes) and plant conservation genetics projects, and has a keen interest in eucalypt genomics. Her main areas of expertise are:
- Conservation genetics
- Phylogenetics
- Developmental genetics
- Genomics
Research Themes
Rebecca's research aligns to the University's research theme of Environment, Resources and Sustainability. Eucalypts are an Australian icon and are of great ecological and economic significance. They are foundation species of forest and woodland ecosystems across Australia, an important source of wood and fibre, and the main hardwoods grown in the industrial plantations of the world, with a total plantation area of 20 million hectares.
Rebecca studies the genetic relationships between eucalypt species and populations, which helps guide the management of this important group. She also studies the genetic control of developmental traits such as flowering and juvenile-adult transition which are important in horticulture and forestry.
Collaboration
Rebecca has built collaborations with leading international specialists in plant developmental genetics and tree genomics (e.g. Profs Steve Strauss and Scott Poethig in the USA). The collaboration with Prof Strauss, for example, has led to two publications: one on eucalypt floral transcriptomics in New Phytologist involving 15 scientists from 5 countries (Vining et al. 2014), and another on the annotation of the flowering genes in the eucalypt genome in Nature (Myburg et al. 2014).
In a cross-disciplinary collaboration at UTAS, Rebecca provided a data set for researchers at the School of Physical Sciences (Assoc. Prof. Barbara Holland, Dr. Michael Woodhams) to develop a novel distance measure to infer phylogeny from genome-wide DArT data (Woodhams et al 2013). She has now used this distance measure to produce a phylogenetic tree on a large Eucalyptus phylogeny data set – obtained through a strong collaboration with Dr Dean Nicolle (Currency Creek Arboretum) and extensive field trips across Australia (Jones et al. in press Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution). This will provide a benchmark phylogenetic framework for many ongoing projects (e.g. Larcombe et al 2015).Rebecca also conducts small fingerprinting projects for forest companies such as SeedEnergy and Griffin Tree Improvement. She has also provided data to agencies such as botanical gardens, government departments in Victoria and Tasmania, Forestry Tasmania and National Parks to guide management and restoration strategies.
Awards
In 2010 Rebecca was awarded a Churchill Fellowship which she used to visit international scientists working with the eucalypt genome including EMBL Cambridge, INRA Toulouse, Oregon State University, and the University of Pennsylvania. This was directly related to the release of the Eucalyptus grandis genome in the same year. During this trip (in mid-2011), she investigated the research potential of the genomics resources and learnt techniques for the analysis of the Eucalyptus genome sequence.
Current projects
- Eucalypt gene pool management: Rebecca uses DNA markers to study gene flow and local population structure in eucalypts. She has established microsatellite databases for endemic Tasmanian eucalypts and eucalypts of commercial interest. These data contribute to management plans for bodies such as Forestry Tasmania and other Tasmanian and Victorian environmental agencies and establish the benchmark for genetic diversity in breeding populations.
- Eucalypt phylogenetics: Rebecca uses DNA technology to study the relationships among eucalypt species (Jones et al. in press Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution). This large data will provide a benchmark phylogenetic framework for many ongoing projects (e.g. Larcombe et al 2015) and a better taxonomic understanding of eucalypts which helps guide management and conservation strategies for eucalypt species.
Enhancing conservation strategies for the critically endangered Eucalyptus morrisbyi: Rebecca was awarded funding from the Dahl Trust to enhance conservation strategies for the critically endangered Eucalyptus morrisbyi, which will provide research outputs to the Millennium Seed Bank and DPIPWE. Data from this study will directly feed into management plans for the critically endangered E. morrisbyi population at East Risdon, by providing information on numbers, health and reproductive success and a genetic framework for re-establishment should the population become extinct. By determining the purity of seed collected from ex situ conservation plantings, the project will also inform on the success of ex situ conservation strategies and the value of ex situ seed orchards as long-term options for conservation purposes - not only for E. morrisbyi, but for eucalypts in general.
