News

The Macadamia Conservation Trust has successfully applied for a $15,000 Tech Voucher Grant in collaboration with the Southern Cross University.

The NSW Department of Industry Tech Voucher program is designed to increase access by Small and Medium Enterprises to NSW research and development (R&D) organisations and promote collaboration. Through this grant, the NSW Government is supporting the development of MCT1, our new commercial macadamia variety. 

Researchers at Southern Cross Plant Science, Southern Cross University (SCU) have developed the first genomic resources and genetic markers to support macadamia breeding and conservation.  A selection of microsatellite markers developed for DNA fingerprinting can be used to determine whether the source trees from which scion wood is collected to produce grafted trees are “true to type”.  The NSW Government is matching MCT dollar for dollar to complete this important authentification work.

Silica Gel Australia donates to MCT

Silica Gel Australia is supporting MCT’s work by providing the all- important silica gel to dry and preserve leaf samples.  When ever we find wild macadamias, we try to collect a sample of young leaf tissue to add to the genotype database of wild trees being developed at Southern Cross University.  Silica Gel Australia produces a scientific grade of silica that is designed to preserve and dry plant samples for without contaminating them.  The MCT is very grateful for Silica Gel Australia’s recent donations of silica gel to support our work.