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

2.8 WILDFLOWERS AND NATIVE PLANTS COMPLETED PROJECTS
PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
AFP-1A	An analysis of the Australian domestic market for wildflowers	Mrs Christine Horsman	(08) 8389 3057	Australian Flora and Protea Growers Association
AFP-2A	An Implementation Planning Workshop for Identified Marketing Strategies for Wildflowers	Mrs Christine Horsman	(08) 8389 3057	Australian Flora and Protea Growers Association
DAQ-236A	DOOR in the Australian Wildflower and Native Plants Industry	Mr Garth Hayes	(07) 3824 9514	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
DAQ-238A	Enhancement strategy for the Agrilink kit ‘Should I grow wildflowers?’	Ms Cynthia Carson	(07) 3286 1488	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
DAV-116A	Development of an integrated control program for Elsinoe scab of cut flower Proteaceae	Mr Gordon Berg Ms Angelika Ziehrl	(03) 9210 9200 (03) 9201 9222	Department of Natural Resources & Environment
DAV-149A	Improved fumigation techniques for postharvest disinfestation of wildflowers for export	Dr Peter Williams	(03) 9210 9222	Department of Natural Resources & Environment
DAV-151A	5th National Workshop for Australian Wildflowers	Mr Tony Slater	(03) 9210 9222	Department of Natural Resources & Environment
RBG-2A	Development of a flannel flower production system	Ms Catherine Offord	(02) 4648 2477	Royal Botanic Gardens
SMI-1A	Micropropagation of the Gymea Lily	Mr Jeremy Smith	(02) 4372 1393
UQ-53A	Uptake preservation of cut flowers and foliage of Australian native plants	Dr Margaret Johnston	(07) 5460 1240	The University of Queensland
UWA-29A	Propogation and production of yellow bells (Geleznowia verrucosa)	Dr Julie Plummer	(08) 9380 1786	University of Western Australia

 

Project Title:	Wildflower Marketing Workshop
RIRDC Project No.:	AFP – 2A
Researcher:	Christine Horsman
Organisation:	Australian Flora and Protea Growers Association
Phone:	(08) 8389 3057
Fax:	(08) 8389 3057
Email:	tctv@bigpond.com
Objectives	To disseminate the information gained through the market research funded under project AFP – 1A, and to develop a plan for implementing the identified market strategies.
Background	In November 1999, the AFPGA, commissioned research into the domestic market for wildflowers. (RIRDC project AFP-1A). It aimed to find out consumers’ attitudes to wildflowers, and, based on that information, to identify strategies that would increase the market share for wildflowers.
Research	A group of 25 industry leaders from around Australia attended a one day strategic planning workshop, held in Melbourne in early May 2000. The group included representatives of grower organisations in all states, exporters, researchers, wholesalers and florists. Attendees were given a copy of the final report presented by Woolcott Research, prior to the workshop, so that they could discuss it with their peers. The workshop was facilitated by Dr Stuart de Jong MBA, who is a totally independent consultant. Topics discussed included industry fragmentation, the market image of wildflowers and the declining domestic market share for wildflowers. An industry SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) was carried out.
Outcomes	An industry vision, mission statement and objective were agreed. Three mechanisms for increasing exposure to target markets were identified – education of florists and consumers, preparation and continual presentation of promotional material, and improvement of the supply chain. A federal steering committee was elected to refine and prioritise the strategies, set targets and start implementing the plan formulated by the workshop.
Implications	The strategies identified give industry both short term and long term goals. They should serve to focus and co-ordinate the efforts and money which various groups currently have at their disposal. If groups work together, sharing the resources they have, duplication of effort should be avoided and florists and the public will receive consistent and frequent messages about wildflowers. This workshop served an important purpose, in that it brought together such a diversity of industry people, who shared their knowledge and opinions freely. With fragmentation identified as one of the industry’s main weaknesses, this is a big step in the right direction, with useful networks beginning to form. Of course, this is only a beginning, and there is still much work to be done.

