Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials Conducted by Nature Glenelg Trust’S Cross-Border Community Nursery

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials conducted by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Report to Department of the Environment

Rose Thompson and Yvonne Riley

July 2016

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Citation

Thompson, R. and Riley, Y. (2016). Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials at Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery. Report to Department of the Environment. Nature Glenelg Trust, Mount Gambier, South Australia.

For correspondence in relation to this report contact:

Mr Bryan Haywood Senior Ecologist Nature Glenelg Trust (08) 8797 818; 0478 121 733 [email protected]

Cover photos (left to right)

Kunzea pomifera (R. Thompson), Grevillea aquifolium (R. Thompson), Callitris rhomboidea (J. Tuck), Calytrix tetragona (C. Dickson), Leucopogon parviflorus (R. Thompson).

Disclaimer

This report was commissioned by the Australian Government’s Department of the Environment, and produced under the Growing our future: Cross-border community nursery and seed collections project. Although all efforts were made to ensure quality, it was based on the best information available at the time and no warranty express or implied is provided for any errors or omissions, nor in the event of its use for any other purposes or by any other parties.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Acknowledgements

The Growing our future: Cross-border community nursery and seed collections project is funded by the Australian Government.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the following people:

Nature Glenelg Trust staff past and present who have been involved and provided assistance throughout the project. This project has had several nursery managers since funding in 2012. Work is credited to the following staff (in all aspects including project planning, workshop delivery, industry communication, seed collection, trial establishment and propagation) between these time periods:

 Ms. Becky McCann – June 2012 to January 2013  Mr. Ken Baker – January 2012 – May 2014  Ms. Yvonne Riley and Ms. Rose Thompson – June 2014 – current.

Friends of the Cross-Border Community Nursery, who have dedicated countless volunteer hours to the project. Volunteers were involved in all aspects of the nursery including weeding, seed cleaning, propagation trials, seed collection, seed cleaning, pricking out, transplanting, general nursery cleaning, and planting days.

Project managers and native nursery industry members from the South East of South Australia and the South West of Victoria who attended reference group meetings early in the project, which helped guide the development of the Cross-border Nursery.

All those who have shared, and continue to share, their expertise with Community Nursery staff, in particular:

 Dan Duval, Matt Coulter, Jenny Guerin – State Herbarium of South Australia  Kevin Sparrow – Australian Plant Society – Warrnambool and District, Inc.  Neville Bonney  Peter Feast – Mimosa Farm Trees  Kathy Bell – Millicent High School  Ralph Scheel – Eucaleuca Native Services  Seawinds Nursery

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Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Table of Contents Acknowledgements ...... iii Table of Contents ...... iv List of Tables ...... 1 Table of Figures ...... 1 List of Abbreviations ...... 2 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 3 1.1. Project background ...... 3 2. COMMMUNITY NURSERY ...... 5 2.1. Nursery set-up ...... 5 2.2. Materials ...... 7 2.3. Procedures ...... 8 3. PROPAGATION TRIALS ...... 10 3.1. Allocasuarina luehmannii Bull-oak, Buloke ...... 12 3.2. Callitris rhomboidea Port Jackson Pine ...... 14 3.3. Calytrix tetragona Fringe Myrtle ...... 16 3.4. Cassinia tegulata Avenue Cassinia ...... 18 3.5. Cyperus gymnocaulos Spiny Sedge ...... 22 3.6. Grevillea aquifolium Holly Grevillea – prostrate coastal form ...... 23 3.7. Grevillea ilicifolia Holly-leaf Grevillea ...... 25 3.8. Kunzea pomifera Muntries ...... 27 3.9. Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush ...... 29 3.10. Pomaderris halmaturina ssp. halmaturina Coastal Pomaderris ...... 30 3.11. Ptilotus macrocephalus Green Pussytail...... 32 3.12. Pultenaea dentata Clustered Bush-pea ...... 34 3.13. Pultenaea stricta Rigid Bush-pea ...... 36 3.14. Multiple species – Tea tree oil case study ...... 38 Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria ...... 38 Eutaxia microphylla Common Eutaxia ...... 39 Pultenaea canaliculata Coast Bush-pea ...... 40 3.15. Multiple species – Emu scat trials ...... 41 Leucopogon virgatus var. virgatus Common Beard-heath and Leucopogon parviflorus Coastal Bead-heath ...... 41 Unidentified seed – emu scat ...... 43

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

3.16. Multiple species – Seedball trials ...... 44 4. DISCUSSION ...... 47 4.1. Propagation trials ...... 47 4.2. Workshops ...... 49 4.3. Volunteers ...... 50 5. CONCLUSIONS ...... 51 6. REFERENCES ...... 52 7. APPENDICES ...... 53 7.1. Appendix 1: Summary of propagation trials ...... 53 7.2. Appendix 2: Seedball batches ...... 54

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

List of Tables Table 1: Propagation trials by seed ...... 11 Table 2 : Treatment results for Allocasuarina luehmannii ...... 12 Table 3: Treatment recommendations for Allocasuarina luehmannii ...... 13 Table 4: Treatment results for Callitris rhomboidea ...... 14 Table 5: Treatment recommendations for Callitris rhomboidea ...... 15 Table 6: Treatment results for Calytrix tetragona ...... 17 Table 7: Treatment recommendations for Calytrix tetragona ...... 17 Table 8: Treatment results for Cassinia tegulata - Avenue ...... 19 Table 9: Treatment results for Cassinia tegulata - Blackford ...... 19 Table 10: Treatment results for Cassinia tegulata - Rowney Road ...... 20 Table 11: Treatment recommendations for Cassinia tegulata ...... 21 Table 12: Treatment results for Cyperus gymnocaulos ...... 22 Table 13: Treatment recommendations for Cyperus gymnocaulos ...... 22 Table 14: Treatment results for Grevillea aquifolium ...... 23 Table 15: Treatment recommendations for Grevillea aquifolium ...... 24 Table 16: Treatment results for Grevillea ilicifolia ...... 25 Table 17: Treatment recommendations for Grevillea ilicifolia ...... 26 Table 18: Treatment results for Kunzea pomifera ...... 27 Table 19: Treatment recommendations for Kunzea pomifera ...... 28 Table 20: Treatment results for Lomandra longifolia ...... 29 Table 21: Treatment recommendations for Lomandra longifolia ...... 29 Table 22: Treatment results for Pomaderris halmaturina ssp. halmaturina ...... 30 Table 23: Treatment recommendations for Pomaderris halmaturina ssp. halmaturina ...... 31 Table 24: Treatment results for Ptilotus macrocephalus ...... 32 Table 25: Treatment recommendations for Ptilotus macrocephalus ...... 33 Table 26: Treatment results for Pultenaea dentata ...... 34 Table 27: Treatment recommendations for Pultenaea dentata ...... 35 Table 28: Treatment results for Pultenaea stricta ...... 36 Table 29: Treatment recommendations for Pultenaea stricta ...... 37 Table 30: Treatment results for Bursaria spinosa ...... 38 Table 31: Treatment results for Eutaxia microphylla...... 39 Table 32: Treatment results for Pultenaea canaliculata ...... 40 Table 33: Results for Leucopogon spp. emu scat case study ...... 42 Table 34: Treatment results for unidentified seed in scat ...... 43 Table 35: General treatment recommendations ...... 47 Table 36 : Community Nursery workshops held since commencement (2012) ...... 49 Table 37: Summary of propagation trial results ...... 53

Table of Figures Figure 1: Part of Cross-border Community Nursery in February 2015 ...... 4 Figure 2: The glasshouse ...... 5

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Figure 3: Shade tunnel constructed over existing bench ...... 6 Figure 4: Forestry tubes are the most commonly used pot size in the nursery ...... 7 Figure 5: Bull-oak woodland (C. Dickson) ...... 12 Figure 6: Callitris rhomboidea (J. Tuck) ...... 14 Figure 7: Calytrix tetragona (C. Dickson) ...... 16 Figure 8: Cassinia tegulata (C. Dickson) ...... 18 Figure 9: Holly Grevillea (R. Thompson) ...... 23 Figure 10: Muntries in fruit ...... 27 Figure 11: Lomandra longifolia (B. Haywood) ...... 29 Figure 12: Pomaderris halmaturina (R. Thompson) ...... 30 Figure 13: Ptilotus macrocephalus (B. Haywood) ...... 32 Figure 14: Pultenaea stricta (B. Haywood) ...... 36 Figure 15: Sweet Bursaria in flower (R. Thompson) ...... 38 Figure 16: Eutaxia microphylla (D. Duval) ...... 39 Figure 17: Leucopogon parviflorus (R. Thompson) ...... 41 Figure 18: Unidentified seed from emu scat ...... 43 Figure 19 : A batch of seedballs drying ...... 44 Figure 20: Some of the first germinants ...... 45 Figure 21: Seedball monitoring in the nursery June 2016 ...... 45 Figure 22: Local students assisted with in field monitoring set up ...... 46

List of Abbreviations ANBG Australian National Botanic Gardens CP Conservation Park NA Not applicable No. Number NFR Native Forest Reserve NGT Nature Glenelg Trust SA South Australia SASCC South Australian Seed Conservation Centre SE South East sp./spp. One species/multiple species ssp. subspecies var. variety

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Project background

Nature Glenelg Trust (NGT) is a mission-driven, not-for-profit organisation that believes in positive action, and working with the community and our partners to achieve real results on the ground. NGT is involved in a wide range of biodiversity related projects in the South East of South Australia and South West of Victoria to benefit our environment and local communities.

NGT’s Cross-border Community Nursery (Figure 1) was established in 2013 with an aim of working in partnership with local groups and practitioners to both facilitate a more diverse range of native species in local revegetation projects and to increase a general awareness of native flora.

