RIRDC Completed Projects in 2000-2001 & Research in Progress as at June 2001

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To New Plant Products Completed Projects

1.1 NEW PLANT PRODUCTS – RESEARCH IN PROGRESS
PROJECT NO.	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION

Native Foods

AQI-1A	Genetic and agronomic improvement of quandong	Dr Ben Lethbridge	(08) 8383 6181	Australian Quandong Industry Association
CFO-1A	Innovative products from indigenous Australian native foods	Dr Michael Forbes-Smith	(02) 9385 5788	CRC for Food Industry Innovation
CLC-1A	Cultivation and sustainable wild harvest of bushfoods by Aboriginal communities in central Australia	Mr Jock Morse	(08) 8952 9413	Central Land Council
CSL-11A	Evaluating performance of cultivated bushfood plants in South Australian environments	Dr Maarten Ryder	(08) 8303 8534	CSIRO Land and Water
DAW-95A	The prospects of commercialising indegenous Boab tubers as vegetables	Mr Peter Johnson	(08) 9166 4026	Agriculture Western Australia
UM-52A	The domestication and improvement of Kunzea pomifera (F.Muell.), muntries	Mr Tony Page	(03) 9250 6873	The University of Melbourne

Culinary Herbs, Spices and Beverages

CAG-1A	Overcoming production limitations in coriander	Mr Peter Hooper	(08) 8755 3166	PIRSA Rural Solutions
CPE-1A	Nutritional requirements of coffee trees in northern New South Wales	Mr John Zentveld	(02) 6687 1004	Coffee and Processing Equipment Australia
DAQ-256A	Northern Australia Cocoa Development	Mr Craig Lemin	(07) 4064 1170	Department of Primary Industries (Qld
DPH-1A	Developing Irrigation strategies for coffee under sub tropical conditions	Mr David Peasley	(02) 6677 7174	Peasley Horticultural Services
UQ-88A	Developing an index of quality for Australian tea	Ms Nola Caffin	(07) 5460 1372	The University of Queensland
US-98A	Condiment paprika: breeding, processing and commercialisation	Prof. Nicholas Derera	(02) 9351 8813	The University of Sydney

Extractive and Fibre Crops

AOL-3A	THE OLIVE PRESS – Australian Olive Association Magazine	Mr John Egan Ms Margaret Chidgey (Ed)	(02) 6833 5402 (02) 9489 3663	Australian Olive Association
DEB-2A	Evaluating olive water requirements from seedling to pre-fruit bearing	Mr James De Barro	(08) 8756 2777	De Barro Agricultural Consulting
OAP-1A	Olive variety assessment for subtropical summer rainfall regions	Mr Greg O'Sullivan	(07) 5466 1333	Olives Australia Pty Ltd
SAR-23A	National Olive Variety Assessment Project (NOVA)	Ms Susan Sweeney	(08) 8303 9673	South Australian Research and Development Institute
UA-47A	Monitoring the relationship between olive water use and yield	Dr Ian Nuberg	(08) 8303 7729	The University of Adelaide
UA-54A	Wild olive selection for quality oil production	Prof. Margaret Sedgley	(08) 8303 7249	The University of Adelaide
UCQ-15A	Commercial viability of senna tora gum production in Australia	A/Prof. Kerry Walsh	(07) 4930 9707	Central Queensland University
UCS-27A	Diagnosing diseases affecting mature jojoba plantations and developing strategies to reduce their effect on commercial production of jojoba seeds	Dr Gavin Ash	(02) 6933 2543	Charles Sturt University
UQ-94A	Evaluating new guayule varieties for low-allergenic rubber production	Dr Doug George	(07) 5460 1308	The University of Queensland
UWA-47A	New high quality oil seed crops for temperate and tropical Australia	Dr Clive Francis	(08) 9380 1878	University of Western Australia
UWA-59A	Establish protocols and guidelines for table olive processing in Australia	Prof. Stanley Kailis	(08) 9380 1644	University of Western Australia

Fruit, Vegetables and Nuts

CSP-7A	Improved post-harvest handling of lychee	Dr Cameron McConchie	(07) 3214 2248	CSIRO Plant Industry
DAQ-249A	Developing a postharvest handling and storage strategy for longan	Mr James Drinnan	(07) 4048 4600	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
DAQ-251A	Enhancing fruit yield and quality of rambutan and longan by optimising irrigation and nutrition management systems – QLD	Mr Yan Diczbalis	(07) 4064 1128	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
DAQ-257A	Cashew nutrition management studies II	Mr Patrick O’Farrell	(07) 4048 4600	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
DAQ-274A	Rambutan IPM Development Phase1: Insect Monitoring/Insecticide screening	Mr David Astridge	(07) 4064 1160	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
DAV-164A	Walnut industry research and best practice implementation	Mr Harold Adem	(03) 5833 5231	Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
DNT-24A	Integrated management of Phytophthora diseases of durian	Mr Chris Wicks	(08) 8999 2309	NT Dept of Primary Industry and Fisheries
DNT-26A	Nutrition and Irrigation Management of Rambutan for maximisation of yield and quality – Northern Territory	Mr Chris Wicks	(08) 8999 2309	NT Dept of Primary Industry and Fisheries
PTT-3A	Increasing the productivity of truffières in Tasmania	Dr Daryl Brown	(03) 6224 1207	Perigord Truffles of Tasmania
US-74A	A field evaluation of the productivity of hazelnut varieties	Mr Basil Baldwin	(02) 6360 5562	The University of Sydney
ZTR-1A	Durian germplasm evaluation for tropical Australia phase 1	Mr Guiseppe Zappala	(07) 4067 5266	Zappala Tropicals Pty Ltd