 
 

Project Title	DOOR in the Australian Wildflower and Native Plants Industry
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-236A
Researcher:	Mal Hunter.
Organisation:	Queensland Department of Primary Industries Anova Solutions Pty. Ltd.
Phone:	(07) 3378 7525
Fax:	(07) 3378 7525
Objectives	· Assessing the feasibility of applying the Do Our Own Research (DOOR) approach to the Australian Wildflower and Protea Industries.
Background	Do Our Own Research (DOOR) is a concept of grower initiated, grower controlled, grower directed and grower conducted sound statistical research. Growers solve their own problems on their own property with a focus on ‘recipe’ research rather than creative research. ‘Recipe’ research involves fine tuning the levels of already identified inputs such as cultivars, fertilisers, irrigation, herbicides, growth control agents, etc. The concept has been endorsed by the Nursery Industry of Australia Association.
Research	The approach with wildflowers, that was piloted in Queensland and Western Australia, included growers’ and participants’ surveys, DOOR awareness presentations and 2 workshops for all participants, separated by 12-15 month period during which they were expected to be involved in their own research. The emphasis was on group autonomy (its own control and responsibility) with the allocation of a trainee DOOR consultant to each group for advice and support as necessary. Evaluation of the applicability of the concept was by way of performance assessment, completion of experiments, review and feedback from participants and consultants.
Outcomes	Useful statistically sound data was collected from 2 workshop experiments, 2 groups, 2 family operations and 1 operator in a total of 8 experiments. Results from some of these experiments provided important new industry information. While 27 people established experiments, only 18 saw their experiment through (38% of the 49 participants who started the course). Some of these are planning further experiments. A Compendium of 4 Research Recipes (soil amendments, cultivars, nitrogen and irrigation) has been developed. DOOR is applicable to well established and motivated wildflower growers who have had some experience in this sort of research. A better appreciation by all of the preferred roles, responsibilities and relationships of participants and consultants would have increased the number of participants completing the course. Research activities generally took far longer to complete than most participants expected.
Implications	The adoption and implementation of DOOR by the industry, in the conduct of ‘recipe’ research, will result in the generation and use of site specific information that will enhance the quality of crop management and profitability. Participating growers will develop a more critical approach to problem definition and problem solving that will impact positively on many of their management decisions.
Publications	Morris Cox (1999). Southern Protea Group’s DOOR project. In ‘NewFlowers, Products and Technologies’. 5th Australian Wildflower Conference, 14-17 April. David Hockings (1999). DOOR project: nematode control. In ‘NewFlowers, Products and Technologies’. 5th Australian Wildflower Conference, 14-17 April.

