| Project
Title |
Conifers
in the dry country |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
CSF – 57A |
| Researcher: |
Mr David Spencer |
| Organisation: |
CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products
PO Box E4008
Kingston ACT 2604 |
| Phone: |
02 6281 8211 |
| Fax: |
02 6281 8312 |
| Email: |
David.Spencer@ffp.csiro.au |
| Internet: |
http://www.ffp.csiro.au |
| Objectives |
§ To identify
conifer species which have the potential to grow in the low rainfall areas
of Australia as well as outlining potential uses.
§ To provide detailed
information on wood properties and growth of a few selected
§ species of conifers
which have the potential to grow as commercial plantations in the 400-600mm
rainfall zone of temperate Australia.
§ To identify problems
which will require further research.
|
| Background |
Conifer species from the dry areas
of many countries (particularly from the Mediterranean region) have been
introduced to Australia over the last 100 years, but their performance
in terms of timber production and other social benefits have not been comprehensively
reviewed. As part of Australia’s Vision 2020 plan to increase the national
plantation area, the expansion of softwood plantations into the
drier areas will require species other than radiata pine. This highlighted
the need to identify those conifers with the potential to become economically
viable as plantations as well as other species that have amenity and social
benefits. |
| Research |
A review of experimental trials
and plantings of conifers within Australia and overseas was conducted to
identify those with the ability to grow in the drier areas of Australia.
The five species chosen as having the best opportunity to grow commercially
were examined in detail for wood properties, growth capacity and drought
tolerance. Economic evaluations were undertaken to determine the viability
of plantations. |
| Outcomes |
Opportunities for growing conifers
as plantations in the 400-650 mm rainfall zone of temperate Australia exist
and these areas can provide an additional source of income from the sales
of sawlogs. Other product options exist but are dependent on existing forestry
infrastructure.
Internal rates of return from growing plantations will
only be positive if the plantings yield a growth rate greater than 12m3/ha/year.
This is possible with the use of genetically improved seed. Other potential
benefits of using dry country conifers include preventing site degradation,
lowering of water tables in salt affected areas, windbreaks to protect
pastures and stock and adding value to properties as an aesthetic component. |
| Implications |
This study has identified conifers
with the capacity to grow in the drier areas of Australia as well as those
that have commercial and amenity potential. With indications that the salinity
problems in the rural areas are going to compound, the need to establish
large scale plantings in the catchment zones is becoming increasingly evident.
Conifers with the ability to tolerate dry conditions as well as providing
an economic return provide an attractive alternative to the slower growing
eucalyptus species. |
| Publications |
Mediterranean conifer species
suited to low rainfall forestry in Australia. in
National Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Workshop Proceedings. 1999. Eds
Bush,D. & Bulman,P. RIRDC Publication 99/66. |
| Project
Title |
Forecasting
tree growth and yield and financial returns of key agroforestry species
across Southern Australia |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAV-129A |
| Researchers: |
Dr Tom Baker Mr Peter Bulman |
| Organisation: |
Centre for Forest Tree Technology
Primary Industries and Resources of
PO Box 137 South Australia
Heidelberg PO Box 752
Victoria 3084 Murray Bridge SA 5253 |
| Phone: |
03 9450 8687 08 8539 2117 |
| Fax: |
03 9450 8644 08 8532 5646 |
| Email: |
tom.baker@nre.vic.gov.au bulman.peter@saugov.sa.gov.au |
| Objectives |
§ Improve
the reliability of forecasting tree growth and yield of key agroforestry
species by developing height, basal area and volume predictions according
to grouped site productivity classes.
§ Investigate relationships
between tree growth rates and site factors, and construct mathematical
models of tree growth that could be incorporated into financial models
such as FARMTREE.
§ Improve landholders’
knowledge of the relative economic returns and benefits from adopting different
agroforestry regimes.
|
| Background |
Tree growth rates are important
when predicting agroforestry returns and benefits. Landholders and investors
need this information in order to make informed decisions about investment
and management options. |
| Research |
Research included the collection
and collation of tree growth data and site and soil characteristics. The
project focussed on utilising data from long-established trials to find
relationships between species and site and growth rate.