Grains and Pulses

DAV-183A

Domestic and export market expansion of quality buckwheat

Mr Chris Bluett

(03) 5333 6784

Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)

Miscellaneous

CUT-6A	Acacia saligna as a fodder source for ruminants	Dr Gaye Krebs	(08) 9690 1523	Curtin University of Technology
UT-25A	Leguminous browse species as forage plants for temperate environments	Dr Peter Lane	(03) 6226 2621	University of Tasmania


 

Native Foods
 

Project title	Genetic and agronomic improvement of quandong
RIRDC Project No.:	AQI-1A
Start Date:	06/05/99
Finish Date:	30/05/03
Researcher:	Dr Ben Lethbridge
Organisation:	Australian Quandong Industry Association 62 Grants Gully Rd CLARENDON SA 5157
Phone:	(08) 8383 6181
Fax:	(08) 8383 6181
Email:	mlethbridge@bigpond.com.au
Objectives	It is hoped the study of polyploidy in quandaong feasibility study will lead to the production of self fertile, true breeding and heavy cropping trees to improve fruit set, seedling trees for new orchards and grower returns respectively. Integrated wattle and quandong orchards - to determine which bushfood species of arid land acacia species would make appropriate hosts for quandong in an orchard situation.
Current Progress	Objective 1: Polyploidy in quandong Previous analysis of pollen grains from wild specimens of quandong showed a high degree of malformed sterile pollen. Analysis of pollen from two samples of orchard grown material showed high levels of pollen fertility. This would indicate that pollen fertility is not likely to be an issue in pollination of quandong orchards. Objective 2: Integrated wattle and quandong orchards Eight species of semi–arid wattle (Acacia victoriae , murrayana, rivalis, brumalis, hemiteles, calamifolia, hakeoides, argyophylla) have been grown in a one hectare irrigated area at the Arid Land Botanic Gardens, Port Augusta SA for one year. Most specimens were multi-stemmed form the base. Height (H) and east-west widths (W) have been measured. Of the selected provanences of each species Acacia murrayana (H>W) and victoriae (W>H), showed statistically signifcant (0.05) differences between height and width. Acacia hemiteles showed the best growth over all. Two germinated quandong kernels have been planted close ( within 10 cms) to the water source (dripper) of each acacia specimen (April 2001).


 
 
 
 
 

Project title	Innovative products from indigenous Australian native foods
RIRDC Project No.:	CFO-1A
Start Date:	15/02/99
Finish Date:	31/01/02
Researcher:	Dr Michael Forbes-Smith
Organisation:	CRC for Food Industry Innovation Department of Food Science and Technology University of NSW SYDNEY NSW 2052
Phone:	(02) 9385 5788
Fax:	(02) 9385 5931
Email:	m.forbes@unsw.edu.au
Objectives	· to evaluate isolates from identified native Australian foods · to develop novel and improved foods and food ingredients currently unexploited across the food industry both nationally and internationally leading to a significant increase in demand for the raw material with subsequent growth of the Australian Native Food Industry
Current Progress	Chemical and sensory attributes of native foods have been characterised using GC-MS/Olfactory. Wild lime and lemon aspen juices consisted primarily of sequiterpenes and monoterpenes, including limonene. Aroma descriptors were generally in terms of citrus-like odours. Major compounds in wattleseed included pyrazines, aldehydes/ketones and fatty acid methyl esters. Nutty, coffee and burnt aromas were dominant. Work proceeds to incorporate native food flavours into novel food products. Bread made with akudjura has poor crumb quality and low volume. Akudjura doughs exhibited decreased strength, elasticity and extensibility, and a decline in gliadin wheat proteins during proofing, suggesting the presence of proteolytic enzymes in akudjura. Doughs containing heat treated akudjura rose and held their form throughout proofing and baking.  A natural fumigant treatment has been developed which is potentially beneficial in reducing microbial populations in dried native spices. Around 2 log reduction is achievable although further optimisation is required to eliminate tainting and caking of spices. Extracts of native foods have been fractionated by chromatography to isolate components possessing antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. No definite identifications were obtainable by GC-MS, indicating that components were of a non-volatile nature. HPLC analysis revealed compounds with unique UV profiles. Research continues to purify and identify active native food components.


 
 
 
 

Project title	Cultivation and sustainable wild harvest of bushfoods by Aboriginal communities in central Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	CLC-1A
Start Date:	01/09/99
Finish Date:	31/08/02
Researcher:	Mr Jock Morse
Organisation:	Central Land Council Rural Enterprise Unit PO Box 3321 ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871
Phone:	(08) 8952 9413
Fax:	(08) 8952 9429
Email:	jmorse@clc.org.au
Objectives	The project will investigate horticultural requirements of several central Australian bushfood species to enable them to be grown by Aboriginal groups and become commercially available, and review sustainability of bushfood harvest in central Australia so it can be monitored.
Current Progress	Report not received.


