rirdc publication no. 11/112 rirdc
TRANSCRIPT
RIRDC Completed Projects in 2010 - 2011
and Research in Progress as at June 2011
RIRDC Publication No. 11/112
ESSENTIAL OILS AND PLANT EXTRACTS
RIRDCInnovation for rural Australia
ESSENTIAL OILS AND PLANT EXTRACTS
RIRDC Completed Projects in 2010 - 2011 and Research in Progress as at June 2011
September 2011 RIRDC Publication No 11/112
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© 2011 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-1-74254-292-8 ISSN 1440 6845 RIRDC Completed Projects in 2010 – 2011 and Research in Progress as at June 2010 - Essential Oils and Plant Extracts Publication No 11/112 The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances. While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication. The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, RIRDC, the authors or contributors. This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. However, wide dissemination is encouraged. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the RIRDC Publications Manager on phone 02 6271 4165. RIRDC Essential Oils and Plant Extracts Research Manager Alison Saunders Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: (02) 6271 4124 Fax: (02) 6271 4199 Email: [email protected] RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: (02) 6271 4100 Fax: (02) 6271 4199 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Electronically published by RIRDC in September 2011 Print-on-demand by Union Offset Printing, Canberra at www.rirdc.gov.au or phone 1300 634 313
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Foreword RIRDC produces Research in Progress summaries of continuing projects and summaries for projects completed during 2010-2011. Our intention is to:
• Provide stakeholders with early access to the results of ongoing and completed work to inform their decisions, and
• Inform researchers of results to shape research directions. Essential Oils and Plant Extracts Completed Projects in 2010-2011 and Research in Progress Report, July 2011, contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as summaries of projects that were completed during 2010-2011. This program aims to provide R&D to provide the knowledge and skills base for industry to provide high, consistent and known qualities in their essential oils and plant extracts products that respond to market opportunities and enhance profitability. The research objectives for the Essential Oils and Plant Extracts Program are to:
• Improve production systems to raise productivity and control over product qualities • Support the demonstration of safety and effectiveness of Australian products and facilitate the
satisfaction of regulatory requirements to enhance market access • Support new ideas that provide potential for growing the market for Australian product • Improve the industry and research capacity
This report is an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 2000 research publications, which are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website: www.rirdc.gov.au. Purchases can also be made by phoning 1300 634 313. Craig Burns Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
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Contents
Completed Projects 2010-2011 Improved production systems PRJ-002676 Flood irrigated tropical timber trials in the north of Western Australia .......................... 1
Demonstrate safety and effectiveness of Australian products and facilitate the satisfaction of regulatory requirements
PRJ-000021 Develop Australian standards for oil of australian Lavandin cultivars ........................... 3
Supporting new ideas for products
PRJ-000017 Aroma and flavour products from plant waste ................................................................ 5
PRJ-005148 Development of antimicrobial coatings from pure Australian essential oils ................... 6
Improved industry and research capacity
PRJ-005404 Revision of Backhousia citriodora essential oil standard ............................................... 8
Research in Progress 2010-2011 Improved production systems PRJ-004786 Tropical sandalwood silviculture management to minimise fungal attack ................... 10
PRJ-004897 Development of commercial artemisinin production in Australia ................................ 11
PRJ-004905 Agronomic and extraction parameters for Centipeda cunninghamii production .......... 12
Supporting new ideas for products
PRJ-000462 Production of newsletter of the Essential Oil Producer's Association of Australia ....... 13
PRJ-002500 Production of high quality plant extracts of Australian medicinal herbs ...................... 14
PRJ-004698 The Melaleuca book ...................................................................................................... 15
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ESSENTIAL OILS and PLANT EXTRACTS COMPLETED PROJECTS
Completed Projects – Improved production systems PRJ-002676 Flood irrigated tropical timber trials in the north of Western Australia Start Date: 27/11/2007 Finish Date: 30/05/2011 Researcher: Liz Barbour Organisation: Forest Products Commission Phone: (08) 64888525 Email: [email protected] Objectives
• Sixteen trials were selected from the trials/plantings established at the Frank
Wise Institute in the Ord River Irrigation Scheme (ORIS) by the West Australian Government to investigate the growth of different tropical forestry species and different silviculture systems in a flood irrigated system. In an irrigation scheme, together with the soils types of the area, a deep-rooted perennial may be a necessary component to maintain water and soil quality.
