RIRDC Completed Projects in 1999-2000 & Research in Progress as at June 2000

1.1 NEW PLANT PRODUCTS COMPLETED PROJECTS
PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
AMR-5A	Market analysis of culinary herbs in Australia and overseas	Mr Grant Vinning	(07) 3376 2244	Asian Markets Research
BIO-1A	Research and development and production of virus-tested garlic, garlic seeds and garlic by-products	Mrs Lynette Zalcbert	(03) 5348 1400	Biofresh Australia Pty Ltd
BUS-1A	Marketing of Australian Bushfood industry	Mr Vic Cherikoff	61 2 9554 9477	Vic Cherikoff Food Services Pty Ltd
CSL-1A	Development of an Australian Cashew Industry information support system	Dr Noel Grundon	(07) 4091 8800	CSIRO Land & Water
DAQ-145A	The effect of nitrogen on cashew in north Queensland	Mr Patrick O’Farrell	(07) 4092 8555	Department of Primary Industries – QLD
DAQ-160A	Commercialisation of the Walkamin Coffee processing system	Mr Chris Norris	(07) 4093 3733	Department of Primary Industries – QLD
DAQ-177A	Improved canopy management to maximise market opportunities for the tree crops lychee, longan and rambutan (Sapindaceae)	Dr Christopher Menzel	(07) 5444 9600	Department of Primary Industries – QLD
DAQ-211A	Evaluation of the commercial potential of sugarbeet on the Atherton Tableland	Mr Brett Weeden	(07) 4093 2246	Department of Primary Industries – QLD
DAT-31A	Continued investigation into the commercial production and development of Japanese green tea	Ms Angela Monks	(03) 6233 6807	Department of Primary Industries, Water & Environment
DAV-124A	A cholesterol-lowering extract from garlic: opportunities for an Australian industry	Dr David Eagling	(03) 9210 9222	Department of Natural Resources & Environment
DAV-73A	High yields and early bearing for walnuts and quality timber	Mr Harold Adem Dr P.H. Jerie	(03) 5833 5231	Department of Natural Resources & Environment
DNT-17A	Productivity responses of asparagus to droughting in a tropical environment	Mr Jeremy Bright	(08) 8973 9739	Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (NT)
LWP-1A	Broadacre dried herb production	Mr David Coleman	(08) 9848 2171	Living Waters Permaculture Foundation
NMT-1A	Investigation into safety and food values of certain Prostanthera species	Dr Anne Fulton	(03) 9269 1330	North Melbourne Institute of Tafe
PMP-2A	Economic market analysis of fibre crops in Australia	Dr Stuart de Jong	(02) 9924 2712	Planning and Managing Projects Pty Ltd
PMP-3A	Business Plan for the NSW Coffee Growing Industry	Dr Stuart de Jong	(02) 9924 2712	Planning and Managing Projects Pty Ltd
SAL-1A	Realising the potential of the olive	Mr Simon Field	(03) 9380 2531	Australian Institute of Agricultural Science
UNT-4A	Utilisation of the green ant, Oecephylla smaragdina, to control cashew insect pests	Dr Renkang Peng	(08) 8946 6763	Northern Territory University
UQ-33A	New Crops: development and application of improved selection and evaluation procedures to produce new crops for northern Australia	Dr Rob Fletcher	(07) 5460 1311	University of Queensland
USA-5A	Characterisation of antiviral compounds in Australia bush medicines	Dr Robert Flower	(02) 9926 7745	University of South Australia


 
 
 

