new plant products€¦ · rambutan ipm development phase1: insect monitoring/insecticide screening...

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2003-2004 and

Research in Progress as at June 2004

Sub-Program 1.1

NEW PLANT PRODUCTS

September 2004 RIRDC Publication No 04/66

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© 2004 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 0 642 58625 X ISSN 1440 6845 "RIRDC Completed Projects in 2003-04 and Research in Progress as at June 2004 - 1.1 New Plant Products" Publication No 04/066 The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. RIRDC New Plant Products Research Manager Mr Max Bourke RIRDC Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 3207 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] RIRDC Publications Manager Cecile Ferguson Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 3186 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in September 2004 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

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Foreword This year RIRDC has produced Research in Progress, June '04, which contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 2003-2004 for all of the Corporation’s program areas. The complete report on all the programs is only available in electronic format on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au The following report is a hardcopy extract covering Sub-Program 1.1. It contains all entries from continuing and completed New Plant Products research projects funded by RIRDC. This program aims to facilitate the development of new industries based on plants or plant products that have commercial potential for Australia. This report is the newest addition to our extensive catalogue of over 1000 research reports, videos and CD-Roms of projects supported by RIRDC. Please contact us for the latest publications catalogue or view it on our website: • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop Simon Hearn Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

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Contents

1.1 NEW PLANT PRODUCTS - COMPLETED PROJECTS

PROJECT

NO. PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE

No

Native Foods CSL-11A

Evaluating performance of cultivated bushfood plants in South Australian environments

Dr Maarten Ryder (08) 8303 8534 CSIRO Land and Water 1

CSL-20A

Soil biological constraints and benefits to quandong and other native food production

Dr Maarten Ryder (08) 8303 8534 CSIRO Land and Water 3

AQI-2A

Do our own quandong production research (DOOR) feasibility study

Dr Ben Lethbridge (08) 8383 6181 Australian Quandong Industry Association

4

Extractive and Fibre Crops DAT-40A

Preliminary feasibility of ethanol production from sugar beet in northeastern Tasmania

Mr. Robin Thompson (03) 6352 2588 Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (Tas)

5

NEL-1A

Establishment of environmental management systems for the olive industry

Mr. Nelson Quinn (02) 6230 2372 Nelson Quinn and Associates 7

UQ-112A

Value chain and market analysis for the Australian guar industry

Dr. Kim Bryceson (07) 5460 1617 The University of Queensland 8

UCS-27A

Diagnosing diseases affecting mature jojoba plantations and developing strategies to reduce their effect on commercial production of jojoba seeds

Dr Gavin Ash (02) 6933 2765 Charles Sturt University 9

UA-54A

Wild olive selection for quality oil production

Prof. Margaret Sedgley (08) 8303 7242 The University of Adelaide 11

CWT-2A Processing and market assessment for cottonised fibre from linseed stalks

Dr. Peter Lamb (03) 5246 4000 CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology

12

Fruit, Vegetables and Nuts DNT-24A

Integrated management of Phytophthora diseases of durian

Mr. Chris Wicks (08) 8973 9769 Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT)

13

RTE-3A

Edible tropical crops germplasm database for Northern Australia

Mr Roger Goebel 07 4063 2526 Rambutan and Tropical Exotic Growers Association

15

TMB-1A

Myrtus ugni berries: market research Mr. John Bailey (03) 6223 5804 Tas Myrtus Berries Pty Ltd 16

DAQ-274A

Rambutan IPM Development Phase1: Insect Monitoring/Insecticide screening

Mr. David Astridge (07) 4064 1160 Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld)

17

HUD-1A

Market opportunities for the Northern Territory tropical fruits industry

Mr. Neil Howells (08) 8211 7168 Hudson Howells 19

PTT-3A

Increasing the productivity of truffieres in Tasmania

Dr. Daryl Brown (03) 6224 1207 Perigord Truffles of Tasmania 21

Miscellaneous UT-25A

Leguminous browse species as forage plants for temperate environments

Dr. Peter Lane 03) 6226 2621 University of Tasmania 22

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1.1 NEW PLANT PRODUCTS – RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

PROJECT NO.

PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No

Native Foods DAQ-295A

Effects of post harvest handling, storage and processing on functional ingredients in native plant foods

Mrs Janette McDonald (07) 3406 8643 Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld)

24

DAV-211A

Food safety standards and labelling for native plant foods

Dr. John Faragher (03) 9210 9279 Department of Primary Industries (Vic)

25

DAW-108A

Commercialisation of boab tubers Mr. Peter Johnson (08) 9166 4000 Department of Agriculture (WA) 26

UCS-29A

Functional properties of Australian bushfoods

Dr. Jian Zhao (02) 6933 2968 Charles Sturt University 27

Culinary Herbs, Spices and Beverages DAQ-301A

Northern Australia cocoa development (Stage 2)

Mr. Craig Lemin (07) 4064 1170 Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld)

28

DAQ-309A

Influence of processing on the flavour of Australian coffee

Dr. James Drinnan (07) 4048 4647 Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld)

30

DAQ-313A

Developing better nutritional strategies for mechanical tea production

Dr. James Drinnan (07) 4048 4647 Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld)

32

SAG-5A

Development of a range of pesticides for use in coffee

Mr Keith Lewis (07) 4091 3253 Serve-Ag Pty Ltd 33

US-116A

Condiment paprika: breeding, processing and commercialisation (Stage 2)

Prof Peter Sharp (02) 9351 8803 The University of Sydney 34

Extractive and Fibre Crops DAN-197A Olive harvesting project - harvest timing

for optimal olive oil quality Dr. Rod Mailer (02) 6938 1818 NSW Department of Agriculture 35

DAN-206A Evaluation of jojoba germplasm in different environments

Mr. Peter Milthorpe (02) 6895 1016 NSW Department of Agriculture 36

DAQ-286A Evaluation of guar cultivars in central and southern Queensland

Mr. Colin Douglas (07) 4992 9112 Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

37

DAQ-292A Evaluation of hemp and kenaf breeding lines in tropical and sub-tropical environments

Dr. Peter Lawrence (07) 4992 9135 Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

38

DEB-2A Evaluating olive water requirements from seedling to pre-fruit bearing

Mr. James De Barro (08) 8756 2777 De Barro Agricultural Consulting

39

SAR-47A National Olive Variety Assessment Project (NOVA) - Stage 2

Ms. Susan Sweeney (08) 8303 9673 Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (SA)

40

UA-65A

Cross-pollination in olive cultivars Prof. Margaret Sedgley (08) 8303 7242 The University of Adelaide 41

UCQ-17A Laying the groundwork for a new rural industry - Stevia rebaudiana

Prof. David Midmore (07) 4930 9770 Central Queensland University 42

UWA-74A

New oilseed options for Australian farmers and industry

Dr Clive Francis (08) 9380 1878 University of Western Australia 43

UCS-32A Production of bioactive phenols from olive processing waste streams

Dr. Paul Prenzler (02) 6933 2540 Charles Sturt University 44

UCS-33A Quality enhancement of Australian extra-virgin olive oils

Dr. Paul Prenzler (02) 6933 2540 Charles Sturt University 45

UQ-94A Evaluating new guayule varieties for low-allergenic rubber production

Dr. Doug George (07) 5460 1308 University of Queensland 46

UWS-17A

Sustainable pest and disease management in Australian olive production

A/Prof. Robert Spooner-Hart

(02) 4570 1429 University of Western Sydney 47

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PROJECT NO.

PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No

Fruit, Vegetables and Nuts CAU-1A Investigation into commercial systems for

production of capers in Australia Mr. Jonathon Trewartha (08) 9485 0090 The Australian Caper Company 48

DAQ-288A Nutrition and phenology survey of durian and mangosteen orchards in north Queensland

Mr. Yan Diczbalis (07) 4064 1128 Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

49

DAQ-289A Floral manipulation and canopy management in rambutan and longan

Mr. Yan Diczbalis (07) 4064 1128 Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

50

DAQ-310A

Building supply chain partnerships in developing tropical plant industries

Mr. Chris Horsburgh (07) 4048 4683 Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld)

51

DAQ-311A

Better decisions for tropical exotic tree fruit production "Should I grow tropical exotics - rambutan, durian, mangosteen?"

Dr. Patricia Chay-Prove (07) 4064 1130 Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld)

52

DAV-212A

Red bay berry - a new and exciting crop for Australia?

Mr Graeme McGregor 03 9210 9332 Department of Primary Industries (Vic)

53

DNT-31A

Product description languages and support material for minor tropical crops in northern Australia

Mr Geoff Walduck (08) 8999 2219 Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT)

54

TMB-2A

Myrtus ugni berries: develop production protocols

Dr. Jenny Jobling (02) 9490 8333 Tas Myrtus Berries Pty Ltd 55

US-125A

A field evaluation of the productivity of hazelnut varieties

Mr. Basil Baldwin (02) 6360 5562 The University of Sydney 56

Grains and Pulses AMR-10A

A demand-supply analysis of the market for health grains

Mr. Grant Vinning (07) 3376 2244 Asian Markets Research 57

UWA-73A

Investigation into legumes with pharmaceutical and aquaculture potential

Dr Shao Fang Wang (08) 9222 3040 University of Western Australia 58

New Plant Products Research Report 2003 1

NEW PLANT PRODUCTS COMPLETED PROJECTS

NATIVE FOODS

Project Title: Evaluating performance of cultivated bushfood plants in South Australian environments

RIRDC Project No.:

CSL-11A

Researcher: Maarten Ryder and Yvonne Latham Organisation: CSIRO Land and Water PMB 2 Glen Osmond SA 5064 Phone: (08) 8303 8534 Fax: (03) 8303 8684

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

Objectives

• Diversification of farming practices, with increased and more widespread

cultivation of native food plants in southern Australia • Informed decision making on the choice of native food species or cultivars

for climatic and soil type zones. • Information about quality of produce derived from selected native food

species. • Specific training (both formal and on-the-job) of an Aboriginal/Torres Strait

Islander traineeship scheme.

Background The native food industry is expanding and the cultivation of native food species is increasing. Diversification options for agriculture and horticulture are also being sought. Wild harvested produce is still commonly used, but with the improvement (selection and breeding) of some species, plants must be cultivated to take advantage of these developments. However there has been little effort to compare the performance of native food plants across a range of conditions and growers have had to discover for themselves where and how to grow these plants.

Research Field trials were established in southeastern Australia, at 9 sites with contrasting soils and climate conditions. The trials were designed to compare the establishment, growth and (later) yield of key native food species. The trials each contained approx 300 trees and 120 shrubs on 2/3 ha with drip irrigation, planted in spring 2001. The species trialled were quandong, Acacia victoriae, native and hybrid Citrus, mountain pepper, lemon myrtle, lemon aspen, riberry, munthari (muntries) and bush tomato. Selections, provenances and hybrids within species were included where possible. Data on survival, growth (height) and vigour were recorded during the first two years after planting and the information was then analysed.

Outcomes Plants that appear to be adapted to a wide range of conditions are Acacia victoriae, Citrus (on standard rootstock), lemon aspen. Plants that have more specific requirement and are therefore restricted to certain areas are mountain pepper (high water requirement and low tolerance of hot, dry conditions) and bush tomato (if being considered as a perennial crop, requires well drained, warmer conditions). Plants that can establish and grow in an intermediate range of conditions are quandong, munthari, lemon myrtle, riberry and bush tomato (as an annual crop). Where several selections of a species were tested, these often showed differential performance at particular trial sites. If quandong seedlings (early stage) are given extra protection the range can probably be increased; if munthari and quandong establishment problems (suspected soilborne disease)


can be controlled, their range can be increased. Munthari and bush tomato are the two crops that have flowered and fruited to the greatest extent though not at all locations. Trees have produced only very small, sporadic yield at this early stage. Industry interest in the project is high with many requests for information.

Implications When planning the production of native food crops, consideration can be given to the following: small-scale trials of improved , good quality planting material and using different selections / provenances / hybrids when available; soil preparation such as deep ripping and mounding; irrigation to assist the establishment and production phases. Attention can also be paid to the special requirements of particular crops.

Publications The results of this work will presented at two conferences in 2004: “New Directions in Agroecology: Productivity and Sustainability”, Aug- Sept 2004, Mildura Vic. and the Second Australian New Crops Conference “Innovation & Change for Australian Agriculture & Horticulture” Sept 2004, Gatton Qld.


Project Title: Soil biological constraints and benefits to quandong and other native food production

RIRDC Project No.:

CSL-20A

Researcher: Dr Maarten Ryder Organisation: CSIRO Land and Water Phone: (08) 8303 8534 Fax: (08) 8303 8684 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• Determination of the extent and cause of quandong seedling loss in nurseries. • Assessment of methods that may have potential to control quandong seedling

loss, including the use of chemical controls and/or beneficial soil fungi to protect against soil borne pathogens.

Background “Sudden death syndrome” (also called “dieback”) of quandong is of considerable concern

to the industry (worth >$1 million p.a.), as its cause has not been positively identified. The syndrome is characterised by dieback and rapid death of trees. It has been thought that sudden death is caused by a soil-borne fungal pathogen such as Phytophthora or Pythium species, as both of these root-rotting fungal pathogens have been previously isolated from quandong orchards. The use of the fungicide phosphorous acid appears to have some beneficial effect, providing further evidence that the cause is a fungal pathogen. However, to date no scientific research has been conducted on soil-borne pathogens in association with any native food species.

Research The two phases of the work were (1) to collect information on current practices from nurseries and growers and (2) experimental work which focused on the effect of different watering regimes, potential pathogens and possible control measures.