• Specifically, Sandalwood (Santalum album) growth characteristics, heartwood and oil development from trials of different ages and with a range of hosts were assessed. In addition a range of sandalwood hosts and high value timber species including; African Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis), Teak (Tectona grandis), Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) and Pongamia (Millettia pinnata) were assessed.
Background
A series of tree trials/plantings were established at the Frank Wise Institute from 1989 to 2007. The trials mainly focused on Tropical sandalwood (S.album) and possible hosts that may add value to the sandalwood system. It was from this research that the current sandalwood plantation system in the ORIS evolved. This project was a valuable opportunity to review past information and re-measure the trials to understand growth rates and possible product development.
Research
The 16 trials split into two main groups: those concerned with Sandalwood and hosts, and those related to high value timber species. Where possible, statistical analyses were completed using the original design elements of the trials, however, where trials were of a demonstrational nature or no longer conformed to the original design due to high mortality, only comparisons of descriptive results were made. In addition to trial measurement, destructive harvesting of Tropical sandalwood was undertaken, and two non-invasive techniques were evaluated for their potential use in determining aromatic wood.
Outcomes
• Cassia siamea, Khaya senegalensis, Peltophorum pterocarpum,
Swietenia mahogany,Bauhinia cunninghamii and Acacia anuera were not suitable hosts for sandalwood.
• At 15 years old, sandalwood and host planted at a 1:1 ratio, 462 stems of each, could be expected to produce sandalwood with an average basal diameter between 19 and 22 cm and a height of 6 to 6.5 m.
• Sandalwood size was affected by stocking density. Those established at 231 stems per hectare had stem volume that were 1.6 times greater than those established at 617 stems.
• The use of spatial competition indices showed that there is differentiation in the competitive nature of host species and their effect on sandalwood growth.
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• Destructive harvest of 8 year old sandalwood, showed that heartwood covered on average 11% of the basal area. This increased to 30% of 15 year old trees.
• Oil production was highest in the bole at 6% and declined to 3.4% in 15 year old trees. The average proportion of alpha and beta-santalol within the oil indicates a high quality product meeting the criteria of the ISO standard for Santalum album oil (ISO 3518:300E).
• Average estimated stem oil yield per tree was 307 grams at 15 years old, but was highly variable between trees.
• Preliminary results indicate that host may influence oil production. 93.3 % of sandalwood grown with Dalbergia latifolia as a host produced heartwood compared to 80% of sandalwood grown with Cathormion umbellatum and Millettia pinnata.
• With the high growth rates observed in the ORIA, a small African mahogany plantation industry has emerged in the region.
• Indian rosewood, Dalbergia latifolia, is the only species valued for its timber product that has proved successful as a host for sandalwood.
• The oil quality and quantity of Millettia pinnata seed at Kununurra is within the range reported to have identified the species a candidate feedstock for biodiesel production. 36kg per tree of seed was measured but this was shown vary between season and with pollination event.
Implications
Tropical sandalwood was shown to be able to produce heartwood oil in every tree by the age of 15 years. On average this was 30% of the base of the tree and 307 g oil production per tree. Sandalwood growth was correlated to stems per hectare, the lower the number the higher the growth. Oil production may be also affected by host species. The cause of this host difference needs to be explored further as spatial analysis indicated that the host shape may affect sandalwood growth performance. Only teak and African Mahogany showed any potential as a commercial species but land prices have curtailed their development in the ORIS and neither are sandalwood hosts. Dalbergia latifolia needs further exploration as a timber species which will compliment sandalwood growth.
