The mid-west of Western Australia is a hotspot for plant species biodiversity, with many rare or short range endemic species. It is also heavily impacted by mining activities, which combined make conservation a priority. This thesis aims to assess the potential of high-throughput sequencing of chloroplast genomes to underpin the conservation genetics of the highly diverse and speciose genus Acacia (Fabaceae). This thesis focuses firstly on establishing a fully sequenced chloroplast genome for the Acacia genus, which also represents the first fully sequenced chloroplast genome of the Mimosoideae subfamily. The genome was compared to previously sequenced Fabaceae chloroplast genomes, all of which occur in the Papilionoideae subfamily and display significant rearrangements relative to Acacia. The key finding of these comparisons was the highly divergent nature of the A. ligulata clpP1 gene, which is extremely unusual in such a highly conserved gene. Using the A. ligulata genome as a reference, chloroplast genomes from an additional 64 Acacia species were sequenced and assembled. These genomes were used in a phylogenetic analysis of the genus, and the integration of these genome sequences with previously sequenced small amplicon sequences from throughout the Acacia genus was investigated. The results of this study suggested that the integration of these vastly different sized sequence types has the ability to significantly improve poorly supported phylogenies, particularly when utilising a whole chloroplast genome phylogeny as a constraint upon the shorter sequences. Further investigation of the Acacia clpP1 gene was performed using the full complement of Acacia chloroplast genome sequences. This study found that divergence in the gene was present throughout the genus with four clades in particular exhibiting extreme divergence, indicated by mutations in the ClpP1 catalytic site. Additionally, two clpP1 pseudogenes (one plastid and one nuclear) were identified in two different Acacia clades. Sequencing of the A. ligulata transcriptome ruled out the possibility of a functional nuclear clpP1 gene in this species, suggesting that despite its unusual sequence, the divergent plastid clpP1 gene is likely to be functional. Finally, this thesis tested whether the whole chloroplast genome was better able to distinguish between species than traditional DNA barcoding loci. The results of this study indicated that the whole chloroplast genome provided a better means of sequence based identification than the matK and rbcL barcodes, with 19 out of 26 currently recognised taxa distinguished using the chloroplast genome sequences compared to 14 and 8 taxa distinguished using matK and rbcL, respectively. This thesis has significantly increased our knowledge of Acacia chloroplast genome structure and content, provides a reference for further chloroplast genetics research in the Acacia genus, solidifies the backbone of the Acacia phylogeny, and takes a first step towards whole chloroplast genome DNA barcoding in Acacia, all of which informs our conservation of Acacia species.

Botanical descriptions of Acacia spp. in Queensland, with keys for identification. Included is an index of collections of Acacia in the Queensland Herbarium arranged according to collector. .

Developments in Plant Genetics and Breeding, 1A: Isozymes in Plant Genetics and Breeding, Part A focuses on the advancements in the processes, methodologies, and approaches involved in the study of isozymes, including its role in plant genetics and breeding. The selection first elaborates on the historical perspectives of plant isozymes, plant genetics, and isozyme systems to study gene regulation during development. Discussions focus on the use of isozyme and similar comparisons to study differential gene regulation, gene preservation, dissemination of cultivars, propagation of cultivars and breeding lines, and studies on the effect of viral infection and hormones on isozyme expression. The text then examines allozymes in gene dosage studies, gene mapping, and plastid isozymes. The manuscript takes a look at the genetics of mitochondrial isozymes, evolution of plant isozymes, and detection of somatic variation. Topics include evolution of isozymes in plants, generation of isozymes, glutamate dehydrogenase, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, and malate dehydrogenase. The text also ponders on enzyme activity staining, isozymic variation and plant breeders' rights, genetic purity of commercial seed lots, and use of isozymes in plant disease research. The selection is a valuable reference for researchers interested in the role of isozymes in plant genetics and breeding.

Southwestern Australia is unique as it contains the world’s most nutrient-impoverished soils, experiences a prolonged-summer period and the vegetation is extremely fire-prone. It is also world-renowned for its relative high level of flora biodiversity. This book focuses on the diverse range of morphological and physiological adaptations evolved by the flora to survive in the harsh Mediterranean-type climate.

The publication was prepared based on information provided by 86 countries, outcomes from regional and subregional consultations and commissioned thematic studies. It includes: •an overview of definitions and concepts related to Forest Genetic Resources (FGR) and a review of their value; •a description of the main drivers of changes; •the presentation of key emerging technologies; •an analysis of the current status of FGR conservation, use and related developments; •recommendations addressing the challenges and needs. By the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

In its early days, agroforestry may have been viewed as the domain of the 'landcare enthusiast'. Today, integrating trees and shrubs into productive farming systems is seen as a core principle of sustainable agriculture. Agroforestry for Natural Resource Management provides the foundation for an understanding of agroforestry practice in both high and low rainfall zones across Australia. Three major areas are discussed: environmental functions of trees in the landscape (ecosystem mimicry, hydrology, protection of crops, animals and soil, biodiversity, aesthetics); productive functions of trees (timber, firewood, pulp, fodder, integrated multi-products); and the implementation of agroforestry (design, evaluation, establishment, adoption, policy support). The book also includes a DVD that features videos on forest measurement and harvesting, a Farm Forestry Toolbox and many regionally specific agroforestry resources. Written by leading researchers and practitioners from around Australia, Agroforestry for Natural Resource Management will be an essential resource for students in agroforestry courses, as well as a valuable introduction to the field for professionals in related areas.

The main objective of these guidelines is to demonstrate the degree of difficulty involved in translocations and to minimise inappropriate occurrence; highlight the expensiveness of the process; to help in correct decision-making; provide guidance for successful outcomes; to encourage better communication with interested parties.