| Project
title: |
Food
safety of Australian plant bushfoods |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
AGP-1A |
| Researchers: |
Plantchem
Pty Ltd. (Drs MP & EE Hegarty) and Professor RBH Wills |
| Organisations: |
Plantchem
Pty Ltd
5 Jenkinson St
Indooroopilly QLD 4068,
and
Centre for the Advancement
of Food Technology & Nutrition
University of Newcastle |
| Phone: |
(07)
3378 3530 |
| Fax: |
(07)
3378 3530 |
| Email: |
Hegarty.Plantchem@uq.net.au |
| Objectives |
To
provide information on the chemistry, botanical identities, history of
traditional use, and safety of Australian native bushfoods in commercial
use |
| Background |
Australian
bushfoods are mostly relatively new in the marketplace, and at an industry
(ANBIC) conference held in Brisbane in 1996 it was noted that records of
their chemistry and safe use were hard to obtain and incomplete, and so
the industry needed to be provided with more information in an appropriate
form. The species of most interest for this study were listed in RIRDC
Research Paper 97/22. |
| Research |
The
study has involved searches for information in publications including books,
scientific journals, bushfood industry periodicals, scientific databases
and websites, as well as liaison with members of the industry and wide
solicitation of relevant published or anecdotal information. A limited
range of chemical analyses was conducted on a range of bushfood species
to establish whether selected undesirable compounds, or the classes of
compound containing them, were present, and the results are presented and
assessed. |
| Outcomes |
In
general the results have been reassuring. Many of the leading commercial
bushfoods have a long history of traditional Aboriginal use as food, and
the remainder are mostly flavouring products with chemistry and uses similar
to that of more widely-used non-bushfood products, which are often prepared
from related species. As far as can be determined, no new or serious risk
of adverse effects may be expected to result from current uses of major
commercial bushfoods, if they are properly identified, prepared according
to recommended methods, and used in normal quantities and frequency. However,
as with any food, individual tolerances and reactions may be expected to
differ. |
| Implications |
Because
of the large number of species involved, and the complexity of plant chemistry,
it has not been possible to pursue all possibilities of adverse effects,
and the number of new tests conducted was necessarily limited. The study
is a first step towards documenting the results of many recent and older
researches into a number of chemical, botanical, and historical factors
of individual bushfoods. However, it also advises on care in the selection,
handling and processing of bushfoods, and that the same cautions as to
overuse and possible personal intolerances will apply to bushfoods as to
competing products. |
| Publications |
Hegarty
MP & Hegarty EE (1996). Development of bushfood resources and areas
for future research, with particular reference to the chemical constituents
and potential toxicities of bush foods in current use. Conference paper,
Australian Native Bushfood Industry Committee meeting, Brisbane.
Food safety of Australian
plant bushfoods, RIRDC Publication No. 01/28 (2001, 76 pgs) |
| Project
title: |
Development
of an integrated pest management program for the quandong moth in quandong
orchards |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
SAR-4A |
| Researchers: |
Peter
Bailey Kaye Ferguson |
| Organisation: |
Entomology
Section Department of Applied and Molecular Ecology
South Australian Research
and Waite Campus
Development Institute University
of Adelaide
Waite Building PMB 1
GPO Box 397 Glen Osmond
SA 5064
Adelaide SA 5001 |
| Phone: |
(08)
8303 9537 |
| Fax: |
(08)
8303 9542 |
| Email: |
bailey.peterT@saugov.sa.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To
provide quandong growers with an integrated pest management (IPM) program
to allow them to manage quandong moth with minimal use of insecticides |
| Background |
For
many years recognised as one of the few Australian native fruits, quandongs
are now in increasing demand from bush-food outlets and specialty restaurants.
Quandongs have been traditionally sourced from trees growing in the bush,
but during the past ten years commercial plantings have increased, particularly
in semi-arid areas. One of the major impediments to production of quality
fruit is the damage caused by the quandong moth, the larvae of which feed
on the flesh of fruit, severely downgrading quality. Very little is known
about the biology of this moth and the possibilities for managing it in
commercial orchards. |
| Research |
Regular
field sampling of quandong orchards at two sites in South Australia was
conducted throughout the study. The number and timing of the generations
of the moth has been recorded. Descriptions of all stages of the moth have
been compiled and the number of larval instars of the moth determined.
Field trials were conducted examining insecticide spray timing and alternative
insecticides for management of the moth. Surveys were made for natural
enemies of the moth, particularly specific parasitoid wasps. |
| Outcomes |
Larvae
of the summer generations of the moth, one or two depending on climate
feed on quandong flowers but are unlikely to affect yield as the tree naturally
sheds many of its flowers. Management should be aimed at monitoring the
winter (May-July) and spring (August-November) generations of quandong
moth. Damage by winter generation larvae to the developing fruit causes
accelerated fruit drop for which the tree does not appear to compensate.
Damage by the spring generation, of which quandong growers are most familiar,
is caused by feeding of larvae on the saleable flesh of the fruit, downgrading
the fruit to processing quality. Monitoring for eggs laid in the calyx
of fruit gives early warning of damage by quandong moth and enables control
before the larvae enter the fruit. The insect growth regulator tebufenozide
applied before egg hatch was found effective in reducing damage at harvest,
however, residue analysis and hence withholding periods could not be developed
during this program. A number of natural enemies were identified during
this study, but none were in sufficient numbers to provide effective control.