Project Title	Enhancement strategy for the Agrilink kit ‘Should I grow wildflowers?’
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-238A
Researcher:	Cynthia Carson
Organisation:	Centre for Amenity and Environmental Horticulture PO Box 327 CLEVELAND Q'LD 4163
Phone:	(07) 3286 1488
Fax: Email:	(07) 3286 3094 carsonc@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	To produce a user-friendly information book for intending wildflower growers, enhanced by the participation of four experienced wildflower growers from four different districts: Far North Queensland, Central Queensland and two areas in South East Queensland
Background	The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Queensland has released a series of Agrilink kits on fruit and vegetable crops. The Agrilink concept was a DPI initiative to provide information that is closely aligned with the way primary producers prefer to access it. The structure and format of the kits assist in ease of access to information and it's use. In 1998, the DPI committed a major investment of resources and staff to develop a kit for the Queensland wildflower industry. In the same year RIRDC provided $2 500 to broaden the scope of the kit to involve four experienced growers representative of different regional areas and sectors of the wildflower industry within Queensland.
Research	From the 29th April to 1st May 1998, an information gathering workshop was conducted to put together the framework and much of the content of the publication "Should I grow wildflowers?" Present at the workshop were four growers and six DPI staff. Expenses for the growers [from Jandowae (Southern Queensland), Gatton (SouthEast Queensland), Emerald (Central Queensland) and Mareeba (Far North Queensland)] to travel to and from the workshop were provided by RIRDC. Subsequently, the Project Leader (coordinating author) added to the initial framework, circulated drafts to all authors, collected photographs, amalgamated and reconciled the drafts and performed technical editing functions in preparation for printing.
Outcomes	One thousand copies of Should I Grow Wildflowers? were printed in June 2000. The book is 140 pages long and has 22 colour pages on 20 different crops. It provides quality information that is easy to use, up-to-date and comprehensive. It guides new and potential commercial cut flower or foliage producers of Australian native flora and South African Proteaceae through the important elements to consider before getting started¾ including site selection and crop choice, planting, the equipment and labour needed and marketing. Sufficient detail is provided to enable growers to make an informed decision as to whether they wish to enter the industry. The book also features six sample budgets, a directory of key industry contacts, references for further information and an index. The work of the four consultant growers was crucial to gaining a balanced perspective on suitable crops, regional issues and the viewpoint of new and intending entrants into the wildflower industry. The DPI is gearing up for an advertising campaign for the book commencing in late July. It will target flower grower groups, exporters and industry magazines. In addition, press releases will be sent to rural newspapers throughout Queensland. Three thousand colour fliers are to be produced. The book will retail at $65 plus $6.50 GST plus $5.00 postage.
Implications	The involvement of growers in the development of Should I Grow Wildflowers? has increased the relevance of this Queensland-based product to other states of Australia. Co-operation from inter-state crop specialists was excellent. There is strong potential to involve other research and development providers and growers in other areas of Australia in formulating a product relevant to the national industry.
Publications	"Should I grow wildflowers?" (2000), Carson, C., Beal, P., Young, K., Turnbull, L., Forsberg, L., McMah, A., Sullivan, G. and Doull, S., Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane, Australia.

Project Title:	Integrated management of Elsinoe scab of Proteacea
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-116A
Researcher:	Angelika Ziehrl, Gordon Berg, Ian Pascoe and Ian J. Porter
Organisation:	Institute for Horticultural Development Private Bag 15 SOUTH EASTERN MAIL CENTRE VIC 3176.
Phone:	(03) 9210 9222
Fax:	(03) 9800 3521
Email:	Angelika.Ziehrl@nre.vic.gov.au; Gordon.Berg@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· To limit the spread of disease from nursery stock and infested sites  · To improve efficacy of control strategies · To gain a better understanding of the biology and epidemiology of the disease · To determine key factors associated with infection and disease development · To develop an integrated control program for Elsinoe scab of cut flower Proteaceae
Background	A 1994/5 RIRDC study on the incidence and economic impact of Elsinoe scab (Pascoe, Ziehrl and Porter 1995) found that Elsinoe scab was rated by survey respondents from both plantations and nurseries as the most important disease of cut flower Proteaceae. Loss of production, crop re-establishment and disease control, were determined to be costing the industry in excess of $600,000 per annum.
Research	This research investigated problems and practices associated with control of the disease, developed new research methods for conducting trials, studied the susceptibility to the disease of a number of South African and Australian native varieties and selections and the efficacy of fungicides. Research undertaken also included studies on the biology and epidemiology of the disease including field, glasshouse and laboratory trials and surveys.
Outcomes	Better understanding of: · Australian isolates of Elsinoe spp. and the susceptibility of cultivars and selections of Proteaceae, Banksia and Dryandra spp. to these. § Seasonal occurrence of the disease. § Prevalence of the disease in nurseries and factors influencing this. § Management and environmental factors affecting disease development. § Fungicidal efficacy and IPM strategies.
Implications	This project has investigated and proposed better strategies for Integrated Management of Elsinoe in Proteaceae. It has demonstrated that Proteaceae hosts can carry Elsinoe without showing symptoms. Development of nursery hygiene programs may help reduce disease spread. Also, since some Australian native Proteaceae were able to be infected with Elsinoe spp. isolated from South African varieties, and therefore have the ability to harbour the disease, a broad review of plant hygiene and distribution practices within the Australian Protea and Wildflower industries may be warranted.
Publications	Ziehrl, A., Pascoe, I. and Porter, I. J. (1995). Incidence and economic impact of Elsinoe scab of cut flower Proteaceae in Australia. Journal of the International Protea Association. 29:18-21. Ziehrl A., Pascoe I. and Porter I. (1996). Elsinoe scab on South African Proteaceae: What the researchers know. Australian Horticulture. 94:1, 58-61 Pascoe, I., Ziehrl, A. and Porter, I. J. (1995). Incidence and economic impact of Elsinoe scab of cut flower Proteaceae in Australia. 10th Biennial Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference. Lincoln. New Zealand.  Ziehrl, A. (1996). Elsinoe project update. 11th annual Australian Flora and Protea Growers Association conference. Ziehrl, A. and Berg, G. (1997). Elsinoe research update. 12th annual Australian Flora and Protea Growers Association conference.  Ziehrl, A., Pascoe, I., Hepworth, G. and Berg, G. (1999). Susceptibility of Proteaceae in Australia to Elsinoe spp. 5th annual Australian Wildflower Conference.