Project Title	Market analyses of culinary herbs in Australia and overseas
RIRDC Project No.:	AMR-5A
Researcher:	Grant Vinning
Organisation:	Asian Markets Research 157 Horizon Drive WESTLAKE QLD 4074
Phone:	(07) 3376 2244
Fax:	(07) 3376 7264
Objectives	· To establish the prospects for a frozen culinary herb industry in Australia and overseas.
Background	The Australian culinary herbs industry has been traditionally based on the home market serviced through the retail sector. Changes in the Australian food sector have had an enormous impact on consumption, the form of the consumption, and the outlets for culinary herbs. Such changes have been the growth in popularity of ethnic foods, concentration in the retail sector, and the explosion in the food service sector. Issues such as non-price competition in differentiating products, convenience, eating out, and food safety have implications for the form by which culinary herbs are presented. Prospects for frozen product appears to be high. If these prospects could be confirmed then strategies could be developed to best optimise the opportunities.
Research	The research was conducted in two stages. The first was a statistical analyses of available data in Australia and overseas. Emphasis was placed on the data provided through the Australian wholesale market system as a means of indicating price variability of the fresh herbs, a major attribute appearing to favour the frozen product. An analysis of international data was used to examine comparable trade patterns and price movements. The second stage was interviews with representatives of the various potential market outlets for frozen culinary herbs. These were categorised into retail, food service, fast food, and food manufacturing sectors. The food service sector was further categorised into high end restaurants, institutional caterers, and industrial caterers.
Outcomes	The research established that there are prospects for an Australian frozen culinary herb industry. These were confined to the retail and the food manufacturing sectors. In establishing that there were prospects, a number of caveats were made including the need to develop a range of products for the retail sector and the necessity of showing the frozen products were demonstratively better than the dried product. The need to develop appropriate packaging is critical to the success in both sectors. Prospects overseas are not as strong.
Implications	The analyses showed that there exist several technologies for the freezing of culinary herbs. As such, it is not considered necessary that public monies be invested in further developing this aspect of the industry.


 
 

Project Title	Research and development and production of virus-tested garlic, garlic seeds and garlic by-products
RIRDC Project No.:	BIO-1A
Researcher:	Mrs. Lynette Zalcberg
Organisation:	Biofresh Australia Pty. Ltd. 1 West Street DAYLESFORD VIC 3460
Phone:	(03) 5348 1400
Objectives	· To enable commercial scale production of selected varieties of virus-tested garlic by development of suitable tissue culture methods to provide a commercial advantage to Australian garlic growers for both the domestic and export markets
Background	The project was initially instigated as a joint venture company under the name Biofresh Australia Pty. Ltd. to research into the development of virus-tested garlic for Australian growers. Potential for enhanced yields would make this improved agricultural crop a competitively marketable product. Work was initially carried out at Institute of Plant Sciences, Burnley for the detection of the major viruses affecting Australian-grown garlic and for a virus elimination treatment
Research	Work has been carried out at Institute for Horticultural Development, Knoxfield to initiate new high health material from fully pathogen tested field-grown bulbs at our control site. A small quantity of actively growing tissue cultures of these selections were put through a series of subdivisions on a formulated garlic multiplication media to produce rapid and reliable large scale multiplication of these plantlets. These were acclimatised and transferred for propagation by Sunraysia Horticultural Centre, Irymple in an insect-proof screenhouse. The harvested mini-bulbs then underwent field planting for two seasons in isolation from any allium crop. The material at all facilities was pathogen tested by Crop Health Services, Knoxfield
Outcomes	Multiplication rates in tissue culture varied from variety to variety, so some more work is required to produce high quality reliable plantlet numbers. The field generations produced an average multiplication rate of approximately 20 (i.e. plant one tonne of virus-tested garlic seed per hectare and harvest a minimum of 20 tonnes of bulbs)
Implications	High health, high yielding virus-tested garlic seed provides the basis for good commercial returns for growers of garlic. Additionally, the alliin (considered to be the medicinally active compound in garlic) levels of these selections were favourably high, so that further investigation into their use in the pharmaceutical and complimentary medicine markets should be explored
Publications	A full set of protocols for the growing of virus-tested garlic has been produced


 
 