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Completed Projects – Demonstration of safety and effectiveness and satisfaction of regulatory requirements PRJ-000021 Develop Australian standards for oil of Australian Lavandin cultivars Start Date: 01/07/2007 Finish Date: 01/03/2011 Researcher: Ian Southwell Organisation: Phytoquest Phone: (02) 6628 1629 Email: [email protected] Objectives
• Collect and analyse lavandin oils from Australian lavandin oil producers
and collate the data for the purpose of developing new Australian Standards to suit the range of lavandin oil cultivars which are currently grown and for which no Standard(s) exist.
• Use the collected data to determine if the present Australian Standard AS 5028-2002 for Lavandin GROSSO oil satisfactorily accommodates the typical GROSSO oils derived from Australian grown plants , and to recommend revisions if it does not.
Background
Although the Bridestowe plantation remains the only sizeable commercial operation for true lavender oil in Australia, there are several small-scale lavender farms dotted throughout the country, predominantly servicing the dried flower and tourist markets. Production of oil from these farms is very limited and tends to be mainly from L. intermedia x (lavandin). The quality of oil produced from these plantings has been variable. Some oil has been equivalent to ISO quality but other oil, although in no way inferior on organoleptic grounds, possesses physical and chemical parameters that differ from both the International and Australian Standards. Consequently there was seen to be a need to elaborate an Australian Standard for Australian produced lavandin oils so that the industry can aim for a common, high quality, internationally acceptable oil. The project then commenced to record and assess data from freshly distilled lavandin oil samples to determine whether such data was adequate in both quantity and quality to justify establishing Australian Standards for locally distilled lavandin oils.
Research
Twenty four lavandin samples were subject to olfactory, flashpoint, gas chromatographic, refractive index, relative density, optical rotation and solubility in alcohol analyses. As the project continued, it became obvious that now is not the time to approach Standards Australia or the International Standards Organisation about elaborating new standards for Australian produced Lavandin oils. At a later time, when more samples which are less variable in nature are available, standards elaboration could be re-considered. The members of the Standards Australia committee concurred with this position. In the meantime, previous results determined at Wollongbar Agricultural Institute (WAI), were revisited with the view to correlating plant variety with chemical quality and market acceptance.
Outcomes
This research clarified the industry’s position with respect to the quantities and qualities of the Lavandin oils being produced throughout Australia. The Industry has experienced a downturn since the project was initiated.
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Consequently, insufficient samples were received for a statistically significant outcome. The submitted oils were found to be most variable with respect to the measured parameters: flash point; aroma; physical constants (optical rotation, specific gravity; refractive index; solubility in alcohol) and chemistry.
Implications
The research benefits the industry by determining the most appropriate time with respect to production and quality and volume of production when standards elaboration would be beneficial. Communities are now better able to assess the risk of investing in Lavandin oil production. Governments are better able to make informed decisions regarding the risks associated with funding lavender oil production and allied industries. SAA and ISO have a better understanding of oil quantities, qualities, the time-span and the data needed for the elaboration of standards for Australian-produced Lavandin oils. At a later time, when more samples which are less variable in their specifications, are available, standards elaboration could be re-considered. After consultation, the members of the SAA committee agreed that the Lavandin oil industry is not yet at the right stage of development for the elaboration of separate standards for Australian produced Lavandin oils.
Publications
The Principal Investigator presented the results of this research to the The Australian Lavender Growers Association (TALGA) International Symposium held at the Country Club in Launceston from Feb 6-9, 2011. The Abstract is available. The presentation is embedded in the final report as a weblink.
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Completed Projects – Support new ideas for products PRJ-000017 Aroma and flavour products from plant waste Start Date: 10/06/2007 Finish Date: 01/10/2010 Researcher: Robert Menary Organisation: University of Tasmania Phone: (03) 6226 2723 Fax: (03) 6226 7609 Email: [email protected] Objectives
• A series of experiments and trials will be conducted in order to obtain an
increased yield of extract by processing waste boronia flowers following the primary extraction. This process and the associated methods developed as part of the project will be a model for future development in other industries.
• Preliminary investigations will be conducted here with regard to the potential for application of these technologies to peppermint and fennel.
