RIRDC Completed Projects in 2001-2002 & Research in Progress as at June 2002

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2.4 Essential Oils - Completed Projects
PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION

Development and Improvement of Products

DAQ-281A	Growing milkweed, a plant with prospective anti-cancer properties	Dr. Craig Davis	(07) 3406 8611	Dept of Primary Industries (Qld)
UT-28A	Chamomile varieties for essential oil and dry flower production	Prof. Robert Menary	(03) 6226 2723	University of Tasmania

Improved Production Systems

DAV-178A	Potential for IPM in Peppermint growing in South East Australia	Mr. Fred Bienvenu	(03) 5731 1222	Dept of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
SAG-1A	Methodology and viability of re-establishing commercial boronia plantations	Dr. Doris Blaesing	(03) 6427 0800	Serve-Ag Pty Ltd
UNC-8A	Production of high quality Australian ginseng	Prof. Ron Wills	(02) 4348 4140	The University of Newcastle

Industry Development

SAG-2A

Review of lavender research and development

Dr. Lee Peterson

(03) 6233 5522

Serve-Ag Pty Ltd

Project Title:	Growing Milkweed, a plant with prospective anti-cancer properties
RIRDC Project No:	DAQ-281A
Researcher:	Dr Craig Davis
Organisation:	Centre for Food Technology 19 Hercules Street, Hamilton 4007 Qld
Phone:	(07) 3406 8611
Fax:	(07) 3406 8677
Email:	craig.davis@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives:	To review the traditional use (and toxicity, where reported) of Euphorbia species in medicine and survey their potential for agricultural cultivation.
Background:	Recent research by a small Brisbane-based, Australian-owned company Peplin Biotech Ltd in conjunction with the Queensland Institute of Medical Research has found that extracts from milkweed (Euphorbia peplus) and potentially other Euphorbia species (e.g. E.esula, E.lathyris, E.terracina and E.lagascae) have significant anti-cancer activity in mice and humans. Euphorbia is a large genus of some 2000 species with milky sap, often with poisonous or medicinal uses. It includes beneficial as well as weedy plants, of which some 45 species are found in Australia. Although milkweed and the other promising Euphorbia spp. are new to agriculture, environmental requirements for their cultivation have been established in the course of earlier research by Peplin Biotech and QIMR. The active compounds are unable to be synthesised on a commercial scale and have been patented by Peplin Biotech. An early version of the product has given >90% complete responses on skin cancers in a Phase II clinical trial.
Research:	A comprehensive literature review has been prepared with information being sourced from the resources of the Agricultural (DPI) and the Medical (QIMR) database systems as well as from the considerable library on the topic which is held by Peplin Biotech. This review discusses the presence of anti-cancer activity, the previous testing undertaken and the potential toxicity of the product.
Outcomes:	Peplin Biotech has discovered a novel class of natural compounds, purified from Euphorbia, which show great potential in the laboratory as a potent treatment for a wide range of human cancers including breast, prostate cancer and skin cancers. An early clinical trial on thick and thin non-melanoma skin cancers has confirmed that the compounds are very effective in producing long-term (possibly permanent) responses in human patients without any evident systemic toxicity when applied topically. E.peplus is one of a number of plants in the Euphorbiaceae family that has attracted attention as a home remedy for skin cancer because of its milky sap. However, a survey by Peplin Biotech of over 200 species of the Euphorbiaceae family has shown that only E.peplus has the desired attributes of anti-cancer efficacy. In addition, E.peplus is not a noxious weed, it grows rapidly, produces harvestable seed and it is potentially suitable for large-scale agricultural production. Methods have been developed by Peplin Biotech for the extraction and purification of compounds from E.peplus in the laboratory, and these are currently being scaled-up for commercial production. It is anticipated that the overall cost of producing the active ingredient in pure form will result in a commercially viable treatment, provided the cost of agricultural production can be kept low. Currently, the plant is sown and harvested by hand and tended in small plots. The limiting factor in capturing commercial value from these discoveries is therefore the availability of plant feedstock for the extraction of active compounds. Developing large-scale agricultural production can solve this problem.

Implications:

Anti-cancer compounds from a common but tractable weed are being developed by a Brisbane-based, Australian-owned biotechnology company (Peplin Biotech) with the assistance of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. The present project may result in a unique opportunity for primary producers to contribute to their own wellbeing through the development of an effective treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer. A new, specialist crop might also emerge. We plan to evaluate methods for complete mechanisation of E.peplus cultivation and sap production. This will include methods of seed production, since the current supply of seed will need to be greatly expanded. The requirements for large-scale agriculture will be ascertained, using the expertise and equipment pooled from the wide variety of specialists in the DPI. The next critical step is to develop methods suitable for broad-acre, mechanised production.