Project Title	Marketing the Australian Bushfood Industry
RIRDC Project No.:	BUS-1A
Researcher:	Vic Cherikoff
Organisation:	Vic Cherikoff Food Services Pty Ltd rear 167 Kingsgrove Rd, Kingsgrove  NSW 2208 Australia Phone: 61 2 9554 9477 ax: 61 2 9554 9633 mob: 0418 405 183 email: vic@cherikoff.net website: www.cherikoff.net
Phone:	(02) 9818 2800
Fax:	(02) 9818 2900
Objectives	· To assess the current and preferred image for the Australian bushfood (native food) industry and to contribute towards an industry strategy to align efforts in addressing the image change and determining future marketing directions
Background	The bushfood (native food) industry covers plant and animal products which are derived from Australian indigenous species. The main focus in this report is on the plant products. The bushfood (native food) industry is now at a hiatus needing a uniform and firm image and positioning. Several species are in oversupply and concerns exist from the impact of recent product and company disappearances. Some growers are already facing inadequate markets for their products. Cottage users cannot absorb the excess product nor can specialty manufacturers. The current bushfood (native food) range is also unsuitable for the fresh fruit market due to the fast ripening times (short shelf-life) and the intensity of taste in most of the products. There is obviously the problem of lack of knowledge of use as well. Demand must expand to the middle market with some urgency and mainstream products established before the Olympics, which provides a strategic link to continued overseas expansion. As identified in RIRDC Research Report No 97/022 and also in the Victorian Food Industry’s Indigenous Food Processing Feasibility Study 1999, the determination of the current perception of bushfood (native food) and re-positioning as necessary, is crucial to developing successful marketing strategies. This study focused upon the two markets of food service and manufacturers, which are the volume areas for short to medium returns and building these markets, indirectly addresses the more difficult (and expensive) task of educating the general consumer.
Research	The current status of native foods was assessed amongst influencer (chefs and food media) and consumer groups using interviews. Additionally, native food industry members and chefs were surveyed for their input on status and preferred industry directions. The individual in-depth interview were conducted by either telephone or face-to-face and interviewees included leading chefs in both Sydney and Melbourne grouped as user or non-users of native ingredients. Additionally, equal numbers of food media in these cities were interviewed. Stimulus inputs used in the groups included ranges of packs of foods with bush ingredients (teas, relished, sauces, juices, biscuits etc), pictures of dishes containing native ingredients along with a descriptive name for the dish, books, category descriptors, potential product concepts and positioning concepts.

Outcomes

The overall outcome of the research is encouraging: All the indications are that native ingredients have considerably more market potential if appropriate strategies are used. · There is at least a segment of top class chefs and influential food writers who are enthusiastic about and strongly believe in native foods, which they see as underdeveloped. This is critical since it is very clear that there is a powerful top-down impact on the broader market’s food adoption trends. · The category has inherent distinctive and powerful values, which could be further exploited to better advantage; those opinion leaders who support native foods, focus on two essential and strong benefits which should underpin wider marketing activity. 1. A number of the ingredients are perceived to have real food interest 2. Native foods are also thought to have the capacity to bring another dimension, and exciting and unique Australian flavour to the country’s rapidly evolving cuisine · There is strong interest at the consumer level in ‘the new bush flavours’. Admittedly, this is greatest among those with a keener interest in food (the foodies). However, their early adoption of a new, often migrates to the broader market, even if sometimes simplified. If native ingredients are to be popularised and flourish, there are a number of inhibitions and barriers to overcome: Critically and fundamentally, an unequivocal finding is that ‘bush foods’ and especially ‘bush tucker’ are inappropriate terms which will inhibit the growth of the industry. ‘Australiana’ is another tem with mixed appeal and could be included in the inappropriate term category. However, some food categories suit the pioneer or outback image, for example, there is the success of the Bush Breads of Australia. There will no doubt be others. Additionally, tourist markets find these labels entirely appropriate maintaining opportunities for boutique product ranges. Chefs and food writers are familiar with these labels and strongly resist them, insisting that a more contemporary image is needed. Supermarket consumers are no less dismissive of these descriptors when it comes to everyday foods.

