We are currently working on a 5 year MBIE funded programme to investigate the microbiome associated with Pinus radiata roots and surrounding soils. We are targeting global soil and root collections with a strong focus on samples from New Zealand and Australia. We aim to collect a small soil sample that is a 10x10x10 cm spade hole, at all cardinal direction points, about 1m from the trunk of the Radiata Pine tree. We will also be collecting foliage/needles from the tips of the lowest branches of the tree. This sampling does not affect the growth of the tree and is considered non-destructive. We are targeting trees that are 5 years or older.

Two Vehicles, with two people. One will head west of Melbourne towards Mt Gambia. The other will head east, and north to cover this area toward the ocean and NSW.

We are asking for access to all Pinus radiata plantation sites in Victoria for our research.

Please feel free to contact us for any further information you require. Thank you