Development of a method for mass rearing and liberation of an egg parasitoid
(Trichogramma sp.) identified during this study, suggests that biological
control by inundation might be a future possibility. |
| Implications |
This
project has resulted in the recommendation of an IPM strategy for the quandong
moth in quandong orchards. Monitoring for eggs and targeted application
of insecticides will allow for more effective and economic management of
the moth. |
| Project
Title |
The
Australian Culinary Herb Market: Size, Characteristics And Potential |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
AMR-7A |
| Researcher: |
Mr.
Grant Vinning |
| Organisation: |
Asian
Markets Research
157 Horizon Drive
WESTLAKE QLD 4074 |
| Phone: |
(07)
3376 2244 |
| Fax: |
(07)
3376 7264 |
| Email: |
avinning@ozemail.com.au |
| Objectives |
· To increase the
competitiveness of the Australian culinary herbs industry by making it
more aware of the requirements of three major sectors of the industry and
better able to use the supply chain to meet those requirements.
|
| Background |
The
Australian culinary herb industry has been very traditional in determining
what was grown, where it was grown, and to what standards were the herbs
grown. Significant changes have occurred in the industry over the past
few decades in terms of what is being eaten, where it is being eaten, and
the form of how it is being eaten. The market has now six consuming sub-sectors:
the traditional home buyer, restaurants, caterers, manufacturers, processors
and re-packers. The project examines the criteria upon which these consumers
base their buying decisions. |
| Research |
Interviews
were conducted with representatives from the five major consuming sectors
other than end consumers. Qualitative issues examined included price, quality
in terms of physical appearance, chemical composition in terms of volatile
oils and residues, and microbiological issues in terms of Total Plate Count. |
| Outcomes |
Major
outcomes from the research included the fact that buyers did not necessarily
put price at the top of their hierarchy of requirements. Second, quality
was defined as something that best meets each buyer/user's standards of
physical, chemical, microbiological, and organoleptic attributes. Third,
buyers did not have an automatic preference for imported product. This
augurs well for the Australian industry. However, the Australian culinary
herb producers must be conscious of buyer concerns relating to Bulk Index,
or the ration between volume and weight, as this is critical to profit,
microbiological standard of Total Plate Count, the differences in standards
between imported and domestically producer products, and the presence of
heavy metal residues. |
| Project
title: |
Determining
whether pesticide application rates for culinary herbs meet MRL requirements |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAN-179A |
| Researcher: |
N.L.Treverow |
| Organisation: |
NSW
Agriculture
c/o Tropical Fruit Research
Station
PO Box 72
ALSTONVILLE NSW 2477 |
| Phone: |
(02)
6626 6436 |
| Fax: |
(02)
6628 2509 |
| Email: |
Neil.treverrow@agric.nsw.gov.au |
| Objectives |
Ensure
culinary herb growers maintain market access, by providing pesticide residue
information required to obtain long term permits for pesticides considered
essential for economic production. |
| Background |
Culinary
herbs have been produced in volume in Australia for many years and growers
has assumed pesticides registered for use on leafy vegetables could legally
be used on culinary herbs.
However the National Registration
Authority permits specifically authorising the uses on herbs were required.
Five important pesticides were identified as requiring residue data to
support applications for long term permits. This project was initiated
to generate those data. |
| Research |
Five
indicative herbs were selected to represent a range of leaf sizes, waxiness
and oil content and general growth habit. The pesticides alpha-cypermethrin,
bifenthrin, dimethoate, fipronil, benomyl, chlorothalonil and fluazifop-P-butyl
were applied to these herbs, using good agricultural practice. After the
appropriate withholding period the herbs were sampled and analysed for
residues. |
| Outcomes |
Of
the insecticides tested, a fipronil residue exceeded the Maximum Residue
Limits (MRL) set for that product and was not considered further. The residue
levels for alpha-cypermethrin, bifenthrin and dimethoate were all well
below the specified MRL values and would be suitable for further use. However
alpha-cypermethrin showed some phytotoxicity in all the herb species tested
and some caution in its use may be needed.
Of the fungicides, chlorothalonil
was suitable in Dill, Garlic Chives and Mint but caused excessive residues
in Rosemary. Benomyl residue data were not available due to analytical
problems
The herbicide tested, fluazifop-P
butyl, caused no residues in excess of the MRL but exhibited phytotoxicity
and must be of questionable usefulness in these herbs |
| Implications |
Long
life permits for those pesticides tested which proved suitable have been
sought. These should allow growers to address key pest problems.
Some further investigation
of chlorothalonil, possibly using a longer withholding period for this
herb, may be needed. Generating residue data for benomyl is also a priority. |
| Project
title: |
Broad
acre dried herb production |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
LWP-1A |
| Researchers: |
David
Coleman and Claire Everett |
| Organisation: |
Living
Waters Permaculture Foundation
RMB 1495
Denmark, WA 6333 |
| Phone: |
(08)
9848 2171 |
| Fax: |
(08)
9848 2171 |
| Email: |
-- |
| Objectives |
To
diversify existing farming methods of wheat/sheep/canola and reduce imports
of herbs. A solar dryer was also needed to help and encourage the growing
of herbs. Overall the aim was to reduce imports of herbs to Australia. |
| Background |
A
keen interest in herb growing as an alternative already existed in the
region, and people were already trialling herbs. Imported herbs grew from
$18million in 1996 to $25 million now. Altrnative medicine is on the increase
and a higher awareness of responsilbility for ones own health. Herbs also
do well in marginal and inhospitable conditions without lots of inputs
to the soil or water. Quality is lost rapidly in packing storage and transport,
and the sources can be uknown and polluted. In order to maintain their
intrinsic healing qualities, herbs have to be grown organically.
