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

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2.4 Essential oils - Research in progress
PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION

Development and Improvement of Products

DAQ-269A	The control of chalkbrood disease with natural products (eg essential oils)	Dr. Craig Davis	(07) 3406 8611	Dept of Primary Industries (Qld)
DAV-168A	Kesom oil a new essential oil for flavours	Mr. Fred Bienvenu	(03) 5731 1222	Dept of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
MRA-1A	Efficient sourcing and fractionation of sesquiterpenoid alcohols from Australian sandalwood	Ms. Valerie Gearon	(08) 9841 7788	Mt Romance Australia Pty Ltd
UNC-6A	Generation of high quality Australian Skullcap products	Prof. Ron Wills	(02) 4348 4140	The University of Newcastle
UNC-11A	Generation of high quality Australian valerian products	Prof. Ron Wills	(02) 4348 4140	The University of Newcastle
UT-27A	Optimisation of parsley seed oil production	Prof. Robert Menary	(03) 6226 2723	University of Tasmania
UT-34A	Preliminary evaluation of some medicinal herbs	Dr. Rowland Laurence	(03) 6430 4901	University of Tasmania
UT-35A	Development of a celery oil and extract industry in Tasmania	Prof. Robert Menary	(03) 6226 2723	University of Tasmania

Improved Production Systems

DAV-190A	Implementing IPM in Australian peppermint crops	Mr. Fred Bienvenu	(03) 5731 1222	Dept of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
UNC-13A	Optimisation of polysaccharides in processed echinacea purpurea products	Dr. Douglas Stuart	(02) 4548 4124	The University of Newcastle
UT-33A	Commercial Borage Production for Oil and Gamma-linolenic Acid	Dr. Rowland Laurence	(03) 6430 4901	University of Tasmania

Regulatory Approvals

UT-36A

Determination of pesticide minimum residue limits in essential oils

Prof. Robert Menary

(03) 6226 2723

University of Tasmania

Industry Development

PSE-2A

Production of a newsletter of the Essential Oil Producers Association of Australia

Dr. Erich Lassak

(02) 9875 1894

Phytochemical Services

Project Title	The control of chalkbrood disease with natural products (eg essential oils)
RIRDC Project No:	DAQ-269A
Start Date:	01/07/00
Finish Date:	30/04/02
Researcher:	Dr. Craig Davis
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) Centre for Food Technology 19 Hercules Street HAMILTON QLD 4007
Phone:	(07) 3406 8611
Fax:	(07) 3406 8677
Email:	craig.davis@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	To conduct a laboratory study on the efficacy of natural products against Chalkbrood bacteria. To develop an appropriate field treatment plan to evaluate the products identified above.
Current Progress	The honeybee, Apis mellifera, provides essential pollination for approximately 1 billion dollars worth of agricultural crops in Australia each year. Bee diseases represent a significant problem in the Australian beekeeping industry, causing major economic loss to apiarists. Chalkbrood is an infectious disease of honeybee larvae caused by the spore-forming fungus (Ascosphaera apis). Although chalkbrood does not affect the quality of honey and is of no concern to consumers, it can reduce honey production and cause mortality in excess of 50% in managed bee populations. In 1993, when chalkbrood was first identified in Australia, the New Zealand beekeeping industry was suggesting that chalkbrood was responsible for a 5% reduction in honey production. This figure has been used for the Australian situation for some years. It is difficult to accurately assess the impact of the disease since every State of Australia is infected with the disease.  The susceptibility of the chalkbrood fungi to a range of treatments has been examined in the laboratory. The treatments which have been studied include a selection of natural products (eg essential oils), fatty acid derivatives (eg glycerol monolaurate), food acids (eg sorbic, formic and acetic), and some natural extracts (eg from banana, garlic and mango), along with antimicrobial (Leptospermum) honey, natural antimicrobial peptides, and salt. More than 40 essential oils have been assessed including native (tea tree oil, lemon myrtle oil and Manuka oil) and exotic spice oils (like sage, rosemary and clove oil). The current knowledge in this area has been reviewed and will be presented with the final report, along with an outline for a field trial for the evaluation of the most active and appropriate anti-microbiological agents in experimentally-infected hives. If these trials are subsequently undertaken, the success of treatments will be assessed by regular examination for disease development and culture of adult bee samples for chalkbrood.  This work has the potential to improve the economic viability of the Australian apiarist while producing an effective and environmentally-sound treatment regime.

