Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA) manages Kings Park and Botanic Garden as well as Bold Park, two of Perth’s most iconic and accessible natural areas, cherished by both residents and visitors. BGPA operates as part of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, established on July 1, 2017, under the leadership of the Hon. Reece R. Whitby MLA, Minister for Environment and Climate Action.
Milana Lukic is a PhD candidate at Curtin University has been exploring the intricate roles of redox homeostasis during cryopreservation in Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant species. Cryopreservation serves as a vital ex-situ conservation tool for diverse plant species, but the preparation of plant tissues for freezing often triggers significant stresses, including oxidative stress. This stress can impair cellular functions, destabilize DNA, and hinder transcription processes, ultimately reducing post-cryopreservation survival rates.
“My fascination with plants began during my undergraduate studies and deepened during my master’s, where I delved into molecular biology and biotechnology. My PhD allowed me to combine these fields, enhancing my skills and passion for plant science,” Milana shared.
Although Milana’s PhD research focused on Arabidopsis thaliana, her APR internship with BGPA introduced her to the extraordinary diversity of Australia’s native flora. She applied her cryopreservation expertise to Western Australian plants, developing protocols and assessing the viability of samples stored in cryo-collections for periods ranging from six to twenty-six years. Her meticulous analysis of factors such as propagule type, growth conditions, and incubation time provided valuable insights for optimising cryopreservation processes.
Dr. Bryn Funnekotter, Research Scientist at Kings Park Science, highlighted the importance of this work in advancing plant conservation efforts.
“Milana’s internship project helped with the development of a new cryopreservation protocol for one of our threatened species we have growing in plant tissue culture, her project made a valuable contribution to this species long-term conservation. Additionally, Milana assessed some of the older samples we had in cryogenic storage to assess their long-term viability, providing valuable information on our cryogenic collection.”
-Dr Bryn Funnekotter, Research Scientist, Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Reflecting on her internship, Milana emphasised its transformative impact.
“Working with unique Western Australian plant species was truly remarkable. The experience not only allowed me to apply my laboratory skills but also enhanced my professionalism, networking, and communication abilities, as I collaborated with Kings Park scientists and academics from other institutions.”
Looking ahead, Milana aspires to continue her work in plant cryopreservation, a rapidly evolving field fuelled by advancements in technology and innovative research approaches. She credits the APR internship as a pivotal step toward achieving her career goals.
The research conducted by Kings Park Science spans diverse areas, from promoting plant conservation and restoring degraded ecosystems to recovering endangered species. This work has a profound impact locally and globally. Milana views her contributions during the internship as the foundation for new ideas and pathways in the conservation of Australia’s unique plant biodiversity and beyond.
Milana Lukic is completing a PhD from Curtin University
