A small group was at it again this week — collecting leaf samples from Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) for genetic testing. This time, the focus was on remnant paddock trees — the beautiful giants scattered across our landscape. A 5-metre-long homemade device was needed just to reach some of the lowest branches!
The leaves have now been mailed to our geneticist friends at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, who will analyse the genetic makeup of each tree. This work will help us better understand the genetic diversity already present in our landscapes — and how much we're enhancing that diversity through the Climate Ready Revegetation project.
Genetic diversity gives plants (and animals) the capacity to adapt to change over generations. That’s why increasing genetic diversity in the tubestock grown at our local Landcare nurseries is a key focus of YAN’s Climate Ready Revegetation project. As the climate gets hotter, we want to give our revegetated areas the best chance to survive and thrive. To increase genetic diversity, we source seed from a wide range of provenances. But the only way to be sure we’re achieving that diversity is through genetic testing. We started sampling back in March, and are excited to learn the results later in the year!
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The Climate Ready Revegetation Project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust. Landcare Australia Michael King grants enable us to purchase seed from diverse provenances.