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

2.8 WILDFLOWERS AND NATIVE PLANTS RESEARCH IN PROGRESS
PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
BAF-1A	Delivering industry a significantly superior double flowering wax by reducing propagation difficulties	Mr George Lullfitz	(08) 9405 1607	Boutique Australian Flora
BAF-2A	Development of Boronia heterphylla for improved commercial application	Mr George Lullfitz	(08) 9405 1607	Boutique Australian Flora
BAF-3A	Development of scholtzia for improved commercial application	Mr George Lullfitz	(08) 9405 1607	Boutique Australian Flora
CCR-1A	Flower 2000 Australian Flower Conference	Professor Les Eastcott	(02) 4323 9587	Central Coast Regional Development Corporation Inc.
DAN-181A	Grafting Eriostemon australasius	Mr Jonathan Lidbetter	(02) 4348 1931	NSW Department of Agriculture
DAQ-262A	Identify and evaluate the commercial potential for new foliage and cutflower species from north Queensland	Mr Michael Daysh	(07) 4044 1613	Department of Primary Industries – Qld
DAS-45A	Varietal development and disease management of Ixodia achillaeoides for cutflower production	Ms Gail Barth	(08) 8303 9580	South Australian Research and Development Institute
DAV-141A	Developing Leptospermum species as an export cutflower crop	Mr Tony Slater	(03) 9210 9222	Department of Natural Resources and Environment
DAV-161A	Postharvest protocols to increase numbers of exportable Australian wildflower species	Dr Virginia Williamson	(03) 9210 9222	Department of Natural Resources and Environment
DAW-76A	The selection propagation and cultivation of golden cascade (Corynanthera flava) for cutflower production	Mr Neville Burton Dr Kevin Seaton	(08) 9368 3220 (08) 9368 3244	Agriculture Western Australia
DAW-89A	Cultivation of blue smokebush (Conospermum spp.) for cutflower production	Dr Kevin Seaton	(08) 9368 3244	Agriculture Western Australia
FEC-3A	Reprint and update of the ‘Australian Flowers’ identification catalogue	Mr Drew King	(03) 9258 6139	Flower Export Council of Australia Inc. (FECA)
UA-52A	Production and postharvest handling of eucalypt bud and flower lines	Professor Margaret Sedgley	(08) 8303 7249	The University of Adelaide
UWA-35A	Development of new and improved cut flower cultivars through selection and sexual hybridisation within the Chamelaucium alliance	Dr Guijun Yan	(08) 9380 1240	University of Western Australia
UWA-46A	Breeding off-season Leucadendron varieties through interspecific hybridisation	Dr Guijun Yan	(08) 9380 1240	University of Western Australia

Project Title	Delivering industry a significantly superior double flowering wax by reducing propagation difficulties
RIRDC Project No.:	BAF-1A
Start Date:	21/06/99
Finish Date:	30/05/00
Researcher:	Mr. George Lullfitz
Organisation:	Boutique Australian Flora PO Box 34 WANNEROO WA 6065
Phone:	(08) 9405 1607
Fax:	(08) 9306 2933
Objectives	· Increased propagation success rate of superior double flowering wax, thereby enabling more cost efficient multiplication of plants for industry. · Improved documentation of propagation techniques for this unique variety of wax. · Industry focused commercialisation of a superior double flowering existing waxflower. · Improved quality and extended flowering and marketing timeframes for waxflower products utilised by the Floriculture Industry.
Current Progress	Waxflower, Chamelaucium uncinatum accounts for a large proportion of the native plant flower exports from Australia. A new variety of wax has been discovered and developed. This variety is new and unique. When available commercially will provide a different type of waxflower having double flowers. The normal vegetative propagation technique for waxes is by cuttings. The success rate in the propagation of the different varieties of wax varies considerably depending on the environmental conditions, type of vegetative material used and the clone. The success rate for the double flowering wax is low under normal conditions compared to other varieties such as 'Purple Pride'. The purpose of this short project was to investigate means of increasing the success rate in propagation. Trials have been undertaken using different vegetative material, propagation media and plant growth regulator treatments. Also, the plant has been initiated into tissue culture to investigate another option for propagation.

