IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF ANGIOPTERIS EVECTA USING SPORES

Techniques of establishing Angiopleris evecta plants  in vitro were studied. Soaking of A. evecta spores in water for 24 hours markedly reduced spore contamination. Soaking of the spores in 1 -2 % of sodium hypochlorite for  less  than 5 minutes allowed satisfactory disinfestation without affecting spore viability. Lower concentration of minerals (1/4 MS), presence of charcoal in the medium and exposure of the spores to light were crucial for spore germination and gainetophytc development of A. evecta. Keywords:   Angiopleris evecta I King fern / spore / MS medium / bleach / light / tissue culture / sporophyte / gamctophyt

In Vitro Propagation of Angiopteris Evecta Using Spores

Techniques of establishing Angiopleris evecta plants in vitro were studied. Soaking of A. evecta spores in water for 24 hours markedly reduced spore contamination. Soaking of the spores in 1 -2 % of sodium hypochlorite for less than 5 minutes allowed satisfactory disinfestation without affecting spore viability. Lower concentration of minerals (1/4 MS), presence of charcoal in the medium and exposure of the spores to light were crucial for spore germination and gainetophytc development of A. evecta

Assessing the Viability of Growing Agave Tequilana as a Biofuel Feedstock in Queensland, Australia

This study assessed farmer's perceptions about cultivating Agave tequilana for bio-ethanol production in Australia and its economic viability. This plant has been growing in Ayr, a trial site in Queensland, Australia. This study found both farmers and stakeholders are ready to accept Agave tequilana as a potential biofuel crop because farmers can use their marginalised land, where they require less water and nutrients. Commercial farming of Agave tequilana could be supported in Queensland by existing sugar mills, infrastructure and technologies to minimise the cost associated with transport and processing. An economic model has been developed with a sensitivity analysis to assess the net present value of bioethanol production over a 40 year period. Keywords: Agave tequilana, bioethanol production, Ayr, Queensland JEL Classifications: Q42, Q48, R1

Selection and establishment of suitable plant species on phytocaps

Ashwath, N ORCiD: 0000-0002-4032-4507Landfill operators are required by law to prevent entry of water into landfills with the view to minimising methane emmission and leachate generation

Evaluating biodiesel potential of Australian native and naturalised plant species

This RIRDC report evaluates the potential of using Australian native and naturalised plant species in biodiesel production. Particular emphasis is placed on species that occur in Central Queensland (CQ) region, as significant quantities of diesel are being imported to this region, and some proportion of this could be produced locally by establishing native species on cleared land that is readily available in CQ.More than 200 species/provenances have been evaluated for oil content, of which 20 species have been selected as having commercial potential.This report is intended for those who are involved in decision making on alternative fuels and global warming, landcare groups and mining companies; with the view to convincing them of the potential use of native and naturalised species in biodiesel production and sustainable regional development

Experimental investigations to demonstrate biodiesel potential of beauty leaf tree (Calophyllum inophyllum L.)

Ashwath, N ORCiD: 0000-0002-4032-4507Beauty Leaf Tree (BLT) is a wild Australian plant that has drawn the attention of many scientists who are searching for sustainable sources of renewable energy. This is because BLT produces about 10,000 fruits per tree, and the seeds contain up to 70% oil. Most importantly, it has the ability to grow on marginal soils in many tropical countries. The number of studies dealing with this species have escalated over the last three years, partly due to the studies carried out by the Central Queensland University (CQU). This paper summarises the results of those investigations that include testing for natural variability in growth, phenology and seed production, and developing seed collection and seed oil extraction procedures. The techniques used in converting the BLT oil into biodiesel, testing the biodiesel for engine performance and emission characteristics, and evaluating the BLT genotypes for stress tolerance are also explained. These investigations clearly demonstrate the potential of BLT to serve as the future feedstock for 2nd generation biofuel production in developed and developing tropical countries. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd

Experimental investigations to demonstrate biodiesel potential of beauty leaf tree (Calophyllum inophyllum L.)

Beauty Leaf Tree (BLT) is a wild Australian plant that has drawn the attention of many scientists who are searching for sustainable sources of renewable energy. This is because BLT produces about 10,000 fruits per tree, and the seeds contain up to 70% oil. Most importantly, it has the ability to grow on marginal soils in many tropical countries. The number of studies dealing with this species have escalated over the last three years, partly due to the studies carried out by the Central Queensland University (CQU). This paper summarises the results of those investigations that include testing for natural variability in growth, phenology and seed production, and developing seed collection and seed oil extraction procedures. The techniques used in converting the BLT oil into biodiesel, testing the biodiesel for engine performance and emission characteristics, and evaluating the BLT genotypes for stress tolerance are also explained. These investigations clearly demonstrate the potential of BLT to serve as the future feedstock for 2nd generation biofuel production in developed and developing tropical countries. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd

Evaluating biodiesel potential of Australian native and naturalised plant species

This RIRDC report evaluates the potential of using Australian native and naturalised plant species in biodiesel production. Particular emphasis is placed on species that occur in Central Queensland (CQ) region, as significant quantities of diesel are being imported to this region, and some proportion of this could be produced locally by establishing native species on cleared land that is readily available in CQ.More than 200 species/provenances have been evaluated for oil content, of which 20 species have been selected as having commercial potential.This report is intended for those who are involved in decision making on alternative fuels and global warming, landcare groups and mining companies; with the view to convincing them of the potential use of native and naturalised species in biodiesel production and sustainable regional development

The beauty of the beauty leaf tree

Beauty leaf tree can be used in all walks of life ranging from the cut flower industry, as an avenue tree and land rehabilitation; to the establishment of large-scale plantations for biofuel and timber production