Project Title	Improved fumigation techniques for postharvest disinfestation of wildflowers for export
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-149A
Researcher:	Peter Williams
Organisation:	Institute for Horticultural Development Private Bag 15 SOUTH EASTERN MAIL CENTRE VIC 3176.
Phone:	(03) 9210 9222
Fax:	(03) 9800 3521
Objectives	· To modify a new fumigation technique using phosphine to reduce treatment time to less than 16 hours. · To ensure treatments provide effective control of insects without damage to flowers and to extend the range of pests and flowers tested.
Background	Exports of cut flowers are expanding; the value of exports from Victoria in 1998/99 was $7.6 million, a 25% increase from 1997/98. Detection of live insects in flowers results in downgrading or rejection. Methyl bromide is generally used for control of problem pests, but it damages some flowers. Also it is an ozone-depletor and its use is being restricted by international agreement. A previous project supported by RIRDC identified phosphine as a potential alternative and developed a schedule for fumigation of wildflowers with Phosfumeâ (renamed ECO2FUMEâ ), a cylinder gas formulation of phosphine. This project aimed to improve the fumigation schedule, extend the range of insects and wildflowers tested, and assist the manufacturer, BOC Gases, in registering the product.
Research	Fumigation schedules were tested in a 27 m3 modified shipping container. Combinations of Pestigas® (pyrethrum with CO2 as a carrier gas) and ECO2FUMEâ (phosphine with CO2 as a carrier gas) were used with exposure times of 13 and 15 hours. Additional CO2 was added in fumigations with exposure times of 8 and 13hours. A wide range of cut flowers could be fumigated with any of the schedules tested without their marketability being impaired. Most tests involving combinations of Pestigas® and ECO2FUMEâ with 15 hours exposure. Some insects survived treatment with this gas combination for 13 hours but most were killed in 15 hours. When additional CO2 was introduced 8 hour exposure failed to kill all insects but 13 hour treatment was effective.
Outcomes	ECO2FUMEâ is now registered for fumigation of cut flowers. It can be applied alone to give a phosphine concentration of 700ppm or in combination with Pestigas®, in which case the phosphine concentration can be reduced. The exposure period is 15 hours at a minimum temperature of 15oC.This project has contributed to registration of an exposure period of 15 rather than 16 hours and has demonstrated potential for a reduction to 13 hours if additional carbon dioxide is applied. Numbers of species of insects controlled and flowers suitable for fumigation have been extended. Flowers for export are now fumigated with ECO2FUMEâ at Ausflora Pacific Pty. Ltd., Gembrook, Victoria.
Implications	Fumigation of cut flowers with ECO2FUMEâ provides a useful alternative to methyl bromide for control of a range of insect pests. ECO2FUMEâ has handling advantages compared with solid phosphine generating formulations, which take time to generate phosphine and leave residues, which must be disposed of after fumigation. These advantages give ECO2FUMEâ the potential for use on other horticultural produce.
Publications	Williams, P. 1999. Fumigating wildflowers for export. Ornamentals Update 14: 1, 17. Williams, P. and Muhunthan, M. 1998. Phosphine for postharvest control of insect pests of horticultural produce. Proc. 6th Aust. Appl. Ent. Res. Conf., Brisbane 1998, 353. Williams, P. and Muhunthan, M. 1999. Phosphine for postharvest control of insect pests of wildflowers. Proc.5th Aust Wildflower Conf. Melbourne 1999, 160. Williams, P. and Muhunthan, M. 1999. Postharvest control of insect pests of flowers and fruit using phosphine. Proc. Aust. Postharvest Hort. Conf., Waitangi, New Zealand, 20.