The Community Nursery has a focus on understorey, rare, and threatened plants as many such species tend to be uneconomical for commercial nursery production and are therefore currently unavailable. Reasons for commercial non-viability stem primarily from difficult seed collection (e.g. isolated populations or species where seed is released quickly) or complex dormancy and propagation difficulty i.e. the germination cues (dormancy breaking triggers) are unknown or only poorly understood. Hence, increased knowledge and sharing to overcome some of these inherent difficulties will lead to some of these species becoming more commercially viable and therefore accessible for the nursery industry, landholders, and natural resource managers involved in revegetation. Thus it is an imperative of the Community Nursery project to:

1. fill knowledge gaps, 2. share information, and 3. support existing local practitioners (e.g. native plant growers, direct seeding contractors, seed collectors, landholders, and others involved in native plant management).

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Figure 1: Part of Cross-border Community Nursery in February 2015

A large number of propagation trials have been undertaken to date to develop practical propagation techniques for some of these traditionally difficult to grow or rare species and the findings of these trials are presented in this report. A number of workshops covering native plant related topics around the South East of South Australia and South West of Victoria have also been run along with the establishment of eight native plant display gardens around the region. Further information on these educational aspects is provided in the previous Interim Report (see Thompson & Riley 2015).

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

2. COMMMUNITY NURSERY

2.1. Nursery set-up

The following section outlines the design, layout and underlying operation of the Community Nursery. The nursery consists of an indoor area used for everyday tasks such as pricking out, trial set up, record keeping, and weeding, and an outdoor area which consists of metal benches, a glasshouse, and up to three shade tunnels over the benches. Nursery capacity is approximately 13000 seedlings.

Watering system

For most of the year, the nursery is watered twice per day using an automated system (Holman Pro 46). The growing area is divided into two parts, or stations.

Station 1 is set to run twice per day (at 11:05am and 4:05pm) for three minutes at high pressure as a fine mist. This area is used as an outdoor germination for those species which Figure 2: The glasshouse require such conditions, and is also used for species which have high water requirements. This system was found to give complete water overage.

Station 2 also runs twice per day for three minutes (at 11:25am and 4:25pm) with a lower pressure spray.

After some experimentation this timing has proven most useful and efficient – it avoids watering at night which can foster mould growth, and ensures plants are watered and remain moist throughout the hottest part of the day. As staff are generally present at the nursery at these times, malfunctions in the watering system can be detected without delay.

At times it was necessary to water by hand, using a hose and spray nozzle. On hot (generally considered over 35˚C) and/or windy days extra watering was carried out to ensure plants did not dry out.

During late autumn and winter (May to August) the automated watering system is switched off and hand watering occurs if rainfall is insufficient to retain soil moisture.

Glasshouse and shadehouse

While all cuttings and seed trays had previously resided in the glasshouse for their first few weeks, this environment became too warm during spring 2015 and the nursery pest, liverwort, thrived. An alternative was constructed by adding wooden posts, polypipe, and shadecloth to an existing bench to create a shadehouse. Two more shadehouses were created and used for various parts of the growing season, depending on conditions.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Figure 3: Shade tunnel constructed over existing bench

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

2.2. Materials

Native seed raising mix

The primary growing medium used at the Cross-border Community Nursery is a soil-less low phosphorus seed raising mix especially formulated by Van Schaik’s Biogro to suit the needs of Australian native plants. This medium was used in when propagating from seed, for cuttings in forestry tubes, and repotting, unless otherwise noted, and is hereafter referred to as native mix.

Experimentation with three parts native mix to one part river sand for coastal plants, and three parts native mix to one part grey loam for inland plants produced little difference to straight native mix.

Seasol

Seasol is a commercially available liquid seaweed concentrate. While not a fertiliser, it provides plants with small amounts of nutrients and trace elements. It is used in the Cross-border Community Nursery to promote healthy root growth and decrease shock to seedlings and cuttings after pricking out, planting, or transplanting. Seasol is generally used in this nursery at a ratio of ten millilitres per nine litre watering can.

Pots

A number of different plastic pot sizes and shapes are used in the nursery, depending on the purpose and the species planted.

Forestry tubes (Figure 4) are the standard size pot used in seedling production and measure approximately 50 millimetres x 50 millimetres x 125 millimetres (depth).

Short forestry tubes are approximately 50 millimetres x 50 millimetres x 70 millimetres.

Super tubes are approximately 67 millimetres x Figure 4: Forestry tubes are the most commonly 67 millimetres x 160 millimetres. used pot size in the nursery Square pots are in fact slightly rectangular, and measure approximately 85 millimetres x 95 millimetres x 85 millimetres.

140 millimetre pots are round with a depth of 140 millimetres, and a diameter of 125 millimetres.

Smoke-water

Many Australian species are fire-responsive, and as such smoke-water is an important tool in any native plant nursery. NGT used commercially produced smoke-water concentrate at a rate of 100ml/1L water. It is used to water in certain species, and is applied with hand sprayer.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

2.3. Procedures

The following section provides a description of key steps undertaken during propagation trials undertaken at the Cross-border Community Nursery.

Seed viability testing

If a sufficient amount of seed was available, a cut test was performed to ascertain the viability of the seed. Generally if less than 30 seeds were available a cut test was not undertaken.

The cut test was performed by first selecting a random sample of seed, assumed to be representative of the seedlot. Each seed in the sample was cut in half, lengthways using a scalpel and examined under a microscope. This process revealed if the seed was healthy and filled; or empty, shrivelled, predated, or damaged, thereby indicating the assumed overall viability.

Seed viability testing helps guide sowing when a particular number of seedlings are required; for example, a cut test revealing five out of 20 seeds damaged, or 75% viability, indicates that at least 25% more seed should be sown than the eventual required number of seedlings for orders and projects with specific numbers.

If only a small amount of seed is available, seed viability testing is not carried out.

Stratification

Stratification is the process of simulating winter to break seed dormancy. At the Community Nursery this is achieved by storing seed in a sealed petri dish in the fridge (40C) or freezer (00C). The period of time for which stratification took place varied in each case.

Seed sowing

Seeds were usually sown into 275 mm x 335 mm x 55 mm seedling trays filled to within 10 mm of the top with native mix. Seeds were sprinkled on top and then covered by a thin layer of fine (sieved) seed raising medium. In the case of species where different media or methods were employed, a specific explanation is provided.

For species which take a long time to germinate, perlite was added to the seed raising medium to hold moisture around the seed.

Pricking out

When seedlings are of sufficient size they are pricked out from seedling trays in to individual forestry tubes, or other pots. Before beginning, all instruments and work benches to be used are sterilised. Seedlings, usually around six leaf stage are gently prised out of seedling trays using a chopstick or similar implement, taking care not to damage or snap roots.

By holding the seedling by the leaves (to avoid touching the roots,) the length of the roots and any kinks may be trimmed by up to one-third to ensure they grow straight down in the pot. The pot is filled with semi-compacted (so as not to inhibit root development) native mix and a hole is created using either a finger or dibble stick. The seedling is lowered in to the hole, with the roots kept straight, and planted at the same level as it was in the seedling tray. Extra medium is added to backfill the hole and light pressure is applied to firm the seedling into place. Newly pricked out seedlings are watered with Seasol solution to stimulate new root development.

Pest treatment

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Pest insects were either removed by hand or treated using ready-to-use Multicrop Eco-pest Oil (paraffinic oil).

Collection of plant material

When planning for native plant propagation, it is imperative that the methods employed result in a net environmental gain. In particular, seed collection should not negatively affect individual plants, a particular population, or the species as a whole. With this in mind, both seed and cutting material were collected from as many parent plants as possible to both increase the genetic diversity of the propagated plants and decrease the likelihood of harming natural recruitment in the wild population.

Appropriate permits were obtained from the relevant state departments for the collection of plant material from public land in South Australia (from Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources) and Victoria (from then Department of Environment and Primary Industries).

In Victoria, NGT has been granted permission to collect plant material under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and the National Parks Act 1975. In South Australia, permission has been granted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

The movement of plant material across state borders into South Australia is regulated by Biosecurity SA – Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA). NGT is a registered importer under the Plant Health Act 2009 to import four consignments of material per year into the state. Soil is removed from plant material and equipment at the site of collection to decrease the chance of the importation of pests into South Australia. A Green Snail (Cantareus apertus) declaration also accompanies each consignment. Similarly, to avoid the spread of Myrtle Rust (Puccinia psidii), species of the Myrtaceae family are not brought into South Australia.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

3. PROPAGATION TRIALS

This report covers trials concluded between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016. Trials were conducted using seed for 16 species, as well as three emu scat trials which contained four species. Seedball trials, part of a revegetation project with ForestrySA, which began during this period, are also reported on here. Trials were conducted on two nationally threatened species and a further four state-listed species (either South Australia or Victoria).

Propagation trials often included the use of several different seed treatments in order to ascertain which method would produce the best results, while other trials focussed on determining the ideal timing for sowing.

Propagation trials were informed by previous work undertaken by the South Australian Seed Conservation Centre (SASCC), and by recommendations in published literature.

Overall results have been presented in this section, while specific information about germination and propagation trials by species can be found in the following sub-sections under the species name.

Growing plants from seed creates a more viable future for the species by increasing genetic diversity and resilience to pests or other influences (for example, drought). Therefore, seed propagating is the preferred method in environmental restoration, and trials this year included fresh seed, older seed, seed contained within scat, and seedballs.

The seeds of many species have complex inbuilt dormancy, meaning that several triggers are required for germination to take place. Natural triggers (for example, season change or digestion by a bird) can be mimicked in a nursery setting using techniques such as stratification and scarification, and materials such as gibberellic acid and smoke-water; in some cases a combination of treatments is required (Ralph 2009). The extra time and labour involved in the propagation of such species means that they are generally left out of revegetation projects. Seed trials conducted by the Community Nursery continue to focus on these hard-to-grow species.

Where possible, seed viability testing is a valuable step in the process of seed propagation, as it gives the grower the ability to plan for loss and still meet target numbers. For example, if sowing seed with a viability of 50% at least twice as much seed as desired plants must be sown. In the case of these trials a desired number of final plants was not a factor, seed viability information still helps create a more complete picture of the trials conducted. For example, the trial on Grevillea aquifolium revealed that although seed viability was high (90%), the best treatment resulted in 38% germination. This result reveals that there is potential for increased germination with more treatment combinations and trials.