Fields of Research
- Genetics (310599)
- Plant developmental and reproductive biology (310804)
- Forestry management and environment (300707)
- Conservation and biodiversity (410401)
- Gene expression (incl. microarray and other genome-wide approaches) (310505)
- Plant and fungus systematics and taxonomy (310411)
- Phylogeny and comparative analysis (310410)
- Genomics (310509)
- Gene mapping (310506)
- Biological mathematics (490102)
- Genome structure and regulation (310508)
- Evolutionary biology (310499)
- Tree improvement (incl. selection and breeding) (300709)
- Biological adaptation (310403)
- Terrestrial ecology (310308)
- Plant physiology (310806)
- Developmental genetics (incl. sex determination) (310503)
- Horticultural crop growth and development (300802)
- Evolution of developmental systems (310404)
- Wildlife and habitat management (410407)
- Photogrammetry and remote sensing (401304)
- Ecological impacts of climate change and ecological adaptation (410102)
- Environmental rehabilitation and restoration (410405)
- Agroforestry (300701)
- Forest health and pathology (300704)
- Evolutionary impacts of climate change (310406)
- Natural resource management (410406)
- Plant cell and molecular biology (310803)
Research Objectives
- Native forests (260204)
- Hardwood plantations (260201)
- Terrestrial biodiversity (180606)
- Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences (280111)
- Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences (280102)
- Ecosystem adaptation to climate change (190102)
- Rehabilitation or conservation of terrestrial environments (180604)
- Expanding knowledge in the mathematical sciences (280118)
- Harvesting and transport of forest products (260202)
- Other environmental management (189999)
- Biodiversity in Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments (180404)
- Pome fruit, pip fruit (260511)
- Evaluation, allocation, and impacts of land use (180603)
- Climate change mitigation strategies (190301)
- Integration of farm and forestry (260203)
- Softwood plantations (260205)
- Assessment and management of freshwater ecosystems (180301)
- Climate change adaptation measures (excl. ecosystem) (190101)
Publications
Rebecca has contributed to several different fields of genetics, publishing in the areas of phylogenetics, genomics, developmental genetics, quantitative genetics and conservation genetics.
Early in her career her work focused on the conservation genetics of Australian plants. At Southern Cross University and UTAS she developed molecular marker technology for several forest tree species (e.g. Elaeocarpus spp., Nothofagus spp., Eucalyptus globulus, Eidothea hardeniana) and used such molecular markers to investigate relationships among populations for conservation, restoration and breeding purposes. For example, her research on one of the most endangered eucalypts in Australia (Eucalyptus morrisbyi) showed that the two remaining populations are markedly divergent, and that despite their small population size have high levels of genetic diversity both in the existing trees and their seed collections (Jones et al. 2005). These findings have directly affected the management of this species: there are now strict guidelines on the release of genetic material for restoration / garden plantings.
Most recently she has initiated UTAS research efforts in the developmental genetics of eucalypts. During her Churchill Fellowship at the Strauss laboratory at Oregon State University, she was involved in a study of eucalypt floral development (Vining et al. 2014 New Phytologist) that will provide a rich resource for functional analysis of genes controlling floral development, and contributed to the annotation of flowering genes in the eucalypt genome (Myburg et al. 2014 Nature). She contributed the genomics / microRNA gene expression data to a large, long-term study to provide the first evidence that genetic variation affecting the vegetative phase change pathway plays a role in evolutionary change (Hudson et al. 2014). Rebecca also provides peer review for various Australian and international journals such as Annals of Botany, Australian Journal of Botany, Conservation Genetics, Journal of Experimental Botany, Southern Forests, Tree Genetics and Genomes.
Total publications
44
Highlighted publications
(10 outputs)| Year | Type | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Journal Article | Jones RC, Nicolle D, Steane DA, Vaillancourt RE, Potts BM, 'High density, genome-wide markers and intra-specific replication yield an unprecedented phylogenetic reconstruction of a globally significant, speciose lineage of Eucalyptus', Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 105 pp. 63-85. ISSN 1055-7903 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.08.009 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 20Web of Science - 21 Co-authors: Steane DA; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2015 | Journal Article | Larcombe MJ, Holland B, Steane DA, Jones RC, Nicolle D, et al., 'Patterns of reproductive isolation in Eucalyptus - a phylogenetic perspective', Molecular Biology and Evolution, 32, (7) pp. 1833-1846. ISSN 0737-4038 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv063 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 44Web of Science - 45 Co-authors: Larcombe MJ; Holland B; Steane DA; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2015 | Journal Article | Vining KJ, Romanel E, Jones RC, Klocko A, Alves-Ferreira M, et al., 'The floral transcriptome of Eucalyptus grandis', New Phytologist, 206, (4) pp. 1406-1422. ISSN 0028-646X (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/nph.13077 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 48Web of Science - 42 | |
