This thesis presents the results of a series of trials using controlled incubation conditions to improve germination percentages and germination synchrony in Eucalyptus horistes, E. loxophleba ssp lissophloia and E. polybractea. Information on the phenological development of these little known mallee species is also provided. Germination percentages ranged from 33 to 99% after 10 days in E. horistes, with 40% of seedlots showing less than 80% germination. Similarly, germination percentages ranged from 47 to 100% after 10 days in E. loxophleba ssp lissophloia with 20% of seedlots showing less than 80% germination. In the slower germinating E. polybractea, germination percentages ranged from 54 to 87% after 18 days, with 90% of seedlots showing less than 80% germination. Dry heat stimulus followed by cold moist stratification enhanced germination in poorly germinating cohorts of Eucalyptus horistes, narrowing the period to reach 90% germination by more than seven days. Similar increases were achieved with dry heat stimulus followed by endogenous application of 25mg/L GA3. The characteristics influencing germination in Eucalyptus horistes, under constant (20 C) temperature conditions included genetic variation (family), seed size and duration of canopy storage (seed age). Timing of seed collection also influenced germination in poorly performing cohorts. Germination was also enhanced following the sequential cues of heat stimulus followed by cold moist stratification in Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp lissophloia. The requirement for specific environmental cues was successfully overcome with 20g/L KNO3, narrowing the period to reach 90% germination by 5 days. The characteristics influencing germination in Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp lissophloia included seed age, size and light conditions (8 hour light/16 hour dark versus 24 hour dark) under constant (20 C) temperature incubation conditions. Alternating temperature regimes (20 C day/10 C night) adversely impacted on germinability in this species. Dry heat stimulus followed by cold moist stratification also increased germination in Eucalyptus polybractea. However, endogenous exposure to 20g/L KNO3 increased germination to a larger extent, narrowing the period to reach 90% germination by 10 days. Seed size, age and collection season influenced germination in E. polybractea under constant (20C) temperatures regimes. Germination was also adversely affected by alternating temperature (20 C day/10 C night) regimes. Although seed viability remained high, germinability was severely reduced after six months of both cold and ambient storage. The factors affecting germination in these commercially important mallees require management to improve the economics and efficiency of nursery propagation. Based on the findings of this research, recommendations are made for altering seed processing techniques. Seed pre-treatments to improve germination in poorly performing cohorts are also described.

Eucalyptus, a genus of over 800 species, is a multiproduct crop par excellence. Not only is it grown for timber, pulp and fuelwood, but, as the Aborigines discovered thousands of years ago, it has numerous medicinal and aromatic properties. Since the first commercial distillation of eucalyptus oil 150 years ago, a vast array of eucalyptus-based pro

Eucalypts are being brought into cultivation as wood-producing crops throughout the warmer parts of the world. This practical book shows how to breed improved varieties, and how to select appropriate sites, with an emphasis on making the best use of the genetic resources of eucalypts. It shows how well-planned and recurrent selection and mating can ensure long-term genetic gain after suitable base populations have been assembled, affecting both the quality and quantity of the wood produced.

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.

Mycorrhizas are highly evoloved mutualistic associations between the soil fungi and plant roots. The partners in the association are members of the fungus kingdom and most vascular plants. This manual explains procedures used by scientists who work with mycorrhizal fungi and roots in the laboratory, nursery, or natural and managed ecosystems. Many of the techniques use readily obtainable and relatively inexpensive equipment and chemicals.

This book aims to assist in the management of soil salinity by describing a range of species tolerant of saline soils. 60 species are listed with descriptions containing botanical features, growth characteristics, preferred soils, climates and more. The introductory sections of this book provide general information on issues such as how trees deal with saline soil, their susceptibility to insect pests, where to plant trees and how best to establish them. The main section provides detailed descriptions of 30 species for use on salt-affected land.