 
 

Project Title	5th National Workshop for Australian Wildflowers
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-151A
Researcher:	Anthony T Slater and John D Faragher
Organisation:	Department of Agriculture Victoria Private Bag 15 SOUTH EAST MAIL CENTRE VIC 3176
Phone:	(03) 9210 9222
Fax:	(03) 9800 3521
Objectives	· To organise and run a Conference for members of the wildflower industry that has a practical content that will be of interest to members of the industry
Background	The 5th Australian Wildflower Conference was held in Melbourne from the 14-17th April 1999. The previous workshops and conferences that had been held were in: Perth 1982 - The production and marketing of Australian wildflowers for export Perth 1989 - The production and marketing of Australian Flora Gatton 1994 - 1994 National workshop for Australian native flowers Perth 1996 - 4th National workshop for Australian native flowers At the 1996 conference in Perth, Victoria offered to host the 5th Conference in Melbourne to coincide with the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. The two previous conferences had attracted close to two hundred registrants. These registrants included growers, exporters, wholesalers, florists, R&D providers, and members of the nursery and other allied industries.
Research  Outcomes	The Conference adopted the theme ‘New Flowers, Products and Technologies’, which was reflected in the speaker’s program. The conference contained 53 presentations in the Speaker program and 13 posters. The presentations were published in a Book of Proceedings, that was distributed at the Conference. The Conference was attended by 198 delegates, including 17 International delegates.
Implications	The Conference is a very important tool for the industry Australia wide. It provided an opportunity for members of the industry from all States of Australia to discuss new flowers, postharvest issues, Quality Assurance, Plant Breeders Rights and Intellectual Property. The professionalism of the Conference is an example of the maturity and growth in professionalism of the industry. The Conference also highlighted the need for industry investment for research and development, and for growers to increase their size to supply marketable amounts of product.
Publications	Book of proceedings. 5th Australian Wildflower Conference 14-17 April 1999. Melbourne. A few copies are still available for sale from Tony Slater.

 
 