| 2014 | Journal Article | Hudson CJ, Freeman JS, Jones RC, Potts BM, Wong MML, et al., 'Genetic control of heterochrony in Eucalyptus globulus', G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, 4, (7) pp. 1235-1245. ISSN 2160-1836 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1534/g3.114.011916 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 29Web of Science - 27 Co-authors: Hudson CJ; Freeman JS; Potts BM; Weller JL; Hecht VFG; Vaillancourt RE | |
| 2014 | Journal Article | Myburg AA, Grattapaglia D, Tuskan GA, Hellsten U, Hayes RD, et al., 'The genome of Eucalyptus grandis', Nature, 510, (7505) pp. 356-362. ISSN 0028-0836 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1038/nature13308 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 560Web of Science - 555 Co-authors: Steane DA; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2013 | Journal Article | Jones RC, Steane DA, Lavery M, Vaillancourt RE, Potts BM, 'Multiple evolutionary processes drive the patterns of genetic differentiation in a forest tree species complex', Ecology and Evolution, 3, (1) pp. 1-17. ISSN 2045-7758 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/ece3.421 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 34Web of Science - 32 Co-authors: Steane DA; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2011 | Journal Article | Jones RC, Vaillancourt RE, Gore PL, Potts BM, 'Genetic control of flowering time in Eucalyptus globulus ssp. globulus', Tree Genetics & Genomes, 7, (6) pp. 1209-1218. ISSN 1614-2942 (2011) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11295-011-0407-1 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 25Web of Science - 23 Co-authors: Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2006 | Journal Article | Steane DA, Conod N, Jones RC, Vaillancourt RE, Potts BM, 'A comparative analysis of population structure of a forest tree, Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtaceae), using microsatellite markers and quantitative traits', Tree Genetics & Genomes, 2, (1) pp. 30-38. ISSN 1614-2942 (2006) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11295-005-0028-7 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 93Web of Science - 89 Co-authors: Steane DA; Conod N; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2005 | Journal Article | Jones RC, McKinnon GE, Potts BM, Vaillancourt RE, 'Genetic diversity and mating system of an endangered tree Eucalyptus morrisbyi', Australian Journal of Botany, 53, (4) pp. 367-377. ISSN 0067-1924 (2005) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/BT04182 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 24Web of Science - 25 Co-authors: McKinnon GE; Potts BM; Vaillancourt RE | |
| 2004 | Journal Article | Rossetto M, Gross CL, Jones R, Hunter J, 'The impact of clonality on an endangered tree (Elaeocarpus williamsianus) in a fragmented rainforest', Biological Conservation, 117 pp. 33-39. ISSN 0006-3207 (2004) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/S0006-3207(03)00260-X [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 56Web of Science - 54 |
Journal Article
(30 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Pfeilsticker TR, Jones RC, Steane DA, Vaillancourt RE, Potts BM, 'Molecular insights into the dynamics of species invasion by hybridisation in Tasmanian eucalypts', Molecular Ecology pp. 1-17. ISSN 1365-294X (2023) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/mec.16892 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Pfeilsticker TR; Steane DA; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2021 | Pfeilsticker TR, Jones RC, Steane DA, Harrison PA, Vaillancourt RE, et al., 'Expansion of the rare Eucalyptus risdonii under climate change through hybridization with a closely related species despite hybrid inferiority', Annals of Botany, 129, (1) pp. 1-14. ISSN 0305-7364 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcab103 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4Web of Science - 3 Co-authors: Pfeilsticker TR; Steane DA; Harrison PA; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2021 | Yost JM, Wise SL, Love NLR, Steane DA, Jones RC, et al., 'Origins, diversity and naturalization of Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtaceae) in California', Forests, 12, (8) Article 1129. ISSN 1999-4907 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3390/f12081129 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Wise SL; Steane DA; Potts BM | |
| 2018 | Nicolle D, Jones RC, 'A revised classification for the predominantly eastern Australian Eucalyptus subgenus Symphyomyrtus sections Maidenaria, Exsertaria, Latoangulatae and related smaller sections (Myrtaceae)', Telopea, 21 pp. 129-145. ISSN 0312-9764 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.7751/telopea12571 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Web of Science - 9 | |