Background
A high value commercial product is extracted from boronia flowers using solvent extraction. Studies had indicated that boronia marc contained high levels of un-extracted volatiles that were present as both free volatiles in the marc and as volatiles bound to sugars (glycosides). The research had indicated that there was potential for recovery of the glycosidically bound volatiles through hydrolysis or with endogenous fungi that had been isolated from boronia marc. This concept was extensively supported by reports in the scientific literature.
Research
The research in this study focussed on the development of methods for the recovery of free and glycosidically bound volatiles from boronia marc. Processes for the recovery of volatiles through hydrolysis of the precursors were investigated. They included the use of endogenous fungal isolates and processing with a commercially available pectinase as methods for the hydrolysis of the precursors prior to recovery of the volatiles. Solvent extraction processes, based on knowledge about solubility, were investigated for the recovery of free volatiles that remained in the marc after recovery of the concrete. Analytical techniques used for this study included Gas Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detector (GC / FID) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (GC / MS) analysis for detection and measurement of volatiles. High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (HPLC / MS) methods were used for detection and measurement of the relative levels of glycosidic precursors. Preparative chromatograph and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were used for isolation and identification of the glycosides. Organoleptic assessment including dilution analysis and Gas Chromatography/Olfactometry (GC / Olfactometric) studies were used to verify the quality of extracts.
Outcomes
Two main processes were developed that allow an increased recovery of volatiles from boronia. Firstly, volatiles were sourced from free volatiles remaining after the primary extraction process through changes to the solvent extraction process. Secondly techniques were developed for the hydrolysis and recovery of volatiles bound to sugars as glycosides.
Implications
The volatiles recovered through hydrolysis of glycosides and the new solvent extraction processes developed in this study have the potential to be used in combination with the existing boronia absolute. The extracts also have potential for further development as new products. Further research is required for increasing the efficiency of the processes developed to date.
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Completed Projects – Support new ideas for products PRJ-005148 Development of antimicrobial coatings from pure Australian essential oils Start Date: 01/08/2010 Finish Date: 15/05/2011 Researcher: Sally McArthur Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology Phone: (03) 9214 8452 Fax: (03) 9214 5050 Email: [email protected] Objectives
The project aims to produce antimicrobial coatings from commercially available 1,8-cineole (1,8-epoxy-p-menthane), citronellal (3,7-dimethyl-6-octenal), and citral (3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal). To achieve this, two parallel objectives have been developed with the aim of creating coating strategies that can be applied to the widest range of materials and devices. • Objective 1: Plasma polymerisation routes for depositing bioactive thin
films from pure constituents. Initial studies will involve the development of plasma polymer films using pulsed deposition conditions. This will enable the fragmentation of the monomer to be minimised, while ensuring that there is sufficient energy applied to create the necessary radicals and ions to form the polymer deposit. The addition of readily polymerised diluent monomer (1-7 octadiene) will also be explored as an alternate method for creating functionally active, stable films
• Objective 2: Wet chemical routes for immobilising pure constituents onto plasma polymers.
This objective will explore wet chemical routes for applying the essential oils to the surfaces of plasma polymers using both covalent coupling strategies and physical adsorption. Initial studies will focus on utilising hydrophobic/hydrophillic interactions between plasma polymers of either 1,7-octadiene or acrylic acid and the essential oil components, enabling dipping technologies to be explored as an effective and rapid coating method. Dependent on the chemistry of the essential oil components, specific covalent immobilisation strategies to enable coupling to plasma polymer films will also be developed. This will lead to improvements in the long-term stability of the coatings, ensuring that the oils are not desorbed from the surface over time. A thorough physical and chemical characterization of all fabricated surfaces will be performed using, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total internal reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Initial studies will investigate a response to species belonging to representative phenotypes such as Staphylococcaceae and Gammaproteobacteria. Biochemical assays, growth studies and laser confocal microscopy will be used to characterise the interactions and behaviours of the bacteria on each of the modified materials and compare their performance to the topical application of the essential oils constituents.