Implications

The industry should actively reposition the category to a contemporary, prestigious, stylish, innovative and proudly Australian collection of unique, interesting, easy to use, clean, green and healthy flavours. Tools available include State and National instrumentalities and allied food associations and the regional and specific food programs they promote. The industry should support the formation of a peak body of representatives of associations and major value-adders. Over and above these is the influence for change, which can be exerted by individuals through their own purchasing power, with their own industry and future at heart. Through some strong cohesive actions, this uniquely Australian industry has the ability to become a significant force in the Australian food scene both here and overseas.


 
 

Project Title	Development of an Australian Cashew Industry information support system
RIRDC Project No.:	CSL-1A
Researcher:	Noel J Grundon
Organisation:	CSIRO Land and Water
Phone:	(07) 4091 8800
Fax:	(07) 4091 8888
Objectives	To foster the establishment and expansion of an Australian cashew industry by providing an Information Support System comprising: § A database of published literature on the culture, processing and marketing of cashews § An overview of the published literature relevant to the culture of cashew in Australia; § An Australian Cashew Growers’ Manual; and § A mechanism for regularly updating the manual and maintaining on-going contact within the Australian cashew industry.
Background	At the RIRDC Review of Cashew R&D in 1996, the Australian cashew industry strongly supported the need for a manual of ‘best estimate’ management practices to guide decision-making in the Australian cashew industry. The project aims to provide an Information Support System to assist in the establishment of an Australian cashew industry that is sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally neutral.
Research	With very limited published cashew research data of Australian origin available, much of the information for the ‘best practices’ manual would need to be drawn from overseas experience. A searchable database was compiled from a comprehensive literature search for the more recently published research data. In collaboration with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, and with the assistance of key resource people from industry and research organizations, the data were collated into a manual of ‘best practices’
Outcomes	A searchable database in Procite© format containing references to published literature from 1979 to 1998. An overview of Australian cashew literature Cashew Information Kit; a manual published by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries Agrilink Project. A mechanism for regularly updating the manual via the Queensland Department of Primary Industries Agrilink Project
Implications	The searchable database will provide a ready source of information for Australian and overseas cashew researchers. The manual is expected to play a major role in encouraging new investors into the infant Australian cashew industry where it will play an important role as a source of ‘best practices’ for the establishment and management of new and existing cashew plantations.

Publications

Grundon, J., O’Farrell, P., Hinton, A., Kulkarni, V., Leonardi, J., Blaikie, S., Richards, N., Armour, J., Shearer, P., Duncan, I., and Hood, S. 1998. Cashew Information Kit. Agrilink Series QAL 9806. (Department of Primary Industries, Queensland: Brisbane). Grundon, N.J. 1999. Cashew literature database: 1979–1998. Technical Report 24/99, July 1999. 107p. (CSIRO Land and Water: Adelaide).  Grundon, N.J. 1999. An overview of Australian cashew literature. Technical Report, 25/99, July 1999. 44p. (CSIRO Land and Water: Adelaide).

Project Title	The Effect of Nitrogen on Cashew in North Queensland
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-145A
Researcher:	Mr Patrick O’Farrell, Dr John Armour, Mr David Reid
Organisation:	Queensland Department of Primary Industries PO Box 1054 MAREEBA QLD 4880
Phone:	(07) 4092 8555
Objectives	· The objective of the Project was to study the effect of nitrogen (N) on cashew growth and nut yield to develop for industry: (a) an annual crop management program based on the ‘ideal’ annual growth cycle for the Dimbulah region; (b) nitrogen application recommendations that promote the ‘ideal’ cycle; and (c) leaf sampling procedures for assessing tree N requirement to achieve the ‘ideal’ cycle
Background	The profitability of cashew growing in Australia will depend on a combination of high yielding varieties and efficient crop management practices. Crop management practices cover the whole range of cultural practices (nutrition, irrigation, pruning, pest control, etc) required to grow cashew commercially. Efficient practices, which promote growth cycles that maximise nut production, are not well defined and need development
Research	Nitrogen was applied at two rates and at three times during the annual growth cycle of the tree. The times were: 100% of the annual rate applied during the vegetative growth phase (December–April); 100% of the annual rate applied during the reproductive growth phase (June–October), and 50% of the annual rate applied during each phase. Commercial nut-in-shell (NIS) yield, and the proportion of commercial NIS yield harvested by the end of November (the time by which nut drop should be completed because of the increased incidence of rain and associated risk of crop loss after this time) was assessed (1995–1997).
Outcomes	The five major findings of the Project were: · Nitrogen applied from December to April gave the highest commercial NIS yield and the highest proportion of nut drop by the end of November; · Nitrogen applied from June to October gave the highest proportion of nut drop after November; · Two sample leaves and adequate leaf N levels were defined for assessing tree N health; · High concentrations of nitrogen were leached through the soil during heavy rain; and · A crop management program covering all the cultural operations required to grow cashew commercially was developed.
Implications	· Strong vegetative growth is required during the period December to April for high nut yield and early nut drop. If N is required to achieve this, small and regular applications should be considered to minimise leaching by rainfall. · Application of N after June should be done with caution because of the risk of post-November nut drop. · Further work is required to refine the method of assessing tree N health for determining N application rates.