| 2017 | Costa J, Vaillancourt RE, Steane DA, Jones RC, Marques C, 'Microsatellite analysis of population structure in Eucalyptus globulus', Genome, 60, (9) pp. 1-8. ISSN 0831-2796 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1139/gen-2016-0218 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 13Web of Science - 12 Co-authors: Vaillancourt RE; Steane DA | |
| 2016 | Duncan CJ, Worth JRP, Jordan GJ, Jones RC, Vaillancourt RE, 'Genetic differentiation in spite of high gene flow in the dominant rainforest tree of southeastern Australia, Nothofagus cunninghamii', Heredity, 116, (1) pp. 99-106. ISSN 0018-067X (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1038/hdy.2015.77 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 14Web of Science - 15 Co-authors: Duncan CJ; Worth JRP; Jordan GJ; Vaillancourt RE | |
| 2016 | Jones RC, Nicolle D, Steane DA, Vaillancourt RE, Potts BM, 'High density, genome-wide markers and intra-specific replication yield an unprecedented phylogenetic reconstruction of a globally significant, speciose lineage of Eucalyptus', Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 105 pp. 63-85. ISSN 1055-7903 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.08.009 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 20Web of Science - 21 Co-authors: Steane DA; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2016 | Larcombe M, Potts BM, Jones RC, Steane DA, Costa e Silva J, et al., 'Managing Australia's eucalypt gene pools: assessing the risk of exotic gene flow', Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, 128, (1) pp. 25-39. ISSN 0035-9211 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/RS16003 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4 Co-authors: Larcombe M; Potts BM; Steane DA; Vaillancourt RE | |
| 2016 | Larcombe MJ, Barbour RC, Jones RC, Vaillancourt RE, Potts BM, 'Postmating barriers to hybridization between an island's native eucalypts and an introduced congener', Tree Genetics and Genomes, 12, (2) Article 26. ISSN 1614-2942 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11295-016-0979-x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 4 Co-authors: Larcombe MJ; Barbour RC; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2015 | Larcombe MJ, Holland B, Steane DA, Jones RC, Nicolle D, et al., 'Patterns of reproductive isolation in Eucalyptus - a phylogenetic perspective', Molecular Biology and Evolution, 32, (7) pp. 1833-1846. ISSN 0737-4038 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv063 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 44Web of Science - 45 Co-authors: Larcombe MJ; Holland B; Steane DA; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2015 | Vining KJ, Romanel E, Jones RC, Klocko A, Alves-Ferreira M, et al., 'The floral transcriptome of Eucalyptus grandis', New Phytologist, 206, (4) pp. 1406-1422. ISSN 0028-646X (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/nph.13077 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 48Web of Science - 42 | |
| 2014 | Harrison PA, Jones RC, Vaillancourt RE, Wiltshire RJE, Potts BM, 'Unravelling the evolutionary history of Eucalyptus cordata (Myrtaceae) using molecular markers', Australian Journal of Botany, 62, (2) pp. 114-131. ISSN 0067-1924 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/BT14019 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 7 Co-authors: Harrison PA; Vaillancourt RE; Wiltshire RJE; Potts BM | |
| 2014 | Hudson CJ, Freeman JS, Jones RC, Potts BM, Wong MML, et al., 'Genetic control of heterochrony in Eucalyptus globulus', G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, 4, (7) pp. 1235-1245. ISSN 2160-1836 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1534/g3.114.011916 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 29Web of Science - 27 Co-authors: Hudson CJ; Freeman JS; Potts BM; Weller JL; Hecht VFG; Vaillancourt RE | |
| 2014 | Larcombe MJ, Vaillancourt RE, Jones RC, Potts BM, 'Assessing a Bayesian approach for detecting exotic hybrids between plantation and native eucalypts', International Journal of Forestry Research Article 650202. ISSN 1687-9368 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1155/2014/650202 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Larcombe MJ; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2014 | Myburg AA, Grattapaglia D, Tuskan GA, Hellsten U, Hayes RD, et al., 'The genome of Eucalyptus grandis', Nature, 510, (7505) pp. 356-362. ISSN 0028-0836 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1038/nature13308 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 560Web of Science - 555 Co-authors: Steane DA; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2013 | Cook SS, Jones RC, Vaillancourt RE, Hallegraeff GM, 'Genetic differentiation among Australian and Southern Ocean populations of the ubiquitous coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi (Haptophyta)', Phycologia, 52, (4) pp. 368-374. ISSN 0031-8884 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.2216/12-111.1 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 22Web of Science - 24 Co-authors: Cook SS; Vaillancourt RE; Hallegraeff GM | |