Background
This project aims to explore new methods of exploiting essential oils as thin film anti-microbial coatings for use in biomedical and environmental applications. Biofilm formation costs billions of dollars every year across a wide range of industries. On ship hulls, it has been estimated that a biofilm of just a few hundred microns yields an average 20 % increase in fuel consumption, which corresponds to an additional cost of approximately US$ 400 hour. The food industry performs extensive system decontamination
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processes with harsh chemicals resulting in both environmental and financial costs, while bacterial infection results in the failure of biomedical devices, affects the storage stability of microfluidic based bio-diagnostics and sensors and is the cause of numerous medical interventions (e.g. dental plaque and wound infection).
Research
In this study we have compared three different deposition methods for creating thin films from essential oils. Two different wet chemical routes were trialled to compare physical adsorption and covalent (chemical) immobilisation of the oils. The third deposition technique was plasma polymerisation. Plasma polymerisation uses a volatized monomer under the influence of glow discharge plasma to create a thin polymeric film. The excitation of the monomer results in the ionization of the gases and the fragmentation leading to polymerisation in secondary process. In this instance the essential oils were used as supplied and introduced to the low vacuum chamber prior to striking the plasma discharge using radio frequency.
Outcomes
The first 7 months of this pilot study has clearly demonstrated that it is possible to produce stable, thin film coatings from 1,8-cineole using plasma polymerisation. While wet chemical routes were explored, they produced poor surface coverage and patchy coatings that were not stable. The use of plasma polymerisation presents an exciting method for producing nanoscale coatings that can be deposited onto virtually any dry surface. This creates a new route for implementing these films across a wide range of industrial applications. Ongoing work aims to explore the mechanisms of antibacterial action of these films and further optimisation of the coating chemistries.
Implications
Controllable, well defined plasma polymerisation, creates an exciting opportunity to exploit essential oils into a range of high-value added products. On going research within our group is exploring the antimicrobial properties of these films and methods for co-polymerising the oils with other agents to optimise the film properties in terms of chemistry and biological properties for use as a wound dressing coating. Until this work is complete it difficult to draw direct implications for the stakeholders, although it has been clearly demonstrated that plasma polymerisation is an effective route for producing thin coatings from essential oils
Publications
Bacterial studies will complete the work required for the publication of the results from this study.
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Completed Projects – Improved industry and research capacity PRJ-005404 Revision of Backhousia citriodora essential oil standard Start Date: 31/03/2010 Finish Date: 30/05/2011 Researcher: Erich Lassak Organisation: Australian Rainforest Products Phone: (02) 9875 1894 Fax: (02) 9875 1791 Email: [email protected] Objectives
• The Australian Standard for Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil AS 4941 first
published in 2001 is in urgent need of revision to reflect the current commercial quality of the oil and to tighten the present Standard to prevent adulterations.
• The project will test and analyse ten lemon myrtle essential oils from different sources and submit these findings to Standards Australia to amend the current Standard.
• This project will take historical analytical data generated from 60 farms into account to verify the proposed amendment of the AS 4941.
Background
Backhousia citriodora leaf oil is used in the compounding of flavours and fragrances as well as in aromatherapy and has been exported to Europe, mainly to Germany. Early last year the quality of some of the oils sold to Germany from a firm in the UK demonstrated adulteration with compounds not found in genuine B. citriodora oil (aldehydes C8, C9 and C10) as well as containing abnormally high amounts of geraniol (up to 10%) not found in the genuine oils. This has harmed the industry as major overseas customers have stopped buying lemon myrtle essential oil. The purpose of this project is to define the essential oil of Backhousia citriodora by tightening the Australian Standard and thus guard against future attempts at adulteration. This ought to reassure overseas purchasers and thus restore the quality and confidence in genuine high quality lemon myrtle essential oil on the global market.
Research
Commercial oil samples from the Northern Rivers district were collected. The oils were dried with anhydrous sodium sulphate and analysed by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to determine the chemical composition of the oils (Using both polar and non-polar methods). Physico-chemical characteristics were determined for the samples collected (i.e refractive index and optical rotation) C8, C9 and C10 aldehydes were identified on a non-polar and polar column so that their presence/absence in the samples could be determined. These new analytical data combined with the previously mentioned available historical data was submitted to a statistical treatment in order to yield a statistically valid set of ranges for individual oil constituents.