The project was managed by the Victorian Department of
Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) and Primary Industries and Resources
of South Australia (PIRSA). The work was collaboratively undertaken principally
by the Centre for Forest Tree Technology (CFTT), Forestry SA, Department
of Forestry University of Melbourne, NRE and PIRSA. |
| Outcomes |
Six Eucalyptus species
were studied in detail and based on actual data, growth predictions were
made on a range of sites. Site productivity classes for the different species
were developed based on "site types" grouped by climatic and soil information.
Growth modelling methodologies suitable for incorporation
into FARMTREE were also investigated. The methods decided upon are easy
to apply, efficient and accurate. |
| Implications |
The growth predictions based on
site productivity classes can be used as a general guide to tree growth
on similar sites. The predictions are only indicative of the rates of growth
expected and only with the presence of actual long-term data, will the
predictions be verified.
After further development and testing, the modelling methodologies
could be incorporated into FARMTREE or a similar package for use by owners
and managers of small farm forests with the expectation of providing improved
growth predictions. |
|
|
|
|
| Project
Title |
Potential
production of tannin and fuelwood from plantation grown bipinnate acacias. |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DCL-3A |
| Researcher: |
Dr Liz Barbour |
| Organisation: |
Department of Conservation and
Land Management
Western Australia |
| Phone: |
08 9334 0302 |
| Fax: |
08 9334 0327 |
| Email: |
lizb@calm.wa.gov.au |
| Internet: |
http://www.calm.wa.gov.au |
| Objective |
To identify
plantation-grown bipinnate acacia species that can successfully provide
a fuelwood source and tannins for wood adhesive production. |
| Background |
The bipinnate acacias belonging
to the taxonomic section Botrycephalae, are native to south-eastern Australia.
The bark of one of these, black wattle (A. mearnsii), was stripped
from trees in native stands to tan leather and its wood was used by bakeries
and for domestic heating. Despite extensive cultivation overseas of Acacia
mearnsii and other bipinnate acacias for a range of wood and non-wood
uses, they are not grown in plantations in Australia. In 1992 CALM was
the first organisation in Western Australia to test twelve of these bipinnate
acacias in a plantation configuration as part of its search for additional
species that may extend the commercial tree planting range to nutritionally
poor and lower rainfall sites. A number of species in these acacia trials
showed promise at two years of age.
Acacia mearnsii, produces the world's most important
vegetable tannin (Doran and Turnbull 1997) and is grown commercially
for bark and wood products across 500,000 ha in many countries including
South Africa, Brazil, India and China. Originally vegetable tannins were
used for tanning leather but they are now used to make water-proof wood
adhesives and anti-corrosive additives. Australia used to be a net exporter
of vegetable tannins but in 1997, A$7.2 million of tannin was imported
to meet Australian demand for wood adhesives (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
Although the wood of some of the bipinnate acacias, such as A. mearnsii
and
A. dealbata (silver wattle), are used to make high quality paper,
rayon, charcoal and composite wood products, this project focuses on the
tannin characteristics of their barks. Most of the wood products are more
reliably tested when the trees are closer in age to full rotation (10-12
years). However, the moisture content and air-dry density of the wood and
the ability of the species to coppice were assessed at half rotation age
(c. 5 years) to indicate the potential of the species for fuelwood production. |
| Research |
Three bipinnate acacia trials
were established at three sites across the south-west of Western Australia:
Darkan (Bowelling), Busselton (Jarrahwood) and Mt Barker. Twelve bipinnate
acacia species were each represented by two provenances with the exception
of A. fulva represented by a single provenance. Each of the trials
also included four South African seed sources of A. mearnsii. Bark
samples were taken from a sub-sample of trees representing the provenances
of all 12 species and the best commercial A. mearnsii seedlot.
To obtain sufficient tannin for a bulk tannin analysis,
samples from a number of trees (depending on their size) from a single
provenance of each species were stripped of their bark. Only 10 of the
species had enough bark to complete the exercise as A. deanei and
A.
elata trees were too few and too small. Eleven kilograms of freeze-dried
tannin from each species were passed onto Bunnings Timbachem and Dyno Industries
for wood adhesive quality and tannin additive assessments respectively
The standing trees stripped of their bark for tannin analyses
were also sampled for wood. Only a single provenance of each species was
sampled and the number of samples taken depended on the number of trees
stripped of bark.