 
 

Project Title	Commercialisation of the Walkamin Coffee processing system
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ160A, DAQ95A
Researcher:	Craig D. Lemin; Chris P. Norris*
Organisation:	Queensland Department of Primary Industries, *Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations Centre for Wet Tropics Agriculture, *Bundaberg Research Station PO Box 20, *PO Box 651 SOUTH JOHNSTONE Q 4859, *BUNDABERG Q 4670
Phone:	(07) 4064 1130, (*07) 4159 3228
Fax: Email:	(07) 4064 2249, (*07) 4159 3383 leminc@dpi.qld.gov.au, *cnorris@bses.org.au
Objectives	Development and commercialisation of appropriate processing techniques, equipment and systems for production of quality arabica coffee from machine harvesting regimes including optimisation of returns from the various sub-grades of coffee produced.
Background	Significant investment in mechanised coffee production occurred in Australia during the mid 1980's, principally in north Queensland. However, when machine harvesters began operating in Australia, it quickly became evident that claims about their selectivity (ability to harvest only the ripe fraction of the crop from the tree) were overstated. This situation posed difficulties for domestic producers relying on conventional processing systems. These systems were designed for processing 100% prime cherry from selective hand-picking, and were incapable of producing high quality product from machine harvested samples. Subsequently, the quality of much north Queensland coffee was poor, and the reputation of the industry suffered. The project, Mechanisation and Improved Technology for Coffee Processing was proposed and subsequently funded. The project also sought to address quality issues, which arose in the north Queensland industry from the time of its inception. RIRDC again reviewed the Coffee Research and Development Program in 1993, and the project Commercialisation of the Walkamin Coffee Processing System was subsequently undertaken. In conjunction with a commercial partner (formerly Austoft Industries), this project continued development of key components and tested several new concepts.
Research	The project investigated the performance of conventional processing techniques and equipment in relation to machine harvested coffee. Various new techniques and equipment were developed with the aim of specifying a complete processing system capable of consistently producing good quality coffee from machine harvesting. Performance of the system and components in relation to various qualities of feedstock was evaluated.
Outcomes	This project culminated in the development of an effective and innovative prototype system for processing machine-harvested coffee. The system utilised techniques and equipment, which though simple, were radical for coffee processing. The project investigated current commercially available processing systems developed throughout the world and the performance limitations of these systems are now well understood. In terms of prime product quality, the system developed was demonstrably superior to anything else, which was available. Additionally, methods for the recovery of the various off-grades produced by machine harvesting and processing were addressed by the project so that techniques for the separation and subsequent processing of tree-dried coffee cherry could be recommended. The project also assisted the northern NSW industry to develop a pilot processing system relevant to coffee grown and harvested in the region. Finally, in partnership with Austoft Industries, a commercial processing plant based on the Walkamin system was constructed and tested. In trials in 1994, the plant successfully processed a range of machine harvested coffee samples, at rates close to the design capacity of 8 t/hr.
Implications	This project culminated in the development of an effective and innovative prototype system for processing machine-harvested coffee. The system utilised techniques and equipment, which though simple, were radical for coffee processing. The project investigated current commercially available processing systems developed throughout the world and the performance limitations of these systems are now well understood. In terms of prime product quality, the system developed was demonstrably superior to anything else, which was available. Additionally, methods for the recovery of the various off-grades produced by machine harvesting and processing were addressed by the project so that techniques for the separation and subsequent processing of tree-dried coffee cherry could be recommended. The project also assisted the northern NSW industry to develop a pilot processing system relevant to coffee grown and harvested in the region. Finally, in partnership with Austoft Industries, a commercial processing plant based on the Walkamin system was constructed and tested. In trials in 1994, the plant successfully processed a range of machine harvested coffee samples, at rates close to the design capacity of 8 t/hr.
Publications	Lemin, C. D. and Norris, C. P. 1992. Coffee: Development of appropriate technology for processing of machine harvested arabica. Proceedings of the Conference on Engineering in Agriculture, Albury, 1992 Norris, C. P., Lemin, C. D. and Hilton, D.J. 1996. Producing quality machine harvested arabica coffee: a review of Australian developments. Proceedings of the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, Environment and Development, Arusha, Tanzania, 1996.


