Gardening in Qld, Australia - news, resources & ideas about plants & gardens, with a focus on Queensland

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A collection of news, information and resources of interest to gardeners, especially residents of Queensland, Australia.

News for Gardeners

News about plants and gardens in Queensland, plus other interesting items from around the world.

Myrtle rust reaches FNQ
Myrtle rust has been identified in a number of locations in Far North Queensland including national parks: Myrtle rust spreads to Wet Tropics (May 2012)

627 years and counting for olive tree
Scientific analysis of "millennium-old" olive trees in northeast Spain has shown the oldest to be 627 years old, one of the oldest recorded in Europe. Small cylindrical samples that allowed counting of the tree rings were taken from the trunks. Previously cut sections of trunk were also examined. The Regional Government of Catalonia now calls these famous olives "monumental trees" instead of "millennium-old". Source: The millennium-old olive trees of the Iberian Peninsula are younger than expected (May 2012)

Congratulations Caloundra
Caloundra on Queensland's Sunshine Coast has been announced the Overall Winner of the 2012 Tidy Town awards. It also took out categories in community action and litter prevention. Organised by Keep Australia Beautiful, the awards recognise efforts made in improving the local environment and general sustainability of regional and rural communities. (May 2012)

Biodiversity a productivity bonus
A 14-year study conducted in Minnesota (USA) has shown that the implications for biodiversity loss are more serious than previously indicated by shorter-term studies. In the longest-running experiment of its kind, soil fertility and biomass production increased as the plant diversity increased, up to the maximum of 16 species used in the study. The variety of ways that different species exploit available resources appears to be be the basis of this ecosytem effect, an effect that could be taken advantage of in agricultural systems as well as natural systems. Prior studies, typically running only 2 years or so, found that including more than six or eight species did not increase productivity, demonstrating the importance of studying ecosystems over the long-term. Source: Plant Diversity Is Key to Maintaining Productive Vegetation (May 2012)

Scenic Rim compost bin offer
In support of International Composting Awareness Week (7-12 May), Scenic Rim Regional Council is offering a 50% rebate on certain compost bins. Offer commences 14th May 2012 and continues until funding runs out To be eligible, residents must apply to Council for a voucher prior to purchase. More information at the website (www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/waste-management) or phone (07) 5540 5433.

Another type of insect-dependency by carnivorous plant
A symbiotic relationship between a carnivorous plant an insect has been discovered on Borneo. Ants living with Nepenthes bicalcarata appear to help the plant by assisting with the capturing and digestion of prey, with nurients being passed on to the plants in the ants' wastes. The pitchers alone are inefficient and without ants the plants become nutrient stressed. In turn, the plant provides a specialised structure (domatia) for the ants to live in, and nectar for them to eat in addition to the insect prey they help catch. Original paper here: A Carnivorous Plant Fed by Its Ant Symbiont: A Unique Multi-Faceted Nutritional Mutualism (May 2012)

Soil micobe erosion
The damage caused by wind erosion extends beyond the loss of soil particles, but the microorganisms that play such an important part in soil building and nutrient recycling. DNA sequencing employed in a recent American study (Agricultural bacteria: Blowing in the wind) shows that different groups responsible for various soil processes tends to be associated with different fractions (e.g. course particles versus fine dust).. these may be lost or retained depending on the nature of the erosion. The DNA technique, besides helping identify what may be lost during a particular erosion event, could also provide early confirmation of soil improvement from better management. (May 2012)

Trevallan's Best Ipswich Garden Competition
The finalists have now been chosen. View the gardens and find out how to cast your vote at Trevallan Lifestyle Centre's blog www.trevallan.blogspot.com (May 2012)

Prisoners' skills contribute to Carnival
Old trailers are being transformed into "mini floats" for the Grand Central Floral Parade at Toowoomba's Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers in September by prisoners from the Darling Downs Correctional Centre. This is an opportunity for the prisoners to apply the skills learned through their trade courses to help the community. Refurbishment of the donated trailers included mechanical and structural repairs, plus the underlying construction for the displays. Final decoration will be done by the community groups using the floats, and can be changed each year. The Centre is calling for donations of more trailers for new courses. More at the Toowoomba Regional Council website: Prisoners' hard work to be showcased during 2012 Carnival (April 2012)

Bowerbirds are gardeners, too
Research carried out in Taunton National Park in Queensland has revealed a high number of Solanum ellipticum around bowerbird bowers. Seeds in the fruits used to decorate them appear to be germinating nearby after the fruits are discarded, assisted by the birds' prior clearing of grass and weeeds from the area. The scientists believe this is first known example of a species, other than humans, cultivating non-food plants. The birds also seem to be selecting for plants with more ornamental properties, with plants near bowers bearing fruit of a preferred greener colour. Source: Birds cultivate decorative plants to attract mates (April 2012)