| 2013 | Jones RC, Steane DA, Lavery M, Vaillancourt RE, Potts BM, 'Multiple evolutionary processes drive the patterns of genetic differentiation in a forest tree species complex', Ecology and Evolution, 3, (1) pp. 1-17. ISSN 2045-7758 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/ece3.421 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 34Web of Science - 32 Co-authors: Steane DA; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2013 | Woodhams M, Steane DA, Jones RC, Nicolle D, Moulton V, et al., 'Novel distances for Dollo data', Systematic Biology, 62, (1) pp. 62-77. ISSN 1063-5157 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/sys071 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 24Web of Science - 24 Co-authors: Woodhams M; Steane DA; Holland BR | |
| 2011 | Jones RC, Hecht VFG, Potts BM, Vaillancourt RE, Weller JL, 'Expression of a FLOWERING LOCUS T homologue is temporally associated with annual flower bud initiation in Eucalyptus globulus subsp. globulus (Myrtaceae)', Australian Journal of Botany, 59, (8) pp. 756-769. ISSN 0067-1924 (2011) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/BT11251 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 7Web of Science - 4 Co-authors: Hecht VFG; Potts BM; Vaillancourt RE; Weller JL | |
| 2011 | Jones RC, Vaillancourt RE, Gore PL, Potts BM, 'Genetic control of flowering time in Eucalyptus globulus ssp. globulus', Tree Genetics & Genomes, 7, (6) pp. 1209-1218. ISSN 1614-2942 (2011) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11295-011-0407-1 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 25Web of Science - 23 Co-authors: Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2008 | Rossetto M, Kooyman R, Sherwin W, Jones RC, 'Dispersal limitations, rather than bottlenecks or habitat specificity, can restrict the distribution of rare and endemic rainforest trees', American Journal of Botany, 95, (3) pp. 321-329. ISSN 0002-9122 (2008) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3732/ajb.95.3.321 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 64Web of Science - 60 | |
| 2006 | Jones TH, Steane DA, Jones RC, Pilbeam D, Vaillancourt RE, et al., 'Effects of domestication on genetic diversity in Eucalyptus globulus', Forest Ecology and Management, 234, (1-3) pp. 78-84. ISSN 0378-1127 (2006) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2006.06.021 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 34Web of Science - 32 Co-authors: Jones TH; Steane DA; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2006 | Steane DA, Conod N, Jones RC, Vaillancourt RE, Potts BM, 'A comparative analysis of population structure of a forest tree, Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtaceae), using microsatellite markers and quantitative traits', Tree Genetics & Genomes, 2, (1) pp. 30-38. ISSN 1614-2942 (2006) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11295-005-0028-7 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 93Web of Science - 89 Co-authors: Steane DA; Conod N; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2005 | Jones RC, McKinnon GE, Potts BM, Vaillancourt RE, 'Genetic diversity and mating system of an endangered tree Eucalyptus morrisbyi', Australian Journal of Botany, 53, (4) pp. 367-377. ISSN 0067-1924 (2005) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/BT04182 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 24Web of Science - 25 Co-authors: McKinnon GE; Potts BM; Vaillancourt RE | |
| 2005 | Steane DA, Jones RC, Vaillancourt RE, 'A set of chloroplast microsatellite primers for Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae)', Molecular Ecology Notes, 5, (3) pp. 538-541. ISSN 1471-8278 (2005) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-8286.2005.00981.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 24Web of Science - 23 Co-authors: Steane DA; Vaillancourt RE | |
| 2004 | Jones RC, Vaillancourt RE, Jordan GJ, 'Microsatellites for use in Nothofagus cunninghamii (Nothofagaceae) and related species', Molecular Ecology Notes, 4, (1) pp. 14-16. ISSN 1471-8278 (2004) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-8286.2003.00558.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 18Web of Science - 17 Co-authors: Vaillancourt RE; Jordan GJ | |
| 2004 | Rossetto M, Gross CL, Jones R, Hunter J, 'The impact of clonality on an endangered tree (Elaeocarpus williamsianus) in a fragmented rainforest', Biological Conservation, 117 pp. 33-39. ISSN 0006-3207 (2004) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/S0006-3207(03)00260-X [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 56Web of Science - 54 | |
| 2004 | Rossetto M, Jones RC, Hunter J, 'Genetic effects of rainforest fragmentation in an early successional tree (Elaeocarpus grandis)', Heredity, 93, (6) pp. 610-618. ISSN 0018-067X (2004) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1038/sj.hdy.6800585 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 44Web of Science - 42 | |
| 2002 | Jones RC, McNally J, Rossetto M, 'Isolation of microsatellite loci from a rainforest tree, Elaeocarpus grandis (Elaeocarpaceae), and amplification across closely related taxa', Molecular Ecology Notes, 2, (2) pp. 179-181. ISSN 1471-8278 (2002) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-8286.2002.00202.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 13Web of Science - 11 | |
| 2002 | Jones RC, Steane DA, Potts BM, Vaillancourt RE, 'Microsatellite and morphological analysis of Eucalyptus globulus populations', Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 32, (1) pp. 59-66. ISSN 0045-5067 (2002) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1139/x01-172 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 52Web of Science - 53 Co-authors: Steane DA; Potts BM; Vaillancourt RE |
