Get to know the locals

Plants of the same species differ widely according to the location in which they occur. Using individuals that are locally adapted is an essential ingredient in revegetation success. The plants will be more suited to the conditions of the local environment, and more likely to survive.

Dr Peter Thrall, CSIRO Plant Industry, has demonstrated that using the right soil bacteria, or rhizobia, improves the establishment and survival of wattles. The next step is to find out more about the local adaptation of rhizobia and how this can be used in conjunction with what is already known about locally adapted plants.

Limits on available seed means revegetation operations need to be as efficient and targeted as possible. By applying the knowledge from this research, farmers and other land managers will be better equipped to understand what plants are suited to their area and which rhizobia they need to improve plant establishment and survival.

This project is a collaboration between CSIRO, the Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Greening Australia ACT, the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Charles Sturt University, and RMIT University.

This project has been assisted by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust.

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