Project Title	Kesom oil a new essential oil for flavours
RIRDC Project No:	DAV-168A
Start Date:	29/07/99
Finish Date:	30/10/02
Researcher:	Mr. Fred Bienvenu
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources & Environment  NRE Ovens  PO Box 235 MYRTLEFORD VIC 3737
Phone:	(03) 5731 1222
Fax:	(03) 5731 1223
Email:	fred.bienvenu@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	To facilitate development of a commercially viable industry based on production of kesom by: Development of an effective weed control protocol. Establishing the effects on oil yield and composition of interactions between rate/time of nitrogen application and the time /number of harvests. Evaluating market opportunities for a range of kesom oils produced under commercial conditions. Establishment of likely costs of production of a commercial scale kesom oil production system. Provision of a detailed report documenting requirements for the sustainable production and marketing of kesom oil.
Current Progress	Kesom oil is extracted from Persicaria odorata, a Polygonaceae plant very rich in C10 & C12 aldehydes and C10 & C12 alcohols. These naturally produced flavour compounds are sought after in the food and fragrance industries. This is a collaborative project involving RIRDC, a commercial essential oil producer, the flavour and fragrance industry and DNRE to develop the protocols required to produce kesom oil on a commercial basis. The primary aim of the project is to establish the potential to produce kesom oil as a viable essential oil crop. This will be achieved using data developed by NRE agronomic studies now approaching completion at NRE Ovens and market evaluation and development by industry. Larger samples of kesom oil have been produced in Corryong and NRE Ovens in 2001and again in 2002. These samples will enable more product evaluation and attract further development by the flavour and fragrance industry. Weed control protocols have been developed and refined for use as both pre and post plant applications.  The kesom plant while used widely in Asia and increasingly in Australia, as a fresh and dried herb/condiment has not yet been developed as a source of a discrete essential oil.

Project Title	Efficient sourcing and fractionation of sesquiterpenoid alcohols from Australian sandalwood
RIRDC Project No:	MRA-1A
Start Date:	01/07/00
Finish Date:	31/07/03
Researcher:	Ms. Valerie Gearon
Organisation:	Mt Romance Australia Pty Ltd Lot 2, Down Road Miranmbeena Park ALBANY WA 6330
Phone:	(08) 9841 7788
Fax:	(08) 9841 7100
Email:	lab@mtromance.com.au
Objectives	The primary objective is the development of methods of the efficient separation of individual sesquiterpenoid alchohols (or enriched concentrates) from the fragrant wood oil of Western Australia sandalwood. Santalum spicatum (R.Br) A. DC. The pure alcohols or their enriched concentrates will be used in the formulation of value added products such as pharmaceuticals (anti-inflammatory and bacterial agents) cosmetics/toiletries and fine perfumes. A secondary, but nonetheless indispensible, objective for the ultimate commercial success of this project is the identification of all parameters influencing the wood oil composition and oil yield.
Current Progress	Mt Romance (MRA) is currently scaling up distillation processes which enable a greater yield of high quality sesquiterpenoid alcohols to be produced. This involves reducing the amount of non – volatile constituents present in the oil, thereby increasing concentrations of the biologically active alcohols. As a result of these technological advances, the company is consistently producing a high odour and therapeutic quality product. A specification for oil of Santalum spicatum has been submitted to Standards Australia. This standard is based on the statistical analysis of a large number of individual distillates. Enriched concentrates of the sesquiterpenoid constituents of sandalwood oil have been assayed to quantify their therapeutic effects. MRA has produced 2 monographs based upon the potency of fractions of oil which contain higher levels of epi – ? – bisabolol and E, E farnesol, both established therapeutic chemicals not present in Indian sandalwood oil. This potentially increases the value of the oil by increasing access to the pharmaceutical market. Elucidation of activity in all constituents will enhance this value -adding. Identification of parameters affecting oil composition and yield is proceeding, with cooperation from the Western Australian Government enabling the compilation of chemical profiles according to geographical location of wood. This database is very revealing, and shows a diverse variation in composition which is extremely specific for each location. The information will be of great benefit to the whole sandalwood industry, including farmers considering plantations, researchers identifying pharmaceutical compounds and oil (MRA) and incense manufacturers.