The cut stumps (5 - 20 cm above ground level) were observed
a year later for signs of coppice growth. |
| Outcomes |
Whilst the major outcome of the
project was to identify that A.mearnsii, A.fulva and A.decurrens
were the best performing species in south-western Australia, the latter
species particularly on the higher evaporative sites, there were numerous
smaller observations that may be of use in the development of this group
of species.
§ Site preparation
incorporating both ripping and mounding in areas subject to water-logging
yields better survival and growth.
§ Good weed control
is needed prior to planting as no herbicide over -spray has been developed
for this species.
§ The species with
the greatest wood production across all three sites at 5.5 years of age
were A. mearnsii, A. decurrens and A. fulva. At the
lower rainfall sites A. decurrens was clearly the best species.
§ The species with
the highest air-dried wood density at 5.5 years of age was A. fulva
followed by A. decurrens and A. mearnsii , respectively.
§ The bulk extraction
of tannin from 10 of the species, A. mearnsii, A. decurrens, A.trachyphloia,
A. filicifolia, A.dealbata, A. fulva, A.irrorata, A.silvestris, A.parramattensis
and
A.glaucocarpa showed that all these species make an acceptable wood
adhesive glue.
§ Based on wood production
and density, it appears that the best species for fuelwood production in
south western Australia are A. mearnsii, A. decurrens and A.
fulva.
|
| Implications |
The project clearly indicates
that three bipinnate acacia species of value in south-west of Western Australia
for tannin production for adhesives are A. mearnsii, A. decurrens
and a little known species, A. fulva. Adhesives made from the tannin
of these species have acceptable performance. The same three species would
make excellent short-rotation fuelwood species based on their growth rate
and wood density. Based on their ranking at the three sites, it appeared
that A. mearnsii and A. fulva performed better with higher
rainfall whereas A. decurrens would be of greater use on the drier
sites.
With greater understanding of the breeding development
of A. mearnsii, it is apparent that none of the present world-wide
breeding programs select to survive in a lower rainfall environment. This
was further demonstrated with the commercial A. mearnsii seedlots
attained. Whereas much experience has been gained for provenance selection
for E. globulus drought-tolerance, the same level of understanding
has not been reached with these bipinnate acacia species. It thus leads
to the question as to whether, through provenance plantings at these sites,
especially A. decurrens, survival and growth may improve to easily
compete with E. globulus. |
| Publications |
Barbour, L. Tannin and Fuel
Wood from Plantation Grown Bipinnate Acacias. A report for the RIRDC/LWRRDC/FWPRDC
Joint Agroforestry Program. 2000.
Barbour,L. Promise of the acacias in WA. Trees and
Natural Resources 37(4) 1995
Barbour,L. The Promise of the Acacias in Western Australia.
IFA
Newletter 36(2) 1995. |
| Project
Title |
Integrated
mallee processing for carbon products, eucalyptus oil and electricity |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
OIL - 3A |
| Researcher: |
Colin Stucley, Managing Director |
| Organisation: |
Enecon Pty Ltd, acting in co-operation
with:
· WA Dep’t
of Conservation and Land Management
· Western Power Corporation
(co-funder)
· The Oil Mallee Company
of Australia
· CSIRO Forestry and
Forest Products
|
| Phone: |
03 9888 6711 |
| Fax: |
03 9888 6744 |
| Email: |
cstucley@enecon.com.au |
| Internet: |
enecon.com.au |
| Objective |
Assess the technical
and commercial feasibility of integrated processing of mallee eucalypts |
| Background |
This work has been initiated as
one mechanism to provide commercial incentives for large scale revegetation
using mallee eucalypts in agricultural areas of WA to remedy salinity,
where commercial incentives for other tree crops do not exist. |
| Research |
The study team:
§ Examined and costed
the activities for growth, harvest and transport of mallee trees to centralised
rural processing facilities
§ Made activated carbon
from samples of mallee wood and assessed this carbon for applications in
the water treatment and gold industries
§ Conducted preliminary
design and costing for a large scale processing facility making activated
carbon, eucalyptus oil and renewable electricity
§ Assembled
data from the above activities in a comprehensive financial appraisal of
a new processing industry
|
| Outcomes |
The study work indicated that
the proposed processing plants are financially viable, and that this approach
offers a real commercial incentive to farmers to grow mallee eucalypts
in large numbers. |
| Implications |
The positive study outcomes have
helped generate interest in a full scale demonstration facility. A $5 million
plant is to be built at Narrogin, south east of Perth. Western Power, the
Australian Greenhouse Office and Ausindustry have all committed funds to
the project. It is hoped that the demonstration plant will commence operation
mid 2001, as the first of a number of such facilities to be built across
the wheatbelt in coming years. |
| Publications |
Forthcoming RIRDC publication
"Integrated Processing of Mallee Eucalypts - Technology and Costing Report" |
| Project
Title |
Adapting
Computer Software To Evaluate The Visual Impact Of Farm Forestry Layouts |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
CAL-2A |
| Researcher: |
Dr Grant Revell |
| Organisation: |
The University of Western Australia.
