• To achieve development of the Australian bamboo industry, using the Australian Commercial Bamboo Corporation, by devising and implementing whole-of-chain strategies that deliver value to all stakeholders in the chain that links bamboo producers with the consumers of bamboo products.

• To investigate the growth of the edible fungus tricholoma matsutake on roots of P. radiata, determine factors that maximize mycorrhizal development, and develop appropriate inoculation technologies to mass inoculate seedlings and/or cuttings in the nursery with the view of developing a new product from pine treefarms.

A final harvest of roots in the field inoculation experiment (inoculation of mature Pinus radiata with vegetative mycelium) was completed. Survival of the fungus was assessed from a sample of 200-400 root tips possibly infected with the fungus, using the molecular genetic methods developed specifically for the detection of Matsutake. Matsutake was not detected in any root samples.

Glasshouse experiments.

• Unidentified mycorrhizal fungi isolated from roots of plants initially infected with Boletus edulis were assessed using ITS-RFLP and were found to be common ectomycorrhiza forming fungi, other than B. edulis.
• A further experiment, inoculum form x fungal isolates x tree species, is in progress and will be completed by October 99. 
• Matsutake infected pines, produced in vitro, have been planted out in the glasshouse and proliferation of the fungus remains to be assessed. .

An experiment (fungal isolates x tree species) using more recently acquired fungal material is in progress.

• To study production, post harvest handling and processing of Lotus in China.
• To establish a standard procedure to assess rhizome quality.
• To determine cultural and environmental conditions for optimum yield and quality.
• Award of PhD degree to Mr Kim Jones.
• To produce grower guidelines and gross margins for Australian production.

To establish a lotus germplasm pool for Australia, eleven new cultivars were introduced from China and Japan in 1997. However, only three cultivars have been successfully reared. Tissue culture techniques have been developed at the University of Western Sydney to overcome the growing difficulties of lotus rhizomes and seeds whilst being held at quarantine offices.

At the Gosford Horticultural Research and Advisory Station, ten cultivars that were imported from overseas were studied to determine cultural and environmental conditions for optimum yield and to assess quality of rhizomes. Preliminary results have shown that lotus can be grown in New South Wales' summer environmental conditions and high quality rhizomes are likely to be produced from growing media of pine bark and vermiculite. There is a cultivar of lotus used only for flower production and other cultivars, which produce both flowers and rhizomes.

A set of management guidelines which will have been derived from results of several experimental trials at both the Gosford Horticultural Research and Advisory Station and the University of Western Sydney (Hawkesbury campus) are being drawn up and continual reassessment will continue as the project progresses and more information is forthcoming.

This research project has financially supported a Ph.D candidate, Mr David Hicks, for his work on lotus at the School of Horticulture at the University of Western Sydney (Hawkesbury campus). Mr Hicks has been enrolled in his Ph.D course since February, 1997.

• To enable expansion of the domestic market and access to export markets of minimally-processed Asian leafy vegetables by extending the shelf-life of this product by:

• testing plastic films recommended in DAQ-213A for use in modified atmosphere packaging;
• investigating the potential shelf-life extension by MCP-fumigation; and
• investigating the potential of differential handling systems for extending shelf-life.

Ethylene sensitivity has been shown in all vegetables except mibuna. Seven leafy Asian vegetables underwent fumigation by MCP at 10° C (supermarket shelf temperature). MCP was effective at negating the adverse effect of ethylene on shelflife for all vegetables except choy sum. Under ethylene-free conditions, MCP fumigation slightly (but significantly) increased the shelflife of tatsoi, mizuna and pak choy.

MCP concentrations have since been optimised and the effect of MCP on pak choy at different temperatures has been investigated. MCP extends the shelflife of pak choy stored at 20° C by up to 40% but has minor effects at 1° C. MCP (as a single-dosage treatment) is not as effective as MAP for increasing shelflife of leaves under non-ethylene conditions. 

Preliminary MCP data was presented at the Australian Society of Horticultural Science Conference in Melbourne in October 1998.

• To assist in the commercialisation of Wasabi production through:

• Location of plant material to enable trials to be scaled up to semi-commercial size;
• Market evaluation of mature stems from sites already developed;
• Expansion of existing sites to allow for semi-commercial assessment of agronomic techniques and technology.

Minor alterations have been made in the field situation to ensure that optimum conditions of irrigation and drainage are being provided. Environmental data is collected from one field site on a daily basis. A proposal made to the National Registration Authority for the classification of wasabi into a specific food group has been approved. This allows for the use of agricultural chemicals on organisms which may become potential problems. To date the control of slugs and snails only has been necessary.