Results of the trials are influenced by many factors, including timing of sowing, timing of seed collection, condition and age of seed, seed viability, weather conditions, as well as the treatments applied.

Growing plants from seed found in emu scat has been found to be successful in a previous trial by this nursery, and this technique was employed again this year. Ingestion by birds is known to increase the germination of certain species, and this technique was used this year to produce Kunzea pomifera, Leucopogon parviflorus and Leucopogon virgatus seedlings, the latter or which is generally grown commercially by cutting.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Propagation by seed is preferable in most cases, as vegetative reproduction produces clones of the parent plant and therefore does not increase genetic diversity with a species or population. Where seed can be identified in emu scat, this technique is very useful and time efficient.

A summary of the species and materials trialled can be found in Table 1 below. Detailed results of the propagation trials for each species follow in alphabetical order by botanical name.

Table 1: Propagation trials by seed

Status* Material Name Common name Aust. SA Vic. Seed Allocasuarina luehmannii Bull-oak listed Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria Callitris rhomboidea Limestone Cypress Pine Calytrix tetragona Common Fringe-myrtle Cassinia tegulata Avenue Cassinia CE E Cyperus gymnocaulos Spiny Sedge Eutaxia microphylla Common Eutaxia Grevillea aquifolium Holly Grevillea R E Grevillea ilicifolia Holly Grevillea Kunzea pomifera Muntries Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush Pomaderris halmaturina ssp. Kangaroo Island V V halmaturina Pomaderris Ptilotus macrocephalus Feather-heads Pultenaea canaliculata Coast Bush-pea R Pultenaea dentata Clustered Bush-pea R Pultenaea stricta Rigid Bush-pea Emu scat Kunzea pomifera Muntries Leucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard-heath Leucopogon virgatus Common Beard-heath Unidentified *V = vulnerable, CE = critically endangered, E = endangered, R = rare

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

3.1. Allocasuarina luehmannii Bull-oak, Buloke

Status Listed (Vic.)

Allocasuarina luehmannii is a large long lived tree species which can be found in the mid to upper South East in South Australia, and also in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. The Buloke plant community is now considered rare across its range, and old large trees are an important food source for the South Eastern Red Tailed Black Cockatoo.

Seed collection time depends on the location, and may range from between December to May; it is important to note that seed is dropped quickly once mature. Seeds germinate rapidly, within one Figure 5: Bull-oak woodland (C. Dickson) week, and do not require pre-treatment (Greening Australia 2016).

Ralph (2009) states that this species has low to moderate viability, with 87-400 viable seeds per gram, and an optimal germination temperature of 250C. Allocasuarina species generally germinate rapidly (Ralph 2009). Provenance Eaglehawk Waterhole Restoration Reserve, north of Frances, SA Material Seed

Seed was sown in spring 2015 and germinated quickly. The results of this trial support existing knowledge on the species that no treatment is necessary and seed germinates readily. Note that the target number of individuals of this species (650) was met rapidly, and it is possible further germination occurred after this time. To calculate the final percentage the mean of the range of total seeds sown has been used. Treatment results shown below in Table 2.

Table 2 : Treatment results for Allocasuarina luehmannii

Seed treatment Date collected 23/03/2015 Viability (%) Not tested Amount of seed sown 14 grams (~957-5600 viable seeds) Date sown 15/09/2015 Medium Native mix Treatment No treatment Maximum survivorship 16/10/2015 Final number 650 (19%)

Recommendations

This trial supports existing knowledge that no treatment is necessary for this species to germinate. Treatment recommendations are in the table below (Table 3).

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Table 3: Treatment recommendations for Allocasuarina luehmannii

Seed collection time Mar – May (in South Australia; Bonney 2003) Cones change colour to dark when ripe. Allow to open in warm Cleaning technique position. Sieve to remove unwanted material. (Bonney 2003) Age of seed at sowing Fresh Sowing time Spring Recommended treatment No treatment required Future trial suggestions Not required Cutting techniques Not grown by cutting

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

3.2. Callitris rhomboidea Port Jackson Pine

Callitris rhomboidea is a conifer found in areas of most states of Australia. Unopened seed pods which are large, dark, and hard, can be collected all year round, and will open as they dry (SASCC 2016).

Testing by the SASCC on one collection revealed low seed viability (35%), but viable seed is expected to germinate readily following cold stratification (SASCC 2016). Ralph (2009) states that Callitris species should subjected to cold treatment for two to four weeks, and that Figure 6: Callitris rhomboidea (J. Tuck) smoke-water also improves germination. Seed should be used within one year, or within two if placed in cold storage in an airtight container (Ralph 2009). Callitris rhomboidea seed can be collected any time of year (Ralph 1994). Provenance Eaglehawk Waterhole Restoration Reserve, north of Frances, SA Material Seed

This trial was conducted to repeat the trial undertaken by NGT in 2014, where stratification appeared to negatively affect total emergence and rate of emergence.

Ralph (2009) states that the number of viable seed per gram is 216 to 400. A mean figure of 308 has been used in calculations in Table 4 below.

Similar to last year’s trial, this year a treatment of stratification resulted in less germination than no stratification, which is contrary to findings by the SASCC. Treatment results are presented in Table 4 below.

Table 4: Treatment results for Callitris rhomboidea

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Date collected 30/9/2014 30/9/2014 Viability (%) Not tested Not tested Amount of seed sown 7.5 g grams (~2310 viable seeds) ~2.5 g (~770 viable seeds) Date sown 2/9/2015 16/9/2015 Medium Native mix Native mix Stratification two weeks, then Treatment Watered in with smoke-water watered in with smoke water Maximum survivorship 16/10/2015 16/10/2015 Final number 288 (12.5%) 5 (~0.6%)

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Recommendations

This trial supports results from last year’s trial, that cold stratification is detrimental to the emergence of this species. This finding is in contrast to Bonney (2003), Ralph (2009), and SASCC (2016) and may be reflective of differences in seed provenance. Treatment recommendations are summarised in Table 5.

Table 5: Treatment recommendations for Callitris rhomboidea

Seed collection time All year (Bonney 2003; SASCC 2016) Cleaning technique As they dry, cones will open and seed fall out (SASCC 2016) Age of seed at sowing Fresh (Bonney 2003) Sowing time Late winter for maturity at planting time following winter Bonney (2003) recommends stratification, however this Recommended treatment technique has had a negative impact in trials by NGT Compare germination of stratified seed from different Future trial suggestions provenances Cutting techniques Not grown by cutting

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

3.3. Calytrix tetragona Fringe Myrtle

Status Poorly known (Vic.)

Calytrix tetragona is a variable medium shrub growing to about two metres tall, which flowers from August to November and is found in large areas of Australia. Flowers are star-shaped flowers and pink or white in colour. According to Ralph (1994) seed collection is between September and March, while Bonney (2003) claims seed can be collected from January to March.

Seed should be collected when brown and slightly fat at the Figure 7: Calytrix tetragona (C. Dickson) base, however this species may not produce large amounts of seed (SASCC 2016). In addition, seed viability may be low; in two collections tested by the SASCC (2016) seed viability was 18% and 44%. The physiological dormancy of the seed needs to be overcome to ensure best germination results (SASCC 2016).

Trials by the SASCC (2016) indicate that a combination of heat treatment (hot water soak), gibberellic acid soak, and smoke-water provided reasonable germination (62%). The addition of heat treatment doubled the germination compared to a trial without this step (just gibberellic acid and smoke-water); germination also occurred earlier. Trials with gibberellic acid only, and with no treatment, produced no germinants. Provenance Eaglehawk Waterhole Restoration Reserve, north of Frances, SA Material Seed

In the first trial on this species, seven germinants emerged within nine months. A second trial began in spring 2015 to test the ideal time for sowing this species. The second sowing was much more successful, and 137 germinants emerged. Smoke-water was the only treatment in both cases. Results are shown in Table 6.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Table 6: Treatment results for Calytrix tetragona

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Date collected 15/11/2014 6/12/2014 Viability (%) Not tested Not tested Amount of seed sown 0.3 g 1 g Date sown 4/12/2014 8/9/2015 Medium Native mix Native mix Treatment Watered in with smoke-water Watered in with smoke-water Maximum survivorship 24/8/2015 20/2/2016 Final number 7 137

Recommendations

Given the discrepancy in reported seed collection time of the first batch of seed (c.f. Ralph 1994, Bonney 2003), it is possible that the seed used in the first trial was immature, resulting in a low number of germinants. Alternatively, timing may be the key factor in the difference in results between these two trials.

It is recommended that the combination of treatments found successful by the SASCC (2016) be replicated in any further testing.

This species was found to be very slow growing and requires two years to reach a plantable size. Recommendations for this species are outlined in Table 7.

Table 7: Treatment recommendations for Calytrix tetragona

Seed collection time Jan – Mar (Bonney 2003) Cleaning technique Wear gloves to protect against sharp spines Age of seed at sowing Fresh (Ralph (2009) Sowing time Late winter – spring (Bonney 2003) Smoke treatment (Calytrix species, Ralph 2009); Smoke-water, Recommended treatment heat, gibberellic acid combination treatment (SASCC 2016) Smoke-water, heat, gibberellic acid combination treatment Future trial suggestions (SASCC 2016) Cutting techniques Tip cuttings (ANBG 1972)

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3.4. Cassinia tegulata Avenue Cassinia

Status Critically endangered (Aust.), Endangered (SA, Vic.)

Cassinia tegulata is a critically endangered shrub, which only occurs in a small number of populations around the Lucindale area in South Australia, and one population near Edenhope in Victoria. The largest population contains 862 individuals (Avenue), while all other populations are much smaller (ranging from 10 individuals to 163). All known populations of Cassinia tegulata occur on roadsides or rail corridors, and although viable seed is produced recruitment is extremely low due to unknown causes.