Outcomes
Geraniol content ranged from 0.6-3.0% and the three aldehydes C8, C9 and C10 were absent in all samples.
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Implications
It is recommended that the range of geraniol in the amended Australian Standard be set slightly wider, e.g. 0.6%-2.5%. A further recommendation is that the three aldehydes, C8, C9 and C10 must be absent in Backhousia citriodora essential oils.
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ESSENTIAL OILS and PLANT EXTRACTS RESEARCH IN PROGRESS
Research in Progress - Improving production systems PRJ-004786 Tropical sandalwood silviculture management to minimise fungal attack Start Date: 01/08/2010 Finish Date: 01/05/2013 Researcher: Jonathan Brand Organisation: Forest Products Commission Phone: (08) 9475 8888 Fax: (08) 9475 8833 Email: [email protected] Objectives
This project will provide silviculture guidelines to minimise fungal attack risk to the Tropical sandalwood industry. The recommendations will cover: • High risk periods of high spore count in the air and what weather events
cause a greater presence of spores. • High risk periods of high spore count in the water system and what
irrigation events cause a greater presence of spores. • Methods of branch pruning – branch size, optimum length of stump, sealing
of pruning, chemical spraying after pruning the plantation. • A pruning strategy of single verses multiple stems on heartwood production.
On the one hand, multiple stems may produce less heartwood oil than a single stem, however, the reduced pruning may reduce fungal attack.
• The effect of root pruning on fungal presence in sandalwood trees. • The risk of keeping infected trees within a plantation
Current Progress
In 2009, the Forest Products Commission (FPC) and Murdoch University identified fungi (Basidiomycete genera and Ascomycete species) present within the stems of Indian sandalwood trees aged eight and fifteen years growing in plantations near Kununurra (RIRDC publication No.10/179). Based on these observations, it was hypothesized that the fungi might be entering the stems after pruning. In November 2010, an Indian sandalwood pruning questionnaire was sent out to two investment growers (Elders and Tropical Forestry Services) and one private grower (Paul Mock). Information obtained from these growers helped to develop an experiment to look at whether pruning sandalwood at different ages (one and four years) and at different times of the year (early and late dry season) had an influence on the introduction of fungi into the stems. At the end of May 2011, two separate trial sites aged one year and four years were selected. Within each site, 20 trees will be pruned in the early dry season (May 2011) and 20 trees will be pruned in the late dry season (September 2011). Fungal spore traps will also be established in May 2011 and monitored fortnightly for approximately one year. After one year (May 2012), the 40 trees from each site will be destructively harvested. This will involve taking a section through the centre of the pruned branch, and sequentially 1-2 cm sections up and down the stem so that the volume of wood affected / discoloured can be determined. Any heartwood formation near the cut stems will also be recorded, and if present, analysed for oil content.
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Research in Progress - Improving production systems PRJ-004897 Development of commercial artemisinin production in Australia Start Date: 30/07/2010 Finish Date: 15/05/2013 Researcher: Rowland Laurence Organisation: RC & MJ Laurence Phone: (03) 6425 5888 Fax: (03) 6425 4468 Email: [email protected] Objectives
Objectives of the project are: • to establish an effective seed production program integral with the selection
and breeding of genotypes with high leaf artemisinin content • to identify a wider range of useful herbicides to secure this aspect of the
crop production package for growers and • to better refine the interaction between nitrogen fertiliser regime and plant
population. While not included in the objectives of the project currently proposed, the industry stakeholder, Botanical Resources Australia (BRA), will continue efforts to improve extraction efficiency and develop market options.
Current Progress
Research into the development of artemisinin production continued, after the completion of the previous Project PRJ-000778, into the new Project (PRJ-004897) beginning in July 2010. A semi-commercial plot, sown in the previous project, was harvested in March 2009 and the extract experimentally refined. A further plot was sown in April 2010 and harvested in March 2011. The harvested material awaits extraction. Sixty individual plants have been analysed for leaf artemisinin content and the most productive genotypes will be propagated. Seed of improved genotypes, selected in 2007, was produced in 2010 and has returned good germination results. Currently, plants are being grown for seed under greenhouse conditions and are flowering well. Plant density effects on yield and artemisinin content were investigated in 2010 - 11 using small plots, which were combined factorially with nitrogen fertilizer rates. Preliminary results indicate that high sowing rates may be used, compared with transplanted crops, where cost limits plant population. This may assist weed control. In a field trial of herbicide combinations, one treatment showed minor improvement in control, when compared with the current regime. Improved seed, bred in UK, has been purchased. This will be sown shortly, along with Swiss seed, in another semi-commercial plot, within which further trial plots will be sited.