Project Title	Production of high quality Australian skullcap products
RIRDC Project No:	UNC-6A
Start Date:	30/06/98
Finish Date:	30/09/02
Researcher:	Prof Ron Wills
Organisation:	The University of Newcastle Centre for Food Industry Research and Development PO Box 127 OURIMBAH NSW 2258
Phone:	(02) 4348 4140
Fax:	(02) 4349 4565
Email:	Ron.Wills@newcastle.edu.au
Objectives	The project seeks to generate technical information to enable skullcap growers and processors to optimise their growing and harvesting practices and postharvest procedures to maximise quality in all end products that may be marketed domestically or for export.
Current Progress	The effect of post-harvest storage of dried skullcap powder on the flavone active constituents were investigated. Samples were placed in high and low humidity environments at 5° C, 20° C and 30° C in a dark chamber and in a chamber at 20° C under incandescent light. The results revealed there was no significant difference in flavones between all samples except at 5ºC in high humidity which decreased markedly.  A common processing method for the manufacture of skullcap products in Australia is by obtaining an extract from dried plant material with a solvent containing ethanol and water. A preliminary study was conducted to determine the relative effectiveness of two methods of physical extraction (sonication and low velocity stirring). The results showed no significant difference between either method. However, the effect of ethanol/water mixtures as the extracting solvent had a significant effect on the extraction of flavones. The maximum amount extracted from aerial material was 72% which was obtained using 60% and 40% ethanol. The extraction level decreased with increasing alcohol content and only 0.5% was extracted with 100% ethanol. The sum of the extracted and residual levels was not consistent for all solvent mixtures, indicating that there was varying degrees of degradation of total flavones during processing.

Project Title	Generation of high quality Australian valerian products
RIRDC Project No:	UNC-11A
Start Date:	30/07/99
Finish Date:	30/07/02
Researcher:	Prof. Ron Wills
Organisation:	The University of Newcastle PO Box 127 OURIMBAH NSW 2258
Phone:	(02) 4348 4140
Fax:	(02) 4349 4560
Email:	Ron.Wills@newcastle.edu.au
Objectives	The project will generate information to enable valerian growers and processors to optimise growing and harvesting practices and postharvest procedures to maximise quality in the end product. The derived systems will be trialed and optimised with industry groups under commercial conditions.
Current Progress	Ease of washing, drying time and active constituents was examined for the whole root and for rootlets and crown plant sections. There was no effect on washing time, two phase drying was more efficient with the rootlets drying much faster than crowns and whole plants and total valerenic acid and essential oil content was higher in plants that had their rootlets removed than plants left whole, probably because of the over-drying of rootlets in whole plants. Plants were dried at 15 - 70° C to determine the effect of drying temperature on the active constituents. For total valerenic acids there was a significant decrease in the content from 15° C to 40° C, no difference between 40 and 60° C, and a decrease at 70° C. Oil content was reduced and valepotriate content was not affected by increasing drying temperature. The long term storage of powdered valerian root over 18 months showed increase loss of all active constituents in higher humidity, temperature and longer time.