Recent monitoring showed all but one of the South Australian populations are in a state of senescence, with major declines in total numbers recorded at Blackford (48 to 15 individuals) and Rowney Road (163 to 30 individuals). In addition to the crash in numbers, no juveniles were observed at either Figure 8: Cassinia tegulata (C. Dickson) site.

Seed heads are greyish in colour and contain brown seeds when ready for collection between April and June (SASCC 2016). Seed viability is generally high, ranging from 75 – 100% in five collections tested by the SASCC (2016) and viable seed should germinate readily.

Seed was initially collected from just the Avenue population in early May. In late June, seed was opportunistically collected from the Blackford and Rowney Road populations when it was discovered during monitoring that these populations had experienced a marked decline. Provenance Avenue Range, South Australia Material Seed

Seed was collected at an ideal time from the lower branches of a large number of individuals in this large population. Viability testing found good seed viability. All seed was sown under a very light covering of sieved native mix and watered in using capillary action.

Seed of this provenance was divided into four treatments. One batch was sown thickly and set on an outside bench (Treatment 1); a second batch was sown on a layer of perlite and placed in the glasshouse (Treatment 2); half of a third batch was received tea tree oil treatment, and the whole batch was placed in the glasshouse (Treatments 3a and 3b); and the final batch was placed in the glasshouse and was given less water between sowing and germination (Treatment 4) to simulate drier conditions.

Treatment 1 produced by far the highest number of germinants, more than double the next highest. However, seedlings grown in the greenhouse were more developed. Tea tree oil treatment produced no discernible difference. The simulated drier conditions appeared to limit germination in Treatment 4.

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A total of 2 grams of seed was used from this provenance, spread equally over the 5 treatments. This species is known to have good seed viability, and see was collected from this provenance at an ideal time. Results for treatments on this provenance are summarised in Table 8.

Table 8: Treatment results for Cassinia tegulata - Avenue

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3a Treatment 3b Treatment 4 Date collected 8/5/2015 8/5/2015 8/5/2015 8/5/2015 8/5/2015 Viability (%) Good Good Good Good Good Amount of 0.4 g 0.4 g 0.4 g 0.4 g 0.4 g seed sown Date sown 22/6/2015 22/6/2015 22/6/2015 22/6/2015 22/6/2015 Native mix Medium Native mix with layer of Native mix Native mix Native mix perlite Placed Tea tree oil, Glasshouse, Treatment Glasshouse Glasshouse outside glasshouse less water Maximum 4/9/2015 4/9/2015 4/9/2015 21/8/2015 4/9/2015 survivorship Final number 118 54 16 20 32

Provenance Blackford, South Australia Material Seed

Seed was collected late in the season, and mildew was present on the seed and chaff at the time of sowing.

Seed of this provenance was divided into three treatments. The first batch, sown in native mix received normal watering (Treatment 1); a second batch was sown on a layer of perlite (Treatment 2); and the final batch was given less water between sowing and germination (Treatment 3).

All seed was sown under a very light covering of sieved native mix and watered in using capillary action. All treatments were placed in the glasshouse.

Treatment 1, with normal watering and regular native mix, produced the highest number of germinants, approximately a one-third more than the dryer conditions of Treatment 3, and more than double Treatment 2 which had normal watering but a different substrate. Results for this provenance are shown in Table 9.

Table 9: Treatment results for Cassinia tegulata - Blackford

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3 Date collected 18/6/2016 18/6/2016 18/6/2016 Viability (%) Not tested Not tested Not tested Number of seeds sown 0.6 g 0.6 g 0.6 g Date sown 23/6/2016 23/6/2016 23/6/2016 Native mix with Medium Native mix Native mix perlite Treatment Normal watering Normal watering Less watering Maximum survivorship 9/8/2015 9/8/2015 9/8/2015 Final number 142 66 111

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Provenance Rowney Road, South Australia Material Seed

As with the Blackford population, seed was opportunistically collected from Rowney Road late in the season, and mildew was present on the seed and chaff at the time of sowing. Seed of this provenance was divided into two treatments, which received normal watering and less water respectively. Treatment 2, which received less water, produced nearly twice as many germinants as Treatment 1. Table 10 shows results for this provenance.

Table 10: Treatment results for Cassinia tegulata - Rowney Road

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Date collected 18/6/2016 18/6/2016 Viability (%) Not tested Not tested Number of seeds sown 1 g 1 g Date sown 23/6/2016 23/6/2016 Medium Native mix Native mix Treatment Normal watering Less water Maximum survivorship 21/8/2015 21/8/2015 Final number 43 92

Recommendations

The effects of the treatments on germination varied between provenances. The Avenue seed performed best when grown outside under normal watering conditions; the addition of perlite, a restricted watering regime, and tea tree oil all decreased germination.

Seed from the Blackford provenance performed best under normal watering, however drier conditions did not affect this provenance to a large extent with just 20% less germination occurring compared with normal watering. Similar to the Avenue provenance, the addition of perlite had a negative effect on seed of this provenance also.

In contrast to the other provenances, Rowney Road performed better under the decreased watering regime, with a more than 200% increase in germination under drier conditions.

Further trials are needed to investigate whether these results indicate real differences in the characteristics of each population.

In general, the addition of perlite to the substrate decreased germination, and seedlings grown in the greenhouse were more developed.

Cassinia tegulata was found to be very fast growing (as is common of disturbance reliant species). As such, summer is the recommended time for sowing to avoid the need to upsize pots. Table 11 shows recommendations for this species.

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Table 11: Treatment recommendations for Cassinia tegulata

Seed collection time April – June (SASCC 2016) Cleaning technique Dry seed can be separated by hand rubbing (SASCC2016) Age of seed at sowing Fresh (Cassinia species, Ralph 2009) Sowing time Summer Viable seed appears to germinate readily. Native mix (no perlite) Recommended treatment is the recommended medium. This trial produced a variety of results regarding watering levels; Future trial suggestions future trials to focus on determining the ideal level. Cutting techniques Unknown

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3.5. Cyperus gymnocaulos Spiny Sedge

Provenance Cockatoo Lake, north of Naracoorte, South Australia Material Seed

Cyperus gymnocaulos is a clumping wetland plant which grows to about 70 centimetres in height and can be found in much of Australia. Flowers are produced throughout the year. Treatment results are summarised in Table 12.

Table 12: Treatment results for Cyperus gymnocaulos

Treatment 1 Date collected Feb 2015 Viability (%) Not tested Number of seeds sown ~300 Date sown 11/3/2015 Medium Native mix Treatment Smoke-water, capillary action watering Maximum survivorship No date Final number 149 (50%)

Recommendations

Germination in this trial was successful using smoke-water to water in. Treatment recommendations are shown in Table 13.

Table 13: Treatment recommendations for Cyperus gymnocaulos

Seed collection time Jan – Feb ( Ralph 1994) Dry mature fruits, then rub with rubber to remove seed. Sieve to Cleaning technique remove unwanted material (SASCC 2016). Age of seed at sowing Fresh Sowing time Autumn Recommended treatment Smoke-water successful Future trial suggestions Compare smoke-water with no treatment Cutting techniques By division

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3.6. Grevillea aquifolium Holly Grevillea – prostrate coastal form

Status Rare (SA); Endangered (Vic.)

Propagation of Grevillea aquifolium is usually carried out by cutting (Sparrow 2013) (Error! Reference ource not found.). The growth habit of this species is variable and this trial was conducted with material from the prostrate form which grows in limited range along the Lower South East coast in South Australia, and around Portland in Victoria.

Many Grevillea species have high seed viability but low or staggered germination over a long period of time (Ralph 2009). Germination of Grevillea species is increased particularly when smoke-water treatment is combined with other treatment such as nicking, removing the seed coat, or hot water soaking (Ralph 2009). Local experts and growers have identified that is it difficult to obtain consistent results when propagating this species by seed (Peter Feast, pers. comm. Feb 2015; Neville Bonney, pers. comm. Mar 2015). Figure 9: Holly Grevillea (R. Thompson) This trial is a follow up on last year’s cutting trial, which showed that this species was easy to grow by cutting in Jiffy Preforma plugs. Provenance Carpenter Rocks Conservation Park, South Australia Material Seed

Seed in this trial received one of four treatments, summarised in the table below. Treatment 1 (hot water soak) was the most successful treatment, with more than double the germination of the second most successful (cold water soak).

Table 14: Treatment results for Grevillea aquifolium

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3 Treatment 4 Date collected 12/12/2014 12/12/2014 12/12/2014 12/12/2014 Viability (%) 90% 90% 90% 90% Number of seeds 47 47 50 50 sown Date sown 17/4/2015 17/4/2015 20/4/2015 20/4/2015 Medium Native mix Native mix Native mix Native mix Seed cover Seed cover Seed coat Seed coat removed; hot removed; cold nicked; 6 hour nicked; plain Treatment water (80oC) water soak 24 smoke-water water soak 6 soak 48 hours hours soak hours Maximum 18/9/2015 18/9/2015 4/9/2015 18/9/2015 survivorship Final number 19 (38%) 8 (16%) 6 (12%) 6 (12%)

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Recommendations

This trial found that the most successful treatment combined removing the seed coat with a hot water soak. Recommendations for this species are outlined in Table 37.