 
 
 
 
 
 

Project title	Evaluating performance of cultivated bushfood plants in South Australian environments
RIRDC Project No.:	CSL-11A
Start Date:	01/01/00
Finish Date:	01/01/04
Researcher:	Dr Maarten Ryder
Organisation:	CSIRO Land and Water Private Bag 2 GLEN OSMOND SA 5064
Phone:	(08) 8303 8534
Fax:	(08) 8303 8684
Email:	maarten.ryder@adl.clw.csiro.au
Objectives	· Diversification of farming practices, with increased and more widespread cultivation of native food plants in southern Australia · Informed decision making on the choice of native food species or cultivars for climatic and soil type zones. · Information about quality of produce derived from selected native food species. · Specific training (both formal and on-the-job) of an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander traineeship scheme.
Current Progress	Sites have now been selected for the native foods field trials, with the aim of planting trees (seven species) and shrubs (two species) in spring 2001. Trials are to be established at Peterborough, Moonta, Murray Bridge, Kangaroo Island, Port MacDonnell and Lyrup in South Australia, Stawell in Victoria and Junee in New South Wales. Negotiations are continuing for a possible site on the north Adelaide plains. Trial designs have been completed. The species and selections have been chosen and plants have been ordered. In addition to trialing nine species in at least eight locations, we will be able to compare selections, varieties or provenances for 6 of the species. The species list is: Santalum acuminatum (quandong: three selections), Acacia victoriae (elegant wattle: several provenances), native Citrus (2 finger lime selections, desert lime and a hybrid), Syzygium luehmannii (riberry: three selections), Tasmannia lanceolata (mountain pepper: several provenances), Acronychia oblongifolia (lemon aspen), Backhousia citriodora (lemon myrtle), Solanum centrale (bush tomato), Kunzea pomifera (muntries: two selections).


 
 
 
 

Project title	The prospects of commercialising indegenous Boab tubers as vegetables
RIRDC Project No.:	DAW-95A
Start Date:	01/02/99
Finish Date:	30/10/01
Researcher:	Mr Peter Johnson
Organisation:	Agriculture Western Australia Locked Bag No 4 BENTLY DELIVERY WA 6983
Phone:	(08) 9166 4026
Fax:	(08) 9166 4066
Email:	pjohnson@agric.wa.gov.au
Objectives	To conduct a primary investigation into Boab tuber to determine its commercial potential. Provide an information package as the basis to establish an industry, thereby reducing the risk for investors and primary producers
Current Progress	After the initial setback with the failed germination’s and the associated delays, the project is now back on track. Material has been collected and a mineral, nutritional and toxicological analysis has been conducted. A preliminary economic analysis has been conducted to estimate the economic viability of producing the crop this indicates it could be quite viable. Milestone 5 (the establishment of experimental plots) has been completed with three experimental plots being established from February 2001 to March 2001. Material from the trial plots was collected for analysis and the conduction of restaurant trials these were conducted in conjunction with the Perth Hyatt hotel. Initial responses have been extremely positive. A post harvest breakdown problem was encountered during the trials, but at this stage it appears to be solvable by changing the packaging and storage conditions. There appear to be no major impediments from this point on to enable the completion of the project by October 2001.


 
 
 

Project title	The domestication and improvement of Kunzea pomifera (F.Muell.), muntries
RIRDC Project No.:	UM-52A
Start Date:	01/07/00
Finish Date:	31/12/02
Researcher:	Mr Tony Page
Organisation:	The University of Melbourne Burnley College Institute of Land And Food Resources Yarra Boulevard RICHMOND VIC 3121
Phone:	(03) 9250 6873
Fax:	(03) 9250 6885
Email:	t.page@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au
Objectives	The objective of the study is to evaluate and select superior varieties for cultivation. Achieving this objective will advance commercial production, improve fruit quality and consistency within the marketplace, from which marketing advantages can flow. The construction of a well planned breeding strategy will form the basis of future developments in domestication of this species.
Current Progress	The first three Milestones have been finished on time and are now being analysed statistically: 1. Accession collection completed after industry consultation 2. Morphological analyses of somatic growth  3. Agronomic critical limits and manipulation trials Milestone 1 K. pomifera was collected across its geographical range (Task3), propagated and is growing in three replicates of 200mm pots on capillary irrigation. Industry participants were interviewed and their responses formed the basis for a brief report (Task 2) on current cultivation practices. Four participants donated selections to the study. Milestone 2 Morphological data (Task 7) consists of leaf area, width, length, perimeter, stomata, oil gland and trichome density. A total of 340 individuals were measured forming 3400 data points; these diverse data conform to a normal probability curve. These data are now under analysis by multivariant and discriminant function. This will be correlated to fruiting traits forming an early-selection index. Milestone 3 Agronomic trials are progressing well. These include: Completion of propagation trials quantifying the species response to standard propagation practices. Successful grafting trials (Task 4); many grafted plants have reached sufficient maturity to fruit in 2001.  Data collection from the ongoing topophysis (Task 5) trial. Photoperiod trial established, which was considered of greater value to the breeding objectives than a pH trial (Task 6) and has therefore replaced it.