 
 

Project Title	Improved canopy management to maximise market opportunities for the tree crops lychee, longan and rambutan (Sapindaceae)
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-177A
Researcher:	Christopher Menzel
Organisation:	Queensland Horticulture Institute Maroochy Research Station Department of Primary Industries  PO Box 5083, SCMC NAMBOUR QLD 4560
Phone:	(07) 5444 9600
Fax:	(07) 5441 2235
Objectives	· To develop pruning strategies to stabilise production and reduce tree size. The main focus was on lychee, with less emphasis on longan and rambutan
Background	Lychee, longan and rambutan, from the family Sapindaceae, produce fruit containing an edible aril. Lychee and longan are subtropical, but their distribution also extends into the tropics at elevation. They produce a single crop annually. Rambutan, however, is strictly tropical and may fruit twice a year. Australia produces about 3000 tonnes of lychee annually, 800 tonnes of rambutan and 150 tonnes of longan for an estimated return of $22m. On a per hectare basis, the rate of return for these crops compares more than favourably with alternate crops such as macadamia, stonefruit and mango. However, left unchecked, all these crops grow into large trees that are difficult to spray, harvest and net. Up to 60% of the lychee crop is lost each year to birds, bats and fruit-piercing moths. Exclusion netting is an effective way to control these pests, but is the most practical with small trees. Small trees can also be closely planted and provide greater returns in the early life of an orchard. The other major problem with lychee and to a lesser extent longan is irregular flowering and poor fruit retention
Research	Lychee trees were pruned over spring and summer in Alstonville, northern New South Wales, and during summer and autumn in Bundaberg, southern Queensland, and flushing patterns and weather monitored. Results show that the interval between shoot flushes was correlated with temperature and solar radiation. These correlations were used to develop a model to predict the best time to prune trees for maximum cropping, which was then tested in a series of pruning experiments along the eastern seaboard of Australia. Towards the end of the project, demonstration blocks were set up in the major growing areas to evaluate the pruning strategies in commercial orchards. In other experiments, sets of trees with young red flushes going into winter were pruned or sprayed with ethephon to remove the immature flushes, and their subsequent performance assessed. Our first approach with longan was to manipulate the flushing cycles of trees near Mareeba in northern Queensland. Trees were tip-pruned in March to determine whether similar responses to those for lychees could be elicited. Staggered pruning experiments similar to those for lychee were carried out in Nambour. A model was developed relating shoot growth to weather.  The effects of pruning strategies on the performance of rambutan were investigated over three years in a commercial orchard, south of Darwin in the Northern Territory. Trees were structurally pruned in February only, or structurally pruned in February and tip-pruned in June.
Outcomes	The project developed pruning strategies for the Australian lychee industry, with recommendations to be incorporated into the Queensland Department of Primary Industries Lychee Information Kit. The optimal time for pruning varies with latitude from Cairns and Mareeba in northern Queensland, to Bundaberg and Nambour in southern Queensland, and Byron Bay in northern New South Wales, but is similar across cultivars in a given locality. In warm northern areas, the option exists for pruning to achieve one or two shoot flushes before winter flowering, while in southern cooler areas the best approach is to prune for one flush before winter. Less information is available on the flushing patterns of longan and rambutan. Longan trees are harvested much later than lychee in a given environment, and require warmer temperatures for continued shoot growth. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult for the trees to complete a flush before winter. Options for future longan research include pruning trees as soon as possible after harvest, or pruning a proportion of the tree at flowering in an effort to reduce biennial bearing. The role of ethephon in controlling winter flushes also warrants further research. The factors controlling flowering in rambutan are not well understood. Results from Darwin showed that yields per tree were 25% lower after structural pruning, but on a much smaller canopy. Structural and tip-pruning also synchronised the rambutan harvest. The application of these results to other growing areas is yet to be determined
Implications	As trees are smaller after pruning, harvest costs are reduced, and spraying and netting are easier. Trees can also be more closely spaced. High density plantings maximise the use of land and provide greater returns in the early life of an orchard.
Publications	Menzel, C. M., Hieke, S., Olesen, T., McConchie, C. A. and Wiltshire, N. (1999). Future opportunities for canopy management in lychee. Living Lychee 19, 12-3. Olesen, T., McConchie, C. A., Menzel, C. M. and Diczbalis, Y. (1999). Optimizing canopy management in lychee, longan and rambutan. Queensland Department of Primary Industries. 4 pp.