Table 15: Treatment recommendations for Grevillea aquifolium

Seed collection time Dec – Apr (Bonney 2003) Cleaning technique Sieve to remove unwanted material Fresh (this trial); Grevillea species may be stored up to five years Age of seed at sowing at 40C (Ralph 2009) Sowing time Late winter - spring Recommended treatment Remove seed cover, hot water soak Bonney (2003) suggests stratification is useful for some Grevillea Future trial suggestions species. Successful in previous trial using Jiffy Performa plugs (compared Cutting techniques to native mix)

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3.7. Grevillea ilicifolia Holly-leaf Grevillea

Grevillea ilicifolia is a low growing prickly shrub which grows in a variety of habitats in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales (where it is critically endangered). Flowering occurs from August to November, with seed collection from December to April (Bonney 2003). Bonney (2003) states that while no treatment is necessary stratification is useful for some Grevilleas; removing the thin seedcover is also helpful. Provenance Eaglehawk Waterhole Restoration Reserve Material Seed

Four treatments were applied to this species, as outlined in the table below. As with Grevillea aquifolium, the most successful treatment was a 48 hour hot water soak, with the second most successful treatment a cold water soak. Nicking the seed coat and smoke-water treatment did not appear to aid germination, with just one germinant appearing in these treatments.

Treatments 3 and 4 produced a very small number of seedlings (1 and 2, respectively) which failed to thrive and did not develop good root systems; final numbers in these treatments reflect the lack of vigour of these germinants. Results are shown in Table 16.

Table 16: Treatment results for Grevillea ilicifolia

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3 Treatment 4 Date collected 6/12/2014 6/12/2014 6/12/2014 6/12/2014 Viability (%) Insufficient seed Insufficient seed Insufficient seed Insufficient seed Number of 25 25 21 21 seeds sown Date sown 17/4/2015 17/4/2015 20/4/2015 20/4/2015 Medium Native mix Native mix Native mix Native mix Seed coat nicked; Seed coat nicked; Hot water (80oC) Cold water soak soaked and Treatment watered in with soak 48 hours 48 hours watered in with smoke-water smoke-water Maximum 21/8/2015 21/8/2015 13/7/2015 9/8/2015 survivorship Final number 5 (20%) 2 (8%) 0 1 (4.7%)

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Recommendations

As in the Grevillea aquifolium trial above, hot water soak was the most successful with this species. Treatment recommendations are outlined in Table 17 below.

Table 17: Treatment recommendations for Grevillea ilicifolia

Seed collection time Dec – April Cleaning technique Sieve to remove unwanted material Age of seed at sowing Fresh Sowing time Late winter Bonney (2003) states that no pre-treatment is necessary, but that Recommended treatment stratification may be helpful. This trial suggests that heat treatment increases germination. Future trial suggestions Directly compare stratification and heat treatment. Presumably would perform well in Performa Jiffy plugs, as does Cutting techniques G. aquifolium

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3.8. Kunzea pomifera Muntries

Kunzea pomifera is a prostrate shrub which grows in sandy soils in both coastal and inland regions in South Australia and Victoria.

A previous trial in 2015 involving germinating seed collected in an emu scat was highly successful (Thompson & Riley 2015), however, this species is generally grown in the nursery industry by cutting and is considered difficult by seed.

Figure 10: Muntries in fruit

Provenance Eaglehawk Waterhole Restoration Reserve Material Fresh seed, and emu scat containing seed

This trial was undertaken using seed collected from fresh fruit, to compare the efficiency of this method versus germination of seed collected in emu scat.

This trial replicated a 2015 trial, repeating the same technique of using seed collected in an emu scat. Once again, this proved an effective way to propagate large numbers of Kunzea pomifera seedlings. Results from the two treatments are below in Table 18.

Table 18: Treatment results for Kunzea pomifera

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Date collected 5/4/2015 7/4/2015 Viability (%) Not tested Not tested Amount of seed sown 1 g Unknown Date sown 23/7/2015 16/4/2015 Medium Native mix Native mix Treatment Watered in with smoke-water Watered in with smoke-water Maximum survivorship 18/9/2015 4/9/2015 Final number 200 118

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Recommendations

If possible, it is recommended to collect Kunzea pomifera seed-filled emu scat during fruiting season (January to April, depending on location). Collection of emu scat avoids the extremely labour intensive and time consuming steps of fruit collection, fruit drying, and seed extraction, while increasing genetic diversity compared to using cuttings. See Table 19 for a summary of recommendations.

Table 19: Treatment recommendations for Kunzea pomifera

Seed collection time Feb – Apr; or collect fruit/seed filled scat Cleaning technique Dry fruit, then rub to expel seed Age of seed at sowing Fresh Sowing time Winter Recommended treatment Grows easily from seed, collect seed-filled scat if possible Future trial suggestions Not required Cutting techniques Easy, but slow, by cutting

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3.9. Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush

Lomandra longifolia is a common strappy clump- forming plant across south-eastern and eastern Australia. This species grows in damp soils and seed can be collected from late summer to mid- autumn. Lomandra longifolia can be grown vegetatively by division, or by using fresh seed (Sparrow 2013).

Figure 11: Lomandra longifolia (B. Haywood)

Provenance Caroline Material Seed

Seed was not pre-treated in this trial and germination was highly successful with approximately 70% of seed germinating. Results are shown in Table 20.

Table 20: Treatment results for Lomandra longifolia

Treatment 1 Date collected 1/2/2015 Viability (%) Not tested Number of seeds sown ~400 Date sown 11/2/2015 Medium Native mix Treatment No treatment Maximum survivorship 21/8/2015 Final number 279 (~70%)

Recommendations

Results of this trial support the existing knowledge that this species does not require any special pre- treatment for good germination results (Table 21).

Table 21: Treatment recommendations for Lomandra longifolia

Seed collection time Feb – April (Bonney 2003) Cleaning technique Dry fruits in sunny spot, then sieve to remove unwanted material Age of seed at sowing Fresh Sowing time Autumn Recommended treatment No treatment required Future trial suggestions Not required Cutting techniques By division in winter (Bonney 2003)

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3.10. Pomaderris halmaturina ssp. halmaturina Coastal Pomaderris

Status Vulnerable (Aust., SA)

Pomaderris halmaturina ssp. halmaturina is a medium woody shrub which is endemic to South Australia where it can be found at Kangaroo Island and the South East.

Trials by the SASCC resulted in low to very low germination, ranging from 6% to 38% (SASCC 2016). The most successful treatment began with a hot water soak (900C for 10 minutes), then the seed was rinsed with hydrogen peroxide and Tween detergent, and then rinsed with sterile water. Seedlings began to emerge at 37 days. Ralph (2009) states that dry heat treatment (10 minutes at 1500C) has been very successful.

A trial of cuttings of this species last year produced no viable plants (Thompson & Riley 2015).

Figure 12: Pomaderris halmaturina (R. Thompson)

Provenance Carpenter Rocks Conservation Park Material Seed

The first two treatments of this trial focussed on determining the ideal temperature with which to start a hot water soak. One hot water soak began at 900C, while the other began at 700C; both batches of seed were soaked for 24 hours. The number of germinants was nearly identical regardless of the temperature.

A third trial was established in spring to determine the ideal sowing time for this species. A comparison of results can be found in Table 22.

Table 22: Treatment results for Pomaderris halmaturina ssp. halmaturina

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3 Date collected 21/12/2014 21/12/2014 21/12/2014 Viability (%) 100 100 100 Amount of seed sown 2 g 2 g 0.5 g Date sown 29/4/2015 29/4/2015 18/10/2015 Medium Native mix Native mix Native mix Hot water (900C) Hot water (700C) Hot water (700C) Treatment soak, 24 hours soak, 24 hours soak, 24 hours Maximum survivorship 59 (1/7/2015) 60 (1/7/2015) Not recorded Final number 17 21 50

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Recommendations

The different hot water treatments in this trial garnered nearly identical results, indicating no advantage of a hot water soak at either specific temperature over the other.

Spring sowing is recommended for seedlings to reach ideal size for winter planting. Autumn sowing resulted in too large seedlings. Recommendations can be found below in Table 23.

Table 23: Treatment recommendations for Pomaderris halmaturina ssp. halmaturina

Seed collection time Jan – Feb (Bonney 2003) Cleaning technique Shake seed pods, separate from chaff by hand Age of seed at sowing Fresh Sowing time Spring Recommended treatment Very light soil covering Future trial suggestions No treatment (Bonney 2003); dry heat (Ralph 2009) Cutting techniques Unknown

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3.11. Ptilotus macrocephalus Green Pussytail

Ptilotus macrocephalus is a widespread herb in grasslands and open forests occurring over much of Australia. Flowers can be seen in October and November on showy stems about 60 centimetres in height. Seed can be collected when the fluffy heads are slightly dried and light straw in colour. May not produce large amount of viable seed, but viable seed should germinate readily (Bonney 2003, SASCC 2016).

Figure 13: Ptilotus macrocephalus (B. Haywood)

Provenance Glen Roy Conservation Park, north of Penola, South Australia Material Seed

Approximately one-third of the seed pappus in this trial were empty, indicating a maximum viability of 65%. Only black, fully formed seed was used in this trial.

Five treatments were devised for this trial, as shown in Table 24 below. Treatments tested the effectiveness of smoke-water application, soaking, and leaving seed in the pappus, compared with no treatment.

Table 24: Treatment results for Ptilotus macrocephalus

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3 Treatment 4 Date collected 20/12/2014 20/12/2014 20/12/2014 20/12/2014 Viability (%) ~65% ~65% ~65% ~65% Number of seeds sown 50 200 50 50 Date sown 6/1/2015 6/1/2015 6/1/2015 6/1/2015 Medium Native mix Native mix Native mix Native mix Warm water Watered in soak (550C) 1 Seed left in Treatment No treatment with smoke- min, then cool pappus water soak 1 hour Maximum survivorship 16/2/2015 16/2/2015 16/2/2015 16/2/2015 Final number 41 (82%) 166 (83%) 39 (78%) 8 (16%)

Recommendations

All treatments showed similar results, with the exception of Treatment 4, indicating the importance of removing the seed from the pappus prior to sowing. Treatments 1, 2, 3, produced very similar results ranging from 78 to 83%. The techniques used in Treatments 2 and 3 did not produce significantly more germinants or stimulate germination in any way (time of germination) indicating no benefit to using these extra techniques. Therefore this trial recommends no treatment is necessary for this species (Table 25).