 
 

Culinary herbs, spices and beverages
 

Project title	Overcoming production limitations in coriander
RIRDC Project No.:	CAG-1A
Start Date:	01/04/1999
Finish Date:	30/06/2002
Researcher:	Mr Peter Hooper & Mr Jeremy Dennis
Organisation:	PIRSA Rural Solutions & SARDI PO Box 81 KEITH SA 5267
Phone:	(08) 8755 3166
Fax:	(08) 8755 1686
Email:	Hooper.peter@saugov.sa.gov.au
Objectives	· To reduce the incidence & losses caused by bacterial blight in coriander by developing a commercially available acid seed treatment and attain industry adoption by 2002. · Facilitate better industry communication through best management practice information packages prepared and distributed to coriander growers, advisors/consultants, agribusiness and marketers. · Increased agronomic and market skills of growers and agribusiness, advisors/consultants through training provided in SA, NSW and Victoria. · Timely and accurate disease identification through the utilisation of diagnostic services and the implementation of corrective measures. · Assessment of diseases and relative importance through a survey of crops.
Current Progress	· Crop surveys, grower surveys and diagnostic samples combined with a reduced cropping area, indicate bacterial blight is still the major disease and production limitation for coriander in Australia.  · 2000 field trials showed benefits from the acid seed treatment, with bleaching and steaming treatments also showing potential. In 2001 a trial will be run in the South East to compare and prove these treatments. · IAMA sponsored herbicide trials found better herbicide management options for post emergent weed control in coriander production. Better volunteer coriander plant control has also resulted from this work. 2001 will refine the herbicide options available and aim to provide repeatable outcomes.  · Successful crop walks were held in the South-East and the Mid-North during 2000, with further walks being planned for 2001. There are also plans for industry updates to be held during 2001 to educate agribusiness on the coriander industry.  · Factsheets on growing and managing disease in coriander have been written and updated.  Grower interest is still very high for coriander despite a decline in growers over the past few years. Higher gross margins have eventuated from improved prices and reliable yields – proving that coriander is a profitable cropping option and attracting more growers into the industry.


 
 

Project title	Nutritional requirements of coffee trees in northern New South Wales
RIRDC Project No.:	CPE-1A
Start Date:	01/07/97
Finish Date:	30/05/02
Researcher:	Mr John Zentveld
Organisation:	Coffee and Processing Equipment Australia Broken Head Road NEWRYBAR NSW 2479
Phone:	(02) 6687 1004
Fax:	(02) 6687 1335
Email:	cape@zentvelds.com.au
Objectives	To establish optimal nutritional requirements of Arabica coffee grown under sub-tropical conditions in northern New South Wales for sustainable yields of high quality cofee using N.P.K fertilisers together with leaf and soil analysis.
Current Progress	In the last six month the trees have shown a steady growth rate. During this time soil tests and leaf analysis were conducted on all trial sites. At this early stage in the project no marked differences were detected in the soil samples between the different fertiliser programs, however, large differences were detected in the leaf samples. Early in the year the area suffered from very high rainfall and cyclonic weather conditions. Because for this project the tree rows are mounded the trial did not suffer from erosion. As a result of the cyclonic conditions in the area, in many of the plantations (macadamias, coffee and other tree crops) large numbers of trees had to be staked. In the trial block about 15% of the trees had to be staked We are confident that these stakes can be removed next spring. Also during the last six month the trees were measured several times and a full record of these measurements recorded on computer. A new fertiliser report has been prepared for the next twelve month by our agronomist As always, the recommended fertilising time table will be strictly adhered to. Apart from some setbacks with the weather the trees have shown good growth and we expect that a large number of the coffee trees will bear fruit next season.


 
 