Project Title	Development of Boronia heterophylla for improved commercial application
RIRDC Project No.:	BAF-2A
Start Date:	1/10/99
Finish Date:	30/09/02
Researcher:	Mr. George Lullfitz
Organisation:	Boutique Australian Flora PO Box 34 WANNEROO WA 6065
Phone:	(08) 9405 1607
Fax:	(08) 9306 2933
Objectives	· To provide a series of clones of Boronia heterophylla which have been developed and exhibit a wide range of flowering times (earlier/later) and flowering habit. This will enable growers and exporters to supply the flower market with this sought after and well established product with more continuity. · These improved clones would be produced as outcomes of the program involving: · Evaluating and refining existing selected clones of Boronia heterpohylla · Establishing a selection program utilising the existing selections as source parent material.
Current Progress	Boronia heterophylla has been grown for the cut flower market for many years. Supplies have been sourced from natural and cultivated stands until recently when picking from natural stands has been terminated by government intervention. The existing time over which the flowers are available is short. It is important to develop a range of new clones which provide a wider range of flowering times thereby enabling the market to be supplied over a longer over a longer period of time. This would provide benefits to both the grower and the market. Additionally it is desirable that plants be developed which display less shoot grow through and better location of flowers. This project will assess a range of selected clones of Boronia heterophylla to develop suitable propagation regimes to multiply, trial and evaluate them for their flowering times and growth habit. Currently several clones are being propagated so that they can evaluated in field trials.

 

Project Title	Development of scholtzia for improved commercial application
RIRDC Project No.:	BAF-3A
Start Date:	1/10/99
Finish Date:	30/09/02
Researcher:	Mr. George Lullfitz
Organisation:	Boutique Australian Flora PO Box 34 WANNEROO WA 6065
Phone:	(08) 9405 1607
Fax:	(08) 9306 2933
Objectives	· To formally assess and deliver to industry a range of improved Scholtzia involucrata varieties from the existing plants along with the cultural information required for the commercial application in the Australian Floriculture Industry. · The subsequent release will secure the market position of the species by extending the present supply period and improve product quality. This will relieve the environmental pressures and market supply uncertainty of 'bushpicking'. · To establish an ongoing selection program utilising the superior genetic material and to continue to develop new varieties for improved commercial application.
Current Progress	Scholtzia involucrata forms a significant part of the market share for export cut flowers from Australia. Flowers are supplied over the summer period following on from the major cut flower crop waxflower. It is important to introduce Scholtzia involucrata into cultivation for several reasons. Firstly, to relieve the pressure on the natural environment by harvesting natural bush stands. Next, provision of superior selected varieties from which continuity of supply can be maintained, not available when harvested from natural stands. Finally, to provide varieties which flower over a longer period of time. This is important for the producer and market since it spreads the product over a longer period. This project will assess a range of selected clones of Scholtzia involucrata for their suitability for market and production requirements. Currently several clones are being propagated for field trials.