A dryer had to be part of
the project or it would not be possible to dry herbs in large quantities,
and solar energy was the criteria to keep the running and the environmental
costs to a minimum. |
| Research |
Trialling
of herbs suited to cultivation was stepped up, with new species propagated,
and existing ones increased. Field days were held to increase awareness
of the project, and to make information and seed available. A solar herb
drying facility was also part of the project, and was to incorporate a
registered kitchen to value add produce, and teaching space to educate
and demonstrate to others interested in starting to grow herbs or related
products. The herbs are dried using solar energy collected from the roof
in water. This ispumped down and through the floor of the drying chamber
wher heat is transferred to ‘eutectic salts’ that can store excess heat
and release it when needed, maintaining a stable temperature day and night. |
| Outcomes |
Nearly
50 species of widely used, medicinal and culinary herbs were found to be
suitable to our temperate conditions. At this stage most interested growers
are those with smaller farms and diverse cropping. This seems to be the
best way to start the industry, but there is much potential for the growing
of herbs in conjunction with orchards and vineyards.
It has not been possible
to complete the dryer facility as funds ran out, due to increased costs
and other unforseen circumstances. Work continues to complete it, but only
in small bursts when funds can dictate. |
| Implications |
A
herb industry will enable smaller commercial farming units to be viable,
and provide an income for those on smaller properties who wish to have
their own small business. It will create more diversity, less pollution
and better food and medicine for the country. More rural emloyment will
be available, slowing the rate of young people moving to the city. The
work is non-hazardous, low--tech and pleasant. It can be a communal activity
and involve children. The industry will be open to educational tours for
schools and other interested parties. |
| Project
title: |
A
technical support package for the development of the Australian herb growing
industry |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
OHG-1A |
| Researcher: |
Mr.
Doug Andrews |
| Organisation: |
The
Organic Herb Growers of Australia Inc
PO Box 6171
SOUTH LISMORE NSW 2480 |
| Phone: |
(02)
6622 0100 |
| Fax: |
(02)
6622 0900 |
| E-mail: |
ohga@nrg.com.au |
| Internet: |
ohga@nrg.com.au |
| Objectives |
To
develop an electronic data base which will enable people in industry to
readily access technical information so that the industry can expand and
become commercially viable. |
| Background |
The
Australian herb growing industry is relatively small in comparison to world
production. Traditionally most herbal crops were either wild harvested
from native stands or grown in poorer third world countries due to the
excessive amount of manual labour required. Due to present world economic
standards the prices of many of these herbs have risen dramatically in
past years. What was once a cheap import is now an expensive crop. Herbs,
as an agricultural commodity have now become of age. Herbal medicines are
one of the fastest growing sectors and Australia is keeping pace with these
worldwide trends. To further facilitate development and commercial expansion
of the industry, growers require unbiased technical support. |
| Research |
The
Organic Herb Growers of Australia Inc. undertook a review of all current
published research, and using local grower knowledge collated horticultural
information specific for Australian growing conditions. This was then compiled
into an easy to read interactive format. |
| Outcomes |
The
Organic Herb Growers of Australia Inc. have successfully completed this
project by firstly compiling a research data base of the best potential
herbs for Australian growing conditions; and secondly by launching this
data base on a interactive web site. The web site can be viewed at: www.organicherbs.org.
Thus the objectives of the
project have been achieved. |
| Implications |
Our
web site is now receiving in excess of 5000 "hits" per month. Many people
from all over Australia and the world are now making use of our data base,
as well using the other facilities of the web site, such as our recent
expansion of a "Buy & Sell", "Herb Forum", and "news stories". |
| Publications |
Supporting the growth of
the Australian herb growing industry, RIRDC Publication No. 01/024 (2001,
9 pgs)
|
| Project
title: |
Evaluation
of the commercial potential of sugar beet on the Atherton Tableland |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAQ-211A |
| Researcher: |
Brett
Weeden |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Primary Industries (Qld)
Southedge Research Station
PO Box 174
MAREEBA QLD 4880 |
| Phone: |
(07)
4093 2246 |
| Fax: |
(07)
40 93 2237 |
| Email: |
weedenb@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To
assess the commercial potential of sugar beet for sugar production on the
Atherton Tableland of north Queensland. |
| 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: |
Opportunities
for flax processing in Australia |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
PMP-4A |
| Researcher: |
Stuart
de Jong |
| Organisation: |
Planning
& Managing Projects Pty Ltd
PO Box 181
ROSEVILLE NSW 2069 |
| Phone: |
(02)
9924 2712 |
| Fax: |
(02)
9924 2713 |
| Email: |
pmp@ozemail.com.au |
| Objectives |
·
Identify the market opportunities for flax in Australia
· Identify appropriate
means of extracting the fibre
· Calculate approximate
returns to the grower |
| Background |
Up
until 1950 linen flax was grown and processed in Australia. Seed flax was
grown in large quantities in Australia up until 1968 when the Eastern Downs
had 50,000 ha under cultivation. Then the market collapsed. Small quantities
of seed flax are grown in various states of Australia.