Project title	Northern Australia Cocoa Development
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-256A
Start Date:	02/06/99
Finish Date:	30/11/02
Researcher:	Mr Craig Lemin
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries Centre for Wet Tropics Agriculture PO Box 20 SOUTH JOHNSTONE QLD 4859
Phone:	(07) 4064 1170
Fax:	(07) 4064 2249
Email:	leminc@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	The feasibility and economics of cocoa production in northern Australia will be investigated. Yield potential of accessible hybrid and clonal types will be assessed in three potential growing regions (tropical NT, far north Qld and northern WA). Agronomic aspects of production in northern Australia will be recorded and management guidelines developed. Technology for mechanisation of pod splitting and bean extraction will be investigated. Information gathered will allow refinement of the cocoa economic model and provide a decision support for assessing the economic viability of cocoa production in northern Australia.
Current Progress	The project is progressing well with continued excellent collaboration between NACDA members. Cocoa has been field planted at all the trial sites and is establishing well. Trial monitoring protocols have been agreed and are in progress. Mr Tony Lass (Cocoa Technical Manager – Cadbury UK) and Cadbury Australia representatives toured all of the trial sites in May 2001. Field planting of cocoa trials was delayed due to difficulties in accessing preferred hybrid seed lines from the Malaysian Cocoa Board. Although this seed was eventually sourced (June 200) it was not viable. Field planted cocoa is therefore based on commercial hybrid seed lines previously accessed from the Cocoa and Coconut Research Institute (PNG). Pod collection from mature fruiting trees in Qld and NT has continued and small-scale fermentations conducted. Bean analyses have been carried out by MacRobertsons Ltd (Singapore). Bean quality parameters (size, fat content, wastage etc.) have been good. However, cocoa flavour has been "weak" due to deficiencies/limitations in the fermentation technique.  Hybrid Yield Evaluation The status of the respective yield evaluation trials is as follows: Darwin – planted July/August 2000; excellent establishment and minimal losses; shade/cover crop providing excellent protection but also significant competition and has been thinned 50%; minimal to insignificant insect damage Mossman – planted July 2000; excellent establishment; artificial shade enclosures erected around each plant due to poor development of the shade/cover crop; excellent establishment and rapid growth; about 5% losses due to cane grub; shade cover still underdeveloped at May 2001 but cocoa not adversely affected; significant damage from rhyparida beetle now abated Broome – planting of original hybrid seedlings aborted due to root deformity issues; replacement seed ordered and 65% field planting occurred in March 2001; shade/protective crop is well developed; contingencies for completion of trial planting now being undertaken; in-situ planting is progressing ok Farming Systems Planted July/August 2001; artificial shade enclosures were erected as per hybrid trial; excellent establishment and rapid growth of cocoa; sustained damage by rhyparida beetle has currently abated; shade cover now providing useful protection; trellis structures have been constructed for installation Clonal Introduction Under permit from AQIS, continued introductions of elite cocoa material ex Reading University have been made into quarantine at Darwin. 10 of 12 nominated clones have now been successfully introduced. Most of this material has been released from quarantine and is being multiplied for distribution to the state trial sites.  Pod Splitting and Bean Extraction A Brazilian manufacturer has agreed to construct a previously developed pod splitter for testing and modification as required. This machine will be shipped to Australia in May 2001. An alternative prototype pod splitter has been designed in-house and is currently being assembled. Efforts to make contact with manufacturers/users of pre-existing machinery elsewhere in the world have been unsuccessful. Other A PhD project investigating "factors limiting growth and yield of cocoa in northern Australia" has commenced with supervision provided by Sydney University of Technology and funding from Cadbury UK. This project is being conducted at Northern Territory University in Darwin and NTDPIF Coastal Plains Horticultural Research Farm. Timbercorp Eucalypts Ltd has continued its interest in the NACDA project. A PhD proposal to investigate techniques for in-vitro propagation of cocoa with funding provided by Timbercorp (Silvagene) is currently being progressed. Cocoa (100 trees) has been field planted at Frank Wise Institute (Kununurra) using the PNG hybrid seedlings and autonomous funding from Agriculture WA. This planting is developing ok despite very hot conditions.


 
 

Project title	Developing Irrigation strategies for coffee under sub tropical conditions
RIRDC Project No.:	DPH-1A
Start Date:	01/07/98
Finish Date:	30/06/03
Researcher:	Mr David Peasley
Organisation:	Peasley Horticultural Services PO Box 542 MURWILLUMBAH NSW 2484
Phone:	(02) 6677 7174
Fax:	(02) 6677 7174
Email:	peasleyhort@bigpond.com
Objectives	· Determine optimum water requirements to grow qulaity coffee in the sub tropics · Investigate the relaitonship between water and the phenological cycle establish design criteria for irrigation and storage systems · Develop a best practice management system for coffee irrigation to achieve quality production with minimum environment impact · Increase the viability of coffee growing in Australia as an export and import replacement industry with limited available water resources.
Current Progress	· Year 2000 was the first year to compare treatments at mature trees at Site 1 following wet years in 1998/1999. Irrigation was applied from 18th July to 17th October 2000 which corresponded to the maturity stage of the beans. · Irrigation treatments increased yield by 35% to 40% from both irrigation treatments over the unirrigated control. Bean size increased by 18% for the largest size (size 18). Blind taste and aroma panel assessment of cup quality showed that while all treatments were acceptable in taste, the irrigated treatments were superior.  · These yield responses were unexpected because irrigation treatments were applied after the accepted bean sizing period (7 to 17 weeks after flowering) · The quality difference showed that irrigation enhanced cup quality · Flowering and fruit set for the 2001 crop is very light. This could be due to a heavy late crop from previous year. · New planting at Site 2 were completed in March 2000.  · Data collected shows that plant water uptake can be limited by high temperature as well as available low soil water content. · Most water extraction from the irrigated crops occurs in the top 200mm of the soil profile. · Drip irrigation needs to be pulsed to minimise leaching losses.


