91144 Plant Biotechnology

In this subject, students are introduced to plant cell and tissue culture and the application of these techniques to cloning, somatic embryogenesis and somaclonal variation, and totipotent cells as a means of multiplication and determining phenotypic and genetic stability of tissue cultured plants. The subject also includes media preparation and nutrient requirements and the use of robotics and biofermentors in micropropagation. Pathogen detection and elimination, virus-free plants, pathogen indexing, certification of horticultural crops, plant quarantine, germplasm preservation, cryopreservation, long-term storage, and biosecondary metabolites are covered. Physiological status of micropropagated plants, transplanting and hardening-off stages are demonstrated and practices and problems in micropropagation such as vitrification, phenolic exudates, vessel environment and large-scale production are covered. Techniques used in plant biotechnology such as transgenic plant production, molecular biology and proteomics are covered and environmental concerns and biosafety regulations are included. Emphasis is given to Australian indigenous and rare flora and agriculturally important crops.

Typical availability

Spring semester, City campus (first offered in 2009)