Project Title	Flower 2000 Australian Flower Conference
RIRDC Project No.:	CCR-1A
Start Date:	26/08/99
Finish Date:	30/09/00
Researcher:	Prof. Les Eastcott
Organisation:	Central Coast Regional Development Corporation Inc University of Newcastle PO Box 127 OURIMBAH NSW 2257
Phone:	(02) 4323 9587
Fax:	(02) 4324 5134
Email:	ire@mail.newcastle.edu.au
Objectives	· A better informed and educated industry which has access to world wide trends and the latest technology, R&D initiatives and industry advancements.
Current Progress	The second and final Conference brochure will be available in early June. From the previous first announcement, over 100 participants have already pre-registered for the Conference.  A comprehensive program has been prepared, with acceptances received from 65 Australian and International speakers. The Research and Development Program provides an opportunity for researchers to meet and be updated on current R&D projects in floriculture being undertaken by universities, state Departments of Agriculture, CSIRO, Botanic Gardens and others. Speakers include Professor Mike Parrella from the University of California presenting a paper on Funding Floriculture R&D in the USA, Professor John Considine from the University of Western Australia who will provide an insight into International Models for Funding R&D, and Dr Peter Chudleigh from Agtrans Research outlining the costs and benefits of Horticultural R&D. A panel representing major industry research corporations and growers will also analyse the success to date of the floriculture R&D industry The program also offers sessions for Post Harvest, Crop Production, Marketing, Traditional Flowers and Australian Natives and Proteas.

Project Title	Grafting Eriostemon australasius
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-181A
Start Date:	23/06/99
Finish Date:	30/05/02
Researcher:	Mr. Jonathon Lidbetter
Organisation:	NSW Department of Agriculture Locked Bag 21 ORANGE NSW 2800
Phone:	(02) 4348 1931
Fax:	(02) 4348 1910
Email:	jonathan.lidbetter@agric.nsw.gov.au
Objectives	· To develop Eriostemon australisius as a cutflower crop with superior selections extending the flowering season and site suitability to include heavier soil types. This project aims to: · Bring a range of E.australasius selections into commercial production on suitable root stocks · Overcome the difficulty of propagating superior cut-flower forms and field survival problems · And shorten the lead time in developing cultivated eriostemon as a major domestic and export crop.
Current Progress	Five natural populations of Eriostemon australasius have been surveyed for sources of elite clonal material. Significant variation was found in petal colour, petal width, flower diameter, leaf size and plant vigour. Flower colour ranged from pure white to deep pink (RHS 73D) and mauve (81C), flower diameter ranged between 25 and 39mm and petal width from 5 to 11mm. Unusual variants included semi doubles and unusual flecked forms. Thirty varieties with desirable characteristics have been identified. Of these eleven varieties have been successfully established in tissue culture. Over 800 seedlings of E. australasius have been germinated in the nursery for grafting trials. Preliminary trials indicate that scion material collected direct from wild populations can be successfully grafted onto these seedlings. Similarly, tissue cultured material has been grafted directly onto seedlings with a success rate of over 80%. These techniques allow for the establishment of mother stock material to provide shoots for future grafting. Grafting trials to assess compatibility have commenced using a commercial form of E. australasius as scion material and hardy species from three closely related genera as rootstocks. These rootstocks and scions have been joined using three grafting techniques and three methods to prevent scions desiccating. To date, each rootstock and treatment combination have been successful to varying degrees.

 
 

Project Title	Identify and evaluate the commercial potential for new foliage and cutflower species form north Queensland
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-262A
Start Date:	1/09/99
Finish Date:	30/11/02
Researcher:	Mr. Michael Daysh
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) Queensland Horticulture Institute PO Box 652 CAIRNS QLD 4870
Phone:	(07) 4044 1613
Fax:	(07) 4035 5474
Email:	dayshm@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· The identification of the export potential of a range of new foliage and cutflower species native to north Queensland. · Establish propagation, establishment, agronomic and postharvest requirements for new species. · Determine preliminary compatibility for production in other regions in Australia
Current Progress	A market review of twenty-seven species of north Queensland native plants was completed in December 1999. Flower exporters from across Australia participated in the review and indicated many of the species had market potential.  Eighteen species that consistently rated highly were selected to proceed to propagation, cultivation, postharvest and further market evaluations. The seventeen species include five species for flower production and thirteen for foliage production.  The initial screening of postharvest vaselife of the species is in progress with the preliminary evaluation of one flower species being completed and the foliage species underway. Propagation trials are in progress at Yuruga Nursery. Demonstration site holders are currently being identified and demonstration sites will be established in May.