Project Title	Development of a flannel flower production system
RIRDC Project No.:	RBG-2A
Researcher:	Catherine Offord
Organisation:	Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Mount Annan Botanic Garden
Phone:	(02) 4648 2477
Fax:	(02) 4648 2465
Objectives	To investigate systems for flannel flower cut-flower production by evaluating varieties at different sites around Australia.
Background	Flannel flowers are sought after as focal filler cut flowers. At present the export market is supplied by only a few growers and the domestic product is almost exclusively bush-harvested. Basic propagation and cultivation methods were investigated in a previous report by the authors. This current project investigates the factors involved in cultivation of the flannel flowers at different sites using a range of selections. It identifies field production requirements and areas for further development.
Research	Trials were conducted on 19 sites around Australia. The sites were chosen to give the greatest geographic range and management styles. Plants of different flannel flower varieties were sent to each site where they were planted by the grower. The plants were assessed for survival and growth characteristics including the number of saleable stems (> 40 cm long). Soil characteristics, aspect, soil preparation, fertiliser regime, irrigation and other site or management aspects were also recorded.
Outcomes	Areas where flannel flowers may be grown were identified. The most important factors affecting plant growth were wind protection, weed competition, fertiliser, frost protection, time of planting and cultivar. Plants can be established in Spring or Autumn in northerly regions but only in Spring in the south. One cultivar performed better at most sites although there is scope to further investigate genotype by site interactions to maximise production for the export market and ensure a greater spread of supply times.
Implications	Flannel flowers can be grown in wider geographical area than they had previously been grown (mainly confined to the east coast of Australia). This means that the industry can develop further and supply to export market in greater numbers. The establishment of basic growing conditions means that these can be further refined by the industry. Supply of planting material remains a problem and the industry needs to develop a cost effective production method.
Publications	Bullock, S., Summerell, B.A. and von Richter, L. (1998). First record of vascular wilt of Flannel flower caused by Fusarium oxysporum. Australasian Plant Pathology 27: 49-50. Offord, C.A. and Tyler, J.L. (1993b). Propagation and cultivation of Flannel Flower. In ‘Proceedings of the 17th Biennial Seminar, Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants’. 7pp. (Macquarie University). Offord, C.A. (1994). The horticultural potential of Flannel Flowers. In ‘Proceedings III National Workshop for Australian Native Flowers’. 5 pp. (Gatton College).     Offord, C.A. and Tyler, J.L. (1993). Flannel Flowers have a promising future. Australian Horticulture 91(12): 50-52. Offord, C.A. and Tyler, J.L. (1996). Flannel Flowers. In ‘Horticulture of Australian Plants’, (Eds M. Burchett and K. Johnston). pp. 212-217. (UNSW Press: Sydney). Tyler, J. von Richter, L. and Offord, C. (1999). Flannel flowers. RBG Horticultural Research Fact Sheet No 3, 2 pages. von Richter, L. and Offord, C.A. (1996). Flannel Flowers as cut-flowers. In ‘Proceedings IV National Workshop for Australian Native Flowers’. pp. 253-258. (University of Western Australia). von Richter, L.V. and Offord, C.A. (1997a). Flannel flowers put to the test. Australian Horticulture 95(8): 35 -37. von Richter, L.V. and Offord, C.A. (1997b). Flannel flowers go national. Flower Link 15(169): 24-27. von Richter, L.V. and Offord, C.A. (1997c). Development of Flannel Flowers as cut flowers. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Final report RBG-1A. (http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm#Wildflowers_Native_Plants) von Richter, L. and Offord, C. (1998a). Flannel flowers. In ‘the New Rural Industries, A Handbook for Farmers and Investors’. (Ed K. W. Hyde). pp. 505-511. (Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation: Canberra). von Richter, L and Offord, C. (1998b). Propagation of Flannel flowers. Combined Proceedings of the International Plant Propagators Society. 47: 71-73. von Richter, L.V. and Offord, C.A. (1999). Factors affecting field performance of flannel flowers. 5th Australian Wildflower Conference, 14-17 April 1999 Carlton Crest hotel, Melbourne pp 124-125.

 
 