 
 
 

Project title	Developing an index of quality for Australian tea
RIRDC Project No.:	UQ-88A
Start Date:	22/07/99
Finish Date:	01/06/02
Researcher:	Ms Nola Caffin
Organisation:	The University of Queensland School of Land and Food Sciences Gatton Campus GATTON QLD 4343
Phone:	(07) 5460 1372
Fax:	(07) 5460 1171
Email:	nc@fst.uq.edu.au
Objectives	To obtain chemical data on phenolic compounds in Australian tea designed to enhance the promotion of Australian grown tea.
Current Progress	Level of flavonoids have been measured in tea produced on a plantation in North Queensland. Variation over a 12 months growing season was measured by collecting samples from several growing locations on the plantation every harvest (approximately every 3-4 weeks). Collection started in April 2000 and finished in April 2001. However, owing to severe frosts and higher than usual rainfall, some harvests were cancelled or delayed. After collection, samples were stored in dry ice and transported by air to the UQ Gatton Campus for analysis. The samples were extracted and the flavonoid levels analysed by HPLC. Moisture content and caffeine levels have also been measured. There were almost no oxidation products detected in the fresh leaf samples. This indicates that the sampling protocol that was developed for the collection, handling and transport of samples protects the polyphenols of fresh leaves from oxidation. In addition to fresh tea leaf, samples were collected from each point in the tea processing from binned green leaf to the final tea. Samples from three separate runs (3 replicates) were collected, usually on three consecutive days. This was done 4 times over the same 12 months, in autumn, winter, spring and summer. Full analysis of results is not yet complete.


 
 
 
 
 

Project title	Condiment paprika: breeding, processing and commercialisation
RIRDC Project No.:	US-98A
Start Date	01/07/00
Finish Date	30/11/02
Researcher:	Prof. Nicholas Derera
Organisation:	The University of Sydney Plant Breeding Institute Private Bag 11 CAMDEN NSW 2570
Phone:	(02) 9351 8813
Fax:	(02) 9351 8875
Email:	dereran@agric.usyd.edu.au
Objectives	Breed PBR cultivars suitable for mechanised commercial production due to their synchronized ripening which allows a larger part of the yield (>80%) to be harvested once. In once, In addition to harvestability the cultivars will have high dry matter (18%) and pigment (150 ASTA) content. 1. Develop advanced lines incorporating the traits of fruit detachability to aid mechanical harvesting and processing. 2. Lay the foundation for a hybrid seed production scheme utilizing insect pollination techniques, the aim is for higher yield and quality potential. 3. Produce commercial crop(s) of paprika with the assistance of co-operating growers, seed production scheme will be developed to obviate the current reliance on high cost of imported seed.
Current Progress	Due to the drastic reduction of finances the whole program had to be adjusted accordingly.  Our collaborating Hungarian colleague, Dr. Norbert Somogyi produced 100 cross combinations and the F1 embryos from these will be forwarded to us in June this year. Further hybrids will arrive in September. Due to this help our hybrid seed production program is revitalised. Moreover further development in our attempt to vegetatively propagate male-sterile plants is showing promise for the production of hybrid seed within a reasonable price range. Our cooperating farmer Mr. Stephen Katerinka, Lakesland produced approx. 20 kg pure seed of our Co 801.2.b selection. The University of Sydney in cooperation with Solvent Australia successfully tested a new solvent based process for extraction of oleoresin from paprika. The product does not have any chemical residue and the extraction rate was 3% higher than the rate quoted by the oleoresin industry overseas.  Prof. Derera gave a lecture at the Australian Agrifood Congress' Research Forum on 17th August 2000 entitled: Recent Developments in Condiment Paprika Research. He also published an article "Condiment Paprika - A Potential New Crop" in the Agricultural Science vol. 13 No. 4 pg. 24 -27.


 

Extractive and fibre crops
 

Project title	THE OLIVE PRESS – Australian Olive Association Magazine
RIRDC Project No.:	AOL-3A
Start Date:	04/08/98
Finish Date:	10/09/01
Researcher:	John Egan (Project Manager) Ms Margaret Chidgey (Editor)
Organisation:	Australian Olive Association (AOA) Mount Harris WARREN NSW 2824
Phone:	(02) 6833 5402 (02) 9489 3663
Fax:	(02) 6833 5414
Email:	jegan@bigpond.com
Objectives	The Olive Press to be the principle communications forum for the olive industry, thereby positively impacting on the sustainable development of the fledgling Australian olive industry.
Current Progress	RIRDC support for The Olive Press extends over three years and the publication of twelve issues – Summer 98 to Spring 2001. With only two issues to go, Winter and Spring 2001, the magazine has been an unqualified success. The Olive Press is an objective, independently and professionally edited and produced specialized industry magazine that has been an invaluable asset to the emerging olive industry. It has certainly achieved its goal of being the principle communications forum for the olive industry. The magazine disseminates industry information direct to stakeholders through its various features, including: research and technical papers and updates; industry related developments, issues and news; international issues and news; new products; book reviews; health issues, food and recipes. The Letters to the Editor section allows open debate on pertinent industry issues such as R & D levies; while the comprehensive advertising component allows one stop nationwide access to suppliers of industry specific technology, machinery and services. The Olive Press continues to evolve and consolidate its position, serving the AOA and the industry well. The nascent peak industry body, the AOA, could not have got this vital project off the ground in 1998 with out the support of RIRDC.