The straw consists of fibre
and shives. Shives should be separated from the fibre before processing
by textile machinery.
Traditionally the quality
of fibre gained from seedflax was low and seedflax is unsuitable for processing
on traditional apparel processing machinery. Advances in non-woven textile
processing using lower grade fibre enable commercial processing of the
straw from seedflax to industrial textile products. Flax and other bast
fibres are now making a comeback. |
| Research |
Discussions
with, and visits to, textile companies indicated the quality and quantities
required, and prices manufacturers in Australia are willing to pay for
the fibre.
A patent search revealed
a number of technologies for separating shives from the fibre. The holders
of these patents were contacted and a suitable design for in-field separation
selected.
Preliminary costings were
obtained for a mobile separator. The costs of growing and harvesting and
separating the straw were estimated. |
| Outcomes |
A
market for 3,000 t/yr of bast fibre exists in Australia – primarily for
automotive interior door panels. Other market segments may be targeted
at a later stage – consisting of cotton length apparel fibre and non-woven
flax mats.
Prices depend on the quality
of the fibre and purity, and ranges from less than 50 c/kg to $1/kg for
industrial grade, and in excess of $2/kg for apparel fibre. |
| Implications |
On
the basis of the research, the Eastern Downs Turnaround Group EDTAG, consisting
of a group of professional farmers, has formed the Flax Co Australia, with
the objective of supplying selected manufacturers with flax obtained as
a byproduct of the growing of seed flax. This may generate a new industry
in the region of $6 million per year. The company is growing 400 ha of
flax in year 2001 and will process this on a pilot scale separator based
on the design principles identified in this report. |
| Project
title |
Potential
for seed gum production within Australia |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UCQ-12A |
| Researcher: |
Kerry
Walsh* and David Cunningham |
| Organisation: |
Central
Queensland University
Plant Sciences Group
School of Biological and
Environmental Sciences
Rockhampton Qld 4702 |
| Phone: |
*(07)
4930 9707 |
| Fax: |
*(07)
4930 6536 |
| Email: |
k.walsh@cqu.edu.au,
davidcunningham@ozemail.com.au |
| Internet: |
science.cqu.edu.au/psg |
| Objectives |
1)
report on quality of Cassia brewsteri gum relative to other seed
gums with characterisation of the chemical structure of the gum
2) report on the presence
and level of the toxin chrysophanic acid within the seed
3) preparation of preliminary
cost-benefit analysis
4) botanical description
of Cassia brewsteri including breeding system
5) characterisation of ecology
of species
6) recommendations for cropping
systems (with cost analysis). |
| Background |
Seed
gums are classed as a "thickener/vegetable gum" in foods and are also used
in a range of non-food applications including textile and paper manufacturing.
The main sources of seeds gums on the world market are carob (locust bean)
and guar, Australia currently imports all of its seed gum requirements.
Inconsistency of supply and price of seed gums has driven industrial users
to search for alternative sources of supply. Cassia brewsteri, a
leguminous tree species native to central Queensland, has been identified
as a species with potential for seed gum production. |
| Research |
· Biochemical studies
of Cassia brewsteri seed to characterise the gum and determine the
level of a potential toxin
· Tests of gelling
properties
· Ecological studies
of distribution and habitat, with modelling of climatic requirements
· Investigation of
timing and duration of flowering and fruiting
· DNA fingerprinting
analysis of genetic diversity
· Investigation of
potential cropping systems, with cost-benefit analysis.
|
| Outcomes |
· Cassia brewsteri
seed gum quality was high, comparable to carob gum, and relatively constant
across provenances.
· The potentially
toxic chrysophanic acid was present, but at very low levels acceptable
in food grade gums.
· Large areas of Eastern
Queensland were identified with suitable climate and soil for cultivation
of the tree under irrigation.
· Reproductive phenology
allowed for a confined harvest period (one per year).
· Genetic diversity
within the species was found to be high, with two probable subspecies and
natural hybridisation with a closely related Cassia species.
· Preliminary estimates
of yield and return on investment in orchard establishment were not encouraging.
|
| Implications |
Commercial
production is not recommended at this time due to low predicted financial
returns. Production would only be commercially viable with a long term
investment in varietal development or with substantial financial returns
for the landscape/water table management and/or carbon sequestering value
of a tree crop.
Spin-offs from the ‘commercial’
work included valuable information on the botany and taxonomy of Cassia
brewsteri and the other native Cassia species, and information
on the spread of an exotic insect (the ‘peanut bruchid’) within Australia
(which may cause ecological and economic problems). |
| Publications |
Cunningham DC, Walsh KBW,
Anderson ER (2001) ‘Potential for seed gum production from Cassia brewsteri.’
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Project UCQ-12A,
Canberra.
Cunningham D (2001) Seed
gums in Australian food processing.
Food Australia 53, 209-212.