School of Architecture & Fine Arts.
NEDLANDS Western Australia 6907 |
| Phone: |
08 9380 1555 |
| Fax: |
08 9380 1082 |
| Email: |
grevell@cyllene.uwa.edu.au |
| Objective |
To provide the
software and documentation necessary to simulate the visual effect of farm
forestry layouts over time, in order to evaluate the impact of the layout
on landscape character, visual amenity and agricultural management. The
software will incorporate various design criteria generated from property
planning exercises to provide realistic simulations. |
| Background |
Over recent years, the land planning
and design methodologies developed by the Western Australian Department
of Conservation and Land Management’s (CALM) Farm Forestry Unit, in association
with The University of Western Australia (UWA), have attempted to evaluate
and ameliorate the visual impact of farm forestry layouts. Experience in
the southwest of Western Australia has shown that the ability to visualise
the impact of proposed revegetation strategies is instrumental in supporting
landowner’s revegetation placement and implementation decisions. |
| Research |
To date, this work has utilised
a range of computer software tools that try to realistically simulate farm
forestry proposals across the landscape, with varying levels of success.
A number of impediments, however, have been identified in the wide spread
use of these computer aided design representation tools.
Consequently, in 1998 the RIRDC/LWRRDC/FWPRDC Joint Venture
Agroforestry Program funded the Western Australian Department of Conservation
and Land Management (CALM) and The University of Western Australia (UWA),
to investigate and document procedures currently available that would assist,
or supplement the adaptation and potential development of software for
farm forest design application. |
| Outcomes |
This research documents the software
reviews, their adaptation, application and evaluation with the support
of a case study farming property and community located in the Boree Gully,
Blackwood Basin, southwest, Western Australia. The research demonstrates
that selected, readily available software can be suitably adapted to aid
in the representation and evaluation of visual impacts associated with
farm forestry layouts. For the purposes of the study, the most suitable
combination of adaptive software included Geographic Information System
(GIS) software, and Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. The software
nominated for use in this project included ARC/INFO, 3D Studio
MAX, Corel Paint 7 and AutoCAD. These packages met the criteria
of data compatibility and were able to create the following visual simulation
products: images, animations, and virtual reality models. The availability
of these visual products offered the opportunity to provide an accurate,
unbiased and graphically interesting design simulation of the proposed
farm forestry layouts. |
| Implications |
It is expected that such design
simulation tools will provide greater value to the revegetated landscapes
aimed at receiving the more traditional economic, water use and wind break
benefits. Future research opportunities were identified to improve image
development in farm forestry design practices, as well as potential commercialisation
and communication strategies. |
| Project
Title: |
Thinning
native regrowth for timber production and improved biodiversity |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
GAN-1A |
| Researcher: |
Dr Jeanette Murray and Mr David
Thompson |
| Organisation: |
Greening Australia |
| Phone: |
02 6772-3248 |
| Fax: |
02 6771-4094 |
| Email: |
greenau@northnet.com.au |
| Objective |
To maintain
biodiversity values when thinning dense regrowth forest on farms. |
| Background |
Many properties in northern New
South Wales have areas of dense regrowth forest that has arisen from previous
clearing or logging. Such areas often have low value for agricultural or
forestry production. Due to lack of ground cover they can have erosion
problems and due to a limited range of habitats can have low value for
native conservation. Such areas are often left unmanaged or are completely
cleared, neither option giving the best result for timber or agricultural
productivity, or in some cases nature conservation. |
| Research |
This project set out to identify
appropriate silvicultural strategies that could enhance the productivity
of certain regrowth areas whilst maintaining or enhancing habitat and conservation
benefits. It recognised that certain areas of the farm might be devoted
exclusively to grazing, timber production or to conservation. Thus the
project focussed on areas of the farm where all three components might
be successfully combined. |
| Outcomes
and Implications |
Any thinning regime will vary
depending on the end product desired. The project concluded that the "selection
method" of thinning offered the most flexibility to landholders. This method
involves removing selected trees from a forest stand. The benefits of this
method is that light cuttings could be carried out which had a lower impact
on biodiversity than more intensive methods, and greater scope was available
for increasing a range of habitats for birds and other animals. To maintain
biodiversity it was essential that a diversity of native tree and shrub
species be retained as well as a range of habitats including hollow trees,
logs, mistletoes, nectar, water and seeding grasses. |
| Publications |
Murray, J. and Thompson, D. (2000)
"A
farmer’s guide to maintaining biodiversity when thinning regrowth forest".