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Research in Progress - Improving production systems PRJ-004905 Agronomic and extraction parameters for Centipeda cunninghamii production Start Date: 30/05/2010 Finish Date: 30/05/2013 Researcher: Robert Spooner-Hart Organisation: Southern Cross University Phone: (02) 6622 3211 Fax: (02) 6622 3459 Email: [email protected] Objectives
This project will: • Evaluate the three currently selected and grown phenotypes of
C. cunninghamii, to determine which is superior, based on agronomic and chemical characteristics, with a view to its adoption as the industry standard.
• Identify key pests and diseases, with a view to their management. • Investigate current agronomic practices (particularly fertilizer use and
irrigation) to maximise yield. • Determine optimal harvest time to maximise yield and phytochemical
quality. Current Progress
The first season field and pot trials were successfully completed. Both sets of trials were set up and transplanted out in October 2010. For the field trials, 3 separate sites with different soil type and topography were selected in east Gippsland. Each site trialled 3 C. cunninghamii phenotypes in 2 plots (viz. limed and not limed) each 2m long and 1m wide. There were 2 harvest times; mid January and February, 2011, in which 1m of row was harvested each time into calico bags. The pot trials comprised: a phenotype trial (3 phenotypes x 8 replicates); a high and normal K trial (1 phenotype x 2 levels of K x 8 replicates), and an irrigation trial (1 phenotype x 2 irrigation schedules x 8 replicates). Plants were harvested at the same time as the first field harvest. Weather data were recorded at all sites during the trial period. Fresh weights of all samples were recorded, after which they were dried at a nearby commercial seed drier, and dry weights obtained. All dried samples were then sent to the SCU laboratories where they were extracted and the yield and levels of bioactives determined. The data are currently being analysed.
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Research in Progress - Improve industry and research capacity PRJ-000462 Production of newsletter of the Essential Oil Producer's Association of Australia Start Date: 02/01/2006 Finish Date: 30/06/2011 Researcher: Ian Southwell Organisation: Phytoquest Phone: (02) 6628 1629 Email: [email protected] Objectives
• To produce 3 issues of the newsletter over a period of 2 years.
Current Progress
Newsletter No. 22 was submitted to RIRDC as an electronic copy on 31 December 2010 and printed as hardcopy and distributed to members shortly after. Data for Newsletter No. 23 has been collected and is at present being collated for distribution in June/July 2011. The newsletter continued to update members with current information brought together and share with industry. Such information dissemination is stimulating the growth and development of the natural products industry. The newsletters have become valuable vehicles for the adoption of R&D findings. Each issue included details about: • Recent conferences dealing with essential oils (both research oriented as
well as industry oriented) • Company news and general trade information • Regulatory matters such as National Industrial Chemicals Notification and
Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) developments, Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) opinions especially for tea tree research
• Standards Australia matters: new standards (Australian as well as
international) • Information on recently published articles on essential oils of interest to
Australian producers • RIRDC news items.
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Research in Progress - Supporting new ideas for products PRJ-002500 Production of high quality plant extracts of Australian medicinal herbs Start Date: 07/08/2008 Finish Date: 30/10/2011 Researcher: Andrew Hamilton Organisation: The University of Melbourne Phone: (03)-58339252 Fax: (03)-58339201 Email: [email protected] Objectives
• To research identified herbs. • Support the identification of potentially useful genetic variability within the
identified herbs. • Undertake selection for yield and market desired characteristics under
different production conditions and provide the basis for producing to market specifications.
• Support the examination of alternative herbicides for essential oils and plant extracts to increase the range and effectiveness.