Cunningham DC, Walsh KBW,
Anderson ER, Harrison DK, Carroll BJ (submitted) Analysis of genetic diversity
in Australian Cassia with Randomly Amplified DNA Fingerprints (RAFs).
Cunningham DC, Walsh KBW
(submitted) Establishment of the Peanut Bruchid (Caryedon serratus)
in Australia and two new host species, Cassia brewsteri and C.
tomentella.
Cunningham DC, Walsh KBW
(submitted) Chrysophanic acid from Cassia brewsteri fruit.
Cunningham DC (2000b) Autecology
of Cassia brewsteri with respect to galactomannan production. PhD
Thesis, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia.
Cunningham DC (2000a) Cassia
brewsteri data sheet. In ‘Forestry compendium: global module.’ (Eds
CAB International). (CAB International: Wallingford UK)
|
| Project
title |
Market
opportunity identification and analysis of the domestic market for Australian
longans and rambutans |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAQ-260A |
| Researcher: |
Judy
Noller, Marketing Officer |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Primary Industries, Queensland
Queensland Horticulture
Institute
28 Peters Street
MAREEBA QLD 4880 |
| Phone: |
(07)
4044 1617 |
| Fax: |
(07)
4035 5474 |
| Email: |
Nollerj@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To
identify and evaluate new market segments to be targeted with longans and
with rambutans, and provide a marketing plan for this segment. |
| Background |
The
Australian longan industry spans from the Atherton Tablelands in far north
Queensland to northern New South Wales, and harvested 1,200 tonnes in its
2000 season. The Australian rambutan industry is concentrated on the coastlands
of tropical North Queensland and the Northern Territory. It produced 600
tonnes in its 2000 season. Production continues to expand for both industries.
For both the longan and rambutan
industries the main market has been an ethnic
Asian segment in the Australian
domestic market, and there were concerns the
increasing production could
saturate these segments. |
| Research |
Desk
top research to identify any undeveloped ethnic segments with potential
for development.
Interviews with steering
committees, other producers, and horticulturists working the longan and
rambutan industries.
Trade research in Sydney
and Melbourne.
Formal consumer surveying
in Sydney and Melbourne. |
| Outcomes |
The
trade consensus was to introduce both products to affluent Caucasian consumers
in wealthier areas of Sydney and Melbourne and the food service industry
that serves them, and as prices reduce target the middle class.
Consumer surveying in these
locations confirmed sufficient interest in and liking for both fruits to
support a marketing campaign.
Marketing plans were produced
for each industry, outlining marketing activities to develop this new segment
while maintaining current ethnic markets. |
| Implications |
The
research results indicated that both industries have the opportunity to
develop attractive new markets as increasing production saturates their
current markets.
The research also identified
a number of opportunities for the industries to improve their current offering. |
| Publications |
Australian Longans - Market
Opportunity, Identification and Analysis of the Domestic Market, RIRDC
Publication No. 01/25 (2001, 61 pgs)
Australian Rambutans - Market
Opportunity Identification and Analysis of the Domestic Market, RIRDC Publication
No. 01/26 (2001, 65 pgs)
|
| Project
title: |
Pruning
to meet your lychee goals |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAQ-268A |
| Researcher: |
Terrence
Campbell and Yan Diczbalis |
| Organisation: |
Queensland
Department of Primary Industries
PO Box 1054
Mareeba QLD 4880 |
| Phone: |
(07)
4048 4646 |
| Fax: |
(07)
4092 3693 |
| Email: |
campbet@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
Improved
crop production and profitability of Lychee through better understanding
and adoption of pruning and cincturing strategies. |
| Background |
An
earlier RIRDC project "Improved canopy management to maximise market opportunities
for tree crops lychee, longan and rambutan" (DAQ-177A) identified improved
canopy management techniques to improve lychee cropping. A project identified
that the essential and immediate task was to extend the findings of the
project to the industry through an extension project in which there is
a high degree of industry ownership and emphasis on action learning. |
| Research |
The
project adopted the expert panel approach. This extension approach focused
on the identification and training of expert grower panels in six regional
locations to review the results of the research trials, to critically analyse
the results for their cultivars/locations and to develop pruning strategies
for local conditions.
Participants were presented
with the results of recent research on lychee canopy management and crop
manipulation and shared experiences on overseas and local management practices.
Through the identification of key issues on pruning, three scenarios were
developed to facilitate the development of industry wide recommendations.
These recommendations took into account the constraints of time, machinery
availability and the participants’ aversion to the risk of a nil crop in
a season where environmental conditions did not favour flowering. |
| Outcomes |
Participants
had high confidence in the results of previous work for the cultivar Kwai
May Pink in southern growing areas in Queensland, there was less confidence
in the applicability for other cultivars and growing areas. Strategies
to manage the risk of nil flowering included pruning immediately after
harvest to allow two flushes to develop. There was strong support for the
use of defoliating chemicals to remove unwanted autumn flushes and information
form this project has been used to support an industry application for
approval to use these chemicals.
The results of the research
were adapted by growers experience and recommendations were developed for
the three scenarios; managing large overgrown trees, pruning small trees
from planting to cropping and pruning for regular cropping. These recommendations
have been prepared as DPI farm notes which is an accessible format and
will be distributed to all members of the Australian Lychee Growers Association.