 

Project Title	Evaluation of the commercial potential of sugarbeet on the Atherton Tableland
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-211A
Researcher:	Mr Brett Weeden
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries - QLD
Phone:	(07) 4093 2246
Fax:	(07) 4093 2237
Objectives	· The aim of the project is to assess the commercial potential of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris) on the Atherton Tableland as a sugar source for the Queensland Sugar Industry.
Background	The two main sources of sucrose (sugar) for human consumption are sugar cane and sugar beet. In Australia we are familiar with growing sugar cane for our sugar however in temperate climates, mainly in the northern hemisphere, sugar beet is the plant used. In fact sugar beet produces about one third of the world’s sugar and Australia is the only populated continent not growing sugar beet for sugar production. In recent years there has been a rapid expansion of sugar cane into areas away from the traditional coastal areas of north Queensland. One of these areas is known as the Atherton Tableland - a region approximately 70 kilometres inland from Cairns which includes the Mareeba - Dimbulah Irrigation Area. Sugar cane expansion has been so great and rapid in this region that the first sugar cane mill built in Queensland for 73 years was constructed and began operation in 1998. It is expected that the mill will crush about 800,000 tonnes of cane in 2002. During this expansion investigations into the potential of sugar beet to produce sugar from areas not suited to cane on the coast were undertaken. One of the recommendations from this study was to look at the potential of sugar beet in the cooler environment of the Atherton Tableland where pests and diseases were not such a problem farmers had greater management skills in growing irrigated row crops.
Research	Research undertaken for this study began with a review of literature to establish a background of relevant information. Field trials in 1998 and 1999 studied firstly the performance of 9 sugar beet varieties under local conditions in terms of crop growth and sugar yield. Another field trial in 1999 studied the effects of different nitrogen rates, population levels and irrigation amounts on sugar yields. From these trials actual yield and sugar content data could be used in an economic analysis of the potential of sugar beet as an economic crop for producers on the Atherton Tableland.
Outcomes	The literature review indicated the enormous amount of reference material available on sugar beet. From this a ‘Compendium of Sugar beet Information’ was produced which lists over 1,000 relevant articles on all aspects of sugar beet growth as well as contacts for overseas sugar beet research establishments and seed companies. Results from the field trials showed that sugar beet could successfully be grown locally and produce economic yields of sugar however there is room for improvement with refinement of inputs such as nitrogen and irrigation.
Implications	This study showed that sugar beet could be a potential new crop for growers on the Atherton Tableland. Commercial production however will require 2 main ingredients: a return to more ‘normal’ sugar prices and the acceptance by the sugar cane industry of sugar beet’s potential.