Project Title	Varietal development and disease management of Ixodia achillaeoides for cutflower production
RIRDC Project No.:	DAS-45A
Start Date:	31/07/95
Finish Date:	30/09/00
Researcher:	Ms. Gail Barth
Organisation:	South Australian Research and Development Institute GPO Box 397 ADELAIDE SA 5001
Phone:	(08) 8303 9580
Fax:	(08) 8303 9424
Email:	barth.gail@saugov.sa.gov.au
Objectives	· To increase the production levels of Ixodia daisy for export markets by overcoming production based problems currently limiting uptake and expansion of this crop.
Current Progress	Data was analysed for sixty varieties grown at Lenswood Research Centre over a three year period. Selection of superior varieties has been made based on performance in our assessment trials, appearance and market acceptability based on grower survey. These selected varieties were established in blocks as standard self supporting bushes and also utilising flower support systems. Yield comparisons have been made between cultivation methods. Flower and stem data has been collected and analysed for preliminary PBR comparator trials. Poorly performing varieties have been removed from the stock plant inventory and assessment program.. An additional fifty-two varieties ( new collections, seedlings and progeny from our controlled crossing program ) were harvested for either their first or second year yield and stem length data. 300 seedlings have being assessed in pot culture in the shadehouse utilising daylength and temperature manipulation in growth rooms to initiate flowering out of season. Selections from this group will be field planted this November next to selected progeny from earlier crosses which will be assessed starting Nov 2000. The results of the phytophthora control trials involving 2 field inoculations were evaluated after 18 months. Foli-R-Fos was the most effective residual fungicide tested and a recommendation program has been drawn involving a combination of fungicides for most effective management of phytophthora established in ixodia plantings. Preliminary discussions were held with industry members in relation to commercialisation of varieties.

Project Title	Developing Leptospermum species as an export cutflower crop
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-141A
Start Date:	1/07/97
Finish Date:	30/06/01
Researcher:	Mr. Tony Slater
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources & Environment Institute of Horticultural Development Private Bag 15 SOUTH EASTERN MAIL CENTRE VIC 3176
Phone:	(03) 9210 9222
Fax:	(03) 9800 3521
Email:	slatert@knoxy.agvic.gov.au
Objectives	· To develop a range of Leptospermum species with long vase life, novel colour forms and varying flowering times for release as a new cut flower crop for export.
Current Progress	Leptospermum species and cultivars have been collected from commercial sources, Botanic Gardens and natural populations. Material has been obtained from all States (except SA), and we have obtained 245 selections. The reproductive biology of Leptospermum flowers has been examined, and a breeding program established. This work has established techniques for successful hybridisation and the advancement of seed germination. This breeding program is designed to increase the colour range of flowers available that have good vase life, over an extended season. There are currently 513 hybrid seedlings established at a field site, and a further 640 seedlings have been germinated and will be planted out when they are large enough. The remainder of the nuts from last seasons breeding are being processed.  Two arboreta of selections were established to determine the growth and flowering of plants growing in the field. A trial is also under way to determine the variations in growth and flowering in Victoria and Queensland. This comparison is important as a number of cut flowers selected from south-eastern Australia are not flowering well enough to be commercial in Queensland.  Postharvest trials have been conducted to look at the effect of pre-transport treatments, and simulated export storage on vase life.

 

