Research Supervisors:
Dr Morley Muralitharan (Charles Sturt University), Dr Steve Chandler (Florigene and Farrer Centre), Sandra Heterington (ANM Forest Management and Farrer Centre), Dr Chin-Yi (Florigene) and Dr Terry Price (La Trobe University)

Research Staff :
Robin Mitra (Charles Sturt University)

Funding:
ARC APA(I) with ANM Forest Management as the industry partner

Duration:
1997-2000

Project Summary :
The first phase of this project was to optimise the DNA isolation procedures in Pinus radiata. This was carried out by screening 20 DNA isolation methods (10 SDS and 10 CTAB) and the student has optimised his own method to obtain pure and high yield DNA in Pinus radiata. A manuscript based on these results has been submitted. The next phase of this project is to apply molecular markers to distinguish genetic diversity in various Pinus radiata clones and families. RAPD method has been applied to determine genetic diversity in irrigated, non-irrigated, Dothistroma resistant, Dothistroma non-resistant, Aphid resistant and Aphid non-resistant clones. It has shown that the irrigated (effluent treatment from the Mill) trees outperform non-irrigated trees in the field. Dothistroma destroys 60% of the photosynthetic production, therefore, the wood quality for paper production is affected. Primers from Breastec and Operon (120 primers were screened) produced polymorphic bands. One known parent, two known parents and no known parent clones were used for the genetic diversity and heritability studies using the RAPD method. Results indicate that some polymorphisms and genetic diversity exist within these clones. Scoring and AMOVA have been currently carried out in these clones. Both Dothistroma resistant and Dothistroma sensitive clones showed genetic diversity while Aphid resistant and non-resistant clones also showed genetic variability. Molecular marker for economic traits such as for fibre length, straightness, brightness and fibre diameter is being currently employed. These traits determine the premium of the paper. Samples from Tasmania, NSW, Victoria and South Australia are currently being screened using RAPD analysis.

seedlings can overcome these effects. Projects on the effects of later age silviculture on growth and wood properties of radiata pine continued. There appears to be some negative effects of fertiliser application on wood density but the economic ramifications of this finding have not been quantified as yet. Growth response to nitrrogen application has been greater than that to phosphorus application. It is hoped that the P response will become apparent this year. A sawmill study is planned to gain more knowledge about silvicultural influences on sawing and the final end product.

Initial studies indicated that some endogenous factor was responsible for the seasonality of root initiation in Pinus radiata cuttings. Carbohydrate metabolism and water relations within cuttings have also been studied and have been found to be important in determining rooting success. The effect of manipulating these factors on rooting success is now being examined.
Laboratory modelling of the composting of wood fibre waste has shown wet and dry weight losses of 30% and 10% respectively. This reduction of weight and volume will significantly reduce the cost of water transportation from the mill. Uses of composted waste such as a mulch for plantation trees, an organic amendment in mine rehabilitation, a horticultural potting mix medium and a substrate for turf production are now being investigated.

Work has been completed on the genetic control of survival and it's importance in selection traits. Index selections combining volume per tree and survival resulted in 10 to 90% greater gains in volume per hectare than selections based on an index including only volume per tree alone. The effects of flowering precocity are currently being examined to determine the impact of flowering precocity of seed orchard maintained breeding programs. In the future, the importance of wood brightness for the mechanical pulping process will be examined.