RIRDC publication number R00/12 |
| Project
Title |
Alley
Farming for improved water management and nutrient cycling in sandplain
cropping |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UWA-36A |
| Researcher: |
Dr Ted Lefroy |
| Organisation: |
Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean
Agriculture,
University of Western Australia |
| Phone: |
08 9380 2561 |
| Fax: |
08 9380 1140 |
| Email: |
elefroy@cyllene.uwa.edu.au |
| Objectives |
To measure in
a sandplain alley farming system;
§ the extent
to which the trees can intercept water and nutrients leaching below the
root zone of a lupin/wheat crop rotation
§ the
amount and source of water used by tagasaste
§ the
extent and seasonal variation in above and below ground competition between
trees and inter row crops and pastures.
|
| Background |
Alley cropping has been advocated
as a means of addressing ground water recharge and wind erosion. This experiment
set out to compare water use in sole crop, tagasaste alley farming and
tagasaste plantation |
| Research |
Water balance, grain yield and
nitrogen balance of conventional lupin/wheat rotation and tagasaste alley
farming were measured at Moora, 150 km north of Perth (lat. 300
45’; long. 1160 40’). |
| Outcomes |
WATER USE: Recharge to
the perched water table in 1998 was 193 mm under sole crop and 154 mm under
alley crop (52% and 42% of annual rainfall), reducing to 32 mm (9% of annual
rainfall) under alley crop when groundwater uptake by trees (122 mm) was
included. Deuterium:hydrogen analysis of tree xylem sap indicated the trees
only took up 45 mm (27% of total tree water use) from the soil in 1998.
Soil water uptake by trees in alley cropping extended 2, 4 and 8 m laterally
from the tree rows in their first, second and third years of regrowth after
cutting in 1996. Beyond 8 m from the trees, deep drainage occurred at the
same rate as in sole crop.
CROP YIELD: Grain production was 23% higher in
alley crop than sole crop in the first year of the study, 8% lower in the
second year and 32% lower in the third indicating, increased levels of
competition as the trees coppiced from 50 cm in 1996 to 5 m in 1998.
NITROGEN INPUTS: The tagasaste trees derived 83%
of their nitrogen from the atmosphere. Inputs of fixed N were estimated
to be 83 kg/ha/yr for alley trees and 587 kg N/ha in plantation. This suggests
the trees may not take up significant nitrate left by annual legumes, and
the
large input of N has potentially negative implications in terms of nitrate
pollution of aquifers. |
| Implications |
Plantations would be a more appropriate
strategy than alley cropping as trees in alley cropping used no more water
than trees in plantation, reduced crop yield by ~ 20% over years 2 and
3 and relied heavily on the presence of a shallow fresh aquifer. Plantations
would make best use of these localised aquifers. Tagasaste plantations
on fresh water tables cut and grazed annually would need to occupy 40%
of a catchment of this type to account for all the recharge, reducing to
20% if the trees remained uncut. The limiting factor would be availability
of such shallow aquifers. |
| Publications |
Lefroy EC and Stirzaker RJ (1999)
Agrofrestry for water management in the cropping zone of southern Australia.
Agroforestry
Systems 45: 277-302.
Lefroy EC, Stirzaker RJ and Pate JS (2000) The influence
of tagasaste trees (Chamaecytisus proliferus) on the water balance
of an alley cropping system on deep sand in south western Australia. Australian
Journal of Agricultural Research (in press).
Lefroy EC, Pate JS and Stirzaker JS (2000) Growth, water
use efficiency and adaptive features of the tree legume tagasaste (Chamaecytisus
proliferus Link.) on deep sands in south western Australia. Australian
Journal of Agricultural Research (in press).