Outcomes The results indicate that both excessive and inadequate water can lead to problems with decreased seedling survival when pathogens are present in the potting medium or soil. Quandong survival and seedling height were improved by the use of the chemical fungicide Banrot and by the use of formulations of Penicillium bilaiae and Trichoderma koningii. Quandong appeared to be more sensitive than other plants to the chemical fungicide Ridomil Gold Plus. The use of broad-spectrum biocides for pre-treatment of quandong seed before germination is highly desirable.

Implications The control of seed-borne and soilborne pathogens in quandong propagation is extremely important. If the causal agent of quandong sudden death is a pathogen with a wide host range such as Phytophthora or Pythium this may pose a serious threat to the long-term economic viability and environmental sustainability of not only quandong but also other native food crops.


Project Title:

DOOR in quandong production–a feasibility study

RIRDC Project No.:

AQI-2A

Researcher: Dr. Ben Lethbridge Organisation: Australian Quandong Industry Association (AQIA) Phone: (08) 83836181 Fax: (08) 83836181 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• Introduce the Do Our Own Research (DOOR) protocol to

AQIA for quandong production

Background With reduced funding for institutionalized research, an underutilized grower resource and need for specific production information to suit local conditions the DOOR ‘statistically sound’ protocol developed by Hunter (2000) was considered a useful addition to the quandong industry.

Research AQIA has a well established communication network of newsletters and annual conferences allowing significant opportunities for networking and exchange of information. This was the initial vehicle chosen to deliver the DOOR process to members. The acceptance rate would be monitored with survey forms, telephone polling and face to face general meetings and the DOOR methodology modified to suit the prevailing psychology of the new industry participant.

Outcomes There was much resistance to accepting the complex nature of the consultant assisted ‘recipe approach’ of continuous variable, parametric statistics. Newsletter articles were found to inefficient methods of two way communication. The final method adopted was based on a field ready ‘distribution free’ non-parametric statistical methodology delivered as face to face workshops on important production issues. Non parametric statistical methods allow for easy understanding, scoring and calculation of common, complex variables (eg leaf greenness, sourness of fruit etc) whilst still retaining the important randomisation and replication components of statistical analysis. The workshop approach facilitated high intensity, time efficient, learning opportunities.

Implications DOOR in a new industry environment, as compared to emerging or established industries is an evolutionary rather than revolutionary process where principal rather than sensitivity of analysis is of prime importance. Statistically sound research could be delivered at a more holistic level to the native food industry demonstrating the general universality of the method.


EXTRACIVE AND FIBRE CROPS

Project Title: Preliminary feasibility of ethanol production from sugar beet in northeastern Tasmania

RIRDC Project No.:

DAT-40A

Researcher: Mr. Robin Thompson Organisation: Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (Tas)

KINGSMEADOWS TAS 7249

Phone: (03) 6336 5291 Fax: (03) 6344 9814 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• To complete a preliminary economic and physical feasibility assessment of

growing sugar beet for ethanol production in North Eastern Tasmania. • The field trail enables identification of varieties and sowing times on the two

major soil types in North East Tasmania. Some observations and assessments will be made of potential herbicides and equipment for harvesting and transporting sugar beet.

• The value of sugar beet tops and pulp for animal production will also be assessed in order than an economic value for these by-products can be determined.

Background The rural region around Scottsdale, in North Eastern Tasmania, has seen the decline in

employment opportunities with the closure of two factories in 3 years with the loss of 156 jobs. Production of sugar beet for ethanol offered a realistic alternative enterprise, given that there was a major Australian company who had commercial interest in expanding ethanol as a renewable fuel. Tasmania currently imports all motor vehicle fuels and ethanol is imported for use as a solvent in the poppy industry. The Federal Government has a policy to encourage the use of renewable fuels with an announcement on its application to ethanol specifically to be made in the near future. Ethanol is used widely in other countries as an additive to fuels. Ethanol burns cleaner and more efficiently than petrol, resulting in less environmental pollution. The combination of ethanol production and utilisation of plant tops and extracted mash for livestock feed appear to offer an attractive return for potential growers. The introduction of an additional crop into this region, with an associated processing component, will lift employment and generate wealth in this regional community. If the feasibility demonstrates that ethanol could be produced economically, the proposed plant would annually produce 40 million litres of ethanol and require 6,000 hectares of sugar beet crop, worth $25m as raw material. Additional value can be placed on the tops and fermented mash for stock-feed purposes. A 20 million litre sugar beet to ethanol plant in USA is quoted as directly employing 25 people.

Research The project included a desktop component to complete life cycle analysis and economic feasibilities of both crop production and conversion of sugar beet to ethanol. The field component was designed to commence confirming the physical and financial crop production parameters for the major inputs and outputs. CSR engaged a consultant to complete the life cycle analysis and confirm the ethanol production costings. As physical and financial data was generated from the field trial, a DPIWE economist prepared a crop costing model to assess the potential return from sugar beet. The field trial included three replications of 3 varieties by 5 sowing times on the two


predominant soil types of the North East region. Observation and measurement of establishment, bolting, disease and pest incidence, plant form, yield of tops, roots and sugar and nutritional value of tops and extracted mash. The trial areas were also used at the end of the yield measurement to evaluate the suitability of currently existing potato, onion and carrot harvesting equipment for harvesting sugar beet. Animal performance to grazing sugar beet plants was assessed using material available at the conclusion of the agronomic assessments.

Outcomes Good root yield results were recorded along with suitable sugar levels from the field trials. Economic analysis is still being undertaken. A number of agronomic issues including disease resistant varieties, weed management, irrigation scheduling and harvest technologies require further investigation.

Implications The future development of a sugar beet based ethanol industry will be determined by analysis of data from this work, together with that of global economic issues.


Project Title: Establishment of environmental management systems for the olive industry

RIRDC Project No.:

NEL-1A

Researchers: Mr. Nelson Quinn Organisations: 109 Holmwood Road

WALLAROO VIA HALL NSW 2618


• To provide a comprehensive basis for establishment of an Environmental

Management System (EMS) framework for the Australian olive industry • Preparation of a framework for the introduction of Environmental Management

Systems (EMS) for the Australian olive industry

Background EMS development is consistent with the Australian Olive Association – RIRDC R&D strategy for the industry.

Research The research involves literature search, consultation with industry and research parties, and analysis of experience to date in other industries.

Outcomes The outcome will be a report with recommendations, including on industry training needs.

Implications Application of EMS in the industry should reduce many costs, support food safety and quality standards, harmonise industry practices with natural systems and meet community and retail industry expectations for environmental management.


Project Title: Value chain and market analysis for the Australian guar industry

RIRDC Project No.:

UQ-112A

Researcher: Dr. Kim Bryceson Organisation: The University of Queensland

School of Natural & Rural Systems Management Gatton Campus GATTON QLD 4343


• To explicitly characterise and analyse the Australian Guar Industry Value Chain • To identify and evaluate high value market segments that may be used to focus the

development of the Australian Guar Industry's business and competitive strategy.

Background The Guar Industry Development Association Incorporated (GIDA) have identified that there is real interest from growers in the crop but only if suitable, reliable markets are available and if the business models and processes to access those markets can be developed and managed appropriately. The findings from this study will allow an industry business strategy to be developed that will align the industry with current market requirements and production capability.

Research Explicit characterisation, description & mapping of the Guar Industry Value Chain identifying domestic & export markets, drivers, barriers, the information supply chain, products, current value-add components and potential areas for new business development, as well as the type of significant local, regional, national and global changes occurring in the industry. The primary data collection mechanism will be a national & international survey with representative stakeholders in the Guar Industry chain via face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire.

Outcomes 1. A detailed qualitative and quantitative overview and understanding of the guar value chain including current and future potential market segments.

2. Development of business models to maximise the Australian Guar Industry’s competitive advantage on the world market

Implications The investigation has shown that there are considerable challenges to developing an

Australian Guar Industry – both from a production and from a market perspective. However a number of opportunities have also presented themselves that indicate:

1. Developing industry standards for handling seed and growing guar would help to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of high quality guar grain to a domestic processor

2. Alternative buyers of Australian guar splits do exist and dialogue with these players in the market would be advantageous

3. A splitting facility has been developed in Dalby, Qld during 2004, with plans in place to further develop guar processing capability to include dehusking and guar gum powder production

4. Guarmeal, because of its extremely high protein content, is of interest to the domestic, stockfeed industry and this market should be concentrated on

Publications Bryceson Kim P. & Cover M. (2004) The Innovator’s Dilemma and Solution in New

Crop Development - A Case Study of Australian Guar. ( Accepted for Oral Presentation and Publication in Proceedings of Second Australian New Crops Conference, Qld, 20-24 September 2004). Bryceson, Kim P, Binotto, E & M. Cover (in prep). A new model of Knowledge Creation in Australian agriculture and the implications for innovative new crop development using Guar as an example (J of Australian Agriculture).


Project Title:

Diagnosing diseases affecting Jojoba plantations and developing strategies to reduce their impact on commercial production of jojoba seeds.

RIRDC Project No.:

UCS-27A

Researcher: Dr Gavin James Ash Organisation: School of Agriculture

Charles Sturt University PO box 588 Wagga Wagga NSW 2678


• The naming and classification of the currently observed diseases afflicting

jojoba plantations. • To determine the impact of diseases in plantations. • The development of management practices to minimize the effect of these

diseases in commercial plantations. • Providing base information to allow the breeding and development of

resistant jojoba varieties.

Background Jojoba plantings in Australia currently cover 400 ha and are increasing annually at 20%. All current plantings are based upon the use of three varieties registered and bred in Australia. All plantations are showing evidence of disease. Currently these diseases are undescribed and hence there are no management strategies to minimize or eradicate them. Plantations are noting tree losses of up to 1% per annum. The yield loss has still to be quantified. Individual growers have attempted to have these diseases diagnosed. The attempts have been uncoordinated and have met with little success. This basic research of identification will enable the industry to develop management strategies for these diseases, if required. The research results will form the basis of any future varietal breeding program, and best management practice strategy the industry adopts.

Research Disease surveys of jojoba were undertaken in south eastern Australia. Isolations of fungi from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants were made from all locations and the incidence and severity of symptoms were noted. Studies were undertaken on the ability of all organisms to cause disease on jojoba. The fungi and the bacteria isolated were identified using a battery of morphological, chemical and molecular tests.

Outcomes Two diseases were positively identified. 1. Death of adult and juvenile plants was associated with infection by

Fusarium oxysporum. The fungus was identified as occurring throughout south eastern Australian plantations where it was isolated from both symptomatic and asymptomatic plants. Genotyping of the fungus revealed that common genotypes were found throughout its range and that the endophytic F. oxysporum as well as the disease causing isolates shared genotypes. This indicates that the fungus maybe being distributed through cuttings. Attempts to isolate it from nursery-grown cuttings were unsuccessful.

2. A leaf spot of jojoba caused by Burkholderia andropogonis was described for the first time. Symptoms ranged from necrotic flecking with comparatively large water-soaked halos to larger ‘eyespot’ lesions c.3 mm in diameter with water-soaked halos 1-1.5 mm wide. The necrosis was light tan in colour. Jojoba isolates displayed variable pathogenicity to other


known hosts of B. andropogonis (Dianthus, Cicer, Gypsophila and sorghum) but were not pathogenic, or only weakly so, to sweet corn, Limonium and Trifolium. Identification was confirmed by cell wall fatty acid composition and the bacterium’s possession of a single polar flagellum.

There were widespread black spot symptoms on leaves and fruit, associated with the fungus Alternaria tenuissima. Symptoms of the diseases could not be reproduced in the laboratory. Leaf spotting was also associated with herbicide damage. A bunchy-top symptom of unknown etiology was also noted as occurring in some plantations.

Implications Jojoba in Australia is relatively free of serious diseases which may affect yield. The exception is the presence of F. oxysporum causing a premature death of plants in some plantations. The fungus appears to be widespread and can be found in both symptomatic and asymptomatic plants. Furthermore, genotypes of the fungus are common between the isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants and are also widely distributed. This could indicate that the fungus is present in cuttings. This could not be confirmed however. A system of assessing F. oxysporum infection in cuttings should be developed. The use of a molecular approach to this assessment is underway but has not been completed as at the writing of this report. The types of diseases found during this study are amenable to cultural control (the use of disease free cutting material). It is not recommended that fungicides or plant breeding be implemented to control any of the diseases found in this study.

Publications 1. Albiston, A, Ash, G.J., Cother, E.J., Bentley, S. and Pattemore, J. 2003. First report of collar rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Australian jojoba plantations. Australasian Plant Pathology. 32: 319-320.

2. Albiston, A., Ash, G.J. and Cother E.J. 2003. Aspects of jojoba agronomy and management. Advances in Agronomy. (in preparation).

3. Albiston, A., Ash, G.J., Cother, E.J., Pattemore, J. and Bentley, S. 2003. Fusarium oxysporum in jojoba plantations. International Congress of Plant Pathology, Christchurch, New Zealand.

4. Ash, G.J., Cother, E.J. and Albiston, A. 2003. Diseases of jojoba in Australia. North East Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society. New Hampshire, USA.

5. Cother, E.J., Albiston, A., Ash G.J. and Noble D. 2003. A new bacterial disease of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis). International Congress of Plant Pathology, Christchurch, New Zealand.

6. Cother, E.J., Noble, D., Peters, B.J. Albiston, A. and Ash, G.J. 2004. A new bacterial disease of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) caused by Burkholderia andropogonis. Plant Pathology. 53: 129-135.


