Why do only some exotics become invasive? Combining ecological and genomic approaches to address alternative hypotheses in a recent Australian weed [ 2006-05-01 - 2009-12-31 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Anthony Clarke (Chief Investigator) ,  Dr Andrew Lowe (Chief Investigator) ,  Professor Peer Schenk (Chief Investigator) ,  Prof Dr Loren Rieseberg (Partner Investigator) ,  Prof Richard Abbott (Partner Investigator)

Brief description Why do only some exotics become invasive? Combining ecological and genomic approaches to address alternative hypotheses in a recent Australian weed. This project will specifically test alternative hypotheses about how weeds become invasive. As invasive weeds affect both agricultural and native ecosystems equally, research on understanding the mechanisms of weed invasion is critical. Outcomes will benefit Australia by allowing better prioritisation of management against exotic plants already in the country by providing predictive tools to estimate likelihood of spread. For formal Pest Risk Analysis by regulators (eg Biosecurity Australia), our project will provide genomic tools by which the potential weediness of a regulated plant can be assessed through genetic screening, and forms part of an international effort to identify 'weedy genes'.

Funding Amount $561,000

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects

View this grant in the ARC Data Portal