UK garden market not recession-proof
Analysis released by the UK's Horticultural Trades Association in April 2012 has shown economic conditions are affecting consumers' garden spending. Most impacted were sales of items like garden furniture or tools, which could be delayed or the best deal found online. In contrast, plant sales only fell slightly. The HTA stresses the importance of sustaining the interest of younger consumers through this time, as they will be the industry's customer base in future. read more at the HTA website: Opportunities for garden retail growth in spite of the pinch (April 2012)

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Tamborine Mountain plant thefts
Plants are being stolen from traffic islands in the Tamborine Mountain area. Scenic Rim Regional Council is asking the public to be on the lookout for suspicious activity. Residents seeing plants being stolen should call the police. Anyone with other information about the thefts should call the council on 5540 5111. Source: Plant Thefts Impact Mountain Landscape (April 2012)

Into Horticulture Issue 7 online now
This online newsletter is aimed at the expert amateur gardener plus professionals in the nursery and garden industry, especially in Queensland. View the latest online edition here: Into Horticulture - Issue 7. To find out how to subscribe to the email edition (it's free!) or view the archives, go to Newsletters.

The biggest plant catalog of them all
Four of the world's great botanical gardens are to collaborate on a World Flora, involving a compilation of information on some 400,000 species into an online catalog. It will be built on The Plant List http://www.theplantlist.org, a database of accepted names and synonyms of all known plant species. The World Flora will include descriptions, images and distribution information and has a projected completion date of 2020. Source: Four prominent botanical institutions announce plans to create first online World Flora (April 2012)

Farm revegetation a boon for birds
In a major study conducted across southern NSW, researchers observed encouraging increases in rare and endangered bird numbers on farms with flourishing native plantings and regrowth. Heavily grazed old-growth areas are less attractive to birds, probably due to the lack of an understory. The findings suggest a diverse range of habitats are desirable to support a diversity of bird species, and that regrowth does have conservation value in this respect. Source: Yes, Australia can save its native woodland birds (April 2012)

Plant responses to touch investigated
Researchers at Rice University, Texas, have demonstrated that touching plants can stimulate the plant hormone jasmonate, which stimulates chemical defences against insects and fungi. The tendancy for plants to grow shorter and slower when touched has also been linked to this plant hormone. In nature, wind or insects and other animals could induce these responses. Source: A bit touchy: Plants' insect defenses activated by touch (April 2012)

Alluring arums challenge evolutionary assumptions
A University of Zurich study of the arum family has revealed scent molecules very similar to chemicals used by pollinating scarab beetles for their own communication. It's believed that the beetles' ancestors used these chemicals before the arums appeared, suggesting the plants evolved the scents to attract the pollinators. This is contrary to the prior assumption that plants and pollinators mutually adapt. Indeed, coevolution between plants and pollinating insects might not be as common as previously thought. Source: Plants mimic scent of pollinating beetles (April 2012)

Conifer an alternative to whale-scented fragrances
In spite of it's inelegant origins, ambergis is highly valued as a fixative in perfumes. However, the fragrance industry may soon have access to a plant-based alternative, thanks to the efforts of Canadian researchers. They've found a gene in the balsam fir tree (Abies balsamea), which could be used to produce a comparable substance more cheaply more reliably. Source: How to make high-end perfumes without whale barf (April 2012)

Plant chatter
Research at the The University of Western Australia could be early evidence that plants can respond to sound, and may even use it to communicate with each other. Young roots of corn were found to emit a clicking sound in the 220Hz region. Furthermore, roots suspended in water were shown to lean toward a continuous sound source of similar frequency. It is possible that sound and vibration play a previously unrecognised role in plant function. Source: Talking plants (April 2012)

Biochemical memory helps plants respond to future drought
Scientists have found that "training" plants to tolerate periods of water stress can help them cope better next time. While this may have been common knowledge to horticulturalists, the study provides insights into a biological mechanism. Via changes in chromatin, the plants appear to "remember" prior stress and respond to subsequent dehydration by increasing transcription of certain genes. The findings may be used in the engineering of drought-tolerant crops in the future, but can be applied to current plant management techniques. For example, by "hardening" off seedlings prior to translanting by deliberate withholding of water. Source: UNL Scientists Find Plants 'Remember' Drought, Change Responses to Survive (March 2012)

The secret of van Gogh's sunflowers
The sunflowers painted by Van Gough have a proliferation of yellow petals and a reduced central disc compared to common sunflowers which typically have a only single whorl of yellow "ray florets". A mutant gene creating a double-flowered infloresecence has been identified. A double varieties screened have the same mutation, suggesting this is the indeed the one responsible for the blooms van Gogh painted. Similar varieties are popular today as ornamentals and cut flowers. UGA scientists reveal genetic mutation depicted in van Gogh's sunflower paintings (March 2012)

A new dawn for Elms
Buds from mature American Elms have been cloned for the first time by Canadian scientists. They have also developed a method of long-term storage of this genetic material. With these technologies, indvidual survivors of Dutch Elm Disease could be used as the basis of reistance breeding and reintroduction programs. Source: U of G Scientists Clone 'Survivor' American Elm Trees (March 2012)