 
 
 

Project title	Evaluating olive water requirements from seedling to pre-fruit bearing
RIRDC Project No.:	DEB-2A
Start Date:	01/09/00
Finish Date:	30/08/04
Researcher:	Mr James De Barro
Organisation:	De Barro Agricultural Consulting PO Box 424 KEITH SA 5267
Phone:	(08) 8756 2777
Fax:	(08) 8755 3111
Email:	dbac@lm.net.au
Objectives	Quantify the volumetric soil moisture requirements of olives from planting to pre-fruit bearing and the development of the effective root zone depth to eliminate excess irrigation. Create and publish a flexible soil moisture requirement protocol for young trees before fruit bearing in a format for growers to utilise in their young olives and act as a reference point for developing a specific irrigation strategy for their property. Such a protocol could be used to calibrate soil moisture recording devices that assist accurate scheduling of irrigation.
Current Progress	The first irrigation season has almost concluded with the onset of consistent rainfall. Tree growth has been periodically measured and all irrigation timing and quantities and rainfall events have been recorded. Soil moisture recording has allowed determination of the root growth and depth of water extraction. Irrigation has been applied in relation to the recorded data. Irrigation output has been significantly reduced compared to the previous irrigation season and the trees appear visually healthy. The equipment used to continually monitor soil moisture, applied irrigation and the prevailing weather has operated effectively. The collected data will be assessed and interpreted to determine tree growth and water use over the irrigation season. Additionally, water use and tree growth over winter will be recorded to permit determination of tree water requirements in the first 12 months since planting.


 
 
 

Project title	Olive variety assessment for subtropical summer rainfall regions
RIRDC Project No.:	OAP-1A
Start Date:	16/07/99
Finish Date:	30/11/02
Researcher:	Mr Greg O'Sullivan
Organisation:	Olives Australia Pty Ltd 16 McGarva Road GRANTHAM QLD 4347
Phone:	(07) 5466 1333
Fax:	(07) 5466 1592
Email:	gosul@bigpond.com
Objectives	To deliver information to the Australian Olive Industry that will allow producers to make informed varietal selections for future planting's into Australia's subtropical summer rainfall regions; through the provision of comparative physiological information on the performance of sixty olive varieties in warm winter, summer rainfall conditions.
Current Progress	The varietal research grove was established at Buararba near Gatton in S.E. Queensland in May 1999. Comparative growth data of the second growing season has been collected and assessed. The total increase in tree height in the first two years after planting ranged from  80cm to 252cm between varieties with the mean height of the tallest and shortest variety being 333cm and 211cm respectively. The total increase in trunk diameter over the same period ranged from 25mm to 81mm between varieties. The ten varieties showing the highest rate of vegetative growth at this stage of the trial are Mediterranean, UC6A7, Tiny Kalamata, Koroneiki, Lecqure, Paragon, Helena, No.14, Pecholine and Fantago. This preliminary data although useful in providing an early indication of growth characteristics is not necessarily indicative of the fruit and oil yield potential of the varieties. Fruit set was sparse this season. It is expected that useful early yield data will be obtained next season when the trees are three years old. To encourage balanced growth and early production, the trees at this stage of the trial, are being maintained in their natural growth form with minimal pruning being undertaken.


 
 
 

Project title	National Olive Variety Assessment Project (NOVA)
RIRDC Project No.:	SAR-23A
Start Date:	15/07/99
Finish Date:	30/11/02
Researcher:	Ms Susan Sweeney
Organisation:	South Australian Research and Development Institute PIRSA Rural Solutions Plant Research Centre GPO Box 397 ADELAIDE SA 5001
Phone:	(08) 8303 9673
Fax:	(08) 8303 9424
Email:	sweeney.susan@saugov.sa.gov.au
Objectives	To deliver informed and skilled olive orchard management through provision of: 1. A nationally coordinated technical and educational support network 2. Comparative physiological information on the performance of all known olive varieties and promising new feral varieties in Australia. 3. Survival, growth and management information from a range of olive varieties across a range of climatic/edaphic conditions in Australia.
Current Progress	National Collection – Roseworthy Campus Most of the 100 olive varieties planted in 1998/99 are growing well and some have produced fruit for analysis this season. Early results show that some of the varieties with high oleic acid content (a positive characteristic) in their fruit include Coratina, Koroneiki, Picual and Kalamata. Those showing high oil content include Picual, Coratina, Frantoio, Arbequina and Koroneiki. SA Verdale has a high linlolenic acid content (a negative characteristic). Some broad findings from the DNA analyses are: · The DNA of one fifth of the 100 planted varieties matched the DNA from the Italian Frantoio variety. This included Correggiola, WA Mission, Mediterranean and Paragon as well as a number of varieties from the old Government collections, some with French names.  · The commercially available Californian Mission did not match with DNA from the University of California collection but there was a positive match with an obscurely named variety from an old Government collection. Commercial Scale Evaluation All cooperators who submitted olive fruit samples in 2000 have received detailed laboratory analyses of the oil quality from their fruit. Last years results will be combined with this years results to give a fuller picture of variety performance across Australia.


