MCT successfully applied for a $15,000 Tech Voucher Grant in collaboration with the Southern Cross University (SCU).
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, a commercial macadamia variety gifted to MCT to raise money for conservation.
Researchers at Southern Cross Plant Science, 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.
Continuing support for Macadamia conservation!