Project Title	Postharvest protocols to increase numbers of exportable Australian wildflower species
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-161A
Start Date:	5/05/99
Finish Date:	15/06/01
Researcher:	Dr. Virginia Williamson
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources & Environment Private Bag 15 SOUTH EASTERN MAIL CENTRE VIC 3176
Phone:	(03) 9210 9222
Fax:	(03) 9800 3521
Email:	virginia.williamson@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· An analysis of whether suberin treatments can be used to enhance water uptake and increase vase life of selected Australian native flowers. This will further enhance the export reputation of Australian cut flowers and increase the number of exportable species. Recommendations from the project will be made to industry. The species tested will be decided with industry, but could include Boronia, Cassinia, Grevillea, Leptospermum, Pimelea, and Thryptomene.
Current Progress	Suberin is an hydrophobic substance deposited in plants as a general response to wounding. Suberin-inhibiting treatments in this project have included cycloheximide and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM). In addition, antioxidants, e.g. ascorbic acid, and organic acids (citric acid), the latter being known to reduce xylem blockages, have also been tested. Where applicable, silver thiosulphate (STS) treatments were used to determine whether ethylene is a contributing factor in a particular flower’s senescence. Vase life results indicate that Crowea exalata responds to STS treatment.  To date, vase life data for the following species has been obtained: Acacia (foliage), Baeckea, Crowea, Ceratopetalum, Grevillea (foliage) and Lophomyrtus (foliage). In all but one experiment, the suberin-inhibiting treatments were in the group which produced the significantly longest vase life.  Further pursuing the wounding hypothesis, "washing" experiments have been devised and performed with Ceratopetalum gummiferum, Crowea exalata and, currently, Hakea laurina. In these experiments there was a constant changeover of the vase water, to remove any potentially inhibiting substance from the wounded (or cut) end of flower stems. These results have shown that there is a significantly longer vase life in stems that received the constant changeover of vase water. Other species to be tested in the near future include Correa, Persoonia, Ptilotus and Thryptomene.

Project Title	The selection propagation and cultivation of golden cascade (Corynanthera flava) for cutflower production
RIRDC Project No.:	DAW-76A
Start Date:	1/10/96
Finish Date:	30/10/00
Researcher:	Dr. Kevin Seaton
Organisation:	Agriculture Western Australia Locked Bag No 4 BENTLEY DELIVERY CENTRE WA 6983
Phone:	(08) 9368 3244
Fax:	(08) 9367 2625
Objectives	· To provide the wildflower industry with a new, unusual and potentially highly profitable cutflower by studying the biology of golden cascade (Corynanthera flava) in its natural environment, selecting commercially desirable forms and developing methods of establishing and cultivating these for commercial cutflower production.
Current Progress	Golden cascades (Corynanthera flava) continues to be in demand as a cut flower with its wispy yellow flowers occurring in November/December - which flowers from October to December is a sought after flower on export markets. Supplies of stems are currently from managed bush stands and guidelines for sustainable harvesting have been provided to the industry.  Trials are being conducted to develop methods to cultivate plants, with a particular emphasis on best irrigation practice. Through surveys of natural populations, several selections of Golden cascades with cut flower potential have been identified. These have been propagated from cuttings and tissue culture. Cutting grown plants have been evaluated at Medina Research Station over two years and are providing good quality cutting material for bulking up plants for field trials. Tissue culture methods have been developed for successful plant multiplication and root initiation and methods are being developed for improving plant survival from tissue culture.

Project Title	Cultivation of blue smokebush (Conospermum spp.) for cut flower production
RIRDC Project No.:	DAW-89A
Start Date:	1/11/97
Finish Date:	30/10/00
Researcher:	Dr. Kevin Seaton
Organisation:	Agriculture Western Australia Locked Bag No 4 BENTLEY DELIVERY CENTRE WA 6983
Phone:	(08) 9368 3244
Fax:	(08) 9367 2625
Objectives	· To develop blue smokebush as a new cutflower available over an extended season for the feature filler export market. This project aims to develop superior clones, propagation, cultivation and postharvest (for fresh and dried product) methods for commercial production of blue smokebush. It will encourage industry development throughout Australia and promote the crop on Australian and export markets.
Current Progress	Test marketing in Japan has shown that blue smokebush is in demand as a high value cut flower. It is used in displays, wedding bouquets and the ikebana trade. Given certain production requirements are implemented Conospermum eatoniae (blue lace) and C. caeruleum (slender smokebush) were found to respond to cultivation with an increase in stem production between seasons. A production package is now available to industry detailing the field management and postharvest handling of blue smokebush. Through selection several new high yielding, long stem, early and late flowering forms have been identified. Plants have been established in tissue culture. Clones with high multiplication rates and rooting ability have been identified. Methods are being developed to initiate quality roots on several selections suitable for planting out.  Comparative plantings were made of nine selections of blue smokebush at Medina Research Station in November. Plants have established well over summer and responded to cultivation, with plants expected to flower this winter. Results from these trials will be analysed and form the basis for choosing the best selections for further planting out on growers properties in spring.