Liaison with developers of wasabi in Victoria has continued and practical insights gained by a visit to their production site in March of this year.

Trials conducted to determine optimum conditions for germination have given vital information regarding storage and handling of wasabi seed and seedlings.

Interest from the private sector regarding the availability of both the marketable product and plant material for production purposes has lead to the involvement of two of Tasmania?s tissue culture laboratories. Initial investigations indicate that wasabi is a species well suited to tissue culture propagation. This method of propagation will provide a viable option for producing numerous plantlets of superior quality.

Samples of wasabi from pilot plots introduced to prospective buyers in October 1998 initiated such a wave of enthusiasm that further development of the wasabi market has been put on hold. Priority has been given to ensuring that a continued supply of a superior quality product is available

• Optimal post harvest handling, packaging and processing protocols for whole and minimally processed Asian vegetable products.
• Quality assurance of on farm production and packaging processes.

Respiration rate, storage temperature and amount of produce dictate the film specifications used for particular MA bags. Respiration rates have been determined for hot chillies, coriander, Thai basil, snake beans and perilla at three storage temperatures, and trials currently underway test MA bags for these products. The packages will provide an improved storage environment for herbs and vegetables during distribution, thereby ensuring high product quality for consumers.

A postharvest training course has been prepared for delivery to non-English speaking growers. By increasing the use of best postharvest practices in the Asian vegetable growing industry, profits can be increased through improved customer-delivered quality and less waste. To date, the course information has been presented to Vietnamese growers at Lara, one of Victoria’s largest Asian vegetable growing districts.

To ensure that Asian vegetables are safe to eat, the project has committed resources to spray equipment testing and residue chemical testing. Ten farms have been visited to date and initial findings suggest that concern in this industry regarding residue violation may be justified.

• To develop suitable harvest, postharvest and 
• To process procedures for Oriental Hot Chilli varieties (Capsicum annuum L., C. frutescens Mill.) available in Australia. 

Early indication from a current trial is, that it is not feasible to ripen fruit after harvest to achieve commercial colour levels as green fruit do not ripen satisfactorily off the bush and partially red fruit achieve a low colour intensity. 

Growing stresses influence yield of chilli fruit, in particular water stress reduced yield dramatically by causing fruit and flower drop. An alternative strategy of partial root zone drying is able to reduce water usage while maintaining yields. Some quality parameters are still being evaluated. 

Drying studies of chilli fruit indicated that fruit needs to be cut to enable reasonable drying times; however, cutting may induce undesirable quality changes and this technique is being compared to accelerated drying using dipping oils. Low temperatures need to be maintained during drying, especially as the moisture level is reduced during later drying. 

Temperatures of 65°C initially, followed by 40°C can be used without reducing colour quality. A demonstration plot for chillies has been established at the Hunter Valley Herb Farm.

• To establish a country-wide production strategy, based upon cost benefit analyses and regional complementarity, for the supply of export markets with Chinese cabbage, Chinese broccoli, flowernig cabbage, daikon, burdock, vegetable soybean, kabocha, bok choi, chives and other leafy vegetables with viable economic returns.
• General co-ordination will also be undertaken for other commodities with year-round production potential and already funded by RIRDC, eg. bamboo shoots, Chinese waterchestnuts and lotus.
• To develop field and post harvest management practices for these commodities that lead to produce demanded by domestic and export markets (accessed from sustainable production systems).
• To co-ordinate the co-operative effort amongst researchers, producers and market specialists to maximise the exprot opportunities into Asia for these and later, other commodities.

Field trials are being conducted for Kabocha, Kailaan, Burdock, Daikon, Bitter melon, Bunching onion, Lotus, Edamame, Taro and Sweet potato at a range of locations across Australia. Mostly, aims are restricted to observing varieties over locations and seasons to assess basic production boundaries. Further work is being conducted on kabocha to assess the effect of location and season on quality of the harvested pumpkin, measured by sugar and carotene levels, and on the management of pathogens. Postharvest research is also planned for bitter melon and bunching onion.

Although many associations have already been formed between people from different states and segments of the industry, much more work in this area is required. Planning has commenced for a workshop to launch a Queensland Asian vegetables group.

• To develop in close collaboration with the emerging Chinese water chestnut industry - sustainable agronomic and post harvest systems that enable marketing year-round in Australia and Asia.

The practical significance of these results for farmers was tested in on-farm trials in Qld, NSW and Vic, and is currently being followed up. Site effects appear to be stronger than genotype effects in governing corm quality. 