Project Title: Wild olive selection for quality oil production RIRDC Project No.:

UA-54A

Researcher: Professor Margaret Sedgley Organisation: University of Adelaide

Discipline of Wine and Horticulture PMB1 Glen Osmond SA 5064


• The aim of the project is selection of new improved cultivars from wild

southern Australian material based on oil analysis, DNA fingerprinting, propagation and field trials. This will improve yield and quality for domestic and export markets, and provide quality assurance to the industry.

• Background Despite the range of cultivars currently available, plant improvement programs are

rated highly in all olive producing countries and new cultivars continue to benefit the industry.

Research The approach is based on initial field selection and oil analysis to identify high yielding trees with high levels of oleic acid. Superior trees are evaluated further by sensory evaluation and propagation. Molecular markers are used to determine family relationships and to develop a genetic fingerprint for each new genotype. New superior selections are expected to be adapted to Australian conditions and will be evaluated against existing cultivars.

Outcomes The best selections were identified and cuttings from each tree were planted in a field trial at the University of Adelaide Roseworthy campus. The performance of these trees in cultivation will be evaluated as they mature and bear fruit.

Implications Benefits to the industry arising from the olive program include improved planting material, quality assurance services and the development of techniques for DNA analysis, oil chemistry analysis, and propagation.

Publications Mekuria G, Collins G, Sedley M (2003) The Olive Press Autumn edition:15-17. Guerin J, Wu S, Mekuria G, Collins G, Jones G, Burr M, Wirthensohn M, Lavee S, Sedgley M (2002) Adv Hort Sci 16:198-203. Guerin J, Sweeney S, Collins G, Sedgley M (2002) J Amer Soc Hort Sci 127:977-983. Mekuria G, Sedgley M, Collins G, Lavee S (2002) J Amer Soc Hort Sci 127: 673-676. Mekuria G, Collins G, Sedgley M (2002) Scientia Horticulturae 94:91-105. Wirthensohn M, Burr M, Granger A, Jones G, Sedgely M (2001) Olivae 87:39-43. Sedgley M, Wirthensohn M (2000) Olivae 83:27-30. Mekuria G, Collins G, Sedgley M, Lavee S (2000) J Amer Soc Hort Sci 126: 305-308. Guerin J, Collins G, Sedley M (2000) Outlook on Agriculture 29:269-274. Mekuria G, Collins G, Sedgley M (2000) Australian Olive Grower 16:16-19 Guerin J, Wirthensohn M, Mekuria G, Neaylon K, Collins G, Sedgley M (2000) The Olive Press summer edition:16-18.


Project Title: Processing and market assessment of cottonised fibre from linseed stalks

RIRDC Project No.:

CWT-2A

Researcher: Peter R. Lamb Organisation: CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology

PO Box 21 BELMONT VIC 3216.

Phone: (03) 52464019 Fax: (03) 52464057 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• An evaluation of the feasibility of processing field-retted linseed stalks into

high value cotton-like fibre that can be further processed on existing cotton machinery, and in blends with cotton. A comparison of the technical feasibility, economic attractiveness and environmental impact, relative to the conventional high-labour cost processes, used for producing flax yarns.

• Assessment of cultivars, time of harvest, and growing and retting conditions by measurement of the achievable fibre properties (diameter, length and strength). A market assessment, with input from fabric makers, of the potential for yarns spun using cottonised seed flax.

Background Linseed stalks are a waste stream from growing short flax for seed. Preliminary

studies indicated that the bast fibre from linseed, if fully individualised, was as fine as cotton and might therefore be broken down into fibre than could be spun on cotton machinery. The conventional machinery for tall flax for fibre is both unsuitable and antiquated and labour intensive.

Research A range of machinery, chemical treatments and measurement instruments were used to clean, individualise and establish the properties of the ultimate fibres of a number of linseed varieties plus conventional flax and hemp.

Outcomes Although a fibre that was judged as nearly spinnable was produced the efforts were eventually halted when it was found that fully individualised fibre of all the varieties examined was too short to be spun without blending with a long cotton or synthetic. It appeared likely that this fibre would also be more expensive than cotton and the production of suitable fibre in more than kilogram quantities would require further development and capital investment. However, a number of achievements were made which could help improve linseed fibre, or other bast fibre, for use in alternative applications, or provide a means to produce higher quality “cottonised” fibre from flax or hemp. These included cleaning methods, a method to form a strong sliver, a rapid chemical treatment to break down the glues and bleach the fibres without significant damage, combined mechanical and chemical treatment, and softeners for inhibiting re-glueing of fibres on drying. These developments enabled the linseed stalks to be turned into a clean white product of excellent strength and of the finest diameter for bast fibre reported in the textile literature.

Implications Further work on processing linseed for input to the cotton system should await the demonstration of varieties with longer fine fibre or the specification of a blend product. Sample quantities of individualised and/or bleached fibre should be used for assessment of the fibre in composites or medical products.

Publications Lamb P.R. and Denning R.J. 2003. Cottonised Fibre from Linseed Stalks, RIRDC Final Report.


FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND NUTS

Project Title: Integrated management of Phytophthora diseases of durian RIRDC Project No.:

DNT-24A

Researcher: Mr. Chris Wicks Organisation: Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT)

Horticulture Division Berrimah Agricultural Research Centre GPO Box 3000 DARWIN NT 0801


• To improve durian orchard establishment and sustainability, and the consistency

of quality fruit supplies to expanding markets by developing components of an integrated management program for pre-production and post harvest diseases caused by Phytophthora. This involves a thorough understanding of the pathogen-host-environment interactions to mitigate disease incidence and spread.

Background

Durian was rated as one the top three fruit crops (from 41 crops assessed) with the best market potential and developmental prospect in an RIRDC sponsored workshop held in Cairns, July 1997. Local demand for durian far outstrips supply and the domestic market for durian is expanding. The most significant threat to the development of a durian industry in Australia, recognised in the Australian Durian Industry Strategic Plan, is the soilborne fungus Phytophthora. This pathogen causes seedling dieback, root rot, patch canker, leaf rot, shoot dieback, pre- and post-harvest fruit rots. The pathogen causes annual tree deaths up to 40% in Southeast Asian orchards and losses ranging from 15 to 30% due to fruit rots. Worldwide durian losses caused by Phytophthora diseases are in excess of A$ 600 million in an industry valued at A$ 3 billion.

Research

The project had three avenues of research within it. A field-based project investigated the effect of composting and cover cropping on the level of disease while a (long-term) pot-based trial looked at the affects of irrigation regimes, level of inorganic fertiliser and types of organic fertiliser on disease levels. Attempts were also made to identify disease-tolerant trees in the field and vegetatively propagate them for further studies into selecting varieties with some inherent tolerance to the disease. It should be noted that this project was conducted alongside a larger regional project (ACIAR PHT/95/134), addressing wider issues related to managing Phytophthora in durian orchards in Australia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Outcomes

It was found that mulching and composting improved the growth and vigour of field and potted trees while large fluctuations in irrigation and high levels of inorganic fertiliser could lead to poor vigour and tree death. It was further found that while cover crops did reduce growth, they did protect and improve the soil in which the trees were planted.

Implications

The implications of this work were not lost upon Northern Territory durian growers. The positive effect of mulching and cover crops on field trees was so clear that the collaborators had incorporated the practises into their management regimes within two years of the project commencing. The negative affects of dramatic fluctuations in irrigation have been recognised and the growers have initiated improved irrigation systems to ensure it doesn’t happen in the field. It must be noted that these findings are based upon research in the Wet-Dry climate of the Northern Territory and may not hold for the Wet tropics of Queensland and South East Asia.


Publication

Wicks, C. 2002. Effect of mulching, water and nutrient management on Phytophthora and related diseases of Durian. “Phytophthora in south east Asia” workshop at conclusion of 1st International Conference of the Thai Phytopathological Society - Tropical and Subtropical Plant Diseases.


Project Title: Edible tropical crops germplasm database for Northern Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

RTE-3A

Researcher: Mr Roger Goebel Organisation: Rambutan and Tropical Exotic Growers Association Phone: (07) 4067 5266 (07) 4063 2526 Fax: (07) 4067 5315 (07)-4063 2641 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Objectives

• Define and document tropical edible crop germ plasm introduced

and currently available in Australia

Background Horticultural food and medicinal plants have been imported since the arrival of the first fleet and to some extent prior to that. In the late 1800’s the Acclimatization Society was very active in searching for and importing plant germplasm. Since then, both private citizens and Government Agencies like Q.D.P.I.&F. have been importing plants with potential in our wet tropical climate. Although various keen individuals and other organizations have monitored most of the imported plant material, no centralized reference exists. Anyone wishing to track a plant type has to look far and wide with no guarantee of success even though it may be growing in commercial quantities somewhere in northern Australia. The 2003 R.I.R.D.C. workshop at CWTA South Johnstone highlighted the need to establish formal documentation of tropical crop germplasm importations for both clonal and seed introductions

Research The large number of imported plants and their locations meant that the best recording option was a computer database. MS Access was chosen and a data base was constructed that allowed input of fruit/ plant details including Plant Family, Botanical name, Common names, Conservation status, Usefulness, Plant descriptions, Photograph, References Grower details including Name, Locations, Contact details, Crops grown, Commercial status The master list of over 900 crops was drafted from various sources such as Kamerunga Hort. Res. Stn. Working plans, A.Q.I.S. records and crop reference publications and lists. Key grower co-operators were identifyied and visited to commence collecting current information. Arrangements are in place to site the database at the Flecker Botanical Gardens in Cairns.

Outcomes The database is continually evolving and each version/up date is a snapshot of information at that time. With the most significant cost being the data base, major up dates will result from its usefulness. The database is of a size that is transferable on data CD and the master crop list can be printed as a small booklet.

Implications The process of gathering information on crops from co-operators has had a rekindling of interest effect for these growers and has highlighted the need for continued contact and exchange of ideas. The data collected has already been helpful in addressing Tropical Fruit Monographs for assistance in trade issues with the U.S.A.

Publications An article has been drafted for submission to the Rare Fruit Council of Australia inc. newsletter.


Project Title: Myrtus ugni Berries–Market Research RIRDC Project No.:

TMB-1A

Researcher: John Bailey Organisation: Tas. Myrtus Berries Pty. Ltd.

29 Davey Street HOBART Tas. 7000

Phone: (03) 6223 5804 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives

• Gain a firm indication of the demand for the fruit of myrtus ugni

especially an understanding of taste preferences in Asian markets, an early indication of the requirements of a feasible storage and packaging protocol for export of berries.

Background Myrtus ugni (also known as Chilean guava) has been called a “forgotten fruit” in that

it seems no commercial cultivation of the shrub for its berry crop has been attempted anywhere in the world since the mid-19th Century. Chileans harvest berries in the wild and people who have tasted the berry express admiration for its flavour. One writer stated: “This is a much underused plant that highly merits cultivation on a commercial scale for its fruit”. The Tasmanian company, Tas. Myrtus Berries Pty. Ltd., now has over 30,000 shrubs planted but the lack of any myrtus ugni berry industry has necessitated considerable research, not the least being market research. Asia was seen as a potential market, hence this study.

Research Cooking demonstrations were conducted in Taipei and Hong Kong in the course of which questionnaires were completed. In Taipei, the audience comprised restaurant owners, chefs, pastry cooks, bakers and importers. In Hong Kong, a smaller group attended, selected for their key status among that city’s leading restaurants, clubs and food supply firms.

Outcomes Only one respondent had heard of the myrtus ugni berry, but there was an overwhelmingly positive response after tasting the berry and foods containing the berry. Almost three-quarters of the respondents indicated that their customers would like the berry. There was a willingness (though not universal) to consider purchasing frozen or freeze dried berries when fresh berries are unavailable, there does not seem to be a need to provide a more tart (or more sweet) berry to suit Asian tastes and there was a preparedness to pay more than customary for better-known berries (e.g., raspberries). Conservatively, the combined demand in these two countries was estimated to be close to 30 tonnes p.a.; it could reach 300 t.!

Implications The myrtus ugni berry was recognised as unique and able to fill a valuable niche. The market in Asia seems assured. Further research is planned to define harvesting, storage and transport protocols, but this current market study suggests that there is no overly difficult problem to resolve in order to supply Asian markets.


Project Title: Rambutan IPM Development Phase 1 RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-274A

Researcher: David Astridge Organisation: Department of Primary Industries - Queensland

P.O Box 20, Sth Johnetone Queensland 4859.

Phone: (07) 40641160 Fax: (07) 40642249 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• To reduce the frequency with which costly and environmentally

threatening insecticides are used in the production of rambutan and other exotic fruit by educating growers to identify and monitor major pest and beneficial insects, and only apply pesticides as required. Environmentally safe insecticides suitable for sustainable pest management will also be screened to replace endosulfan and some organophosphates by 2003.

Background The rambutan industry in Australia is confined to the growing areas of north

Queensland and the Northern Territory. If left uncontrolled insect pests associated with this crop can cause serious fruit damage resulting in market rejection, yield decline and a loss of grower income. This industry has strong objectives in developing sustainable pest management practices, which are both environmentally safe and economically viable. As the industry is relatively new to the Australian environment the development of integrated pest management (IPM) research has been given a high priority by the industry.

Research This project has three separate components, which include; (1) Conducting insect fauna surveys to identify the major pests and beneficials and their pest pressures over the growing season, (2) Testing environmentally safe insecticides for minor use registration and (3) Educating growers to identify and monitor pest and beneficial insect populations.

