New technique using smoke to germinate plants

22/2/94

Scientists working at Perth's Kings Park and Botanic Garden have discovered an exciting new technique for germinating native Australian plants.

Environment Minister Kevin Minson said today the research was likely to have a significant impact on the conservation of rare and endangered species, with exciting spin-offs for the State's horticultural industry.

Mr Minson said the use of smoke to germinate more than 100 species which were previously deemed difficult to propagate was a breakthrough.

"The process can be applied to nursery and horticultural production for cut flowers and landscaping, minesite rehabilitation and revegetating degraded lands," he said.

"It can also be applied when restoring bushland and managing rare and endangered plants.

"There is the potential for a $2.5 million increase in managed crop production."

Mr Minson said the scientific team, headed by Kings Park assistant director Dr Kingsley Dixon, had discovered smoke caused a 50 per cent increase in germination.

He said up until now it was thought heat triggered germination but it now appeared smoke was the main catalyst.

Species had now been grown easily and effectively from seed which had been virtually impossible to propagate previously.

It was almost certain the smoke technique could be used on a wide range of Australian plants, particularly those which flourished after fire or disturbance.

The process also provided the first-ever option to controlled burning for maintaining species which were dependent on fire for reproduction.

Mr Minson said environmental concerns about the sustainability and ethics of picking wildflowers could be allayed by the smoke technology which offered a cost-effective way of production.

He said industry was backing future developments in the process.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden would collaborate with the Chemistry Centre of WA to isolate the active compounds of smoke in the next important phase of the research program.

From then on Kings Park would develop joint programs with a broad range of State Government and management organisations interested in applying the technique.

Among those interested included the Department of Conservation and Land Management, Agriculture Department, Main Roads Department and Minerals and the Energy Research Institute of WA with RGC Mineral Sands and Alcoa Australia and Greening Western Australia.

Media contact:  Diana Callander 321 2222 or 222 9595