Project Title:	Assessment of Chamomile Varieties for Essential Oil and Dried Flower Production
RIRDC Project No:	UT-28A
Researcher:	Professor R. C. Menary Dr L. Falzari
Organisation:	University of Tasmania
Phone:	03 6226 2724
Fax:	03 6226 7609
Email:	R. Menary@utas.edu.au
Objectives	The project objectives were the development of a production system for the growing, harvesting and drying of high grade chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) flowers for the medicinal market and the distillation of the lower grade flowers for blue chamomile essential oil.
Background	Chamomile is a new crop to be added to the armoury of the Essential Oils Industry in Tasmania. Chamomile has been used in folk medicine throughout history. It is still used in the production of a medicinal tea that is renowned for its calming properties. The blue essential oil is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Production of chamomile in Tasmania will provide both import replacement and potentially a valuable export commodity.
Research	The production of three varieties of chamomile was tested under Tasmanian growing conditions. The best sowing and harvest time was found for each variety. Yields of oil and flowers were measured and the best method for treating flowers before steam-distillation examined. The increase in oil yield from increasing the duration of steam-distillation was used to estimate the appropriate length of time of the distillation process.
Outcomes	The optimum sowing time for chamomile is early spring. Multiple harvests optimise yield. The first harvest should coincide with the opening of the yellow disc-florets and the precise harvest date is determined by repeated sampling of the crop to measure increases in yield and quality. Yields of 1 tonne of dry flowers per hectare can be expected. Oil yield is strongly dependent on the duration of distillation and approximately 12 hours of distillation is recommended.  Freezing is a suitable method of storing flowers before distillation or the flowers may be dried. Drying did not effect the quality of oil from the variety Bona but had a detrimental affect on the quality of steam-distilled oil from the variety Bodegold .
Implications	The crop must be sown early and must be monitored closely to maximise yield and quality of both flowers and oil. No impediments were discovered which would preclude chamomile from being produced in Tasmania.

Project Title:	Potential for IPM in Peppermint growing in South East Australia
RIRDC Project No:	DAV-178A
Researcher:	Fred Bienvenu
Organisation:	NRE Ovens Institute for Horticultural Development P.O. Box 235 Myrtleford 3737
Phone:	03-57 311 222
Fax:	03-57 311 223
Email:	fred.bienvenu@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	To establish an interim protocol for minimising two-spotted mite (TSM) impact on south eastern Australia peppermint crops. To develop suitable sampling techniques for assessing TSM in peppermint crops. To evaluate the potential to develop an effective integrated pest management program for peppermint production in south eastern Australia based on effective control of TSM.
Background	TSM is one of the most difficult horticultural pests to control and constitutes a very significant and real risk to stable commercial peppermint oil production. The incidence of TSM is increasing annually in commercial peppermint crops. Significant yield losses that occurred in 1998/99 have been largely attributed to TSM. Under dry conditions high levels of TSM infestation result in excessive leaf loss, particularly lower leaf and can affect oil quality.
Research	A field survey of commercial peppermint crops was carried out to establish which pests are present in peppermint fields and the range of controls currently used or available. Predators were released on to the two major peppermint properties and have proved adaptable to Victorian environmental conditions. Sampling and monitoring techniques were tested. Sampling for several predator generations was required to ensure that the life cycle would be complete.
Outcomes	Evaluation of the potential to develop an effective integrated pest management program for peppermint production in south eastern Australia based on effective control of TSM has been successfully completed. The need for an IPM program for Australian peppermint is apparent and the many positive sightings indicate that the predator mite Phytoseiulus persimilis can survive and reduce TSM populations during the critical months of peppermint production.
Implications	To implement a successful IPM program in peppermint several key developments are required: The identification and integration of chemical and sustainable bio-control methods practices that will maximise yield of high quality peppermint oil. The development of data required to support registration (minor use or full) of predator "friendly" pesticides Establishment of an industry reference group to facilitate and implement the use of a practical IPM program. See progress report on the follow-up project DAV-190A (page 9).