• Evaluate and establish treatments to improve yield, quality and constituent levels with targeted herbs.
Current Progress
Field trials conducted at Kyabram over the seasonal period of 2010–2011 have resulted in no reportable findings due to abnormal seasonal events. Over the past 12 months, large amounts of rain devastated crops and increased the problem of weeds. Due to the recent changes of staff at Melbourne University Dr Andrew Hamilton is now leading the project, and Tamara Leitch is helping with project organisation and data management. Chris, Andrew and Tamara met to discuss the possibly of extending the project a further twelve months to allow for a full seasonal growing period, with the report to follow. No further funding is being requested other than that which has already been allocated but rather the final payment be delayed until such a time the final report is lodged. The field trial area will be scaled back to a quarter of the size to offer a more manageable area. The trial area will still be set out as it was last year with a randomised block design to look at the growth rates of the herbs due to application rates of fertiliser. Fresh seed as been source for the up coming year and planting will commence October-November.
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Research in Progress - Supporting new ideas for products PRJ-004698 The Melaleuca book Start Date: 13/08/2010 Finish Date: 15/05/2012 Researcher: John Doran Organisation: John Doran Phone: (02) 6296 2428 Email: [email protected] Objectives
• The objectives of this project are to collect representative leaf samples of
each of the remaining Melaleuca species that have not had their leaf oils analysed, extract the oils and carry out chemical analyses of these oils by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.
• The data so obtained will then be collated with data from the species already analysed to check for any patterns discerned within groups of species and identify any species that has a potentially commercially useful oil.
• All the oils data will be combined with relevant morphological data and prepared for publication in book form.
• If it is possible samples of the seven Melaleuca/Callistemon species occuring in New Caledonia will be obtained through international collaboration thus allowing a complete set of data to be obtained on the genus Melaleuca (species from Lord Howe Island, Papua-New Guinea and Indonesia having already been obtained and analysed).
Current Progress
A collecting trip for Melaleuca species to Western Australia was undertaken in September/October 2010. The majority of this trip was spent in the southern part of WA. There was a list of 50 species that were to be collected. As a result of this trip 39 of the hoped for 50 species were collected and have been identified by Lyn Craven and Brendan Lepschi from the Australian National Herbarium. The collected samples were weighed in the field, allowed to air dry and were sent back to University of New South Wales in three lots for analysis of the leaf oils. The oils have been steam distilled from the leaves and analysed. Of the 39 species collected, one, Melaleuca ochroma, produced an oil rich in terpinen-4-ol (45%), but also contained 1,8-cineole (13%). The oil yield of this species was 0.6% (w/w on a fresh weight basis). Some species contained linalool in appreciable quantities, but the majority of species contained 1,8-cineole (40-70%) as their principal component. With the help of Drs Edouard Hnawia and Nicolas Lebouvier from the Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie we have obtained and analysed leaf oils form all seven indigenous species of Melaleuca growing in New Caledonia.
RIRDC Publication No. INSERT PUB NO. HERE
ESSENTIAL OILS AND PLANT EXTRACTS
Essential Oils and Plant Extracts Completed Projects in 2010-2011 and Research in Progress Report, July 2011, contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those compendium summaries projects that were completed during 2010-2011.
This program aims to provide R&D to provide the knowledge and skills base for industry to provide high, consistent and known qualities in their essential oils and plant extracts products that respond to market opportunities and enhance profitability.
The research objectives for the Essential Oils and Plant Extracts Program are to:
• Improve production systems to raise productivity and control over product qualities
• Support the demonstration of safety and effectiveness of Australian products and facilitate the satisfaction of regulatory requirements to enhance market access
• Support new ideas that provide potential for growing the market for Australian product
• Improve the industry and research capacity
RIRDC is a partnership between government and industry to invest in R&D for more productive and sustainable rural industries. We invest in new and emerging rural industries, a suite of established rural industries and national rural issues.
Most of the information we produce can be downloaded for free or purchased from our website <www.rirdc.gov.au>.
RIRDC books can also be purchased by phoning 1300 634 313 for a local call fee.
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RIRDC Publication No. 11/112
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