Project Title	Reprint and update of the ‘Austalian Flowers’ identification catalogue
RIRDC Project No.:	FEC-3A
Start Date:	8/06/99
Finish Date:	30/09/00
Researcher:	Joanne Prior
Organisation:	Flower Export Council of Australia Inc. (FECA)
Phone:	(03) 9258 6139
Fax:	(03) 9258 6112
Objectives	§ To update and revise a widley circulated educative tool for all members of the Australian flower and foliages industry.
Current Progress	To summarise this project, the Australian Flowers booklet, originally published in 1995, is in the process of being updated. The booklet will be of DL size, and approximately 100 pages long, published by FECA in association with Rural Industries Press. It will contain a short introductory section followed by photographs of floricultural products available from Australia. There will be nine images per page, each with the scientific name (Genus species) and common name/s, also translated into Japanese. There will be five sections to the book, Australian Wildflowers, Exotic Proteaceae and Others, Australian Foliages, Traditional Flowers, and Dried and Preserved Flowers and Foliages. At the end of the book will be an index and advertising space, offered to FECA members and allied industries such as airlines etc. Originally due in January 2000, the reprint of the Australian Flowers Booklet has been delayed due to changes made to the contents late in the design process. It has been decided to re-introduce Japanese as a second language in the book. This has meant having to source a translator which FECA is in the process of doing.  Many of the images sourced for inclusion in the booklet were also found to be not of export quality flowers and therefore new images had to be sourced. There has also been some changing of the flowers included, particularly in the Dried Flower section. As of now, the list of products included in the booklet has been finalised and over 95% of the images have been obtained. It is now envisaged that the booklet will be published and printed in September 2000.

Project Title	Production and postharvest handling of eucalypt bud and flower lines
RIRDC Project No.:	UA-52A
Start Date:	20/09/99
Finish Date:	5/07/04
Researcher:	Prof. Margaret Sedgley
Organisation:	The University of Adelaide Department of Horticulture, Viticulture and Oenology Waite Agricultural Research Institute GLEN OSMOND SA 5064
Phone:	(08) 8303 7249
Fax:	(08) 8303 7116
Email:	msedgley@waite.adelaide.edu.au
Objectives	· Hybridisation of novel eucalypt lines for fresh bud and flower cut stems · Field trial of the novel lines to develop training and pruning regimes for optimum production · Investigation of clonal propagation of superior lines · Development of postharvest treatments to allow transport of quality product to distant markets. · Investigation of marketability of lines.
Current Progress	1. Hybridisation. Pollen has been collected and stored from the species identified with ornamental merit for cut flower and bud. Pollinations will commence August. Crossing programs have been divided into 5 groups based on relatedness to increase the likelihood of success. 2. Field trails. Over 400 hybrids have been planted out in field trials for assessment and selection. A table of selection criteria has been drawn up and all hybrids will be assessed using these criteria.  Pruning trials. Discussion with industry has resulted in the development of a large scale pruning trial on 9 species.  3. Clonal propagation. Research has commenced into in vitro micropropagation. Rootstocks have been planted for future grafting experiments. Coppice growth has been stimulated for cutting experiments. 4. Postharvest. A protocol has been developed for the testing of a large number of superior individuals to determine vase life with minimal treatment. Trials will commence during August. Protocol developed after discussion with industry partner (Geoff Sullivan).  5. Investigation of marketability of lines. As soon as superior lines reach a point where sufficient material is available, market acceptability will be assessed (Geoff Sullivan, Denis Tricks).