New Brunfelsia species a history maker
The requirement by the scientific community that new plant species be formally described in Latin has recently been dropped, with English descriptions now acceptable. This has paved the way for inclusion of DNA analysis to help distinguish the new species from close relatives. Brunfelsia plowmaniana, is the "first English-language diagnosis of a new species that relies exclusively on DNA data". DNA barcodes are likely to become more common in describing and identifying plants. Source: Plant DNA speaks English, identifies new species (March 2012)

Poorly made biochar not beneficial
Biochar is becoming so popular worldwide that many people are now trying to make their own at home. A study at Rice University, USA, has found that the expected beneficial effects depends on how the charcoal is produced. The study found that unless heated to at least 450C it could repel water and be less stable as a long-term carbon store, whether made from tree leaves, corn stalks or wood chips. Source: Cooking better biochar: Study improves recipe for soil additive (March 2012)

Blood oranges a breeding challenge
The specific cold period required to induce the blood oranges of Sicily to develop their red colour means they can't be reliably produced in many other citrus-growing regions. Scientists have identified the gene involved and analysed similar varieties from around the world, but it appears that developing new cold-independent blood oranges will be difficult through conventional breeding. They are now looking at genetic engineering. The anthocyanin pigmentation of blood oranges is desirable not only for its aesthetic qualities, but for the beneficial effects on human health. Source: New research could make it easier to grow health-promoting blood oranges (March 2012)

Fire ants in Logan Village
Two colonies have been discovered on a development site near the town centre. Media release: Logan Village residents to look out for fire ants (March 2012)

Palm Valley not a Gondwana relic
New analysis of central Australia's Palm Valley palms suggests that they aren't the remains of a prehistoric rainforest, but that seeds were brought from the north Aboriginal people as recently as 15,000 years ago. More at the University of Tasmania website: Humans may explain the enigma of outback palms (March 2012)

Pests invade from dumped waste
A new infestation of yellow crazy ants has been found near a World Heritage listed rainforest in north Qld. Biosecurity Queensland believe that illegally dumped green waste was the cause: New infestation of yellow crazy ants at Mt Peter (March 2012)

UK gardeners urged to grow for gold
Olympic orgainisers are encouraging residents of the world's greatest gardening nation to get behind the Games and plant themed displays or wildflower meadows like the ones that will grace the Olympic Stadium. Find out more at their website: Garden for the Games (March 2012)

Plants alive after being frozen 30,000 years
Using tissue culture, whole plants have been regenerated from fruit buried by an Arctic squirrel in Siberian permafrost 30,000 years ago. It's believed that the squirrels' burrows aided preservation of the Silene stenophylla material, freezing it quickly and preventing thawing prior to discovery. These deposits may be a source of ancient germplasm of other plants for future research. Abstract of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences paper here: Regeneration of whole fertile plants from 30,000-y-old fruit tissue buried in Siberian permafrost. See also Ancient fertile plants brought back to life from Siberian permafrost. (February 2012)

Weed saves bluetongues
Bluetongue lizards that feed on cane toads can be killed by their toxin, but it has been found that some populations are resistant. It appears that the invasive weed mother-of-millions, which they also eat, has an almost identical toxin. This drove natural selection for toxin-tolerance in areas where the weed grows. Source: Invasive plant protects Australian lizards from invasive toad: Study (February 2012)

Horticultural history revealed in ancient Persian garden
The remains of a lavish garden have been uncovered on the site of Ramat Rahel, an ancient palace near Jerusalem. Its advanced irrigation system meant a wide variety of plants could be cultivated with collected rainwater alone. It has also allowed researchers to discover which species were grown. Pollen isolated from the site's soil is not preserved well enough, but grains trapped in the wet plaster used to repair the irrigation channels and pools during their working life can be identified. In addition to common local plants, many exotic species were found in the 400-500 year old plaster. They were probably imported by the Persian rulers from throughout the empire as a display of wealth and power. Eventually, the garden will be recreated for modern-day visitors. Read more at the American Friends of Tel Aviv University website: Fossilized Pollen Unlocks Secrets of Ancient Royal Garden (February 2012)

2011 a good year for UK garden industry
Sales figures in the UK indicate that interest in "grow your own" (GYO) remained strong in 2011. While tomatoes continue to be the most popular crop, increases in other lines suggest existing gardeners are further developing their interest. Results for the garden and nursery industry overall were up in 2011 and garden retailers there are "cautiously optimistic" in spite of the general economic outlook. Source: Positive year end for the garden market and good prospects for grow your own (February 2012)

PlantBank to preserve Australian biodiversity
Australia is to have its own major seed repository, with ground broken on PlantBank at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan (NSW). In addition to storage of seed or live material - the ultimate goal is to bank every Australian species - research and public education will also take place at the facility. One of Australia's most important banks will store life itself (January 2012)

Some older news items of continuing interest have been moved to an appropriate subject page at www.calyx.com.au. Check the Guide to Pages.

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