Chapter in Book
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Brunner AM, Varkonyi-Gasic E, Jones RC, 'Phase Change and Phenology in Trees', Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics of Angiosperm Trees, Springer International Publishing, AT Groover, QCB Cronk (ed), Cham, Switzerland, pp. 227-274. ISBN 9783319493299 (2017) [Research Book Chapter] |
Conference Publication
(10 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Swarts N, Jones J, Schmidtke L, Dodds K, Jones R, et al., 'Australian Cider Research and Development Program', Cider Australia AusCider Conference, 5-6 June 2019, Hobart, Australia (2019) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Swarts N; Jones J; Kerslake F | |
| 2011 | Jones RC, McKinnon GE, Vaillancourt RE, Potts BM, 'The role of hybridisation in the evolution of eucalypts in south-eastern Australia', XVIII International Botanical Congress, 17-22 July 2011, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 318. (2011) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: McKinnon GE; Vaillancourt RE; Potts BM | |
| 2008 | Jones RC, Hecht VFG, Gore PL, Potts BM, Steane DA, et al., 'Expression of FLOWERING LOCUS T and LEAFY homologues are temporally associated with annual flower bud initiation in Eucalyptus globulus', IUFRO-CTIA Joint Conference: Adaptation Breeding and Conservation in the Era of Forest Tree Genomics and Environmental Change, 25-28 August 2008, Quebec, Canada, pp. 82. (2008) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Hecht VFG; Gore PL; Potts BM; Steane DA; Vaillancourt RE; Weller JL | |
| 2008 | Jones RC, Steane DA, Potts BM, Vaillancourt RE, 'Managing complex gene pools: The case of Eucalyptus globulus in southeastern Australia', Proceedings of Old Forests, New Management, 17-21 February 2008, Hobart, Australia, pp. 64. (2008) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Steane DA; Potts BM; Vaillancourt RE | |
| 2008 | Jones RC, Steane DA, Potts BM, Vaillancourt RE, 'Molecular evolution in complex forest tree gene pools: The case of Eucalyptus globulus in southeastern Australia', IUFRO-CTIA Joint Conference: Adaptation Breeding and Conservation in the Era of Forest Tree Genomics and Environmental Change, 25-28 August, 2008, Quebec, Canada, pp. 106. (2008) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Steane DA; Potts BM; Vaillancourt RE | |
| 2006 | Jones RC, Steane DA, Potts BM, Vaillancourt RE, 'Studying speciation in eucalypts through molecular analysis of intergrade populations of the Eucalyptus globulus species complex', 8th International Congress of Plant Molecular Biology, 20-25th August, Adelaide, Australia, pp. 186. (2006) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Steane DA; Potts BM; Vaillancourt RE | |
| 2005 | Barbour RC, Otahal Y, Jones RC, Potts BM, Vaillancourt RE, et al., 'Assessing and managing the risk of gene flow from plantations into native eucalypts in Australia', Advances in Plant Conservation Biology, 25 - 27th October, 2005, Perth, Western Australia, pp. 21. (2005) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Barbour RC; Otahal Y; Potts BM; Vaillancourt RE | |
| 2005 | Jones RC, McKinnon GE, Wiltshire RJE, Potts BM, Vaillancourt RE, 'Conservation genetics of an endangered endemic, Eucalyptus morrisbyi', Advances in Plant Conservation Biology, 25 - 27th October, Perth, Western Australia, pp. 29. (2005) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: McKinnon GE; Wiltshire RJE; Potts BM; Vaillancourt RE | |
| 2002 | Rossetto M, Jones RC, 'Consequences of rainforest fragmentation: a comparative genetic study on rare and common Elaeocarpus species', Dynamics and Conservation of Genetic Diversity in Forest Ecosystems, 2002, Strasbourg, European Parliament, France, pp. 32. (2002) [Conference Extract] | |
| 2001 | Jones RC, Steane DA, Potts BM, Vaillancourt RE, 'Molecular affinities of the Jeeralang population of Eucalyptus globulus', Developing the eucalypt of the future, 10-15th September 2001, Valdivia, Chile (2001) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Steane DA; Potts BM; Vaillancourt RE |
Contract Report, Consultant's Report
(2 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Jones R, 'To visit centres of Eucalyptus research to learn techniques for the analysis of the Eucalyptus genome sequence', The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia (2010) [Contract Report] | |
| 2008 | Kerr RJ, Dutkowski GW, McRae TA, Pilbeam DJ, Powell MB, et al., 'Genetic gain optimisation in tree breeding (MATEPLAN) and deployment (SEEDPLAN)', Forest and Wood Products Australia, PN07.4025 (2008) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Potts BM |
Thesis
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Jones RC, 'Molecular evolution and genetic control of flowering in the Eucalyptus globulus species complex' (2009) [PhD] |
Grants & Funding
Funding Summary
Number of grants
11
Total funding
Projects
- Description
- We will be travelling to a common garden site (Currency Creek Arboretum, SA) to sample 106 eucalypt species for physiological trait measurements, to investigate adaptive strategies for frost and drought stress across the phylogeny.