Project Title	Methodology and viability of re-establishing commercial boronia plantations
RIRDC Project No:	SAG-1A
Researcher:	Dr Doris Blaesing
Organisation:	Serve-Ag Pty Ltd
Phone:	(03) 6427 0800
Fax:	(03) 6427 0801
Email:	Dblaesing@serve-ag.com.au
Objectives	This study will enable the boronia industry to determine the viability of replanting present boronia plantations and indicate the management procedures necessary to successfully re-establish boronia plantations under their existing infrastructure.
Background	The production of an essential oil from brown boronia (Boronia megastigma) has been developed in Tasmania over the last 17 years, with commercial production of large clonal plantations for the last 12 years. At present, some 80% of the total Boronia has been in commercial production in Tasmania for more than 7 years, and plant numbers have been decreasing due to mechanical damage by harvesters and wind, and general decline. Production and sales forecasts from oil processors indicate that unless replanting is initiated in the next 1-3 years, there will be a shortfall in supplying the demand for product. Replanting boronia in small areas of plantations has not been successful to date, and growers are concerned about the viability of replanting entire plantations. The cost of developing new land rather than replanting current sites would be prohibitive. As boronia has very specific soil requirements, there are also no alternative cropping options for the land developed for current boronia production.
Research	Confirmation of specific replant disease (soil sickness) in a pot trial. Isolation of soil-borne fungi from current boronia plantations. Replant field trial, testing soil amendments, fire, nutrients simulating an ‘ash bed effect’, and fungicides active against Phytophthora spp. Field survey of Tasmanian boronia plantations to investigate site factors and plant establishment, management and longevity.
Outcomes	Classical ‘soil sickness’ problems have not been found. Several soil amendments and nutritional inputs can improve plant re-establishment.  Sick plants may respond to targeted fungicide treatment.  A revision of the nutrition program may improve plant longevity.  Decline problems in current plantations are due to a combination of site specific, establishment and management issues (water-logging, pot bound roots, irrigation, nutrient imbalance, scale and rust epidemics), and crown disease and deformation.
Implications	Treatments from the replant trial should be evaluated longer term at several sites.  The importance of Phytophthora and Pythium as pathogens of cultivated boronia needs further investigation. Cation (Ca, K, Mg, NH4) and trace element nutrition as well as nutrient balances, need to be better understood to develop desirable plant nutrient levels that enable nutrient monitoring and adjustment of fertiliser programs for optimum production. Nematodes may play a role in plant decline that needs further investigation.  Factors affecting crown health, i.e. crown gall, have to be investigated and managed. Pesticides must not be used without thorough evaluation and use permits. The industry may benefit from producing a comprehensive boronia management guide and/or introducing a quality management system.

Project Title:	Production of high quality Australian ginseng
RIRDC Project No:	UNC-8A
Researcher:	Prof Ron Wills
Organisation:	University of Newcastle, Centre for Advancement of Food Technology & Nutrition PO Box 127, OURIMBAH NSW 2258
Phone:	(02) 4348 4140
Fax:	(02) 4348 4145
Email:	ftrbhw@alinga.newcastle.edu.au
Objectives	To generate information on the active constituents in American ginseng that confer a health benefit to enable the Australian industry to position itself as an international supplier of high quality ginseng products.
Background	American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) is a medicinal herb native to North America but is now widely used in traditional markets in Asia. The substantial international trade in ginseng led to the establishment of an Australian industry based on growing American ginseng. If Australia is to become successful in the exporting and import substitution of ginseng, it needs to develop a reputation for the consistent supply of high quality ginseng products. The ultimate determinant of quality is the concentration of active constituents that impart a health benefit to the human body. The group of saponins known as ginsenosides are widely accepted as major active constituents in ginseng.
Research	The research focused on determining: reliable methods for the analysis of ginsenosides, changes in ginsenosides in plant parts during plant growth, effect of postharvest handling and processing operations on ginsenosides, quality of ginseng products in retail outlets, and a survey of practices of Australian ginseng farms.
Outcomes	Quantitative analytical methods for the analysis of neutral and malonyl ginsenosides were developed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ginseng roots were found to contain a similar composition and concentration of ginsenosides as plants grown in North America and Asia. The ginsenosides concentration in the root changed little over a growing season but was maximal in leaf and hair root when green fruit was present. Fully developed leaf contained 25% of total plant ginsenosides. Roots of different age or the same age but from different sites showed a linear relationship for root weight and ginsenosides concentration. Field cultivated plants under artificial shade produced faster growing roots and greater ginsenosides concentration than forest-grown roots. The drying of fresh roots in a hot air drier resulted in an increasing loss of total ginsenosides as the temperature was increased. Stored dried ginseng root was also temperature dependent with an increasing loss of product with a 2 hour blanch time and only a 15% loss in total ginsenosides. A wide range of ethanol/water mixtures extracted 85-90% of ginsenosides with 50% ethanol the optimal solvent. Spray drying the alcoholic extract gave a powder of acceptable colour and texture with <15% loss of ginsenosides. The quality of ginseng products available to consumers showed considerable variation in ginsenosides. The highest concentration was found in root powders and tea bags followed by the dry root and tablets/capsules.
Implications	The similar profile of ginsenosides in Australian-grown root crops to those grown in North America and Asia should support international marketing of the crop. Utilisation of the leaf could generate a valuable by-product with beneficial medicinal properties. Annual harvesting would allow a cash return before root maturity. Identification of growing practices or improved nutrition that increases the rate of root growth would appear to also give an increase in ginsenosides concentration. The temperature for drying and storing ginseng roots should be minimised to retain ginsenosides. Drying and storage temperatures of 55oC and 5oC are recommended. Production of a red ginseng product and a dried ginseng extract should be explored.

