DoctorFrances Sussmilch

Project Total: $1,006,904; This project aims to identify molecular mechanisms that enhance plant drought survival. This project expects to identify the genes underpinning drought adaptation in Pinus radiata, through comparison of drought resistant and drought sensitive germplasm. A major expected outcome is new knowledge of plant genes that increase drought-resistance, which should ultimately benefit the Forestry industry through new targets for breeding improved, drought-adapted varieties for a drier future climate. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Discovery Future Fellowships ($1,006,904); University of Tasmania ($133,534).

Project Total: $345,811; This project aims to identify novel and conserved mechanisms that drive the opening of stomata - plant pores that enable CO2 acquisition for photosynthesis. Stomatal movements strongly affect plant productivity and water use efficiency and have profoundly influenced the earth's climate and terrestrial ecology. This project will address critical gaps in our understanding of how plants open stomata in response to their environment and the evolutionary history of the genes controlling this fundamental process. A major expected outcome is knowledge of the diversity of stomatal opening pathways, which should ultimately lead to improved predictions of plant responses to environmental change and assist future targeted modification of plant growth. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Discovery Projects ($350,790); University of Tasmania ($134,954).

Project Total: $427,067; This project aims to identify genes that control plant responses to low air humidity, which enhance drought survival by restricting water loss. Most plant water loss occurs through pores called stomata. This project expects to identify the genes that close stomata within minutes of decreased humidity by determining the molecular changes that occur over this timeframe and testing candidate genes for a critical role. Diverse land plant models will be examined to ensure broad applicability of results. A major expected outcome is new knowledge of genes that minimise plant water loss, which would ultimately benefit plant-based industries through new targets for breeding improved, drought-adapted varieties for food security in a drying climate. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Fellowship-Discovery Early Career Researcher Award ($427,067); University of Tasmania ($192,291).