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Table 25: Treatment recommendations for Ptilotus macrocephalus

Seed collection time Oct – Jan (SASCC), Jan – Feb (Bonney 2003) Cleaning technique Remove each seed from pappus by hand Age of seed at sowing Fresh Sowing time Autumn or late spring (Bonney 2003) Recommended treatment No treatment required Future trial suggestions Not required Cutting techniques Not grown by cutting

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3.12. Pultenaea dentata Clustered Bush-pea

Status Rare (SA)

Pultenaea dentata is small slender shrub, generally less than 50 centimetres in height. It occurs in damp areas such as near wetlands or along streams in south-eastern Australia. The recommended treatment for Pultenaea species is a short burst of hot water immersion, followed by rapid cooling and soaking for several hours.

Ralph (2009) states that dry heat treatment has produced very good results with several Pultenaea species, while other sources more specifically recommends treating with hot water for 30 seconds followed by rapidly cooling the water and soaking for several hours (Sparrow 2013, Bonney 2003). This method has worked for several Pultenaea species and they can now be used in direct seeding programs (Bonney 2003).

A trial by the SASCC resulted in 100% germination when seed was nicked, compared to 3% germination without nicking (SASCC 2016). Provenance Honan Native Forest Reserve, near Glencoe, South Australia Material Seed

Seed was sown in autumn and germination occurred rapidly within one month, continuing to maximum germination at the start of June. After this point the germinants began to decline in condition, due to insect predation with numbers dropping to one-third (61 to 20 on 13/7/2015). A small number of seedlings were pricked out in July, and were extremely slow growing.

A replicate of the same treatment was undertaken in November, to determine the best timing for this species. Results are summarised in Table 26.

Table 26: Treatment results for Pultenaea dentata

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Date collected 11/11/2014 11/11/2014 Viability (%) 85% 85% Amount of seed sown 0.7 g (~400) 1 g (~570) Date sown 15/4/2015 19/11/2015 Medium Naïve mix Native mix Hot water (700C) 30 sec, followed Hot water (700C) 30 sec, followed Treatment by two hour cold soak by two hour cold soak 61 (1/6/2015 then insect Maximum survivorship 190 predation) Final number 6 190

Recommendations

Germinants in both treatments were slow growing, however the later spring planting avoided the white fly infestation which seemed to play a role in the demise of the autumn planting. This trial recommends therefore recommends spring planting to maximise potential (Table 27).

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Table 27: Treatment recommendations for Pultenaea dentata

Seed collection time November Hang cut branches upside down to release seed. Store seed with Cleaning technique insecticide. Age of seed at sowing Fresh Sowing time Sept – Apr (Understorey Network 2009) Short hot water treatment (30 sec 700C), followed by cold soak two Recommended treatment hours Future trial suggestions Avoid insects by sowing in spring Cutting techniques Unknown

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3.13. Pultenaea stricta Rigid Bush-pea

Pultenaea stricta is a small shrub growing to about one metre in height, which occurs in South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania. Small yellow and red pea flowers occur in spring. As noted above, either dry heat or wet heat treatment is recommended for Pultenaea species (Ralph 2009, Sparrow 2013, Bonney 2003).

Figure 14: Pultenaea stricta (B. Haywood) Provenance Honan Native Forest Reserve, near Glencoe, South Australia Material Seed

Viability testing revealed extremely high levels of viability. All seed in this trial received the same treatment of hot water immersion for 30 seconds, followed by rapid cooling and soaking for two hours. It was found that this species was very prone to insect attack and damping off.

Table 28: Treatment results for Pultenaea stricta

Treatment 1 Date collected 30/11/2014 Viability (%) ~100 Number of seeds sown ~300 Date sown 15/4/2015 Medium Native mix Treatment Hot water 700C 30 sec, then cold water soak 2 hours Maximum survivorship 1/7/2015 Final number 146 (49%)

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Recommendations

Approximately half the viable seed germinated in this trial.

As in the case of Pultenaea dentata, this species was found to be slow growing. While Understorey Network (2009) lists sowing time from September to April, NGT recommends spring sowing to ensure adequate time for growth before the cooler months (Table 29).

Table 29: Treatment recommendations for Pultenaea stricta

Seed collection time Oct – Feb (Ralph 1994) Hang branches upside down in warm dry place to allow seed to Cleaning technique release. Sieve to remove unwanted material Age of seed at sowing Fresh Sowing time November 30 second hot water treatment, followed by rapid cooling and Recommended treatment several hours cold soak (Sparrow 2013) Future trial suggestions Compare dry heat and hot water treatment Cutting techniques Pultenaea species are slow by cutting; not recommended

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3.14. Multiple species – Tea tree oil case study

Tea tree oil has an extensive history of use as an antifungal agent. This trial attempted to test whether adding tea tree oil as a fungicide to the seed of three species would reduce “damping off”. Five drops of tea tree oil were added to the 500 millilitres of water and half of each seedlot was watered in with this mixture. The species tested were Bursaria spinosa (from three provenances), Eutaxia microphylla, and Pultenaea canaliculata. Each species was chosen because of its susceptibility to damping off, and the recommended treatments for each species were also applied.

Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria

Provenance Millicent township, Mount Gambier township, Dry Creek NFR Material Seed

Bursaria spinosa is a medium sized shrub occurring in south- eastern, and eastern Australia. Cold stratification is required to germinate this species.

The amount of seed sown from each provenance varied depending on availability. It appears that the addition of tea tree oil delayed germination of Bursaria spinosa from all provenances, however the final number of germinants was nearly double for treatments of the first two provenances (Millicent, and Mount Gambier). Conversely, both treatments on Dry Creek seed produced a similar number of germinants. Figure 15: Sweet Bursaria in flower The results of the tea tree trial on Bursaria spinosa are shown (R. Thompson) below in Table 30.

Table 30: Treatment results for Bursaria spinosa

Treatment Treatment Treatment Treatment Treatment Treatment 1a 2a 2b 2b 3a 3b Millicent township Mount Gambier township Dry Creek NFR Date 20/3/2015 20/3/2015 20/3/2015 20/3/2015 22/3/2015 22/3/2015 collected Viability Not tested Not tested Not tested Not tested Not tested Not tested (%) Amount of 1.5 g 1.5 g 0.5 g 0.5 g 1.5 g 1.5 g seed sown Date sown 20/4/2015 20/4/2015 20/4/2015 20/4/2015 20/4/2015 20/4/2015 Medium Native mix Native mix Native mix Native mix Native mix Native mix Stratification Stratification Stratification Stratification Stratification Stratification (70C) four (70C) four (70C) four Treatment (70C) four (70C) four (70C) four weeks, tea weeks, tea weeks, tea weeks weeks weeks tree oil tree oil tree oil Maximum 31/8/2015 31/8/2015 31/8/2015 31/8/2015 31/8/2015 31/8/2015 survivorship Final 12 20 4 9 18 14 number

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Eutaxia microphylla Common Eutaxia

Eutaxia microphylla is a low dense shrub which occurs across much of southern Australia. Typical pea flowers are yellow and red, and appear from August to October.

Seed collecting from November to February by collecting mature brown pods containing black seeds (SASCC 2016). Dry for up to two weeks then hand rub to separate seed from pods. Seed viability is generally high (75% and 95% in two collections tested by the SASCC), and this species has a physical dormancy, specifically a hard seed coat, Figure 16: Eutaxia microphylla (D. Duval) which needs to be breached so that germination can occur. Scarification methods include nicking, using sandpaper, hot water treatment. Provenance Honan Native Forest Reserve, near Glencoe, South Australia Material Seed

Approximately equal amount of seed was used in treatments 4a and 4b. All seed received a hot water soak for three hours, with half the seed then receiving tea tree oil treatment also. This trial indicates that tea tree oil inhibits the germination of Eutaxia microphylla. Treatment results are shown in Table 31.

Table 31: Treatment results for Eutaxia microphylla

Treatment 4a Treatment 4b Date collected 15/12/2014 15/12/2014 Viability (%) Not tested Not tested Number of seeds sown Not recorded Not recorded Date sown 20/4/2015 20/4/2015 Medium Native mix Native mix Treatment Hot water soak 3 hours Hot water soak 3 hours, tea tree oil Maximum survivorship 9/8/2015 9/8/2015 Final number 9 1

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Pultenaea canaliculata Coast Bush-pea

Status Rare (Vic.)

Pultenaea canaliculata is a small shrub growing in coastal cliffs and sand-dunes in South Australia and Victoria. Heat treatment is required to stimulate germination, as with other Pultenaea species. A trial by NGT last year using cuttings produces no viable plants. Provenance Cape Douglas Conservation Park Material Seed

Approximately equal amount of seed was used in treatments 5a and 5b. All seed received a hot water soak for three hours, with half the seed then receiving tea tree oil treatment also. Germination was approximately equal in each case, however plant form and root development varied. Those treated with tea tree oil showed no signs of damping off, while those without struggled to form roots. In addition, seedlings with tea tree oil were more robust and erect. Treatments and results for this species are shown in Table 32.

Table 32: Treatment results for Pultenaea canaliculata

Treatment 5a Treatment 5b Date collected 14/11/2014 14/11/2014 Viability (%) Not tested Not tested Amount of seed sown 0.3 g 0.3 g Date sown 20/4/2015 20/4/2015 Medium Native mix Native mix Treatment Hot water soak 3 hours Hot water soak 3 hours, tea tree oil Maximum survivorship 31/8/2015 31/8/2015 Final number 20 19

Recommendations

Tea tree oil had varying effects in this trial depending on the species. The germination of Bursaria spinosa was delayed by the tea tree oil, although more germinants were eventually produced than without tea tree oil. The effect of tea tree oil on Pultenaea canaliculata was even more positive with damping off reduced, and seedling vigour increased. Conversely, the germination of Eutaxia microphylla was hindered by tea tree oil, and its use is not recommended for this species.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

3.15. Multiple species – Emu scat trials

Germination of certain species is aided by digestion of the seed by vertebrates, in particular birds, and this knowledge provided the background for NGT’s first emu scat germination trials in the 2014-2015 growing season. Due to the success of the 2014-2015 trial, which resulted in thousands of Kunzea pomifera germinants, further scats were collected and trialled in the current season.