Outcomes A monitoring strategy has been developed for the major pests of rambutan. Insect fauna surveys have resulted in the development of an insect identification and monitoring poster to assist growers with the identification and monitoring of the major pests and beneficial insects. This monitoring system will result in a reduction of insecticide applications over the growing season. QFVG has been approached to apply for minor use registration of 8 insecticides with unique modes of action and a safe environmental profile..

Implications This monitoring system will result in a reduction of insecticide applications over the growing season. The insecticides identified have a safe environmental profile and are well suited to the goals of IPM. Their different modes of action will assist in future resistant management strategies and prolong their efficacy.

Publications A series of DPI pest notes have been developed which include; Astridge, D. and Elder, R. 2000. Spider mites in rare fruits. DPI NOTE, Department of Primary Industries Queensland, Agdex 220/622, File No: H9840113.

Astridge, D. and Elder, R. 2000. Red shouldered leaf beetle in rare fruit. DPI NOTE, Department of Primary Industries Queensland, Agdex 238/622, File No: H9840034.

Astridge, D., Fay, H., and Elder, R. 2000. False spider mites in rare fruit. DPI NOTE, Department of Primary Industries Queensland, Agdex 220/622, File No:


H9840039.

Astridge, D., Fay, H., and Elder, R. 2000. Banana spotting bug and fruit spotting bug in rare fruits. DPI NOTE, Department of Primary Industries Queensland, Agdex 220/622, File No: H9840736.

Astridge, D., Fay, H., and Elder, R. 2000. Fruit piercing moths in rare fruits. DPI NOTE, Department of Primary Industries Queensland, Agdex 220/622, File No: H9840732. Astridge, D., Fay, H., and Elder, R. 2000. Citrus mealybug in rare fruits. DPI NOTE, Department of Primary Industries Queensland, Agdex 220/622, File No: H9840750. Astridge, D., Fay, H., and Elder, R. 2000. Scale in rare fruits. DPI NOTE, Department of Primary Industries Queensland, Agdex 220/622, File No: H9840752. Astridge, D., Fay, H., and Elder, R. 2000 Red banded thrips in rare fruit. DPI NOTE, Department of Primary Industries Queensland, Agdex 220/622, File No: H9840039. Astridge, D., Fay, H., and Elder, R. 2000. Flower eating caterpillars in rare fruit. DPI NOTE, Department of Primary Industries Queensland, Agdex 220/622, File No: H9840039? Astridge, D., Fay, H., and Elder, R. 2000. Coastal brown ant in rare fruit. DPI NOTE, Department of Primary Industries Queensland, Agdex 220/622, File No: H9840761 Astridge, D., Fay, H., and Elder, R. 2000. Queensland fruit fly in rare fruit. DPI NOTE, Department of Primary Industries Queensland, Agdex 217/622, File No: H9840213. Astridge, D., Fay, H., and Elder, R. 2000. Carob moth in rare fruit. DPI NOTE, Department of Primary Industries Queensland, Agdex 217/622, File No: H9840724.


Project Title:

Market Opportunities for the Northern Territory Tropical Fruits Industry

RIRDC Project No.:

HUD-1A

Researcher: Neil Howells Organisation: Hudson Howells, Level 8 ANZ House, 13 Grenfell Street, Adelaide South

Australia 5000 Phone: 08 - 8211 7168 Fax: 08 - 8212-7144 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• To quantify the costs and margins associated with each link in the

tropical fruits supply chain and to determine opportunities for reduced costs and improved service quality. The research was limited to rambutan, dragon fruit (pitaya), guava, hog plum, star apple, jackfruit and taro produced in the Darwin, Katherine and Kununurra areas for the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane markets.

Background The NT Tropical Fruit Industry has identified the need for specific information

on its value chain in Australia. Many parts of the industry have been supply driven, which has resulted poor market performance and ongoing reduction in returns to the industry. It currently has limited market penetration and demand and competes directly with a broad range of other fruits in the market place for consumer loyalty and dollars. The industry has identified the need to refocus itself to being market driven in order to both compete and survive. The project directly benefits the producers of rambutan, dragon fruit (pitaya), guava, hog plum, star apple, jackfruit and taro. However a secondary and equally important benefit, of relevance to this project, was to the remainder of the tropical fruit and vegetable industry in the NT as the value chain analysis and principles identified were also applicable to these sectors.

Research Research/consultation targets included: • Growers. • Packers. • Freight Handlers (logistics). • Wholesalers/Retailers/Food Service/Food Manufacturers. Research was undertaken by a combination of face-to-face and e-mail/telephone surveys. Face-to face interviews were undertaken in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The research findings identified: • Value chain mapped for the designated tropical fruits. • Documented understanding of the value chain. • Opportunities for cost reductions and enhanced service quality. • Recommendations for improving the value chain.

Outcomes It is recommended that growers collaborate in order to overcome the major supply chain and cost problems identified in the study including: • Achievement of volume and critical mass for market purposes. • Achievement of consistency of supply, especially to wholesalers/agents. • Improvement in ‘on-time-delivery’. The subsequent improved market prices from such a strategy will increase the profit potential of participating businesses. The critical issues to be address by the partners in such an initiative include branding, packaging and labelling improvements, transport improvements, relationship development firstly via regular market visits and client contact, supply chain monitoring and reporting, produce pre-cooling, e-commerce and consumer education and product support materials.


Implications The project has identified a range of opportunities for the NT tropical fruits industry to develop more profitable businesses through improved supply chain management practices.


Project Title: Increasing the productivity of truffières in Tasmania RIRDC Project No.:

PTT-3A

Researcher: Duncan Garvey Organisation: Perigord Truffles of Tasmania Phone: (03) 62 664213 Fax: (03) 62 664012 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• To increase the production of French truffles (Tuber melanosporum) by

optimising soil pH through liming of existing and new truffières and to map using a geographical information system truffle production and related parameters.

Background In 1999 Perigord Truffles of Tasmania produced Australia’s first French black

truffle. In subsequent years the production of French truffles from a number of truffières in Tasmania has confirmed that Perigord Truffles of Tasmania is well advanced its endeavors to establishing a viable French truffle industry in Australia. Research in the early nineties jointly funded by RIRDC (PTT-1A, PTT-2A) allowed Perigord Truffles of Tasmania to highlight the key issues to develop a strategy to successfully produce and market French black truffles. During the past 3 years the company have continued the research program on the French black truffle in addressing further issues on increasing the productivity of truffières in Tasmania.

Research The truffle industry in Tasmanian is unique in that it is based on soils that are not naturally calcareous, but have been heavily limed in order to increase the soil pH. A soil pH of 7.5 (1:5 water) and above is considered acceptable, however production is at its maximum when the pH is in the range 7.9 to 8.1. The truffières in Tasmania are currently above the critical soil pH level of 7.5, but many are below the optimal range. The aim of the research was to determine how much liming material is required to obtain the optimum pH on both existing sites and new sites. In the longer term we aim to assess whether the increase in pH equates to increased production.

Outcomes The field experiments indicated that it is possible to raise the soil pH to its optimum level for French truffle production by applying very high rates of limestone on a range of different soil types prior to the establishment of the truffière. The trial conducted on established truffières indicated that with additional fine grade lime and a shallow cultivation soil pH levels can be increased to the optimum levels.

Implications Perigord Truffles of Tasmania are now recommending that additional lime be applied and incorporated along the tree line to existing truffières where the soil pH is below the optimal level. The company is also recommending significantly larger quantities of finer grade lime prior to the establishment of new truffières.


MISCELLANEOUS

Project Title: Leguminous browse species as forage plants for temperate environments

RIRDC Project No.:

UT-25A

Researcher: Dr Peter Lane Organisation: Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research

Private Bag 98 University of Tasmania HOBART TAS 7001.

Phone: 03 6226 2621 Fax: 03 6226 2642 Email: [email protected]

Objectives

• To evaluate a range of genotypes of three Dorycnium species for

use as new forage plants for the low to medium rainfall areas of temperate Australia.

Background Leguminous browse plants (shrubs) such as those belonging to the genus

Dorycnium, are an important component of the grazing communities of much of the temperate world, with the exceptions of Australia and New Zealand. Preliminary trials demonstrated that these novel plants, which originate from the Mediterranean region, establish and perform well under Tasmanian conditions and should have similar application in other parts of southern Australia. They are relatively drought tolerant and have the potential to be integrated into grazing systems as a source of forage for livestock during summer and autumn when existing pasture feed is limited and of low quality.

Research Laboratory and field studies were undertaken to investigate: seed germination characteristics of Dorycnium spp., in particular D. hirsutum; seasonal feed quality parameters and condensed tannin content of D. rectum, D. hirsutum and D. pentaphyllum; suitable strains of root nodule bacteria for inoculation of Dorycnium spp.; and the performance of these plants in a range of target environments in both Tasmania and Western Australia.

Outcomes Seed from Dorycnium spp. was found to have satisfactory germination performance provided adequate time was allowed for seeds to germinate. Mechanical and acid scarification were suitable treatments for improving the rate of germination. The feed quality of these species was maintained at adequate levels for maintenance of livestock throughout their normal growth period from spring through to autumn, under dryland conditions. All species contained significant levels of condensed tannins, which may have implications for time of grazing and animal production. Several new or alternative strains of rhizobia were identified as being effective on Dorycnium spp. These plants were shown to be adapted to a wide range of environments with D. hirsutum having the most desirable agronomic characteristics of the three species. Interest in the potential of these plants has seen a continuation of research in Tasmania and Western Australia, which aims to determine response to defoliation and selection within D. hirsutum of a commercial cultivar.

Implications This project has shown that browse plants belonging to the genus Dorycnium have significant potential for inclusion into grazing systems in southern Australia. Further research is required to evaluate and select the best accessions of D. hirsutum, in particular, for development as a commercial forage species.


Publications Davies, SR, and Lane, PA, (2003). ‘Seasonal changes in feed quality of

Dorycnium spp', Proceedings of the 11th Australian Agronomy Conference, Geelong, Victoria. (Paper). Davies, SR, Yates, RJ, Howieson, JG, and Lane, PA, (2002). 'Field Evaluation of Root Nodule Bacteria for Dorycnium spp', Proceedings of the 13th Australian Nitrogen Fixation Conference, Adelaide, South Australia. (Poster and Abstract). Davies, SR and Lane, PA, ‘(2001). The Germination Behaviour of Dorycnium spp. in Response to Temperature’, Proceedings of the Xth Australian Agronomy Conference, Hobart, Tasmania. (Poster and Abstract).


NEW PLANT PRODUCTS

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

NATIVE FOODS Project Title: Effects of post harvest handling, storage and processing on

functional ingredients in native plant foods RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-295A

Start Date: 01/12/2002 Finish Date: 28/02/2005 Researcher: Mrs Janette McDonald Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

Centre for Food Technology 19 Hercules Street HAMILTON QLD 4007


• To investigate the effect of current post harvest handling practices,

food preservation methods and storage conditions on the stability of functional ingredients from three native plant sources (bush tomato, kakadu plum and wattleseed) to improve the commercial value to both producers and food manufacturers.

Current Progress Identification of the relevant bioactives (lycopene and Viatmin C), the selection

of manufactured food products containing the relevant native plant ingredients and the method development for analysis of raw materials and finished products has been completed. Screening for antioxidant activity in raw samples of bush tomato, wattleseed, wild lime and kakadu plum has been completed. Screening for antioxidant activity and polyphenol content in manufactured product has also been completed for bush tomato ketchup, kakadu plum chilli sauce, lemon myrtle dressing, wild lime chilli ginger sauce, wild lime dressings, smokey barbeque sauce, bush tomato chutney and mango native mint chutney. A storage trial is underway to evaluate the effect of temperature (ambient and accelerated) and light on the antioxidant retention in samples of recently manufactured product: Bush Tomato Chutney, Bush Tomato Ketchup and Wild Lime Chilli Ginger sauce. Samples have been tested initially for antioxidant and total polyphenol content and will be monitored regularly during the trial. Further storage trials will be conducted using product from future production runs. Best practice data for post harvest handling is being collected in collaboration with the industry partner by developing processing flow charts for manufactured product, from storage of the raw materials to storage of finished product.


Project Title: Food safety standards and labelling for native plant foods

RIRDC Project No.:

DAV-211A

Start Date: 01/07/2003 Finish Date: 30/04/2006 Researcher: Dr John Faragher Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Vic)

Private Bag 15 FERNTREE GULLY DELIVERY CENTRE VIC 3156

Phone: (03) 9210 9279 Fax: (03) 9800 3521 Email: [email protected]

Objectives

• To assist the industry to meet the requirements of the new food and safety

standards legislation and to benefit as a result. • To provide advice to industry on labelling requirements and on opportunities

to use labelling to convey the authenticity and value of their product authenticity and value of their product.

Current Progress The initial review of Food Standards ANZ standards and the ways they are

implemented in the states has been conducted. A paper on food safety issues for the native plant industry was presented at an industry conference in Lismore in August 2003 and similar talks have been given to two groups in Victoria. Discussions have been held with several industry members and groups and they have advised us of their needs and we’ve provided them with advice on food safety. The Victorian groups requested food safety training to enable them to meet the requirements of the food safety standards and to help them develop food safety programs for their businesses. Two courses are planned in August to October 2003 and the course can be delivered elsewhere next year. We are planning a talk at the new crops conference in Gatton in September 2004, pamphlets and articles and more discussion with a wider range of industry members across Australia.