Project Title	Optimisation of parsley seed oil production
RIRDC Project No:	UT-27A
Start Date:	30/07/99
Finish Date:	01/11/02
Researcher:	Prof. Robert Menary
Organisation:	University of Tasmania School of Agricultural Science GPO Box 252-54 HOBART TAS 7001
Phone:	(03) 6226 2723
Fax:	(03) 6226 7609
Email:	r.menary@utas.edu.au
Objectives	The location and high apiole parsley seed germplasm will enable the establishment of a new product line within the essential oil industry in Tasmania. The concurrent development of an efficient extraction protocol for the oil will enhance the returns to the industry.
Current Progress	Two semi-commercial field trials of Plain Leaf parsley were grown concurrently this season. One was a second year trial of the variety "Napoli" and the second a first year planting of the Yates Pty Ltd variety "Dark Green". Both were serially harvested throughout the growing season. Laboratory steam distillations of these samples showed that Dark Green produces higher quality oil than Napoli. The trial demonstrated that both varieties must be maintained through to seed maturity in order to obtain the best oil quality. This poses some difficulties for growers as the seed may shed if the crop is harvested too late. Harvest must be carefully timed and some modifications to the current harvesting techniques will be required. Parsley oil has a specific gravity very similar to that of water and separation of the oil and water as it leaves the condenser is very difficult in the current commercial separator. Solvent partitioning of the wastewater leaving the separator has shown that significant quantities of oil are being lost. This is partly overcome by using two separators in series. A review of the success of a further technique involving salting the water of the second separator is underway. The new variety is currently being incorporated into local production and the results of the review of the extraction technology will be available for commercial growers in the coming season.

Project Title	Preliminary evaluation of some medicinal herbs
RIRDC Project No:	UT-34A
Start Date:	01/01/01
Finish Date:	31/12/03
Researcher:	Dr. Rowland Laurence
Organisation:	University of Tasmania GPO Box 447 BURNIE TAS 7320
Phone:	(03) 6430 4901
Fax:	(03) 6430 4950
Email:	rowland.laurence@utas.edu.au
Objectives	To pursue the development and commercialisation of one or more of the plants investigated. Decisions on development will be based upon the data obtained from the project, including additional market information and other investment criteria. The study will deliver comparative data to the stakeholders on the growth and marketable yield of species/genotypes sourced from different parts of the world. It will provide market information on prices and demand for the four herb plants under investigation, additional to that back-grounded in the Keane Report and in the current research proposal. Production agronomy aspects will be supported by initial laboratory assessments of extraction procedures. These data will be adequate to allow decisions by the company on further investments in these medicinal herb crops with regard to their suitability for production in the cool, temperate regions of Australia. Activities will include the field demonstration to growers, progressively of the crops and of the results obtained.
Current Progress	The project began in 2001 with the accession of lines of astragalus, bilberry, evening primrose and stevia. While evening primrose was originally accessed, discussions with buyer and consultant contacts in Europe in July 2001 convinced the project team that feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium, would be a preferable alternative subject of investigation. Thus, with RIRDC approval, feverfew has been substituted into the project.  Thirteen lines of these four species have be acquired to date and planted in small quantity with mixed success. Astragalus lines germinated and grew readily in pots and seedlings have recently been transferred to field plots. One line of feverfew was direct-seeded into the field by the stakeholder, Botanical Resources Australia, and has grown well from a poorly germinated stand. Attempts to access vegetative material of bilberry have failed and only seed material can practically be brought to Tasmania due to quarantine restriction. Three lines of seed have been acquired. Two of these have been germinated in laboratory and greenhouse but seedling growth so far has been poor under these conditions. Five lines of stevia have been acquired, including one from Professor Midmore’s team at CQU, which also has recently received support from RIRDC for stevia research and with whom the current project will collaborate. Initial germination of seed was poor but improved with selection. Seedling growth has also so far been poor under greenhouse conditions. Some established plants have recently been acquired from a commercial nursery in Tasmania and planted in the field. Initial indications are than the species may be readily propagated by cuttings. Access to lines from China and elsewhere which are high in active constituents will be important in the development of a local industry.

