Accelerating Agave Propagation for an Emerging Industry in Arid Australia. Agave, which thrives on marginal lands in harsh climates, is a versatile crop that can serve as raw material for biofuel, fib

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Accelerating Agave Propagation for an Emerging Industry in Arid Australia. Agave, which thrives on marginal lands in harsh climates, is a versatile crop that can serve as raw material for biofuel, fibre, and liquor production. A major bottleneck to large-scale Agave cultivation is the slow and inefficient propagation of new plants via cloning. This project aims to increase production efficiency, survival rates, and transport efficiency using an innovative light treatment that impacts leaf wax production. Expected outcomes will directly benefit industry, who can tailor light regimes for their strains to boost plant production. Broader benefits will accrue as outputs lay the foundation for a nationwide agave breeding and production program, positioning Australia as a leader in sustainable, climate-proof agriculture.. Scheme: Early Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 3001 - Agricultural Biotechnology. Lead: Dr Aaron Phillips