STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE

Foundation & Friends’ financial support is again proving instrumental in furthering the Gardens' scientific research, most recently through the purchase of a thermogradient plate (TGP) that enables large quantities of seeds to be simultaneously germinated quickly and at a wide array of temperatures.

Temperature is the most critical environmental cue that determines whether a seed will germinate and how fast it will grow. A TGP allows botanists at the Australian PlantBank to find the optimal temperature for a seed’s germination, with the information then used in restoration and conservation work.

Not only does the process make seed germination more efficient, it also reduces wastage of precious seeds.

Until the arrival of its new plate –purchased from the UK at a cost of more than $90,000 – the Australian PlantBank operated just two TGPs, restricting its ability to conduct research and putting it at a disadvantage to other conservation laboratories in Australia and overseas.

Dr Cathy Offord, Head of Australian PlantBank Research and Senior Principal Research Scientist says the Foundation & Friends’ funded thermogradient plate is a “game changer.

“The new TGP allows us to process more samples through our research program, which will be particularly beneficial in areas such as rainforest seed conservation,” says Offord.

“It helps us fast-track ex situ conservation efforts, provides extra capacity for the student training, and positions the Australian PlantBank as a collaborative partner of choice with other universities and research facilities.

“In addition, it allows the Australian Institute of Botanical Science to generate external funding from a range of sources, such as the Australian Research Council and Saving our Species program.

“Ultimately it further establishes the Institute as the pre-eminent organisation in Australasia for seed science, especially in the area of rainforest conservation.”

Foundation & Friends raises funds for the Gardens through a range of regular activities, including exhibitions, events and Growing Friends Plant Sales.

Fundraising appeals, as well as bequests and gifts, also support key projects.

Over the past 40 years, a remarkable $17 million has been collected to support the Gardens across a broad range of areas including scientific research, building and regenerating infrastructure, enhancing education facilities, and helping develop new horticultural attractions, including the Botanic Garden Sydney’s Rose Garden and the Connections Garden at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.

David Carroll