The University of Queensland’s Centre for Native Floriculture (CNF) welcomed approximately 50 people to its Open Day, “Opportunities with native flora”, at the Gatton Campus last week.
Research staff spoke about their successful outcomes in the novel ornamental products arena.
CNF Director, Professor Daryl Joyce, said new efficiencies in water management plus the introduction of drought hardy plants had provided a boost for the nursery industry.
“As plants are an integral part of our lives, our researchers have been motivated to develop new cultivars and techniques to manage plants in an environment that has less water,” Professor Joyce said.
The Centre’s research focuses on plant improvement using biotechnology, plant breeding and selection, and agronomic research and development.
Queensland research based on native flora is not restricted to ornamental plants.
Dr Garth Sanewski from Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries spoke about his research into floral biology and fruit set in Riberry (Syzygium luehmanii).
UQ’s Dr Kim Bryceson, a researcher in the area of value chains, also spoke of her work with remote communities in Central Australia.
She illustrated ‘walking the chain’ as a method of enhancing the business capacity of people who harvest bush tomatoes (Solanum centrale).
For more information about the Centre for Native Floriculture, visit its website.
Media: Erin Pearl at the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science (5460 1229, e.pearl@uq.edu.au)