 
 

Project title	Monitoring the relationship between olive water use and yield
RIRDC Project No.:	UA-47A
Start Date:	01/07/98
Finish Date:	31/12/01
Researchers:	Dr Ian Nuberg Dr Isa Yunusa
Organisation:	The University of Adelaide Dept Natural Resources & Environment Roseworthy Campus Chiltern Valley Rd, RMB 1145 ROSEWORTHY SA 5371 RUTHERGLEN VIC 3685
Phone:	(08) 8303 7729 (02) 6030 4506
Fax:	(08) 8303 7979 (08) 8303 4600
Email:	ian.nuberg@adelaide.edu.au isa.yunusa@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	To understand the water use requirements of olives in the southern Australian environment we shall establish for a representative range of olive groves: 1) their anual water requirements 2) how these water requirements change over the season so that financially efficient irrigation schedules can be developed 3) and to indicate under which cirumstances drainage may be a problem
Current Progress	Three of the sites monitored in this project are at two irrigated groves at Waikerie in Riverland (Kalamata variety) and Balaklava in the Mid-North of SA (also Kalamata) and a rainfed grove at Greenock in the Barossa Valley (unknown oil variety) Some of the result currently analysed are: Water use efficiency – measured in terms of olive yield per total available water (kg fruit/ ha /mm) – ranged from 1.03 at Waikerie to 4.10 at Balaklava and 6.63 at Greenock. The fruit yields at these sites were 612, 2610 and 2680 kg/ha respectively. While it is interesting that the rainfed grove at Greenock produced highest fruit yield and water use efficiency it should be noted that the Waikerie and Balaklava groves of Kalamata olives were in their ‘off’ year and their production was dominated by vegetative growth. While potential evaporation (EO) was similar across the three sites (1524, 1431 and 1540 mm respectively), evapotranspiration (ET) and crop factors (ET/EO) varied greatly. The Waikerie site showed a high degree of variability in the crop factor (eg 0.1 in November to 0.5 in December) as a consequence of the low water holding capacity of the sandy soil combined with uneven distribution of irrigation. In contrast, the Balaklava grove maintained a reasonably consistent relationship between ET and EO with crop factors varying between 0.4 and 0.5. This is a function of the higher water holding capacity of the gradational soil which enables to continue transpiring in the absence of frequent irrigation or rainfall. The Greenock grove showed a typical seasonal distribution of ET values that correspond with low rainfall and high EO from December to February. The ratio of T/ET indicates that the transpiration (T) component of ET ranged between 26% and 59% between trees and measuring periods with an average of 39.5% (st.dev 7.5). This ratio is consistent with the proportion of land area occupied by tree canopies which when estimated using light interception methods, was found to be 40% (stocking density 220 trees/ha) While the data set for the 1999/2000 season is strong the data set for the 2000/2001 season was compromised by consistent failure of the loggers monitoring water applied through irrigation. This will be overcome by using proxy data derived from estimates of grower’s application regimes.


 
 

Project title	Wild olive selection for quality oil production
RIRDC Project No.:	UA-54A
Start Date:	01/07/00
Finish Date:	30/11/03
Researcher:	Prof. Margaret Sedgley
Organisation:	The University of Adelaide Department of Horticulture, Viticulture and Oenology Waite Agricultural Institute GLEN OSMOND SA 5064
Phone:	(08) 8303 7249
Fax:	(08) 8303 7116
Email:	msedgley@waite.adelaide.edu.au
Objectives	The aim of this project is selection of new improved olive cultivars from wild southern Australian material, based on oil analysis, DNA fingerprinting, propagation and field trials. This will improve yield and quality of olive oil for domestic and export markets, and provide quality assurance to the industry.
Current Progress	Feral sampling: Sensory evaluation of several of the feral oils pressed in 2000 was conducted and revealed some interesting flavour components. Propagation methods have been tested and improved to increase the strike rate of cuttings.  Collections in 2001 have been focussed on revisiting and testing feral olives identified in previous years. Thirty-three superior trees, and eight comparators, have been revisited from 8 populations, and rooted cuttings have been obtained from all of the trees. Oil was extracted from the fruit of 17 individuals, 17 other trees are still bearing green fruit and 7 trees did not bear enough fruit to pick this year. Four more populations are to be visited, containing a total of 41 individuals to be located, sampled and propagated through cuttings. Database: DNA fingerprinting of the Roseworthy NOVA collection containing 600 trees and appropriate standards from international and Australian collections has been completed. A manuscript describing this work is in preparation. Our database now contains over 200 DNA fingerprints and is continually expanding with the addition of accessions from Australia and overseas.


 
 

Project title	Commercial viability of senna tora gum production in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	UCQ-15A
Start Date:	01/08/00
Finish Date:	30/07/01
Researcher:	A/Prof. Kerry Walsh
Organisation:	Central Queensland University Plant Science Group Research Laboratory ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4702
Phone:	(07) 4930 9707
Fax:	(07) 4930 6536
Email:	k.walsh@cqu.edu.au
Objectives	· To assess the potential for food gum production from Senna tora, a weed tropics of north Queensland, in terms of yield and economic return · To source and multiply genetically 'fingerprinted' Senna tora seed of known gum quality for use in agronomic trials · To utilise data of yield and agronomic inputs from a small scale field planting within an economic analysis · To recommend on