The use of the expert panel
approach was found to be an effective method to help integrate complex
research results into an equally complex growing system. |
| Implications |
This
project has resulted in specific industry recommendations for canopy management
and cincturing of lychees. The expert panel method of developing these
recommendations will lead to improved industry adoption of improved management
techniques. This will lead on to improved crop production and profitability. |
| Publications |
Campbell T.P, Diczbalis
Y. and Kernot I 2001. Rejuvenating Lychee Orchards with Large Trees. DPI
Note In Print.
Campbell T.P, Diczbalis Y.
and Kernot I 2001. Pruning to meet Lychee Management Goals. DPI Note In
Print.
Campbell T.P, Diczbalis Y.
and Kernot I 2001. Cincturing Lychee for yieldPruning. DPI Note In Print.
|
| Project
title: |
The
impact and control of lychee pepper spot in Australia |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DRW-1A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Henry Drew |
| Organisation: |
HJ
and JM Drew
283 Hunchy Road
HUNCHY QLD 4555 |
| Phone: |
(07)
5445 0032 |
| Fax: |
(07)
5445 0940 |
| Email: |
hjdrew@ozemail.com.au |
| Objectives |
· To raise grower
awareness of Lychee Pepper Spot (LPS),
· To assess its distribution
and impact in Australia,
· To make a preliminary
evaluation of winter/spring fungicide programmes for its control.
· To gather residue
data for mancozeb on lychees
|
| Background |
Lychee
Pepper Spot (LPS) is a newly recognised disease of lychees in Australia.
It was first recorded in about 1982 and has now spread to all major growing
areas in Northern NSW and Queensland. The disease causes superficial skin
blemish to fruit but has no effect on eating quality or, apparently, on
storage life. Since its first occurrence the disease has got steadily worse
in affected orchards despite some attempts at chemical control. LPS was
identified in the Australian Lychee Growers Association Inc. (ALGA) "Lychee
Industry 5 Year Strategic Plan" as R & D Goal: 9 and a subsequent postal
survey of lychee growers by the ALGA rated LPS in the top four priorities. |
| Research |
The
project has confirmed that anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichumgloeosporioides,
is the likely cause of LPS. LPS probably represents a new strain of the
disease that also affects avocados and mangoes. A telephone survey of 100
lychee growers found that 43% of growers were affected by the disease by
mid-1999. While several varieties can be affected, the worst incidence
occurs on Kwai May Pink. The general picture is of hotspots of infection
with severely affected trees and fruit, but with generally low levels across
the whole crop. Of those growers who had LPS in their orchards 8% reported
losses of more than 60% in their worst trees while 70% reported losses
of less than 1% across the whole orchard. A survey of a small group of
paired growers was not able to confirm any link between LPS and tree nutrition
but suggested there may be links to calcium and boron nutrition. A replicated
trial to test the efficacy of four proven fungicide treatments applied
"out-of-season" failed to establish any statistical differences between
treatments. Applications of foliar calcium were equally ineffective. The
average percentage of fruit with LPS symptoms was low in all treated trees
over the first 2 picks (0.6-7.7%) but rose dramatically in the final pick
(9.8-17.0%). The untreated control was similar in the first pick but 5
and 10% higher in the 2nd and 3rd picks, respectively.
At the final pick the worst affected untreated tree had 57.1% of
fruit with LPS symptoms and 21.4% of fruit downgraded from 1st
grade (14.3% 2nd grade and 7.1% generic grade). |
| Outcomes |
The
project has raised the awareness of LPS amongst Australian lychee growers
through distribution of 500 copies of a colour factsheet and through regular
updates in industry publications. It has also provided valuable data on
the incidence and control of the disease. The fungicide trial has shown
that winter-spring sprays are not effective in controlling the disease
alone. The project has also generated residue data for mancozeb to facilitate
issuing of an NRA off-label permit. |
| Implications |
The
research has established that the disease is increasing in importance and
that effective control will require some fungicide treatments right up
to picking. The lychee industry must support further research into more
effective control strategies and lobby both chemical companies and regulatory
authorities for new products to be approved. |
| Publications |
Drew, H.J. (1999). Pepper
Spot – A New Disease Affecting Lychee in Australia. In Menzel, C., Waite,
G. & Bronson, R. (Eds) Proceedings of the 5th National Lychee
Conference, 13-15 September 1999, Twin Waters, Australia. p.21-24.
|
| Project
title: |
Continuation
of transplanted green ant colony monitoring and implementation of the ant
technology in commercial cashew plantations |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UNT-5A |
| Researcher: |
R.K.Peng,
K. Christian and K. Gibb |
| Organisation: |
Northern
Territory University
Faculty of Science, Information
Technology and Education
Darwin NT 0909 |
| Phone: |
(08)
8946 6763 |
| Fax: |
(08)
8946 6847 |
| Email: |
renkang.peng@ntu.edu.au |
| Internet: |
www.ntu.edu.au |
| Objectives |
1. To promote the use of
green ant technology in commercial cashew orchards for controlling the
main cashew insect pests by producing instructive booklets and posters.
2. To continue the monitoring
of the transplanted green ant colonies in order to determine how many years
cashew growers can benefit from each transplantation.
|
| Background |
Having
determined that green ants can successfully control the main cashew insect
pests, methods to stabilise ant populations at the high level in cashew
orchards have been developed (green ant technology). When transferring
this technology to farm staff, we came to appreciate the need for well-organised
and effective instructional posters and booklets.
