606-201 Plants and the Environment

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This subject examines the interaction between plants and the changing physical environment. More specifically, it explores how the environment affects plant function and structural development, and how plants themselves can alter the environment.

Emphasis is given to environmental issues of importance in Australia. Topics will be selected from the following:

• Water - uptake, loss and stress responses;
• Environmental pollution - responses and remediation using plants;
• Salinity - tolerance and stress responses; management with plants;
• Soil acidity - aluminium toxicity; affects on plants;
• Carbon – productivity, carbon crediting, climate change;
• Nutrients - uptake mechanisms and metabolic requirements;
• Fuels – biofuels and biohydrogen production
• Air - gas exchange in plants; artificial environments; and
• Natural designs - the development and diversity of plant structure.