Project Title: Commercialisation of boab tubers RIRDC Project No.:

DAW-108A

Start Date: 01/07/2003 Finish Date: 30/06/2005 Researcher: Mr Peter Johnson Organisation: Department of Agriculture (WA)

PO Box 19 KUNUNURRA WA 6743


• Identify potential market placement for boab and promote the Boab's roots

and leaves through marketers and restaurants and other media such as television

• Identify a range of culinary uses for the product • To liaise with potential industry participants formulating a market strategy

to launch the product into the mainstream market • To identify techniques to improve seed germination • To identify the best practise techniques for mechanisation of the boab crop,

including optimum planting densities.

Current Progress The Boab tuber is a very new food source and has created great interest in the market. A spin off that has come from the product is that the plant’s leaves are also a desirable product that is coming increasingly in demand as a Salad garnish. The placement of the product has initially been pitched at restaurants due to the supply ability and to begin creating a range of uses for the product. The project has been liaising with potential industry participants particularly at this stage with local growers, one currently growing and an additional two to three interested parties. A commercial partner is now being sort to hold, distribute and promote the product particularly in capital cities around Australia. To date the product has been promoted on television on the SBS show ‘The Good Food Guide’ Scheduled for airing June 23 with well-known presenter Mauve O’Meara. It is to be included in a cookbook put together by renowned WA chef Simon Naber from the True North and Barchetta restaurant called ‘Cottesloe to the Kimberley Cooking’. An information brochure has been developed displaying the uses of the product and some recipes. The Promotion program is continuing with supply of the product available for promotion increasing over the next couple of months.


Project Title: Functional properties of Australian bushfoods RIRDC Project No.:

UCS-29A

Start Date: 01/02/2002 Finish Date: 30/06/2006 Researcher: Dr Jian Zhao Organisation: Charles Sturt University

School of Wine and Food Sciences Locked Bag 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678


• Generating reliable data on the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of

bushfoods to add to the existing knowledge and anecdotal information on their functionality.

• Expanding the application of bushfoods using the research outcomes. • Developing antimicrobial, antioxidant and emulsifying agents of

commercial grade for use as natural substitutes for their synthetic counterparts.

Current Progress Since the commencement of the project we have tested 20 bushfoods for

activity against 11 major foodborne pathogens, seven food spoilage bacteria, nine yeasts and several moulds. Extracts from several bushfoods were found to possess strong activities against a wide spectrum of bacteria and yeasts. Over the past 12 months significant progress has been made in experiments on applying the extracts to food systems. When applied at levels of 1-5%, extracts from maintain pepper were found to be able to significantly inhibit the growth of spoilage yeasts in products such as tomato pastes, salad dressings and dairy dips stored at both ambient (25 ºC) and refrigeration (4 ºC) temperatures. Work is continuing to determine the efficacy of other bushfood extracts in preventing microbial food spoilage. We have also completed the work on testing bushfoods for antioxidant activities. Eighteen native plants were tested for antioxidant activity using both the β-carotene bleaching and the DPPH free radical scavenging methods. All of the plants showed antioxidant activity with several exhibiting relatively strong activities. We have commenced work on the optimisation of bio-fractionation methods, which will be used to isolate and characterise the active components from native foods.


CULINARY HERBS, SPICES AND BEVERAGES

Project Title: Northern Australia cocoa development (Stage 2) RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-301A

Start Date: 01/07/2002 Finish Date: 30/11/2005 Researcher: Mr Craig Lemin Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

Centre for Wet Tropics Agriculture PO Box 20 SOUTH JOHNSTONE QLD 4859


• The feasibility and economics of cocoa production in northern

Australia will continue to be investigated. Yield potential of accessible hybrid and clonal types will be assessed in two potential growing regions (tropical Northern Territory and north Queensland). Agrononmic aspects of production in northern Australia will be recorded and management guidelines developed. Technology for mechanisation of pod splitting and bean extraction will be investigated. Additionally, plantation layouts, tree management strategies and a harvest aid to reduce labour inputs will be investigated. Information gathered wil allow further development of a cocoa econonmic model to provide a decision support for assessing the economic viability of cocoa production in northern Australia.

Current Progress The project is continuing successfully in NT and Qld. The small trial block

maintained by WA Agriculture at Kununurra was recently destroyed (as expected) after monitoring by the Cadbury PhD student was completed. Agriculture WA now has no involvement with the project. In late 2003 staff that supervised the project at Cadbury-Schweppes resigned amidst a major company restructuring. During the handover period, communication and direction from Cadbury was less than the usual high level. However Dr Ian Mitchell is now supervising the project at Cadbury and visited trial sites in Qld. and NT and met with researchers in May 2004. Ian has assured that Cadbury remain strongly interested and committed to the project particularly since the commencement of linked work on fermentation of Australian cultivated cocoa beans sponsored by Cadbury through UNSW. To date, economic modeling of Australian cocoa production indicates unfavorable investment criteria or at best marginal viability based on expected world prices/exchange rates. Profitability is assured only at higher world price scenarios. However significant opportunities exist for niche marketing and value added processing. The collaborators are mindful of the need to develop a commercialization strategy particularly given significant interest in cocoa from bona fide commercial interests. This is being progressed and needs to consider Cadbury’s expectations for industry development and the desires of government agencies for sustainable economic development in north Australia to justify their investment in the project. Hybrid Yield Evaluation Darwin an intensified management program aimed at improving the vigor ofthis block was initiated during 2003. coupled with a more typical 2004 wet season and continuing benign weather the trees are much improved. yields have picked


up and are now very good by world standards (exceeded 1 t/ha dry bean over the last 12 months) although small pod and bean size remains an issue. trials with kaolin applications will be conducted on a neighboring cocoa block (ex phd shade trials) to see if pod size and yield can be improved further. pressure from pests has been more significant this year due to the wetter conditions but is still of minor consequence. Mossman The block has continued to perform extremely well with impressive yields expected to average 2 t/ha dry bean for the 12 months to end of June 2004. Pruning to limit canopy height will become a more important consideration from now on. Significant pressure from fruit spotting bug during warmer months has caused some pod losses. Pod size and bean quality are acceptable. Yield differences between double and single row treatments are emerging – but not between hybrids. South Johnstone The yield trial at South Johnstone has generally been slightly behind the Mossman planting. Recently however, yields have been higher than Mossman and full year yield to end of June 2004 is likely to exceed Mossman. This may be attributed to a milder “winter” in 2003 than previously experienced but could also point to a better growing environment? Significantly the trial has now experienced a more typical (high rainfall) wet season this year with no adverse effects to date (increased disease incidence). In general insect pressure is lower than at Mossman. The comments for the South Johnstone yield trial also apply. Whilst there are yield differences between density treatments in this trial it is still too early to make long-term conclusions. Extensive measuring of harvest productivity carried out in this trial and the yield trials has been used in the economic model. The clones established in the field at Coastal Plains are regularly observed and growth/yield parameters monitored. Only a small number of clones have been field planted at South Johnstone. Further minor developments to the prototype pod splitter have been carried out since Christmas. The unit is now feeding reliably and throughput has been increased to 2-3 pods/sec (higher than anticipated). A second machine will now be constructed with some assistance from Cadbury Schweppes engineers. The larger separator screen is now used regularly for processing Qld. harvests and performs well – no further development is required. Bean from South Johnstone and Mossman is fermented regularly. At times this is done in close cooperation with UNSW researchers working on the Cadbury PhD project. A sun-drying area with moveable roof has also been constructed. Currently bean from Coastal Plains (NT) is not fermented as agreed. Nathan Leibel (PhD student) based at Darwin and working in close association with the project will commence employment in June with Cadbury Limited - initially in the UK and then based in Ghana. It is expected that mutual contact will be maintained.


Project Title: Influence of processing on the flavour of Australian coffee

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-309A

Start Date: 01/07/2003 Finish Date: 01/07/2006 Researcher: Dr James Drinnan Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences PO Box 1054 MAREEBA QLD 4880


• Conduct an audit of the processing equipment and system currently being

employed by the industry. Determine the influence of various processing techniques on the flavour profile of Australian coffee.

• Improve the understanding of coffee growers to the importance of the stages of processing in determining quality. This will allow producers to predict what impact their particular processing will have on the final product.

Current Progress During the 2003 coffee harvesting and processing season (July-December)

farms were visited in north, central, southeast Queensland and in northern New South Wales. An audit was conducted on processing equipment and the systems being used to process coffee. Harvested samples can contain from <5 to 30% immature green fruit and 5 to 50% over mature black fruit depending on the synchronisation of ripening and the selectivity of the harvester. Therefore, in the majority of cases factories have been designed to separate red, green and black fruit during processing. This has been achieved with specialised pieces of equipment (cherry classifier) or modifications to more traditional pulpers (Bentle, McKinnon, John Gordon, Penagos). These variations in processing equipment and systems give rise to 5 styles of Australian coffee. Washed - Fruit is pulped and there is complete mechanical removal of the mucilage, i.e. there is no fermentation. This can be achieved with an aquapulper or demucilager. Semi Washed - Fruit is pulped and there is partial removal of the mucilage. This is usually the case when fruit passes through the demucilager. The coffee can then be dried like this or fermented for a short time to remove the last of the mucilage. Unwashed - Fruit is pulped but no mucilage is removed. The coffee can then be dried like this or the mucilage can be fermented off in water or out of water. Natural – Fruit is dried in the flesh (no pulping). This can occur on the tree or after harvest in the sun, or mechanically. In this case fermentation occurs as the fruit dries. Natural Washed – Fruit that is dried in the flesh (natural) is soaked until soft and then pulped.

In this coming harvesting and processing season it is planned to study the five processing styles identified on cupping quality attributes (acid, body, aroma, flavour and after taste). This needs to be done on individual properties where the variety, climate, soil type, altitude, harvest date and maturity are constant, so that the effect of the processing system can be isolated.


Some work on how to best handle the over-mature floating coffee will also be done. This will involve grading the floating coffee to sort it before further processing.


Project Title: Developing better nutritional strategies for mechanical tea production

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-313A

Start Date: 01/12/2003 Finish Date: 01/12/2006 Researcher: Dr. James Drinnan Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences PO Box 1054 MAREEBA QLD 4880


• Improve the understanding of tea growers on the nutritional

requirements of mechanically harvested tea to maximise yields. • Identify micronutrient deficiencies and the best methods to

alleviate. • Increase the average yields of tea producers to help meet the

increasing demand, this will also reduce the costs of production. • Improve the efficiency of fertiliser use thereby minimising the

environmental impacts of current and future fertiliser practices.

Current Progress Leaf and soil nutrient levels of tea plantations in North Queensland have been studied to see the range in levels that exist. Information has been gathered from samples previously collected by growers on their properties and from new samples collected at the start of this project. This information together with leaf and soil nutrient levels recommended in the literature for North Queensland and overseas and discussions with soil scientists have allowed optimum nutrient levels to be defined for the nutrient budget. By using a nutrient budget and yield data from the growers theoretical ideal fertiliser rates have been determined Fertiliser is being blended by a local fertiliser agent. To determine the optimum time of fertiliser application, information on the seasonal patterns of growth at each of the growers properties has been studied. Fertiliser will be applied more regularly during the periods of fastest growth and less regularly during the months of the year when growth is slowest. The yearly fertiliser levels will be split evenly into 5-6 applications. On three co-operative grower farms two blocks of tea (2-12 ha) have been selected for the trial work. Different rates and timings of fertiliser will be applied and compared to their existing fertiliser programs. Yield data is being collected by the growers as well as the costs of the extra fertiliser and more frequent applications. This will be used to assess the economics of the new fertiliser programs. The first round of fertilising was applied in April and the next is due in July. Harvesting is carried out at 21-35 day intervals depending on the time of year.


Project Title: Development of a range of pesticides for use in coffee RIRDC Project No.:

SAG-5A

Start Date: 01/07/2003 Finish Date: 30/11/2006 Researcher: Mr Keith Lewis Organisation: Serve-Ag Pty Ltd

Biotechnical Field Services (NQ) Pty Ltd PO Box 1169 ATHERTON QLD 4883


• To generate data to support registration submissions for a range of

pesticides in coffee.

Current Progress There have been some delays in getting this project underway. This has mainly been due to some unforseen difficulties in obtaining clear guidelines from AVPMA as to the exact requirements for residue studies necessary to support registration of some of the products mentioned in the project. Despite this, a good dialogue with AVPMA has been initiated and it is envisaged that we will be able to proceed as planned within the next few months. We do not envisage any serious delays in the delivery of the final report for this project. Two efficacy trials were completed with Mimic, Supracide, and Success targeting avocado leaf roller in coffee. All products appeared effective although the results have not yet been analysed. We are continuing to monitor coffee crops and will conduct the require trials as the opportunity arises.


Project Title: Condiment paprika: breeding, processing and commercialisation (Stage 2)

RIRDC Project No.:

US-116A

Start Date: 01/07/2002 Finish Date: 30/11/2004 Researcher: Prof Peter Sharp Organisation: The University of Sydney

Plant Breeding Institute PMB 11 CAMDEN NSW 2570


• Breed cultivars suitable for mechanised commercial production. • Develop advanced lines incorporating the traits of pedicel and fruit

detachability to aid mechanical harvesting.