In cashew orchards, there
are always some trees that are not occupied by green ants. To achieve the
maximum protection for cashew orchards from insect pest damage, it is essential
to transplant green ant colonies to these trees. A field experiment involving
the comparison between trees with transplanted ant colonies and trees protected
by insecticides began in April 1997 at Howard Springs Farm as part of our
last RIRDC project. By December 1998 (end of the last project), the ant
area had already achieved a savings of $329/ha compared with the cost of
the chemical control area. As the transplanted colonies were still strong
by the end of 1998. It is necessary to determine how many years these transplanted
colonies can persist. That will allow cashew growers to assess the benefit
they can get from each transplantation. |
| Research |
This
research was concentrated on two aspects:
1. the monitoring of the
transplanted ant colonies at Howard Springs, and
2. implementation of the
green ant technology by making posters, writing booklets and running field
workshops.
|
| Outcomes |
1. Field monitoring showed
that the transplanted ant colonies, on average, persisted in the cashew
orchards for three cashew cropping seasons.
2. The use of green ant technology
accounts to at least $1500/ha/year more than the use of insecticides.
3. Trees protected by green
ants produced better quality of cashew nuts than those protected by insecticides.
4. A booklet "Why and how
to use green ants to control the main cashew insect pests - Manual for
Australian cashew growers" has been written.
5. A series of posters has
been made.
|
| Implications |
1. Economic benefits
The green ant technology can bring cashew growers an extra benefit of at
least $1500/ha/year and better quality of cashew nuts. This technology
also helps growers to produce 'organic' product.
2. Benefit to environment
When using green ants to control the main insect pests in cashew orchards,
insecticides can be greatly reduced or no longer needed. This will significantly
reduce air, soil and water pollution to the environment, and there is no
chemical residue in cashew nuts.
3. No impact on other
organisms As cashew nuts are harvested from the ground, farm staff
do not need to worry about the aggressive behaviour of green ants. Also,
green ants have no impact on arthropod diversity and other general predators
and parasitoids in cashew orchards.
|
| Project
Title |
Establish
the World Market for Buckwheat
|
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
AMR-6A |
| Researcher: |
Mr.
Grant Vinning |
| Organisation: |
Asian
Markets Research
157 Horizon Drive
WESTLAKE QLD 4074 |
| Phone: |
(07)
3376 2244 |
| Fax: |
(07)
3376 7264 |
| Email: |
avinning@ozemail.com.au |
| Objectives |
· The project will
identify the world demand for buckwheat. It will establish production by
major producing countries and how that production is dispersed. It will
identify the major markets in terms of geography and market use. It will
seek to establish future production trends, likely markets by geographic
and use parameters, and likely price movements.
· The project will
establish the product and non-product attributes valued by the markets
· The project will
focus on the Australian product's position in the world market and will
seek to identify its relative product and non-product attributes.
|
| Background |
Australia
has a small and young buckwheat industry. As with all small industries,
the decision to expand is made more uncertain by the lack of knowledge
about the overall demand and supply factors that affect the industry. The
study sought to establish the factors affecting demand in Japan, and production
in the three major suppliers of Canada, China and the United States. |
| Research |
A
quantitative analysis of the world buckwheat industry was achieved by a
detailed study of the available statistics. Qualitative issues confirming
the quantitative data were established by personal interviews with importers,
buckwheat millers, noodle manufacturers, food service outlets, and consumers
in Japan, and producers and exporters in the supplying countries. |
| Outcomes |
The
world trade in buckwheat is concentrated on annual imports of approximately
100,000 tonnes into Japan where it is produced in soba noodles.
Demand for soba
is expected to grow. Demand will be fuelled by the
continuing emphasis in Japan on convenience foods, the ability of soba
noodles to be sold in a variety of forms through a diversity of outlets,
and the unique place that soba has in Japanese cuisine. Demand for
buckwheat is also growing in traditional areas of consumption, especially
Eastern Europe and Russia. There is also evidence that buckwheat's health
enhancing properties of high protein, virtually gluten free, and high amino
acid content will see a beneficial diversification into new products. Exports
from the traditional major exporters are expected to slow. |
| Implications |
Australian
buckwheat is well positioned to take advantage of these positive trends. |
| Project
title: |
Total
quality management for the production and marketing of buckwheat and honeybee
pollination of buckwheat |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAV-136A |
| Researcher: |
Mr
Chris Bluett |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
402-406 Mair Street
BALLARAT VIC 3350 |
| Phone: |
(03)
5333 6784 |
| Fax: |
(03)
5333 6540 |
| Email: |
chris.bluett@nre.vic.gov.au |
| Objectives |
· To export 5,000
tonnes per year of buckwheat and buckwheat products and increase the use
of buckwheat in new and existing food products in Australia to 3,000 tonnes
per year, by the year 2000.
· To determine the
effect of honeybee pollination on buckwheat seed yield and quality, refine
the agronomy required for consistent yield and quality and publish grower
guides.
· To develop a total
quality management package for the production and marketing of buckwheat.
· To achieve export
quality grain from 75% of total harvest by the year 2000 by supporting
grower’s efforts to optimise production technology.
|
| Background |
· Buckwheat, Fagopyrum
esculentum, is an annual, summer growing, broad leaf crop not related
to cereal wheat.