 
 
 
 

Project Title	Development of new and improved cut flower cultivars through selection and sexual hybridisation within the Chamelaucium alliance
RIRDC Project No.:	UWA-35A
Start Date:	1/01/97
Finish Date:	31/12/00
Researcher:	Dr. Guijun Yan
Organisation:	University of Western Australia Department of Plant Sciences Faculty of Agriculture NEDLANDS WA 6009
Phone:	(08) 9380 1240
Fax:	(08) 9380 1108
Email:	gyan@agric.uwa.edu.au
Objectives	· To enhance the economic strength of the Australia wildflower industry by assuring the supply of new and unique plant cultivars through narrow and wide crosses and, for the long term, by the training of a plant breeder and studying the biology underlying the breeding of the Chamelaucium alliance.
Current Progress	Our research during the last year was concentrated on the molecular studies of waxflowers to support the breeding program. RAPD analysis was found to be highly reproducible in waxflowers. One particular primer - GTCACTGCTC among the 15 primers used was found to be able to differentiate all 14 waxflower genotypes. This information can be used for the identification of parentage of natural hybrids. Phylogenetic analysis of molecular data suggested that it is highly feasible to understand the relationships of waxflowers using molecular techniques. Chloroplast DNA of waxflowers was found to be highly variable and there are at least 11 cytotypes in waxflowers. Chloroplast DNA of waxflowers was revealed to be maternally inherited after examining more than 50 interspecifc and intraspecific hybrids and their parents. Embryological studies have suggested that hybrid embryos of waxflowers can be rescued as early as three days after pollination. The highest rescuing rate was achieved at day 18 after pollination. Rescued young embryos could develop in MS medium and grew into hybrid plants. Close examination of embryo production of different cross combinations indicated that hybridization barriers might exist for some cross combinations. Certain male and female plants were recognized to be highly productive when used as parent for interspecific and intergeneric hybridization.

 

Project Title	Breeding off-season Leucadendron varieties through interspecific hybridisation
RIRDC Project No.:	UWA-46A
Start Date:	1/07/98
Finish Date:	30/05/01
Researcher:	Dr. Guijun Yan
Organisation:	University of Western Australia Department of Plant Sciences Faculty of Agriculture NEDLANDS WA 6009
Phone:	(08) 9380 1240
Fax:	(08) 9380 1108
Email:	gyan@agric.uwa.edu.au
Objectives	· The establishment of a breeding protocol for making interspecific crosses in Leucadendron and  · The initiation of a long term breeding program for the production of several new off-season varieties
Current Progress	This is the second year for the Leucadendron breeding project. Progresses have been made in the following three major areas. A preliminary protocol for the breeding of Leucadendron has been developed. The protocol includes detailed methodology of germplasm management, parent selection, pollen collection, isolation of female flowers, pollination, nurturing fruits, cone and seed collection, seed germination, management of seedlings, and planting and assessing hybrids. The protocol is being further refined to increase breeding efficiency. A major experiment has been completed to determine the optimum conditions for long term storage of Leucadendron pollen. The results have shown: 1 Leucadendron pollen can be stored for one year without losing much viability under suitable conditions. 2 Desiccated pollen stored at -80°C maintained the highest viability during storage (up to 55.3% at day 365). 3 Desiccated pollen stored at -20°C also maintained good viability (up to 46.3% at day 365). 4 Non-desiccated pollen was not suitable for long term storage. 5 Room temperature (20°C) and ordinary fridge temperature (4°C) are not suitable for long term storage of Leucadendron pollen. More than 1,600 interspecific hybrids have been planted on six growers’ properties. The survival rate of the hybrids is more than 95%. The hybrids are growing well and some of them are expected to flower next spring. Hybrids will be evaluated and new varieties will be selected from the planting.

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