Publications

Presentations were made to the Annual Conference of the Australian Ginseng Growers Association held in 1999 at Traralgon, 2000 at Wangaratta and 2001 at Ballarat

Project Title:	The Australian Lavender Industry - A Review of Oil Production and Related Products
RIRDC Project No:	SAG-2A
Researcher:	Dr Lee Peterson
Organisation:	Serve-Ag Pty Ltd PO Box 149 Glenorchy. TAS 7010
Phone:	(03) 6233 5522
Fax:	(03) 6273 6688
Email:	lpeterson@serve-ag.com.au
Objectives	To conduct a review of the Lavender Industry in Australia determining the present status of the industry, current research projects and potential research and development issues.
Background	Lavender oil is produced for a number of different markets. The traditional market has been for fragrance applications, predominantly in body care products. The application of lavender oil in aromatherapy products has been steadily increasing despite the considerable historical use of lavender oil in aromatherapy. This increase appears to be driven by a renewed awareness in the potential therapeutic benefits of lavender oil
Research	Much of the recent research in the rest of the world centres around the therapeutic activity of lavender based products. Most of these trials are targeted at determining the effect of lavender fragrance on the human emotional state. Other studies have examined the potential for lavender as a local anaesthetic. Another novel use for lavender oil that has been recently studied is the potential for the oil as a pesticide. Studies on the wound healing activities of L.angustifolia and L.allardii oils are being conducted by the Charles Sturt University (CSU). Within this research, lavender honey is also being examined as a wound dressing substrate. Other areas of Australian research focus on oil analysis and more in-depth examination of oils and their individual components. CSU has also been conducting headspace analysis of a range of varieties of lavender to look at the potential for chemotaxonomic differentiation of varieties whilst the University of Tasmania has examined the oil composition of the oil from Bridestowe Estate cultivars over a number of years. The University of Tasmania now holds a collection of very low camphor selections.
Outcomes	The most significant area of research required for the Lavender industry is in regard to the breeding and selection aspects to further improve the genetic basis for lavender production. The high quality oil produced by Bridestowe Estate is a direct result of many decades of selection for this particular region of Tasmania. To enable successful oil production in other regions of Australia considerable emphasis will have to be placed on the selection and potential breeding of lavenders suitable for these regions to achieve quality standards and also economic yields.  Further research and development of the therapeutic properties of lavender oil is a high priority for the industry. The majority of L.angustifolia oil market growth in the last 5-10 years has been in this segment rather than in the fragrance market

Implications

There is a growing demand for all of the lavender range of oil types – L. allardii and lavandin oils are sought after by the aromatherapy market, as is L.angustifolia oil, for their therapeutic applications. Currently oil produced for the therapeutic market must conform to the BP standard as products are mainly marketed into the aromatherapy segment. This presents difficulties for producers and distributors as not all oils have a BP standard eg: L. Allardii.  The high incidence of incorrect identification and naming of species and varieties within the genus Lavandula further complicates the issue of standards. Many nurseries are incorrectly identifying various lavender species and labelling plants with only generic terms such as "English" or "French". For prospective oil producers to source the correct cultivars, especially of L.angustifolia, this situation is totally unacceptable.  In respect to the development of the industry associations, there is a definite requirement for an industry appointed representative or executive officer to be employed by the Lavender Growers Association (TALGA). Whilst the present volunteer committee is highly active and enthusiastic to further the development of the lavender industry in Australia, there exists a need for TALGA to be professionally managed and represented to industry and government bodies.