Several recent experiments investigating effects of photoperiod on phenology in waterchestnut were summarised in a paper and submitted to an international journal. Based on these results, experiments are currently underway to give practical recommendations for farmers to bring forward or delay harvest and thereby lengthen the availability of waterchestnuts on Australian markets. Prolonged shelf-life may also be achieved by postharvest storage. 

One such study has been finalised at IHD, Knoxville and one at CQU. Cold storage is effective for up to four months without sacrificing corm quality. Both trials will be replicated to ensure validity of data. Overseas, very little work has been done on plant nutrition to improve quality in waterchestnuts. 

Therefore, we initiated plant-nutrition trials in Qld and Vic. Those experiments tested different rates of major plant nutrients, different schedules, several organic fertilisers and organic mulches including a living mulch (Azolla).

• To build upon current production practice developed during the first phase of this project that enable objective culm culling, irrigation, fertiliser and post-harvest practices that maximise volume and duration shoot of production, 
• To promote water use efficiency, storage duration and availability of fresh produce for the local and export markets.

In research, a study on irrigation and fertilisation of one bamboo species was finalised after four years and publication of results is currently under way. Ongoing, new and proposed on-farm research is covering Australia from the Northern Territories to Victoria. 

Agronomic research includes irrigation, fertilisation and thinning studies in the four most prominent bamboo species in Australia. Usage of water and nutrients is monitored in two trials to evaluate the suitability of bamboo for sewage disposal in the context of the National Australian Interim Code of Wastewater Disposal. 

Postharvest-storage studies evaluated optimal packaging materials and storage temperatures to improve shelf life of fresh shoots and microbial studies were aimed at improving food safety for consumers. These results were presented at the 4th Australian Horticulture Conference and publication in an international journal is under way. In August, two national bamboo associations were inaugurated: the Bamboo Society of Australia (BSA) and the Australian Commercial Bamboo Cooperation (ACBC). 

In December, a bamboo workshop was held at CQU which was preceded by a television report.

• To apply production technology developed within the RIRDC project (UT-9A) commenced in July 1994 to recently imported high performing myoga plants. To develop marketing procedures within Australia and to develop post harvest practices to enable a viable myoga industry to be established in Tasmania, capable of supplying the Japanese market with 'out of season' product thereby increasing export earnings and providing Tasmanian producrers with a profitable alternative agricultural enterprise.

Propagation of a superior myoga selection has been completed using techniques developed within the project. Five thousand mature potted plants will be lifted, cleaned, dipped and transported to the new commercial site in NSW in September, 1999. In addition, 300,000 plants, will remain in a shadehouse in Tasmania to provide planting material to meet demand for planting in the winter of 2000.

During 1998/99, 500 plants were grown under controlled conditions in a glasshouse at the University of Tasmania. The objective of the trial was to prove the flower bud production capability of the superior myoga plants. The trial was a success with individual plant yields equivalent to 10 t/ha being achieved. 

A semi-commercial trial was established at Albion Park, NSW, in September 1998. This location was identified from climatic models determined from earlier research. The yield from this site exceeded expectations and commercial quantities were trial marketed in Sydney. Production will expand at this site in 1999 to produce 1 to 2t of myoga in 2000, the majority of which will be exported to Japan.

A wholesaler was engaged to warehouse and distribute myoga in Sydney. A total of 60kg were sold commercially and feedback from customers including chefs and restaurant owners, provided. Marketing advice was sought on the most effective way in which to capture the impressions of consumers regarding myoga, which is a new vegetable to Australian consumers. A Japanese chef was engaged to assess the quality of Australian grown myoga and to provide recommendations regarding packaging and labelling.

A trial quantity of myoga was air freighted to Japan. The outcomes from this trial were encouraging, identified fruit size as an issue and was effective in alerting AQIS and the freight forwarding company of myoga and to develop export protocols. This trial will be followed by visits by Agrilink Asia Pacific Pty Ltd. to Japan, in late 1999 and again in early 2000.

A grower manual has been prepared and will form the basis of the Final Report to RIRDC. Negotiations between RIRDC, Supermarkets to Asia and Agrilink will be undertaken to ensure on going R&D and commercialisation of opportunities.

• To determine suitable cultivars of daikon, Chinese cabbage, red perilla and Japanese bunching onion for the NSW Central Coast, Central Tablelands, the Hunter Valley and the MIA.
• To develop agronomic strategies to achieve good gross margins for production of the vegetables in (1).
• To, in collaboration with the Australian Food Research Institute, Parle Foods, Cowra Export Packers and Hunter Valley Herb Farms, determine processing and packaging procedures to suit the quality of the produce from the selected cultivars and growing areas.
• To conduct market appraisal of the products in collaboration with prospective Japanese food importers.
• To promote pickled and dried Asian vegetables on domestic and South East Asian markets.