Current Progress Breeding of cultivars suitable for mechanical harvesting has continued, selecting for strong upright stems, fruit holding well clear of the soil, and detachable calyx. Selection was also for fruits with high dry matter, very high pigment, high yield and disease resistance. We are cooperating with the Paprika Research Station, Hungary. A total of 43 crosses were received and were sown as F1s, and are being tested for pigment content. Single seed descent was maintained as a key breeding technology, to save time and space. F2 and F3 generations were in the off-season, allowing the F4 generation in the field this season. Interspecific crosses to a number of Capsicum spp. (sources of the pedicel and fruit detachability traits) were made. This material is now in the F5 or F6 generations, combined with high yield and semi-determinate growth habit. A variety trial was undertaken containing material from the program, and 11 overseas cultivars including the parents or related lines. Three lines were selected for release as cultivars, and Plant Breeders Rights applications submitted. One of these lines, with the highest dry matter production per unit area, and the highest pigment content, was selected for seed increase and this was successfully undertaken.


EXTRACTIVE AND FIBRE CROPS

Project Title: Olive harvesting project - harvest timing for optimal

olive oil quality RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-197A

Start Date: 01/07/2001 Finish Date: 30/11/2004 Researcher: Dr Rod Mailer Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture

Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute PMB WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650


• To determine the precise harvest time for optimal olive oil quality of four

olive oil varieties through oil quality analysis and organoleptic assessment of fruit and oil samples progressively through ripening.

• Assessment of harvest parameters such as fruit detachment force, uniformity of ripening, fruit mass and fruit maturity index, through the fruit ripening period to derive harvest efficiency indicators with the aim of developing field guidelines for harvest timing.

• Assess the effects of deficit and full irrigation on harvest timing, oil yield, oil quality and extraction efficiency.

• Provide industry with technical data on irrigation management and harvest timing to achieve optimal quality and oil extraction efficiency.

• Assess the effects of harvest timing and irrigation on chemical and organoleptic stability of olive oils.

Current Progress Continuing dry conditions have persisted for the second and third years of this

project which should provide sharply contrasting results between irrigated and control treatments. Flowering is approximately two weeks earlier than last year and results reflect the earlier maturity. Some additionally parameters have been included in the testing of the olives to cover new international regulations and quality requirements. Tocopherols have been added to the IOOC standards and these are being tested to ensure the project covers its initial aims. Harvesting dates include four dates within the commercial harvest window but we also do two very early “minor” harvests to monitor the changes in quality as the fruit begins to mature. The minor harvests were completed on 18 February and 18 March. The first major harvest was carried out on 13 April, the second on 5 May. Harvests 3 and 4 will be conducted in late May and mid-late June. This will complete harvests for the study. Results of interest include chlorophyll levels which are particular high this year. Tocopherols show a big range between cultivars with Leccino starting very high. Most analyses are still in progress for the second harvest and the third harvest will begin next week.


Project Title: Evaluation of jojoba germplasm in different environments

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-206A

Start Date: 01/07/2002 Finish Date: 31/07/2005 Researcher: Mr Peter Milthorpe Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture

PO Box 300 CONDOBOLIN NSW 2877


• To evaluate the response of flowering and fruiting of a diverse, but

known, range of jojoba germplasm to changes in climate across Australia. • To provide benchmarks to assist researchers and growers in the selection

of new varieties as well as give confidence in recommending where new selections are best suited.

Current Progress This project remains latent between late spring and early winter the following

year. No further work has been undertaken since the last progress report was submitted. Tagging of plants at all sites will commence in June this year for the next flowering period.


Project Title: Evaluation of guar cultivars in central and southern Queensland

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-286A

Start Date: 01/07/2001 Finish Date: 30/11/2004 Researcher: Mr Colin Douglas Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

Australian Tropical Crops Genetic Resource Centre Locked Mail Bag 1 BILOELA QLD 4715


• To identify a new cultivar of guar suitable for commercial dryland

production central and southern Queensland.

Current Progress Guar is a promising new summer-growing grain legume option for dryland farming systems of Queensland and northern New South Wales. There is an expanding international market for gum extracted from the seed; it is widely used in industrial processes and as a food additive. Twenty three promising lines selected from trials in 2002/03 were planted in replicated trials at Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Research Stations at Biloela, Kingaroy and Roma in November and December of 2003. Biloela and Roma trials had a dry start to the season but plants showed good pod production. However grain yield potential of both trials was reduced due to waterlogging after heavy rain in January and Febraury. Yield data is yet to be analysed but indicated grain yields of elite varieties are around 1500kgha-1 (Biloela trial) and 500kgha-1 (Roma trial). The Kingaroy trial was discontinued due to crop damage from summer storms. Analysis of seed gum content from 2002/03 trials did not reveal any significant differences between cultivars. Further analysis will be conducted on grain harvested from elite cultivars in 2003/04 trials. Col Douglas attended field days at Biloela and Roma Research stations to discuss field trials and the progress of this project with key growers and industry stakeholders in September 2003 and February/March 2004.


Project Title: Evaluation of hemp and kenaf breeding lines in tropical and sub-tropical environments

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-292A

Start Date: 01/07/2002 Finish Date: 30/11/2005 Researcher: Mr Brett Weeden Organisation: Agronomist

Southedge Research Station PO Box 174 MAREEBA QLD 4880


• To facilitate the establishment of a bast fibre industry in Australia by

identifying suitable high-yielding low-drug content cultivars of hemp and suitable high-yielding cultivars of kenaf that are adapted to sub-tropical and tropical environments in Queensland.

Current Progress Replicated field trials of 5 cultivars of kenaf and 8 cultivars of industrial hemp

were conducted at 2 QDPI&F research stations during 2003/04. At Southedge (tropical environment) the kenaf trial was a repeat of the 2002/03 trial with 5 cultivars planted at either 3 or 4 rows on a 1 m bed between 1.5 m wheel tracks. The kenaf grew well with dry stem yields about 50 % higher than those achieved in 2002/03 due to a lower plant population and better nitrogen and irrigation management. As was the case in 2002/03 the cultivar Gregg gave the highest dry stem weight yields and again 4 rows gave higher yields than 3 rows. The industrial hemp trial also grew well with the new selection of cultivars giving much higher dry stem yields (mean 17.2 t/ha) compared to those tested in 2002/03 (mean 8.2 t/ha) indicating an improvement in the suitability of the selected newer cultivars to the local environment and again better plant population, nitrogen and irrigation management. Both these kenaf and hemp trials were repeated at Gatton research station as representative of a sub-tropical environment. The kenaf trial grew well and was only recently harvested and so yield data is yet to be collated and analysed. Emergence and growth of the hemp trial here was poor due to a number of factors including soil structure and crusting issues, poor quality irrigation water (due to the drought) and a severe hailstorm soon after planting. Only a small number of plots could be harvested and so dry stem yields are estimates only but were in the 12 – 14 t/ha range. These trials are planned be repeated at the same sites in the coming 2004/05 season.


Project Title: Evaluating olive water requirements from seedling to pre-fruit bearing

RIRDC Project No.:

DEB-2A

Start Date: 01/09/2000 Finish Date: 30/08/2004 Researcher: Mr James De Barro Organisation: De Barro Agricultural Consulting

PO Box 424 KEITH SA 5267


• Quantify the volumetric soil moisture requirements of olives from

planting to pre-fruit bearing and the development of the effective root zone depth to eliminate excess irrigation. Create and publish a flexible soil moisture requirement protocol for young trees before fruit bearing in a format for growers to utilise in their young olives and act as a reference point for developing a specific irrigation strategy for their property. Such a protocol could be used to calibrate soil moisture recording devices that assist accurate scheduling of irrigation.

Current Progress The fourth and final irrigation season to be reported on by this research

concluded in April 2004. The trees were 60 months old at the conclusion of the irrigation season and the first commercial harvest was undertaken on May 21, 2004. The two treatments were the grower’s choice of management and management incorporating irrigation scheduling. The irrigation scheduled treatment was applied to an individual orchard row. An adjacent row was used to represent the grower’s management practice. Parameters measured within the treatments were irrigation timing and quantities, rainfall events and tree growth (height, trunk girth and canopy diameter). In addition the two treatment rows were harvested and weighed. This season the trees measured in the irrigation scheduled row were periodically fertilised prior to irrigation with a complete NPKS fertiliser. This was necessary as the significant percentage of applied fertiliser to the grove was via fertigation and the grower chose to irrigate more frequently than the scheduled treatment. The tree guards were removed prior to commencement of the irrigation season but the trellising remained. The final report is currently being prepared and will be released later in 2004.


Project Title: National Olive Variety Assessment Project (11A) - Stage 2 RIRDC Project No.:

SAR-47A

Start Date: 01/12/2002 Finish Date: 30/11/2004 Researcher: Ms Susan Sweeney Organisation: Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA

PIRSA Rural Solutions Plant Research Centre GPO Box 397 ADELAIDE SA 5001


• A nationally coordinated technical and educational support network. • Comparative physiological information on the performance of all known

olive varieties and promising new feral varieties in Australia. • Survival, growth and management information from a range of olive

varieties across a range of climatic/edaphic conditions in Australia.

Current Progress The 2003 survey of olive varieties from properties across Australia and the evaluation of varieties at the National Olive Collection site at Roseworthy are currently being statistically analysed. The following are some early highlights from Roseworthy. The University of Adelaide has redone the DNA testing of all the varieties at Roseworthy using microsatellite markers that had been previously tested using RAPDs. The Roseworthy samples grouped together in a similar way when using either microsatelite or RAPD markers, providing greater confidence with the typing. The only difference being that the microsatellite markers were able to distinguish between some of the varieties that were previously grouped with Frantoio. However, these cultivars Pueblana, Mission WA, Paragon and Bouteillon still have high genetic similarity to the rest of the group. Comparison with the Roseworthy trees physiological and chemical data will show whether these small genetic differences have any impact on yield and fatty acid profile of the oil. The fresh fruit yield ranking from highest to lowest of some of the commercial varieties at Roseworthy (4 year old trees) was: UC13A6, Barnea, Manzanilla, SA Verdale, Coratina, Picual, Hojiblanca, Pendolino, Kalamata, Sevillana, Arbequina, Leccino, Frantoio. All of the Frantoio clones at Roseworthy have been low yielding so far. Of these above varieties at Roseworthy, if Picual is used as an indicator of a recognised high oil yielding variety then a number of varieties with higher yields than Picual, show promise as high oil yielders to the extent that oil % in dry flesh is a predictor of oil yield. These varieties are: Arbequina, Barnea, Coratina, Frantoio and Kalamata.


Project Title: Cross-pollination in olive cultivars RIRDC Project No.:

UA-65A

Start Date: 01/01/2004 Finish Date: 01/12/2006 Researcher: Prof Margaret Sedgley Organisation: The University of Adelaide

School of Agriculture and Wine Discipline of Wine and Horticulture Waite Agricultural Research Institute PMB 1 GLEN OSMOND SA 5064


• To identify compatible pollen donors for the major cultivars grown in

Australia.

Current Progress DNA was extracted from the cultivars in the NOVA collection at the University of Adelaide Roseworthy campus. Twenty-eight primer pairs obtained from publications describing the development of microsatellites in olive were tested, and 8 that produced the most polymorphic banding patterns were selected. PCR was conducted with these microsatellite primers to identify the alleles from each cultivar in the collection. This phase of the project is now complete. Forty olive fruits were collected from 3 trees each of 5 varieties: Kalamata, Koroneiki, Barnea, Mission and Frantoio. The trees were sampled from each of the three blocks of the NOVA trial and, therefore, each of these trees will have different neighbours as potential pollen donors. DNA has been extracted from the embryos found in 600 fruits and will be analysed by PCR with 8 microsatellite markers and paternity analysis to determine the most likely pollen donor for that fruit.


Project Title: Laying the groundwork for a new rural industry - Stevia rebaudiana

RIRDC Project No.:

UCQ-17A

Start Date: 01/07/2002 Finish Date: 31/07/2004 Researcher: Prof David Midmore Organisation: Central Queensland University

School of Biological and Environmental Sciences ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4702


• To lay the basis for a rural industry that will replace imported artificial

sweetener with a risk-free natural sweetener. This will achieved by: • Accessing information on food safety issues and determine the likely

acceptance of steviosides by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (formerly ANZFA) for use in foodstuffs.

• Accessing germplasm from diverse sources (particularly Japan, Taiwan, China, Korea, India and Paraguay) and test them under a range of environmental conditions, leading to quantifiable production outputs on which to evaluate the viability of the industry.

Current Progress This project is now completing its second year. Following the initial work on

seed sourcing and seedling establishment of last year 03/04 saw success in the production of seedlings on a commercial scale. Approximately 40,000 seedlings were produced by a SE Qld nursery and distributed to 15 sites from the Atherton tablelands to Kangaroo Island and Tasmania where plots ranging from 200 to 5000 plants were planted under a range of conditions. Some seedlings were subject to extreme stress at transplanting yet survived. This stress plus extreme heat (over 35 degrees) induced premature flowering at most northern locations. Vegetative growth was generally more restricted on neutral and alkaline soil types compared to acidic sites. Leaf analysis for stevioside content has encountered problems and new HPLC equipment has been required (& is being purchased) before analysis results can be accepted as reliable. Comparative leaf stevioside content for the various latitudes will be available once the new equipment is in operation. Substantial progress is being made in advancing the registration or steviosides for commercial use. Sufficient data and support form interested parties has been gathered and CQU has initiated an application to FSANZ for registration as a food additive.


Project Title: New oilseed options for Australian farmers and industry RIRDC Project No.:

UWA-74A

Start Date: 01/01/2003 Finish Date: 01/03/2006 Researcher: Dr Clive Francis Organisation: University of Western Australia

CLIMA 35 Stirling Highway CRAWLEY WA 6009


• To deliver to farmers and industry new oilseed options for export and local

production, namely: • Oilseeds for industrial use and the production of biodiesel. • Oilseed for the production of quality mustard oils for export. • Oilseeds that contain high proportions of essential fatty acids; Omega 3 and

Gamma Linolenic acids.

