Maroc - TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 22/Aug 00:44

Funding for critical research to tackle blackberry invasion

The Murray Region Forestry Hub has received funding from Forest and Wood Products Australia and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for a critical research project aimed at tackling one of Australia’s most costly and invasive weeds. Source: Timberbiz The project, “Novel and Targeted Biological Control of Blackberry Invasions in Forest and Tree Plantations” will be led by Dr Rae Kwong in collaboration with the University of Melbourne and the University of the Sunshine Coast. The research will focus on blackberry genomic mapping, a vital step toward the development of an effective and targeted biological control. Blackberry is a Weed of National Significance, causing millions of dollars in lost productivity and management costs annually. The MRFH has been instrumental in preparing the advice to government which led to multi-organisation collaboration supporting research to deliver long-term, landscape-scale solutions for forestry, plantations, and the wider community. This announcement follows the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins’ recent statement highlighting the government’s commitment to innovation in forestry, including $8.6 million over three years to expand and strengthen the work of Australia’s Regional Forestry Hubs under A Better Plan for Forestry and Forest Products. “This funding represents a significant step forward in our fight against Blackberry,” Dean Anderson, Chair of the Murray Region Forestry Hub, said. “The genomic mapping research led by Dr Kwong will provide the foundations for developing a targeted biological control that can be deployed across landscapes for long-term impact. “It’s a prime example of how the Hubs can connect industry needs with innovative science,” he said. Carlie Porteous, Hub Manager of the Murray Region Forestry Hub, said the approval of this funding highlighted the power of collaboration between research institutions, government, industry, and the Hubs to tackle persistent challenges. “We’re proud to have played a key role in bringing together the right people and expertise to make this project a reality,” she said.