- Funding
- Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment ($6,080)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Blackman CJ; Jones RC; Halliwell B; Brodribb TJ; Hartill GE
- Year
- 2023
- Description
- We will use the white-gum complex (Eucalyptus viminalis, E. rubida, E. dalrympleana) to better understand the genetic potential of eucalypt populations to adapt to environmental change. Integrating glasshouse and field studies with genomics, quantitative genetics, physiology and environmental modelling, we aim to understand the extent to which:i.populations have historically adapted to local environments, ii.natural selection is currently modifying native and planted forests, andiii.genetic introgression has enabled occupancy of marginal environments.
- Funding
- Eucalypt Australia(The Trustee for Bjarne Klaus Dahl Trust) ($446,000)
- Scheme
- Multi-year research project grants
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Jones RC; Brodribb TJ; Potts BM; Vaillancourt RE; Steane DA
- Period
- 2020 - 2022
- Description
- Eucalyptus morrisbyi (Morrisby's gum) is a small tree endemic to Tasmania's southeast. It is one of Australia's most endangered eucalypts and one of the Australian Government's 30 priority threatened plant species under the Australian Threatened Species Recovery Strategy. It is one of only two eucalypts on this priority list. This species is facing extreme risk of extinction in the short-term without further emergency interventions. Key activities proposed for this project are:(UTAS involvement marked with an asterisk) 1.Monitoring of existing fenced areas for browser incursion (and relocation of possums) at the Calverts Hill stand will address the threat of vertebrate browsing 2.Establishment of a new fire break, a firefighting access track, management of existing fire breaks and fuel loads will address the threat of wild fire at Calverts Hill Nature Reserve 3.*Assisted migration (and seed collection to enable this migration) will address the threats that climate change poses by establishing four new populations in the species future climate range4.*Conservation plantings within the current climate range of the species will increase gene flow between remnants in Cremorne area and Calverts Hill to address the impact of fragmentation on this subpopulation.5.Monitoring of insect attack thresholds and associated insect control measures will address the threat of insect attack 6.Development of a weed management plan and associated control of serrated tussock will address the weed threat at Calverts Hill Nature Reserve 7.*To ensure coordinated recovery action across partners a recovery team will be established and will present the Conservation Action Plan for endorsement as the new Recovery Plan for the species.The UTAS component addresses points 3 and 4 above. We will determine the genetic diversity of the natural recruits at Calverts and generate spatial information on hotspots of diversity within the reserve. Additionally we will help Greening Australia establish experimental ex situ plantings of E. morrisbyi at four sites modelled by UTAS to be climatically suitable into the future. We will monitor the relative success of provenances of the species, as well as the overall success of the species in these new landscapes.
- Funding
- Department of Environment and Energy (Cwth) ($544,900)
- Scheme
- Grant-NLP2 Regional Land Partnerships
- Administered By
- Enviro-Dynamics Pty Ltd
- Research Team
- Wright M; Jones RC; Harrison P; Wiltshire RJE
- Period
- 2020 - 2023
- Description
- This project will determine the genetic origin of the Delphis Drive stand of Eucalyptus morrisbyi, one of Australia's most threatened eucalypts. It ls unclear whether this stand is a natural roadside remnant or conservation planting, or a mixture of both. Genetic analysis will be conducted to determine the relationship of this population to other natural stands of E. morrisbyi, information which can form part of the evidence determining whether the trees are planted or native and if they are of high conservation value.