A seed-filled emu scat was collected at Dry Creek Native Forest Reserve in January 2015. The seed was sown by adding water to the dried scat to create a slurry which was then added to native mix. At the time of sowing the seed was unidentified.

In the months after germination it became apparent that three species were present among the emergent seedlings: Leucopogon virgatus, Leucopogon parviflorus, and Kunzea pomifera. The former two species made up approximately half of the seedlings each, with just one individual Kunzea pomifera seedling appearing.

Leucopogon virgatus var. virgatus Common Beard-heath and Leucopogon parviflorus Coastal Bead-heath

Provenance Dry Creek Native Forest Reserve Material Seed – emu scat Leucopogon virgatus is an erect wiry shrub growing to usually less than one metre in height, and occurring throughout south-eastern Australia. Flowering occurs from June to October, and seed collection from November to December (Understorey Network 2009). Leucopogon virgatus occurs throughout south-eastern Australia, and although a common species in the wild, it is not widely available in nurseries. Sparrow (2013) states that propagation is by cutting but may be difficult using this method.

Leucopogon virgatus is available from very few native plant nurseries, and none within NGT’s focal region. A nursery in central Victoria, and one in Tasmania both confirmed they grow the species by cutting, as this was the most reliable way of growing this species. One of the nurseries which stocks this species, Goldfield’s Revegetation, near Bendigo in Victoria, has a success rate of about 20% growing Leucopogon virgatus by Figure 17: Leucopogon parviflorus cutting, and is limited not by the technique but by (R. Thompson) difficulty in sourcing material (Ashley Elliott, manager, pers. comm. 19 April 2016).

In general, Leucopogon species are difficult to grow – they are slow by cutting, and unreliable by seed. A similar coastal species, Leucopogon parviflorus, is often grown by collecting and propagating sea gull scat, however a trial by NGT using seagull scat in 2014/2015 was unsuccessful at producing germinants (Thompson & Riley 2015). A number of germination trials have been carried out by the SASCC between 2006 and 2013, with the greatest success using a combination of hydrogen peroxide, smoke-water, and gibberellic acid (SASCC 2016); the acid treatment is believed to mimic the digestion process.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Table 33: Results for Leucopogon spp. emu scat case study

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3 Treatment Date 10/1/2015 10/1/2015 10/1/2015 10/1/2015 collected Viability (%) Not tested Not tested Not tested Not tested Number of ~200 ~200 ~200 ~200 seeds sown Date sown 19/4/2015 19/4/2015 19/4/2015 19/4/2015 Smoke-water Smoke-water Medium Native mix soaked perlite on Native mix soaked perlite on native mix native mix Emu ingestion, cold Emu ingestion, Emu ingestion, Emu ingestion, Treatment smoke-water soak cold smoke-water hot water (800C) hot water (800C) 24 hours soak 24 hours soak 24 hours soak 24 hours Maximum (18/9/2015) (18/9/2015) (18/9/2015) (18/9/2015) survivorship Final number 33 (16.5%) 58 (29%) 23 (11.5%) 45 (22.5%)

Recommendations

This trial indicates that Leucopogon species can be grown with a reasonable success rate using seed contained within emu scat, which then undergoes a cold smoke-water soak for 24 hours. Germination was higher in both treatments which were sown in perlite/native mix combination medium (Treatments 2 and 4) possibly indicating these species preference for sandier, well-draining soil.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Unidentified seed – emu scat

A seed-filled scat was collected in April 2015 at Eaglehawk Waterhole Restoration Reserve, and seed was sown later that month. The scat contained seed of one species that had a hard seed coat; this factor informed the treatments used. Monitoring for nine months revealed no germinants in any of the three treatments.

Figure 18: Unidentified seed from emu scat

Table 34: Treatment results for unidentified seed in scat

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3 Date collected 5/4/2015 5/4/2015 5/4/2015 Viability (%) Not tested Not tested Not tested Number of seeds sown 40 40 40 Date sown 17/4/2015 17/4/2015 17/4/2015 Layer of perlite over Layer of perlite over Layer of perlite over Medium native mix native mix native mix Hot water 800C soak Coca-Cola soak 24 Smoke-water soak 24 Treatment 24 hours hours hours Maximum survivorship NA NA NA Final number 0 0 0

Recommendations

It is recommended that the emu scat technique be used where seed can be reasonably confidently identified, as this information will inform treatments applied.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

3.16. Multiple species – Seedball trials

Seedballs, or seed bombs, have been traditionally used in no till agriculture, and are also popular in permaculture (Schreiber 2014). This method of spreading seed has been used to a lesser extent in revegetation efforts in various parts of the world, including trials undertaken by Greening Australia (Rayner et al. 2015). Seedballs are small purpose made balls containing seed, which are generally made from a clay mixture.

Figure 19 : A batch of seedballs drying

A key benefit to seedballs is that they protect the seed – both from wind, and from predators; seedballs may also be used in terrains or for species where current techniques such as tubestock and direct seeding are less successful. Seed within the balls is protected until sufficient rainfall occurs, dissolving the seedball and stimulating germination.

NGT staff and volunteers, together with ForestrySA, began trialling seedball construction in January 2016, with the seedballs intended for use in a ForestrySA revegetation project near Glencoe, South Australia. One batch was made by hand in a bucket, and then further batches were made using a cement mixer. Batches consisted of varying ingredients, following a ratio of 5 parts clay (different types) to 3 parts other soil (sieved native mix) based on the method used in Greening Australia trials Rayner et al. 2015); the ratios of water and seed varied between batches. A complete list of seedball batches and their components can be found in Appendix 2: Seedball batches.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

Local native plant nursery representatives, a local school with native plant growing program, and a local Department for Correctional Services (DCS) crew were invited to a workshop held at the NGT Community Nursery in February 2016. Both the local nursery, and school became confident in the technique and went on to produce more seedballs for the revegetation project, while the DCS crew were involved in preparing materials (clay and seed) for use in the seedballs.

In May 2016, monitoring trials were established in both a controlled nursery setting, and in the field at the revegetation site. Monitoring of seedballs in the nursery revealed that they began germinating within two weeks, with Poa labillardieri being the first species to emerge.

Figure 20: Some of the first germinants

Figure 21: Seedball monitoring in the nursery June 2016

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

In field monitoring was established with the assistance of Millicent High School students completing units for Certificate in Conservation and Land Management. Seedballs were placed within one-metre square quadrats at ten centimetre intervals, and their position, size, and batch recorded. The first round of follow up monitoring occurred in the final week of June 2016, six weeks after set up.

Figure 22: Local students assisted with in field monitoring set up

Seedballs in both the field set up, and nursery setting received no additional watering other than rainfall.

Seedballs in both the nursery and field setting were divided into size classes of small, medium, and large (actual sizes varied, depending on batch). Monitoring has only recently begun, however early results indicate medium and larger balls resulting in more germination. Long-term monitoring will reveal which size has the overall benefit, weighing up the number of germinants versus competition.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

4. DISCUSSION

4.1. Propagation trials

Propagation by seed is the preferred method when the plants are intended for environmental restoration works because of the importance of maintaining genetic diversity. Seed is collected from a large number of parent plants to ensure the best chance of capturing a good reflection of the genetics of the population (for more detailed seed collection guidelines see Ralph 1994: 6-11).

Seed trials aimed to determine the species specific dormancy-breaking cues; a general summary of treatment recommendations based on the trials can be found in Table 35. The trials conducted by the Community Nursery have generated a substantial amount of new knowledge, as well as results that support existing knowledge (see Appendix 1). In one case the results are contrary to the treatment currently recommended, but support a previous NGT trial (germination of Callitris rhomboidea was not stimulated by cold stratification in trials by NGT).

Table 35: General treatment recommendations

Treatment Species  Allocasuarina luehmannii  Cassinia tegulata No treatment required  Cyperus gymnocaulos  Kunzea pomifera  Lomandra longifolia  Callitris rhomboidea Smoke-water treatment  Calytrix tetragona  Grevillea aquifolium Remove seed coat and hot water soak  Grevillea ilicifolia  Pomaderris halmaturina Hot water treatment  Pultenaea dentata  Pultenaea stricta Remove pappus  Ptilotus macrocephalus

The findings of several trials support the methods currently known in the literature. For example, it is common practice to soften the seedcoat of species with hard seeds using hot water and then soaking the seed (Pultenaea stricta), while it is also known that certain species germinate more readily after digestion (Kunzea pomifera, Leucopogon virgatus). Similarly, it is known that particular species germinate well without pre-treatment (Allocasuarina luehmannii and Lomandra longifolia).

The results of some trials suggest successful seed pre-treatments (for example, seed coat removal and hot water soak for Grevillea aquifolium and G. ilicifolia), while a number of other trials which were not successful in producing germinants are valuable by means of eliminating non-useful techniques. Future research can build on the knowledge created by such studies.

Particularly interesting are the emu scat trials, which continued to show the benefit of using this method for certain species, following a successful trial which produced thousands of Kunzea pomifera seedlings in 2015. Where seed can be reasonably confidently identified in scat, this technique replaces several time-consuming steps (collecting fruit/seed, drying the fruit, seed cleaning) with just one (scat collection). The scat method is even more time-efficient than growing by cuttings, which is the method

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery currently most often employed for Kunzea pomifera and Leucopogon species. Given that emus can travel some distance to feed, it can be assumed that genetic diversity of seed contained within the scat is high, adding a further benefit to this propagation method. The emu scat trial of unidentified seed, however, illustrates that this technique is not suitable in all cases.

Seed of the same species from several provenances were trialled to give an idea of whether differences in seed quality and other characteristics between provenances. For example, Bursaria spinosa ssp. spinosa is known to vary in its physical characteristics between provenances, and results in the tea tree oil study varied between provenances. Conversely, despite two populations of Cassinia tegulata experiencing a recent dramatic decline, seed from these provenances is viable, germinates readily, and grows quickly, producing strong seedlings in just a few months.