Project Title	Continued investigation into the commercial production and development of Japanese green tea
RIRDC Project No.:	DAT-31A
Researcher:	Angela Monks
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment
Phone:	(03) 6233 6813
Fax:	(03) 6228 5936
Objectives	· An investigation of factors affecting yield, quality and the economics of production for Japanese green tea in Tasmania. · A study of the micro market (ie. processing grade tea, drinking grade teas etc.) requirements for successful entry of Tasmanian Green Tea into commercial production. · Expansion of existing trial sites to allow for semi-commercial assessment of agronomic techniques and technology.
Background	The genus Camellia is one of around thirty genera in the family Theaceae which evolved in Asia. Many members of this family have been cultivated for ornamental, food or oil bearing plants for hundred of years
	Both black and green teas are derived from the species Camellia sinensis. Black tea is encouraged to ferment before being processed, whilst green tea is steamed to prevent the enzymes which cause fermentation and the associated blackening from becoming active. Even though black and green tea are produced from the same species, breeding of Camellia sinensis has produced distinctive varieties and cultivars. Black tea is produced from the variety Camellia sinensis var asamica, green teas from Camellia sinensis var sinenesis. From the green tea variety numerous cultivars have been produced including Sayamkaori, Yabukita and Okunhikaori. Japanese green tea refers to wholly unfermented green tea where harvested material is steamed as soon as possible after picking, to prevent any fermentation. Tasmanian trials green tea aim to produce good quality Japanese style unfermented green tea.
Research	The trial development for the original green tea project was carried out over the course of two years from 1991 to 1993. The final RIRDC report for this project was called ‘To Continue the Investigation into the Commercialisation and Development of Japanese Green Tea Camillia sinensis’. Research highlighted the need for appropriate site selection to take into account adequate water and air drainage, protection from wind and timing of frosts in the area. The agronomy of green tea also included pruning, harvesting and a survey of suitable machinery for different scale enterprises. The performance of the three cultivars Imported form Japan in the first project was monitored for growth and processing qualities. Trial sites also elucidated planing densities, yield and quality which was then used as the basis for an economic analysis.
Outcomes	§ Site selection is important with regard to establishment and agronomy. Propagation of plants is best from clonal material with the cycle of propagation lasting up to eighteen months. Nursery plants for transplanting to the field must be in vigorous condition to avoid transplant shock. Worldwide there is a large range of machinery suitable for harvesting, pruning and processing. Some machinery is produced in Australia and also sourced overseas. § Tea quality is dependent on the quality of the wet material at harvest. Timing of the harvest is critical in order to obtain the best prices for the finished product. An increase in lignin content is the harvested material significantly reduces the quality of the tea, similarly and material damaged by frost affects the quality. § Studies have shown that green tea has a rhythmic growth pattern which allows for prediction as to when a flush of new growth will occur. § To maintain a good internal rate of return ideally three harvests must be made form the crop per year. It has been calculated that an increase in productive area reduces the risk significantly, particularly when harvests might be lost to early frost. § Larger enterprises need to be encouraged or a grower co-operative for smaller enterprises would help to minimise risks and ensure a good internal rate of return.
Implications                         Publications	§ Green tea is a suitable crop to be grown under Australian conditions. § Care must be taken during trial establishment, agronomy of the crop, harvesting and processing. § There is a huge range of products which could be value-added from green tea grown in Australia. These could include the ready to drink market, medicinals, cosmetics, flavours and fragrances. Monks A.J., 1999 – Continued Investigation into the Commercial Production and Development of Japanese Green Tea in Tasmania. Monks A.J. and Baxter L.B., 1997 – To Continue the Investigation into the Commercialisation and Development of Japanese Green Tea. Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, 1996 – Quality Assessment and Market Evaluation of Tasmanian Green Tea for the South East Asian Market.

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Last updated: 16 August 2000
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