Unkovich MJ, Pate JS, Lefroy EC and Arthur DJ (2000) Inputs
of fixed N by the fodder tree legume tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus)
in deep sands of Western Australia assessed using the N15 natural
abundance technique. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology (in
press). |
| Project
Title |
Fodder
species- commercial and environmental options |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UWA-53A |
| Researcher: |
Dr Ted Lefroy |
| Organisation: |
Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean
Agriculture,
University of Western Australia |
| Phone: |
08 9380 2561 |
| Fax: |
08 9380 1140 |
| Email: |
elefroy@cyllene.uwa.edu.au |
| Objectives |
§ Identify
the current status of fodder trees and shrubs in Australia compared with
the situation at the time of the last review in 1991.
§ Identify tree and
shrub species with potential for use as animal fodder and those species
requiring further R&D to achieve their full potential.
§ Identify regions
across Australia were the integration of fodder trees and shrubs is viable
and desirable based on economic and environmental objectives in the context
of the viability of other potential tree products.
§ Identify
current researchers and determine the desirability, feasibility, scope
and cost of a national fodder tree selection R&D program
|
| Background |
The development of commercial
trees suited to the medium to low rainfall areas is seen as important in
the management of groundwater recharge, dryland salinity and other threats
to the sustainability of agricultural land use. Fodder trees were identified
as having considerable promise in a recent JVAP study of prospects for
commercial trees in this zone (Zorzetto and Chudleigh 1999). |
| Research |
Review data bases of scientific
papers and research reports on fodder trees and shrubs in Australia since
the last major review was conducted in 1991. Contact individuals engaged
in research, development or extension of fodder trees and shrubs identified
by the literature search. |
| Outcomes |
In progress (completion date 30
July 2000). |
| Project
Title: |
Neem
consultancy |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
AGT-6A |
| Researcher: |
Dr Peter Chudleigh |
| Organisation: |
Agrtrans Research |
| Phone: |
07 3870 9564 |
| Fax: |
07 3371 3381 |
| Email: |
agtrans@powerup.com.au |
| Objectives |
Carry out a
desktop study to:
§ Assess the
potential for the use of neem tree production systems in low rainfall areas
of Australia from the point of view of technical and economic viability,
as well as resource sustainability.
§ Assess the current
and future potential domestic and export markets for neem oil and neem
products produced in Australia
|
| Background |
The neem tree (Azadirachta
indica) has been known for a very long time to exhibit insecticidal
properties. Modern science has been applied to the neem tree since the
1950s with most focus on its content of azadirachtin. The opportunity to
grow neem trees in Australia has appeared to many to be a rational pursuit
and worth of consideration provided useful products that are financially
viable to produce can emanate from the tree. Some have also considered
the tree may be used for plantings for environmental purposes in Australia.
Past and current attempts have been made to explore the potential to select
trees that have higher concentrations and to grow the tree in more favourable
conditions to improve yields.
The biggest challenge is to develop a production system
that allows profitable production and distribution of formulated products.
A particular focus of the current review is to assess the prospects for
neem trees in the low rainfall areas of Australia where agroforestry that
targets commercial production as well as providing a sustainability function
are of great interest to the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program. |
| Research |
This study involved desk-top research
only, including telephone consultation with key contacts in neem and related
industries. |
| Outcomes |
There are no outcomes to date,
however potential outcomes include further research in the areas of economics
and potential economics of production, selection, clonal propagation, planting
densities and cultural practices such as irrigation needs and fertiliser
requirements, harvesting methods, extraction processes and testing and
data assembly for registration. |
| Implications |
The current market for neem based
insecticides is small, registration of products still has not been achieved,
and some evidence suggests that the efficacy of neem products may be restricted.
Developing a competitive industry in Australia may be quite difficult.
If an industry were to be established it would more likely be successful
in the very far north of Australia and under an intensive system of production.
It is unlikely that yields and concentrations of active ingredients fromtrees
grown in the WA wheat belt would be as high as from trees grown further
north. The report recommends that JVAP should explore developments in other
countries regarding the rationale and expectations from neem plantings,
the climates in which trees are being planted, and maintain a watching
brief on performances achieved. RIRDC should also maintain a watching brief
on the registration status of neem in Australia, and periodically update
the potential for an Australian neem industry. |