Future trial recommendations have been made for each species. Where results indicated new knowledge, these trials should be replicated to increase certainty of the findings. In cases where germination did not occur, or only limited success was experienced, as yet untested methods and seed pre-treatments have been suggested.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

4.2. Workshops

Part of the Community Nursery’s role is to work together with groups and industry to provide workshops relating to native vegetation to the public. The Nursery has worked hard to undertake meaningful workshops that facilitate expanding our local community’s knowledge about plant propagation, revegetation and general biodiversity. Table 36 outlines the workshops which have been held since commencement of the Community Nursery.

Table 36 : Community Nursery workshops held since commencement (2012)

Year Workshop Speakers Partners Venue  Natural Resources South East Struan, SA; 2013 Seed collection Neville Bonney  TAFE SA Carpenters Rocks, SA  Greening Australia  CSIRO Plant Industry 2013 Seeds of Success – full day event Multiple speakers Hamilton, Victoria  Millennium Seedbank Project  Neville Bonney 2013 Growing Media Kevin Handreck Mount Gambier, SA 2013 Plant identification Neville Bonney Mount Gambier, SA 2014 Botanical illustration Yvonne Riley Mount Gambier, SA  State Herbarium of South Australia 2014 What weed is that? Chris Brodie Mount Gambier, SA  Natural Resources South East Bryan Haywood; 2014 How to create a butterfly garden Mount Gambier, SA Yvonne Riley Eaglehawk Waterhole Restoration Reserve, 2014 Seed collection Neville Bonney near Frances, SA Bryan Haywood; 2015 How to create a butterfly garden  Natural Resources South East Naracoorte, SA Yvonne Riley 2015 Native Plant Propagation Kevin Sparrow  Portland Community Garden Portland, Victoria Yvonne Riley; Rose 2015 Blooming Beautiful Native Gardens  Portland Community Garden Portland, Victoria Thompson 2015 What’s Sleeping in your Swamp Michelle Casanova Penshurst, Victoria Bryan Haywood;  Australian Society for Growing 2016 Attracting Butterflies to your Garden Warrnambool, Victoria Rose Thompson Australian Plants - Warrnambool Mount Gambier, SA 2016 Nuts about Gums Dean Nicolle Port MacDonnell, SA

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

4.3. Volunteers

The nursery has also been a hub for volunteers who form the Friends of Community Nursery group. Volunteers are involved in all aspects of nursery operation, from setting up and monitoring propagation trials, general cleaning, weeding, pricking out, re-potting and assisting at events. Friends group members are usually longer-term volunteers who spend several hours or multiple days per week at the nursery. The Community Nursery has also joint-hosted (with other NGT projects) a high school work experience student, and has shorter-term or once-off volunteers.

From July 2015 to January 2016 the Community Nursery hosted a Work for the Dole activity, for two participants. During the six month period, the nursery was able to provide meaningful engagement for eight job seekers, with participants gaining and expanding upon their skills and increasing the employability.

Lessons learnt in the area of volunteer engagement include the importance of:

 highlighting and using volunteers’ natural strengths and interests;  understanding and provision for different learning techniques; and  the reward received by the volunteer.

By thinking about what the volunteer wants, needs, or would enjoy from an experience, their natural strengths and their preferred learning method, the Community Nursery is able to provide meaningful and engaging volunteer activities. Volunteer engagement is not a one-size-fits-all situation, and ideally these factors should be considered for each group or individual engaged in a project.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

5. CONCLUSIONS

Undertaking the Community Nursery project has provided many insights into the revegetation and restoration industry. Key insights learnt along the way include:

 The nursery industry is a labour of love! The hours invested in the steps between seed collection and planting out (seed cleaning, sowing, monitoring, pricking out, weeding, and repotting) may not be adequately reflected in current price structures, however there is a trade- off between cost-effectiveness and affordability. NGT Community Nursery continues to explore this challenge.  Some of the key reasons behind the lack of diversity in revegetation projects is not the lack of want or knowledge about the propagation techniques but the time involved, for example: o Seed may be very hard to collect, require many consecutive visits for optimal ripening, or existing populations may be isolated; o The seed of certain species is time consuming to either collect or clean; o The identification of plants especially rare and/or threatened always needs verification.  Certain species that have been successfully grown by the Community Nursery may remain absent from revegetation projects, simply because of the time consuming nature of propagating them. Conversely, the results presented here may enable growers to diversify their offerings, for example, the propagation of Grevillea aquifolium shows potential.  Understorey plants may be missing from revegetation projects as growers do not feel such a strong market demand for these; that is, shrubs and trees are valuable in revegetation as well as in farm shelter belts.  Relationships between research, growers, and land managers should continue to be fostered and strengthened.

A final report on the Community Nursery project, including propagation trials and lessons learned will be published at the project’s conclusion at mid-2017. A final workshop with regional stakeholders, including commercial nursery representatives, will also take place around this time. This project aims to improve communication between management organisations and growers; this must remain a focus into the future and beyond the life of this project. The Community Nursery is committed to helping share information and increase knowledge about propagation techniques that will assist to improve revegetation and flora knowledge with industry partners and our local community into the future.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

6. REFERENCES

Australian National Botanic Gardens (1972). https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp2/calytrix- tetragona.html. Accessed online 17 June 2016

Bonney, N (2003) What Seed is That? Second ed., Finsbury Press, Adelaide.

Greening Australia Florabank (2016) Allocasuarina luehmannii. http://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/species%20navigator/media/html/Allocasuarina_lueh mannii.htm. Accessed online 1 June 2016.

Ralph, M. (1994). Seed Collection of Australian Native Plants: for revegetation, tree planting, and direct seeding. Fitzroy, Victoria.

Ralph, M. (2009) Growing Australian Native Plants from Seed: for revegetation, tree planting, and direct seeding. Second edition. Bushland Horticulture, Bullarto, Victoria.

Rayner, I, Hnatiuk, S, and Fifield, G (2015) Seedballs: A useful tool for revegetating difficult terrain? Australian Plant Conservation: Journal of the Australian Network for Plant Conservation, vol. 24, no. 1, pp13-15.

Schreiber, A (2014) Making Seedballs: An ancient method of no-till agriculture. Permaculture News. http://permaculturenews.org/2014/06/18/making-seedballs-ancient-method-till-agriculture/. Accessed online 16 June 2016.

South Australian Seed Conservation Centre (2016). Species Information. http://saseedbank.com.au/. Accessed 24 March 2016.

Sparrow, K. (2013). Plants of the Great South West – fully revised and expanded. Second edition. Victoria.

Thompson, R. and Riley, Y. (2015). Interim Report on Propagation Trials at Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery. Report to Department of the Environment. Nature Glenelg Trust, Mount Gambier, South Australia.

Understorey Network (2009) Plant Database. http://www.understorey-network.org.au/plant- database.html. Accessed online 13 March 2016.

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

7. APPENDICES

7.1. Appendix 1: Summary of propagation trials

Table 37: Summary of propagation trial results

Species New knowledge Supports existing Contrary to existing knowledge knowledge

Allocasuarina No pre-treatment

luehmannii required Second trial indicating Successful germination stratification detrimental Callitris rhomboidea with just smoke-water to emergence of this treatment species Successful germination Calytrix tetragona with just smoke-water treatment Fast growing in nursery Cassinia tegulata Seed germinates readily setting No pre-treatment Cyperus gymnocaulos required Remove seed coat and Grevillea aquifolium hot water soak Remove seed coat and Grevillea ilicifolia hot water soak Grows well by fresh Kunzea pomifera seed, or emu-scat collected seed Can be grown easily Lomandra longifolia using fresh seed Hot water treatment successful; complex Pomaderris halmaturina multi-step treatment not required Importance of removing pappus; all other Ptilotus macrocephalus treatments equal, therefore no treatment required Pultenaea dentata Pultenaea stricta Hot water treatment Tea tree oil doubled Tea tree oil trials germination of some Bursaria spinosa provenances Tea tree oil inhibits Eutaxia microphylla germination Pultenaea canaliculata Tea tree oil had no effect Leucopogon parviflorus Successful via emu scat Leucopogon virgatus Successful via emu scat Certain species Very useful technique germinate more reliably Emu scat trials for Kunzea pomifera, after digestion, other and Leucopogon species species less suitable

Second Interim Report on Propagation Trials by Nature Glenelg Trust’s Cross-border Community Nursery

7.2. Appendix 2: Seedball batches

Batch Date Species no. 1 21/01/2016 Austrostipa mollis 2 21/01/2016 Austrostipa mollis 3 21/01/2016 Austrostipa mollis 4 21/01/2016 Austrostipa mollis 5 21/01/2016 Austrostipa mollis 6 21/01/2016 Poa labillardieri Poa labillardieri, Senecio pinnatifolius, Acaena novae-zelandiae, 7 21/01/2016 Austrodanthonia setacea 8 2/02/2016 Poa labillardieri, Austrodanthonia sp., Acaena novae-zelandiae 9 2/02/2016 Poa labillardieri 10 2/02/2016 Poa labillardieri 11 16/03/2016 Xanthorrhoea australis 12 16/03/2016 Xanthorrhoea australis 13 16/03/2016 Xanthorrhoea australis 14 16/03/2016 Microlaena stipoides 15 16/03/2016 Poa labillardieri 16 16/03/2016 Poa labillardieri 17 16/03/2016 Poa labillardieri 18 16/03/2016 Acaena novae-zelandiae, remnant Poa labillardieri 18 16/03/2016 Poa labillardieri 19 16/03/2016 Poa labillardieri 20 16/03/2016 Poa labillardieri 21 16/03/2016 Poa labillardieri, Microlaena stipoides 22 16/03/2016 Poa labillardieri, Senecio pinnatifolius, Acaena novae-zelandiae , Ficinia nodosa