- Funding
- Department of State Growth (Tas) ($3,500)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Jones RC
- Year
- 2018
- Description
- Support for the conference 'Eucalypt genetics - Fundamental and applied research in a post-genome era', Hobart, Tas, 18-21 February 2019
- Funding
- Bjarne K Dahl Trust ($15,000)
- Scheme
- Consultancy
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Jones RC; Potts BM; Vaillancourt RE; Steane DA
- Year
- 2018
- Description
- Emergency intervention will be undertaken to secure Eucalyptus morrisbyi in the wild. This species is on the brink of extinction with only a small number of non-reproductive individuals remaining and poor representation in seed banks. Emergency intervention will be realised through an NRM South facilitated collaboration between community groups and the Parks and Wildlife Service, with support from key experts. Safe havens will be created, protecting plants from browsing and wildfire. Habitat will be improved by infill planting and controlling invasive grasses to reduce competition. Activities will be informed by the results of recent field trials investigating successful methodologies for protecting juvenile plants and revegetation. The genetic diversity of the existing seed banked material will be supplemented by investigating the provenance and genetic diversity of community plantings.
- Funding
- Department of Environment and Energy (Cwth) ($82,000)
- Scheme
- Biodiversity Fund
- Administered By
- Southern Regional Natural Resource Management Association Inc
- Research Team
- Wright M; Jones RC; Potts BM
- Year
- 2018
- Description
- Support for the conference 'Eucalypt genetics - Fundamental and applied research in a post-genome era', Hobart, Tas, 18-21 February 2019 (2018)
- Funding
- Ian Potter Foundation ($7,500)
- Scheme
- Grant-Conference
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Jones RC; Potts BM
- Year
- 2018
- Funding
- Australian Research Council ($3,647,239)
- Collaborators
- Forest & Wood Products Australia Limited ($250,000); Forestry Tasmania ($400,000); Forico Pty Ltd ($250,000); Greening Australia (TAS) Ltd ($250,000); JM Roberts Charitable Trust ($17,000); Sustainable Forest Management Pty Ltd ($46,875)
- Scheme
- Grant-Industrial Transformation Training Centres
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- O'Reilly-Wapstra JM; Hunt MA; Reid JB; Potts BM; Vaillancourt RE; Nolan G; Turner P; Jones RC
- Period
- 2015 - 2021
- Grant Reference
- IC150100004
- Funding
- Bjarne K Dahl Trust ($12,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Small
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Jones RC; Potts BM
- Year
- 2012
- Funding
- University of Tasmania ($5,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Research Enhancement (REGS)
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Jones RC
- Year
- 2011
- Funding
- The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust ($25,271)
- Scheme
- Churchill Fellowship
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Jones RC
- Year
- 2010
Research Supervision
Rebecca enjoys supervising student research projects and has supervised PhD, Masters and Honours students and various undergraduate research projects. In addition to the PhD/Masters projects listed below, she has supervised the following Honours projects:
- Jorden Stevenson (2016) ‘Resolving species tree and gene tree incongruences involving Nothofagus cunninghamii and N. moorei’
- Sam Adlard (2013) 'Conservation genetics of the Tasmanian endemic Eucalyptus barberi' (Honours Thesis)
- Peter Harrison (2012) 'The population genetics of Eucalyptus cordata' (Honours Thesis)
- Alex Matthews (2010) 'Evolutionary processes in the Tasmanian alpine white gum complex' (Honours Thesis)
Rebecca has opportunities for students interested in the conservation and evolutionary genetics of forest trees (particularly the Tasmanian eucalypts) and forest tree genomics including the genetic control of flowering and phase change. Students will gain skills in genetic and genomic analysis that are easily transportable to other systems and species and there are opportunities for field work and collaboration with government agencies and private companies. The School of Biological Sciences offers generous scholarships to top students.
Current
4
Completed
2
Current
| Degree | Title | Commenced |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | The Role of Hybridisation in Eucalypt Evolution | 2019 |
| PhD | Comparative Phylogenomics of Drought Resilience Traits in Eucalyptus | 2022 |
| PhD | Novel Traits in Future Forests | 2022 |
| PhD | Stress Phenotyping in Trees | 2023 |
Completed
| Degree | Title | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | Integrating Climate Change into Conservation and Restoration Strategies: The case of the Tasmanian eucalypts Candidate: Peter Alexander Harrison | 2017 |
| Masters | Evidence for Natural Selection acting on Genes Affecting Lignin and Cellulose Biosynthesis in Eucalyptus globulus Candidate: Sara Hadjigol | 2012 |