Project Title	Micropropagation of the Gymea Lily
RIRDC Project No.:	SMA-1A
Researcher:	Jeremy Smith
Organisation:	The Wildflower Farm, Somersby
Phone:	(02) 4372 1393
Fax:	(02) 4372 1774 wffsomersby@ozemail.com.au
Objectives	To investigate a propagation method that may assist in the early maturation and potential precocious flowering of Doryanthes excelsa by developing a series of protocols that utilises sections of immature floral tissues as source material for tissue culturing. It is expected that this method will allow for commercialisation of this unusual Australian monocot to proceed and therefore eliminate the need to harvest this unique cutflower from the wild.
Background	The interest in D. excelsa as a cutflower and foliage and for amenity horticulture, both for domestic and export sales has been steadily increasing in recent years. This species has a restricted distribution, which has serious ecological implications as all cutflower material is harvested from wild populations. It is essential that appropriate in vitro propagation methods be determined to expedite the introduction to cultivation. Successful micropropagation outcomes will be of major benefit to the floriculture industry making bush harvesting unnecessary thus greatly assisting in the conservation of this unique Australian plant.
Research	Tissue culture of Australian arborescent monocotyledons is not widely reported in the literature and this is the first recorded study outlining micropropagation procedures for Doryanthes excelsa as an important horticultural subject. Research presented in this report outlines the development of micropropagation protocols for culture induction of D. excelsa. This study has shed some light on the control of deleterious phenolic reactions (blackening of tissues) in explant tissues, derived an appropriate sterilisation procedure for commencement of tissue culturing and identified tissue types from immature flowering stems most likely to result in successful regeneration. This study also examined vast combinations of plant growth hormones to determine which concentrations are likely to provide successful organogenesis.
Outcomes	This in vitro study on D. excelsa ran for 32 weeks and it is assumed, given the range and concentrations of growth regulators tested, longer incubation time is required to achieve the objectives set at the commencement of the project. Furthermore, it is postulated that the lack of response in explants exposed to medium and high concentrations of hormones, reported to give organogenesis in related species, may be an effect of endogenous gibberellins contained in immature floral tissues.
Implications	The derivation of micropropagation protocols to assist in the early maturation and potentially lead to precocious flowering in Doryanthes excelsa has enormous implications for commercial cutflower production as it is reported to take 10 years or longer for this giant monocot to develop its first flower. Further experimental work and manipulation of tissues with various plant hormones are imperative for improving the likelihood of in vitro success in this unique monocotgiven the results obtained from previous research in related monocotyledonous genera. From this study it is clear that the lack of in vitro responses of D. excelsa when compared to in vitro growth in taxa of closely related families indicate the equally unique attributes this species has under in vitro conditions.

Project Title	Uptake preservation of cutflowers and foliage of Australian native plants
RIRDC Project No.:	UQ-53A
Researcher:	Dr Margaret Johnston
Organisation:	The University of Queensland Gatton
Phone  Fax:	(07) 5460 1240 (07) 5460 1455
Email: Internet:	M.Johnston@mailbox.uq.edu.au http://www.aghort.uq.edu.au
Objectives	This project aims to improve chemical uptake of a range of Australian plant materials through determining:   · The various methods used by industry for preservation (survey) · The influence of plant and environmental factors on the uptake and distribution of preservatives · The range of chemicals to preserve (humectants and adjuvants) and colour plant materials The interaction between preservative solutions and the environment (storage or display).
Background	The dried and preserved flowers export and domestic sales were valued at A$6.2 and A$2 million per annum in 1994 (Karingal Consultants 1994) and according to this review "every effort should be made to expand this market, particularly by the development of improved preservation technology". Hence, this research was undertaken to improve the quality of dried and preserved products processed by uptake preservation methods.
Research	Experiments were carried out to study the influence of plant anatomical and morphological characteristics on uptake of solutions. In addition, the influenceof simple modifications to the processing environment on solution uptake was studied. Experiments investigated the effect of humectant type, adjuvants and plant growth regulators on solution uptake. Methods of maintaining quality during storage and display were devised and evaluated.
Outcomes	To maximise outturn quality fresh plant tissues are required and the time between harvest and preservation needs to be minimised (less than 12 h). Simple modifications to the environment in the processing area will results in more rapid and uniform uptake of preservative solutions and improved outturn quality of preserved products. Glycerol was found to be an appropriate humectant for all species while polyethylene glycol was not (at the concentrations tested). Commercial adjuvants and plant growth regulators did not improve uptake of glycerol solutions in this study. Processors need to consider the environmental conditions during processing and storage, as preserved stems are susceptible to high or low relative humidities. Adoption of the equilibrium relative humidity test could determine the suitability of the product to the environmental conditions of the consumers display area or be used to refine the preservation process.
Implications	Minor modifications to current practices can add to the efficiencies of the process,and significantly improve outturn quality of these flowers and foliage and should ultimately result in better economic returns for industry.