· Buckwheat is widely
grown across many Northern Hemisphere countries.
· Grows best in cool
climate, highland or coastal areas that have reliable summer rainfall or
irrigation.
· Produces black triangular
starch-rich seeds used for products such as noodles (Soba) and pancakes
for human consumption.
|
| Research |
· Recent research
on buckwheat in Australia via project DAV-86A investigated agronomy and
physiology of buckwheat in the main growing areas of New South Wales and
Victoria.
· Before the commencement
of DAV-86A in 1994, only a very limited amount of research and published
material was available on buckwheat in Australia.
· Various aspects
of research have been completed overseas on genetics, breeding, physiology,
ecology, biochemistry, food science and human health on buckwheat.
|
| Outcomes |
· Research on buckwheat
has shown that high quality buckwheat can be produced in many growing areas
of New South Wales and Victoria through good management.
· The best buckwheat
variety in Australia appears to be the shorter maturing ones for optimum
yields and quality.
· Good management
through seedbed preparation and harvest timing and method is critical for
high quality yields.
· A Quality Assurance
manual has been drafted to assist farmers at critical stages of buckwheat
production.
|
| Implications |
· An established
buckwheat industry in Australia now has over 2000 tonnes exported to Japan
as well as other markets overseas and domestically.
· Buckwheat currently
contributes over $2 million dollars directly on farm to growers and producers.
· Established links
with breeders and researchers in Europe, Asia and America have allowed
for good transfer of knowledge and collaboration.
|
| Future |
· More emphasis
on producing quality grain, including moisture content, specific gravity
and groat colour.
· Better understanding
of harvest methods as well as both sowing and harvest timing for optimal
results.
· An established framework
for quality assurance to be adopted by the buckwheat industry.
· Continued and more
refined research into agronomy and niche markets such as organics.
|
| Publications |
Total quality management
for the production and marketing of buckwheat and honeybee pollination
of buckwheat, RIRDC Publication No. 01/14 (2001, 19 pgs)
|
| Project
title: |
Canary
seed industry development for southeastern Australia |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UM-42A |
| Researcher: |
Robert
M. Norton |
| Organisation: |
The
University of Melbourne
RMB 3000
HORSHAM VIC 3401 |
| Phone: |
(03)
5362 2207 |
| Fax: |
(03)
5362 2213 |
| Email: |
rnorton@unimelb.edu.au |
| Objectives |
To
provide farmers in southeastern Australia with a management and marketing
package for canary seed. This package will include aspects of sowing times,
crop protection, variety performance, harvesting and marketing information
on the crop. |
| Background |
Canary
seed fits into current production systems, and can be sown and harvested
with conventional equipment, producing yields between 1.4 and 2.0 t/ha.
Some current production problems (lodging, herbicides, nutrition, rotation)
have been identified as constraining the expansion of the area sown and
therefore constraining the development of reliable markets. The evaluation
of existing varieties, linked to agronomic management and market specification
will provide key information on which a new crop industry can be based. |
| Research |
Based
on existing market specifications, quality standards for domestic and export
canary seed were developed. A market analysis suggested that southeastern
Australia could develop markets for around 30,000 t of canary seed for
domestic and export destinations.
To determine appropriate
production protocols, field experiments were conducted in 1998 (two sites),
1999 (three sites) and 2000 (five sites). Twenty-six seed lines were obtained
from various genetic resources centres, and these were tested in 1999 and
2000.
The field experiments investigated
the effects of sowing time and seeding rate on the seed yield and quality
of canary seed. A standard experiment, with two wheat cultivars as controls,
was used with two or three sowing times and three seeding rates.
Other field experiments investigated
the effect of fertilizers, herbicides and growth regulating compounds on
yield and seed quality.
Detailed research was undertaken
on the comparative phenology of canary seed lines and wheat. This was done
across a wide range of planting times, with and without day length control
and with a range of vernalisation treatments. |
| Outcomes |
Clear
quality guidelines are now established for the crop. Market opportunities
for new cultivars appear good, and future evaluation of the initial lines
tested will continue in 2001 with The Lentil Company. There is not a lot
of variation between seedlines, but some earlier lines have been identified,
as well as some shorter lines that will be less likely to lodge.
A growers guide has been
produced which summarises the research so that farmers can have confidence
in the systems developed for production of canary seed. Specifically, higher
sowing rates and later sowings have been proposed as ways of ensuring the
crop remains competitive against weeds, minimises the risk of lodging and
produces good quality large seed.
The phenological studies
indicate that canary seed has a slight winter requirement which would make
it unsuitable for spring sowing.
There has been interest from
growers, particularly in the southern Wimmera, and the research has been
presented at several for a, including GRDC grower updates, the Australian
Agronomy Conference and the Joint Centre for Crop Improvement annual symposium.
The project involved a student
taking a Masters of Agricultural Science degree, and he is near to submission
of the thesis. |
| Implications |
This
project will provide the stimulus for the further development of canary
seed in the Wimmera and western district of Victoria. Growers now can take
greater confidence in producing a quality product, and the marketers of
canary seed can look to actively develop new markets now they have some
supply security. |
| Publications |
Ford, J.F. , R.M. Norton, |