From 1996/97 a large number of trials were organised at the Gosford Horticultural Research & Advisory Station, the Newcastle University (Ourimbah campus), Merriwa, Cowra, Young, Griffith and Dareton to produce daikon, bunching onion, Chinese cabbage, red perilla and Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) for samples of dried and pickled products for Japanese and domestic markets. Drying and pickling technologies for dried daikon and bunching onion and daikon pickles, kimchi and Japanese apricot pickles (Umeboshi) have been successfully developed.

The samples of daikon pickles, kimchi and Japanese apricot pickles were promoted into Asian markets in Sydney and Japanese markets (at the recent Foodex `99 exhibition in Japan), and attracted some interest from domestic and overseas entrepreneurs. As a result, an Australian food processor in the Hunter Valley of NSW and a Japanese food producer in Penrith, NSW, are in the process of establishing a commercial concern producing plants for the above products.

This research project has also financially supported a Ph.D. candidate, Mr Rod Coogan, with his work on daikon pickles at the Newcastle University (Ourimbah campus). Mr Coogan's Ph.D. thesis which will be completed in late 1999, will contain foundation research into the processing of Asian vegetables for the Australian food industry.

• To increase the volume, range and consumption of Asian-style foods made from Australian soybeans:

• by developing cost effective processing technologies for the production of Asian-style tempeh based snack food developed under project no. DAQ-174A. Attention will be focused on the production technologies for – 

(a) health-bar type product, and 
(b) other snack food/crackers.
• Facilitate effective technology transfer and adoption through the early involvement of the industry collaborator.

Research has been focused on refining the formula/recipe developed under the previous project in close liaison with the industry partner-Simply Better Food Pty Ltd in Melbourne. The refinement of new formulae was made taking into consideration of the production processes with a minimum number of operations developed at the initial stage of the project. This production process not only ensures economic feasibility, but also improves the quality of health bar products. Research was also directed at developing perforated aluminium trays, suitable for tempeh fermentation, which minimises labour cost and improves hygiene of the production process. Equipment required for a production of 10-15 kg batches of tempeh bars was identified and a commercial trial is to be carried out at Simply Better Foods’ site in Melbourne.

Two new recipes and an efficient process for the production of tempeh based health bars have been developed. A new design of perforated aluminium tray suitable for fermentation of tempeh is now available to the industry.

It is envisage that the introduction of tempeh into the snack food market will popularise tempeh to domestic consumers from both Asian and non-Asian cultural backgrounds. The net results of these developments will be an increase in demand for tempeh, which will lead to the industry adopting larger scale production methods to gain economy of scale and enhance future export potential.

• Establish a national Asian vegetable/food newsletter as a means of effective communication, networking and transfer of information in the Australian Asian vegetable/food industry.
• Generate interest and awareness of the Asian vegetable/food industry in Australia and worldwide.
• Increased industry awareness of the lastest market and scientific research and development practices in the Asian vegetable/food industry which are funded by RIRDC and state governments.

The Access to Asian Vegetables newsletters covered a range of topics including: Export opportunities; Minor chemical use; Chinese broccoli trials in Victoria; Breeding a new vegetable; Diamondback moth management strategy for the 1998/99 season; Clubroot; Nutrient ratio of fertilisers; Postharvest handling of Asian vegetables; "New" leafy vegetable; Microbiology of retail Asian stirfry packs; Bamboo in Victoria; and New export markets for Asian vegetables. Information on a particular vegetable including common names used, production and cooking preparation for coriander, angled luffa, sponge luffa, snake beans, taro were also presented.

The reports for the Access to Asian Foods newsletters published on August 1998 and February 1999 included: Developing new export vegetables; Assessment of economic benefits for selected Asian vegetables; Effect of ethephon on fruit yield, colour and pungency of chillies; Report on Japanese fresh and processed vegetable import markets; Consolidating Australia's Asian vegetable industry; Baseline review of research for the development of an Australian seaweed food industry; Physiological studies on Chinese water chestnut; Overseas alliances are the key to new export development; Cultivation of shiitake mushrooms; Diversifying Asian vegetable markets; Evaluation of clumping bamboo species for edible shoot production; Market evaluation and project feasibility: Indian condiments, pickles and chutneys; Lotus, a new crop for Australian horticulture; and Matsutake fungi – a potential new export product associated with Pinus

A survey on the newsletter was also conducted.