 
 

Publications

Bhandari, B. (1997). Physio-chemical properties of humectants. Proceedings of a workshop on preservation of cut flowers and foliage of Australian native plants. The University of Queensland Gatton College. pp 3-8. Johnston, M. (1997). Uptake preservation of Australian plant material. Proceedings of a workshop on preservation of cut flowers and foliage of Australian native plants. The University of Queensland Gatton College. pp 9-12. Johnston, M.E., Joyce, D., Bhandari, B., Moncada, N., and Vuthapanich, S. (1999). Effects of different relative humidities and packaging treatments on the outturn quality of glycerined Stenanthemum cut flowers. New Flowers, Products and Technologies. Fifth Australian Wildflower Conference, Melbourne.pp. 91-94. Joyce, D. (1997). Equilibium relative humidity test applied to quality assurance for ornamental plant material preserved with humectants. Proceedings of a workshop on preservation of cut flowers and foliage of Australian native plants. The University of Queensland Gatton College. pp 25-33. Joyce, D. (1998). Dried and preserved ornamental plant material: not new, but often overlooked and underrated. Acta Horticulturae 454:133-145. Moncada, N., Vuthapanich, S., Joyce D.C., Johnston, M.E., and Bhandari, B.(1997). Respiration of cut Eucalyptus robusta and E. tetragona foliage during uptake preservation with glycerol. Proceedings of the Australasian Postharvest Conference. Moncada, N. (1997). Environmental effects on the uptake of preservation solution. Proceedings of a workshop on preservation of cut flowers and foliage of Australian native plants. The University of Queensland Gatton College. pp 13-17. Zucon, J. (1997). Foliage preservation using immersion technology. Proceedings of a workshop on preservation of cut flowers and foliage of Australian native plants. The University of Queensland Gatton College. pp 18-24.

 
 

Project Title	Propogation and production of yellow bells (Geleznowia verrucosa)
RIRDC Project No.:	UWA-29A
Researcher:	Dr Julie A Plummer
Organisation:	University of Western Australia Faculty of Agriculture NEDLANDS WA 6907
Phone:	(08) 9380 1786
Fax:	(08) 9380 1108
Objectives	· To develop a new floricultural for export of high quality flowers to the demanding markets of Asia and Europe · To locate and sample the genetic variance within Geleznowia verrucosa · To improve the rate and uniformity of germination of smoke-treated seed · To improve seedling establishment, and develop commercial production · To develop postharvest procedures for fresh material · To assess and expand markets in Australia, Asia, Europe and the USA
Background	Geleznowia verrucosa produce spectacular clusters of bright yellow flowers are they are used a feature filler. Yellow bells have long been bush picked and they consistently demand a premium of 40-80% over other bush-picked flowers. The season is short and lasts only 4-5 weeks with approximately 50,000 stems/week available. Quality from bush picked material is variable. Exporters estimate that with better quality and supply, sales of 500,000 stems/week should be feasible.
Research	Treatment and environmental requirements for optimum seed germination were established. Specimens from the range of types and populations within G. verrucosa were grown and their growth habit, flowering time and flower quality were monitored under cultivated conditions. Two floricultural forms were superior. The effect of planting density and pruning on plant survival, growth and yield were investigated. The influence of flower development, chemical treatment and temperature on flower vase life was examined. Barriers preventing access to American and Japanese markets were determined.
Outcomes	Seed orchards for two forms have been established. Harvested seed has been distributed to growers. Planting density, pruning regimes, irrigation and fertiliser requirements have been determined. Postharvest handling procedures have been developed. Procedures to overcome barriers to market access have been developed for Japan, the process has commenced for access to the USA.
Implications	Production of fresh flowering stems of Geleznowia verrucosa will provide a profitable alternative to current crops. Access to Japan appears available.
Publications	Brennan RF, Crowhurst AM and Webb MG 1998. The growth of Yellow Bells (Geleznowia verrucosa) seedlings in response to additions of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous fertiliser. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 38: 385-390. Plummer JA, Crawford A, Watkins P, Growns D and Hall DG 2000. Taming Yellow Bells: Floricultural diversity within Glelznowia verrucosa (Rutaceae). Acta Horticulture (in press).

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