Current Progress Industrial oil and biodiesel focus has been on low input species such as Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) for biodiesel and Crambe (Crambe abyssinica) for high erucic acid industrial oil. Two lines of Indian mustard have been selected as possible duel purpose candidates for mustard seed export to Asian markets and/or biodiesel production. As high yielding, low input varieties relative to Canola, more than 2 tonnes were produced over summer in 03/04. Arrangements are in place for biodiesel trials in commercial vehicles from the projected 100 tonne 2004 harvest. With RIRDC support a marketing study of the various oilseeds will be initiated For the health oil and seed markets, seed increase of Golden Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and Camelina (Camelina sativa) lines has commenced. Omega 3 content of the oil in selected flaxseed lines ranged from 55-60% and that of Camelina 34-36%. Both will be offered to international and local companies for evaluation in 2004/05. Maturity of the Flaxseed was generally later than Canola but included 2 earlier maturing lines which should be an advantage for wider distribution of the crop. 18 new lines from the Vavilov Institute, not available in other world collections, were successfully grown in quarantine for assessment in 2004.


Project Title: Production of bioactive phenols from olive processing waste streams

RIRDC Project No.:

UCS-32A

Start Date: 01/09/2002 Finish Date: 31/05/2006 Researcher: Dr Paul Prenzler Organisation: Charles Sturt University

School of Science and Technology Locked Bag 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678


• A survey of waste streams from olive oil processing to identify bioactive

fractions. • Isolation, identification and quantification of the commercially useful

bioactive compounds. • Knowledge of the impact of varietal, regional, seasonal and processing

differences on the composition of waste streams and the bioactivity, based on Australian conditions.

• The investigation of strategies for the extraction of compounds of commercial interest from olive industry waste streams, thus enabling the reutilisation of the residue.

• Trained personnel to meet the future demands of the olive industry.

Current Progress Progress toward meeting the stated objectives is advancing in a timely fashion and we have met all milestones up to May 2004 (see GANTT Chart). Bioactivity testing has begun since the last annual report (November, 2003). Initial testing was conducted on Isidorella newcombi, an aquatic snail that is a serious rice pest. Extracts from olive waste of two varieties were tested and differences in activity were found. Other tests on antioxidant activity confirm that waste from different olive varieties will have different bioactivity. A potentially novel compound has been identified in the olive waste and further studies will be conducted to determine if it has significant bioactivity. Further bioactivity testing will be conducted at Food Science Australia during the remainder of 2004 looking at the possible use of olive waste extracts as antibacterial and antifungal agents. The impact of harvest date on the phenolic compounds in olive waste is also being examined, dovetailing nicely with an existing RIRDC project “Olive Harvesting Project” led by Dr Rod Mailer. One of the Chief Investigators (Prenzler) has volunteered to act as an advisor to the RIRDC project “Establishment of environmental management systems for the olive industry” led by Mr Nelson Quinn.


Project Title: Quality enhancement of Australian extra-virgin olive oils RIRDC Project No.:

UCS-33A

Start Date: 01/09/2002 Finish Date: 31/05/2006 Researcher: Dr Paul Prenzler Organisation: Charles Sturt University

School of Science and Technology Locked Bag 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678


• Chemical profiles of the component phenols and volatiles in extra-virgin

olive oils will be related to extraction methods and cultivars to identify processing parameters critical to the production of premium oils.

Current Progress Progress toward meeting the stated objectives is advancing in a timely fashion

and we have met all milestones up to May 2004 (see GANTT Chart). Since our last annual report (November, 2003) a number of exciting developments have taken place. We have established links with the RIRDC project “Olive harvesting Project” led by Dr Rod Mailer to obtain samples of fruit at different harvest dates to examine the effect of fruit ripeness on the quality of oil as measured by phenol and volatile profiles. This research cooperation has benefits for both RIRDC projects. The research visit of one of the chief investigators (Prenzler) to Italy in 2003, has allowed us to examine premium Italy oils with our new analytical techniques and compare these oils with Australian oils. Furthermore, we have identified shelf-life as an important quality parameter and have begun trials to examine how storage affects the key sensory properties of oils as measured by phenol and volatile profiles.


Project Title: Evaluating new guayule varieties for low-allergenic rubber production

RIRDC Project No.:

UQ-94A

Start Date: 30/10/2000 Finish Date: 31/03/2005 Researcher: Dr. Doug George Organisation: The University of Queensland

School of Agriculture and Horticulture Gatton Campus GATTON QLD 4345


• To evaluate new improved guayule germplasm from the USA in

Queensland; • To establish a direct seeding method; • To establish a seed multiplication program; • To carry out an economic analysis based on field data and to make

recommendations on the guayule industry in Australia

Current Progress Final harvesting of the Gatton trial was completed in February 2004. Plant dry matter, rubber and resin extraction data were obtained. Results showed that improved lines produced greater plant and stem dry matter compared to controls, N 565 and 11591. AZ-1, AZ-5 and AZ-6 tended to produce greater plant dry matter yields 20.6, 20.4 and 18.1 t/ha respectively. Two controls, N 565 and 11591 only produced yields of 13.1 and 13.6 t/ha. Rubber contents of improved lines were in the range of 5.3 to 7.3% and these values were not superior to the standards (7.5 and 6.9%). However, improved lines produced significantly greater rubber yields due to increased biomass production. AZ-5 and AZ-6 produced rubber yields of 951 kg/ha and 868 kg/ha respectively and these yields were significantly greater than N 565 (674 kg/ha) and 11591 (623 kg/ha). Plant growth was monitored in the Chinchilla trial. Analysis for plant width and height showed higher values for improved lines than the controls (N 565 and 11591). Final harvesting of Chinchilla trials will be carried out in spring 2004. A series of seed germination experiments were carried out to study seed dormancy in guayule. Various seed treatments, including decoating, with and without light and various chemicals were used. Results confirmed the presence of seed coat and embryo dormancy in guayule seed. The degree of influence of these two types of seed dormancy was also investigated. Further experiments will be carried out during spring 2004 to investigate the effect of different qualities of light on germination. A paper titled “Performance of improved guayule lines in Australia” was accepted for publication in the Journal of Industrial Crops and Products.


Project Title: Sustainable pest and disease management in Australian olive production

RIRDC Project No.:

UWS-17A

Start Date: 01/07/2001 Finish Date: 31/12/2004 Researcher: A/Prof Robert Spooner-Hart Organisation: University of Western Sydney

Centre for Horticulture & Plant Science Hawkesbury Campus Locked Bag 1797 PENRITH SOUTH DC NSW 1797


• To provide growers with a clear picture of the pest and disease complex in

Australian olive agroecosystems and an increased understanding of sustainable approaches to their control.

• Surveying districts throughout Australia for incidence and severity of olive pests and diseases and their impact on production.

• Developing and undertaking field monitoring systems for key pests and diseases.

• Conducting workshops on pest and disease recognition, monitoring and sustainable management.

Current Progress The second season of detailed pest and disease monitoring was undertaken in all

mainland states, with eightselected groves providing regular (usually fortnightly) samples of sticky and fruit fly trap catches. Again, the most common pest was black scale, Saissetia oleae , which late in the season was frequently parasitised by the wasp Scutellista caerulea. Unfortunately, this parasitoid appears to be associated with highly scale density, and is thus unlikely alone to be an effective agent for black scale control. We made four releases of the black scale parasitoid Metaphycus helvolus in study groves during the season, and have scheduledreleases in the other study groves in spring. M. helvolus is less density-dependent than S. oleae , and attacks younger stages of black scale. We will investigate its establishment in groves later in the season. Three highly effective field trials targeting black scale with petroleum and canola-based oil sprays were conducted this season, with application timing based on scale phenology. The second most common pest monitored was olive lace bug, Froggattia olivinia, which remains a major pest in NSW and Qld. Predation in the field by green lacewing larvae (family Chrysopidae) was observed for the first time, and subsequent laboratory and semi-field trials using the commercially available lacewing Mallada signata have confirmed high rates of predation. Over 50 samples have been diagnosed for disease this season at EMAI. Pathogens recorded damaging roots included Rhizoctonia spp., Phytophthora cinnamomi, Macrophomina phaseolina (a new record in Australia), Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium solani. Pathogens isolated from stem damage were Pseudomonas spp (not olive knot), and Agrobacterium tumifaciens. Fruit rot pathogens included Alternaria sp, Colletotrichum acutatum and Botrysphaeria sp. During the past year, presentations on this work have been made at the AOA Conference in Brisbane October 2003, to growers and researchers in Perth in November 2003, and at the Olive Harvest workshop in Rylstone in September 2003.


FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND NUTS

Project Title: Investigation into commercial systems for production of capers in Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

CAU-1A

Start Date: 01/07/2001 Finish Date: 30/11/2004 Researcher: Mr Jonathon Trewartha Organisation: Smart Enter Nominees Pty Ltd trading as "The Australian Caper Company"

PO Box 316 MANNUM SA 5238


• To develop production systems for capers, a new crop to Australia. • To conduct field trials to answer simple questions about: varieties;

phenology, plant growth, and yield under Australian conditions; production systems that allow harvesting costs to be minimised.

• To develop a small commercial market for high quality capers in Australia by 2004.

Current Progress This year has been a solid year for the research into growing capers in Australia.

The caper plant has many benefits to bring to a regional community in that it creates employment, increases crop diversity, can be grown in poor nutrient, saline soil and many plants are drought resistant. For more information please see our website “australiancapers.com.au”. The highlights for the 2002 to 2003 season are a better understanding of the yields of the four varieties, general irrigation requirements, great feedback of product from food personalities, continued success with an organic farming system and an article written for the RIRDC Publication, “New Rural Industries Handbook”. Plant nutrient requirements and pest & diseases were managed but still require ongoing research. Like most research work, the more we find out the more questions arise. The most important questions still to be fully answered are; (1) The hand picked harvest cost for older plants, 3 to 5 year’s old (2) The estimated medium term price for caper buds required to offset harvest costs (3) A better understanding of the market size and, within that market, the size of the niche for Australian grown capers. This coming year 2004 to 2005 will see initial marketing research completed and picking cost for three year old plants collated.


Project Title: Nutrition and phenology survey of durian and mangosteen orchards in north Queensland

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-288A

Start Date: 01/12/2001 Finish Date: 01/06/2004 Researcher: Mr Yan Diczbalis Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)



• A survey of leaf and soil nutrition of durian and mangosteen orchards in

the wet tropics of north Queensland will: • Develop recommendations for a standard leaf sampling technique based

on minimum coefficient of variation of samples. • Develop recommendations for a desired nutrient range of durian and

mangosteen trees grown in the wet tropics of north Queensland. • Test for a relationship between tree nutrient status and productivity. • Improve understanding of the effect of micro-climate within north

Queensland on tree phenology. • Develop industry awareness of the relationship between fertiliser inputs,

tree nutrient status, tree phenology and yield.

Current Progress The durian and mangosteen are tropical exotic fruits native to the wet tropics of SE Asia (Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra). The Australian durian and mangosteen industries are currently estimated to be valued at $0.3 M/annum and $0.6M/annum respectively. Current tree number, age and production statistics suggest that by 2010 these industries could achieve a value of $12.5 M and $8.2 M respectively. The emerging Australian industries lack local leaf and soil nutrient recommendations. Twelve grower cooperators are involved in the Mangosteen nutrition and phenology survey. Six grower cooperators are involved in the Durian nutrition and phenology survey. Mangosteen sites extend from Daintree (16oS) to Murray Upper (18oS), while for durian sites extend from Daintree (16oS) to Innisfail (17oS). Tissue sampling occurs every two months and soil sampling at flowering and immediately post harvest. Ten leaf tissue samples have been collected and analysed. The fifth soil sample is currently being collected. Fruit samples are collected (April – May 2003) for analysis. The current collection of data on fertiliser inputs, tree yield and fruit analysis will allow the development of a nutrient budget. Leaf tissue and soil analysis data collected to date has been returned to growers and levels discussed in relation to limited overseas data and current tree performance. Weather stations and phenology recordings are being maintained at a number of key sites.


Project Title: Floral manipulation and canopy management in rambutan and longan

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-289A

Start Date: 01/11/2001 Finish Date: 01/05/2006 Researcher: Mr Yan Diczbalis Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)



• Maximise production potential of rambutan and longan in a tropical

environment through the manipulation of flowering and canopy management.

Current Progress Rambutan and longan are members of the Sapindaceae family that produce fruit

valued for their taste and flavour. The Australian rambutan and longan industries are estimated to be valued at $4.0M and $2.0 M respectively. Consistency of production and management of tree height are important issues facing both industries. Rambutan: Flush number and length have been measured fortnightly on six pruning sites which were established on commercial orchards in the Wet Tropics, from Daintree (16oS) to Murray Upper (18oS). At each of these sites two replicate trees are being pruned at 2 monthly intervals. Data collected to date suggests that the earliest pruning treatment (February) results in the best flowering and fruit set, yet still less than unpruned trees. An August prune is the most likely commercial option given that most orchards are still bearing fruit in February. The use of physical and chemical vegetative growth control options have been tested on several sites. Cincturing and paclobutrazol were the two options that best restricted growth (flush length).

Longan: The Main Thrust Of The Work In Longan Is Concentrating On The Use Of Potassium Chlorate (Kclo3) As A Flower Induction Agent. Work Is Concentrated On Examining The Method And Time Of Application And Mechanism Of Action. The Work In The Last 12 Months Has Concentrated On The Use Of Foliar Applications. In All Methods Panicles Emerged 5-8 Weeks After Application. Control Trees Flowered To A Lesser Degree Later And Less Uniformly. Experiments Have Indicated That Kclo3 Is Effective At Stimulating Flowering At Any Time Of The Year But It Tends To Be More Effective When Applied During The Normal Flowering Time. A Heat-Sum Relationship Has Been Developed And Field Tested, For The Cultivar Kohala, That Allows The Time Of Application Of Kclo3 To Be Determined Based On The Preferred Harvest Time.


Project Title: Building supply chain partnerships in developing tropical plant industries

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-310A

Start Date: 01/07/2003 Finish Date: 01/07/2004 Researcher: Mr Chris Horsburgh Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

Centre for Tropical Agriculture 28 Peter Street PO Box 1054 MAREEBA QLD 4880


• Identify possible tropical plant products to be included in the project. • Map the supply chain and define the market category concept. Develop

processes and partnerships. • Develop strategies for commercialising a tropical fruits and vegetables

category. • Test marketing strategies developed for a tropical fruits and vegetables

category. • Provide a final report documenting the findings.

Current Progress The principle of category marketing is commercially relevant to the industries included in this project and their marketing chains. In the case of emerging tropically grown vegetables, no commercial need exists for a ‘Tropical Vegetables’ category, however these crops are commercially regarded as part of the ‘Asian Vegetable’ category. In the case of emerging tropically grown exotic fruits, there appears to be a significant opportunity to develop an ‘Exotic Tropical Fruits’ category. Anecdotal evidence indicates that commercial trials of this concept have already been undertaken independent of this project. Supply chain readiness, meaning the capability to proactively manage supply chain processes, is low in many of the industries. There is significant need for this to improve before the marketplace will seriously commit to the promotional programs incident to developing a category. As a minimum, the supply of consistent quantities of quality fruit for 3-4 months across several lines is required. The project is unlikely to be concluded before June 30, 2004. The commercial trial of the category concept was very late in being accepted by the retailer and wholesaler. However, the value added to the research by proceeding has proven of significant value. A realistic date for the completion of the final report is 31 August 2004.


Project Title: Better decisions for tropical exotic tree fruit production "Should I grow tropical exotics - rambutan, durian, mangosteen?"

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-311A

Start Date: 30/07/2003 Finish Date: 30/11/2004 Researcher: Dr Patricia Chay-Prove Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

PO Box 20 SOUTH JOHNSTONE QLD 4859


• To produce a user-centred information kit for intending, new and

established rambutan, durian and mangosteen growers. The kit is designed to be comprehensive and practical and assist in the delivery of R&D information. This concept is a team effort. With industry input and collaboration, this will enhance the information collected and researched and therefore give it a broader Australia-wide perspective.

Current Progress The project is proceeding well. The project however did not start on its

preferred date since confirmation of funding was not finalised till Oct/Nov. A first draft of the information kit on the three tropical exotics – durian, mangosteen and rambutan - is completed. This grower guide is designed to help growers (intending, new and established) to make informed decisions in the management of their durian, mangosteen and rambutan orchards. The draft is currently with an expert panel who will provide feedback on the content. Feedback in the preliminary workshop was very positive. The structure of this grower handbook will be slightly different from previous Agrilink Information Kits in that we are dealing with tree separate fruit trees. Topics that are similar for the different species such as land preparation, pruning, ipm, etc. are considered in the same chapter and species-specific issues are planned to be written individually. Images, photos and diagrams are being compiled and the economics of crop production is being investigated.


Project Title: Red bay berry - a new and exciting crop for Australia? RIRDC Project No.:

DAV-212A

Start Date: 01/10/2003 Finish Date: 01/10/2004 Researcher: Mr Graeme McGregor Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Vic)

Institute for Horticultural Development Private Bag 15 FERNTREE GULLY DELIVERY CENTRE VIC 3156


• To access and present the potential for establishment of Red Berry as an

Australian horticultural crop in terms of climatic suitability, agronomic practices, post-harvest management and the commercial value chain, including market potential.

Current Progress A literature review has been conducted by the Australian and Chinese

collaborators; this achievement was reported in the previous report to RIRDC. The 2004 BayBerry season is reported to be approximately one week earlier than normal, and D.Joyce and G.McGregor will visit Hangzhou from 11th June - 22nd June. Our Chinese collaborators have arranged an itinerary covering all aspects of BayBerry production, management and marketing. A report will be prepared by 30th July. The Chinese collaborators will visit Australia in October 2004 to validate the report, and a final report will be submitted to RIRDC by December 20th 2004.


Project Title: Product description languages and support material for minor tropical crops in northern Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

DNT-31A

Start Date: 30/06/2003 Finish Date: 01/07/2007 Researcher: Mr Geoff Walduck Organisation: Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT)

PO Box 3000 DARWIN NT 0801


• Production of Product Description Languages for a range of smaller

emerging and developing tropical crops in a range of appropriate flexible and inexpensive formats.

• Production of PDLs to be in partnership with all parts of the production/transport/distribution/retail and consumer chain.

• Produce PDLs in electronic format so that they can be customised and modified easily to meet constantly changing market and production conditions. This also allows a range of very short run hard copy formats to be produced at little cost to meet specific requirements as required.

• Develop a system of developing PDLs for a range of related or geographically compact small crops so that PDLs can be produced quickly, inexpensively and be flexible enough to assist the industry to develop in the market place at an earlier stage than is usual at the moment.

• Improve the flow and accuracy of product information flow within and along the market chain.

• Promote more efficient operation of the market chain by improving both the accuracy and the speed of information flow in both directions.

• Improve quality of produce and lead to commercial quality standards as required.

• Enables the possibility of sale by description and e-commerce.

Current Progress The start of the project was delayed by 6 months due to administrative delays relating to the indemnity clauses in the agreement. This seems to be an ongoing issue with our Treasuary Department and will need to be addressed permanently at some stage. PDL,s have been produced for 3 types of Psiticorums[flowers and not part of this project] as a test of the procedures and proved succesful. These were done from DBIRD resources. A PDL has been produced for Limes and another for Pitaya [white]. The lime one has been reviewed and is in its final form. The Pitaya one is in the evaluation form and is being reviewed during the winter non cropping season with the final version to be produced after cropping commences in October. The PDL for Okra is currently in production. Due to the 6 month delay in commencing we are a little behind our originally planned schedule we are on track to meet our Milestone target in November.


Project Title: Myrtus ugni berries: develop production protocols RIRDC Project No.:

TMB-2A

Start Date: 01/07/2003 Finish Date: 31/03/2005 Researcher: Dr Jenny Jobling Organisation: Tas Myrtus Berries Pty Ltd

PO Box 52 NORTH RYDE NSW 2113


• To gain a firm knowledge base for a successfully growing and supplying the

fruit of myrtus ugni (abbrev. m.u.) to the world. Specifically a feasible, commercial basis for timing the harvest of berries, combined with storage and packing protocols to ensure export of berries in peak condition.

Current Progress Tas Myrtus ugni berries are a new berry fruit grown in Tasmania. They are the

fruit of a hardy evergreen shrub which originates in South America. The fruit are red the size and shape of blueberries. They have a unique complex flavour and an aromatic after taste. This research looks at the postharvest handling of these new berries with the aim of ensuring the maximum shelf life and quality. The ideal storage temperature is 0oC. The weight loss, respiration and the time until rots develop all increase with increasing temperatures above 0oC. For example the weight loss after 5 days in storage at 0oC was 1% compared to 6% after 5 days at 20oC. The rate of weight loss relative to temperature is close to a linear relationship. The rate of respiration also increases with temperature. The increase is greater between 10 and 20oC than it is between 0 and 5oC. The berries were unsaleable after 18 days at 20oC and 27 days at 15oC the berries at 0 and 5oC are still in good quality in storage. The main reason for the loss of quality is weight loss which causes shrivelling and a loss of colour and the development of rots. The rots were the result of infection by common species of soil borne no pathogenic fungi. The packaging experiment indicates that dipping the berries in 200ppm of chlorine (not currently registered for Mytrus ungni berries) prior to storage and storage in a modified atmosphere package with 10% oxygen and 10% carbon dioxide may reduce the development of rots and increase the shelf life of the berries.


Project Title: A field evaluation of the productivity of hazelnut varieties

RIRDC Project No.:

US-125A

Start Date: 01/07/2003 Finish Date: 01/07/2006 Researcher: Mr Basil Baldwin Organisation: The University of Sydney

Faculty of Rural Management PO Box 883 ORANGE NSW 2800


• To determine the most productive hazelnut varieties that could be used for

the establishment of a hazelnut industry in Australia to meet current requirements of nut importers and processors, principally for hazelnut kernels.

• To assess the effects of environmental conditions on hazelnut production and varietal performance.

• To gain data yield development of young trees in order to provide sound advice to industry investors to assist them with investment decisions

• To foster the adoption of the research leading to industry expansion.

Current Progress Four field experiments are being conducted to evaluate a total of 24 varieties. Most of these varieties originate from Europe or the USA, but some Australian seedling types have been included. Two of the trials are sited in NSW, at Orange and Moss Vale, one in Victoria, at Myrtleford, the fourth is at Kettering in southern Tasmania. The sites have been selected to test the varieties under different climatic and soil conditions. Details of research outcomes to 30 June 2003 are available at http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/NPP/03-141sum.html Periods of pollen shed and female bloom have been recorded at all sites and have varied between sites and years due to different temperature regimes. However it appears that time of pollen shed and female bloom is related to the chill requirements of the varieties. There have been differences in the growth and production of varieties across the sites. High levels of manganese appear to be having an adverse effect on growth. To-date, the highest yielding varieties have been Barcelona, Tokolyi/Brownfield Cosford (TBC) and Tonda di Giffoni. These varieties appear to have wide adaptation and are suited to the kernel market. The varieties Ennis and Butler have also performed well, but are more suited to the in-shell trade. Yields from the Myrtleford site have been outstanding, up to 6kg nuts/tree, equivalent to 4tonnes/ha. The first harvest of nuts The first nuts were harvested in Tasmanian in Match, 2004. A field day was held at that site in February 2004, over 50 people attended.


GRAINS AND PULSES

Project Title: A demand-supply analysis of the market for health grains

RIRDC Project No.:

AMR-10A

Start Date: 01/12/2003 Finish Date: 01/07/2004 Researcher: Mr Grant Vinning Organisation: Asian 03kets Research

PO Box 371 SUMNER PARK QLD 4074


• The project shall under take a market analysis of five "health grains" of

amaranth, kamut, quinoa, spelt and teff.

Current Progress Production and marketing data has been collected on amaranth, quinoa, spelt and teff. Legal difficulties associated with the trade marking of the product “kamut” has resulted in research into this grain not being pursued. More than 50 interviews have been held with producers, manufacturers / processors, and health workers. The interviews have been conducted in Australia, the United States, Canada, Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom. Investigations across the range of retailers ranging from mainstream retailers to specialist health food stores have been conducted in the same six countries. The initial intent of the project, that is to establish the extent of the gluten intolerant market, has been confirmed. An estimate of the size of the gluten-free market has been developed. Less concentration has been placed upon spelt because as a pseudo-wheat it is not gluten free. A preliminary conclusion is that the targeted grains will not be viable solely on the attribute of their being gluten-free. This is partly in recognition of the market presence in the breakfast cereal market of corn and rice, two grains that are gluten-free but are not currently marketed as such. However, the research has confirmed that “health grains” have a definite market presence for reasons other than their being solely gluten free. Some effort has been made to spell out these other attributes.


Project Title: Investigation into legumes with pharmaceutical and aquaculture potential

RIRDC Project No.:

UWA-73A

Start Date: 01/07/2002 Finish Date: 31/07/2006 Researcher: Dr Shao Fang Wang Organisation: University of Western Australia

CLIMA 35 Stirling Highway CRAWLEY WA 6009


• Develop a capacity for chemical analysis of legumes such that species

from the unique University of Western Australia genebank with valuable pharmaceutical or aquaculture benefit can be developed.

• Undertake chemical identification of isoflavonoids and bioactive compounds from legumes and asses their efficacy in mammalian breast/prostate cancer proliferation assays.

• Generate a basic knowledge of the chemistry of legume germplasms such that cultivars can be developed to suit specific industries.

• Develop cultivars for specific industries.

Current Progress The project has made very good progress during the past 12 months and we have met all milestones up to May 2004. Twenty-one different species or varieties of plants were grown in 2003. Among them, fourteen plants were harvested for anti-cancer activity testing, seven for seed production. Thirty-four alcoholic extracts from green tissues and seeds of pasture legumes were prepared for screening their efficacy in proliferation assays with mammalian breast cancer cell lines. A total of sixteen alcoholic extracts showed anti-cancer activities. The chemical profiles of these active extracts were established by HPLC and LC-MS. Six most active extracts were fractionated by solvent-solvent partition to yield five fractions for each extract, respectively. Using a bioassay-guided fractionation approach, active fractions were further isolated using various chromatography approaches. Pure active compounds are being identified and characterised. Twenty pure compounds were tested for anti-proliferative activity for human breast cancer cell lines in order to study structure-activity relationship (SAR).

Regarding the aquaculture feed, analytical methods for proteins, lipids, fatty acid profiles, carotenoids and vitamins were established, validated and met the quality assurance in time. The chemical analyses of pasture seeds are being undertaken. Crude protein contents from 21 seeds of pasture legumes were determined.

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