Project Title	Development of a celery oil and extract industry in Tasmania
RIRDC Project No:	UT-35A
Start Date:	01/08/01
Finish Date:	31/07/04
Researcher:	Prof. Robert Menary
Organisation:	University of Tasmania School of Agricultural Science GPO Box 252-54 HOBART TAS 7001
Phone:	(03) 6226 2723
Fax:	(03) 6226 7609
Email:	r.menary@utas.edu.au
Objectives	The inclusion of celery (Apium graveolens L.) oil and extract products in the essential oils industry within Tasmania will increase the diversity of crops available to growers and provide a buffer against price fluctuations in local and international markets. Any refinement of current extraction processes, as a result of the development of the new products has the potential to benefit the entire industry.
Current Progress	Seed of seven celery varieties was solvent extracted and the composition of the extracts examined using gas chromatography. GC/MS is currently being used to identify the various major volatile constituents of these extracts. Protocols are being developed which can later be used for quality assurance of the commercial products. Seedlings of six of these varieties are being tested in a field trial and will be serially harvested through the coming flowering season. This trial will establish the changes in oil composition through the growing season and develop test products including leaf, herb and seed oils for market assessment. Further potential products are a seed oleoresin and a root tincture.

Project Title	Implementing IPM in Australian Peppermint crops
RIRDC Project No:	DAV-190A
Start Date:	1/09/01
Finish Date:	31/08/04
Researcher:	Mr. Fred Bienvenu
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources & Environment  NRE Ovens  PO Box 235 MYRTLEFORD VIC 3737
Phone:	(03) 5731 1222
Fax:	(03) 5731 1223
Email:	fred.bienvenu@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	Identification and integration of chemical and sustainable bio-control practices that will maximise yield of high quality peppermint oil. Development of data required to support registration (minor or full) of predator "friendly" pesticides. Establishment of an industry reference group to facilitate and implement the use of a practical IPM program.
Current Progress	Following the pilot studies in DAV 178A, which examined the potential for IPM in peppermint, this project seeks, among broader objectives, to implement sustainable use and maintenance of predator mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) to control two-spotted-mites (TSM) (Tetranychus urticae). The 2001-2002 summer was much cooler than typically and consequently the two-spotted mites were not active in the field until much later than expected. For the same reasons the commercially produced predator mites used for dissemination were not available until late December.  As the weather warmed in the peppermint growing areas, numbers of TSM increased rapidly. Quickly the number suggested in overseas studies as the threshold of permanent leaf damage resulting in oil yield reduction was surpassed. Once the predators were released into "hot spots" in the numbers of TSM, the level of infestation was quickly reduced to a point below which no economic damage can be expected. The TSM population fell by over 97% within four weeks after the introduction of the predators.  Further observations will be performed throughout the project to assess the over-wintering ability of the predator. Observation and understanding of the wider pest spectrum in the peppermint fields has been a positive side benefit of this study.

Project Title	Optimisation of polysaccharides in processed echinacea purpurea products
RIRDC Project No:	UNC-13A
Start Date:	01/01/01
Finish Date:	30/12/02
Researcher:	Dr. Douglas Stuart
Organisation:	The University of Newcastle Centre for Food Industry Research and Development PO Box 127 Brush Road OURIMBAH NSW 2258
Phone:	(02) 4548 4124
Fax:	(02) 4348 4145
Email:	ftdls@cc.newcastle.edu.au
Objectives	To determine if echinacea extracts based on polysaccharide content could be grown and processed in Australia to eliminate the need for imported equivalents and develop a potential export market. The success of the project will encourage alternative crops of echinacea and other medicinal herbs within the primary producing and manufacturing sector.
Current Progress	Analysis of the polysaccharides within each section of the plant during growth is showing qualitative and quantitative differences seen in planting location, plant section and growing stage. The results indicate that the root produces a distinctive polysaccharide identity to that in the leaf, stem and flower which are of similar structure.  Quantification is being performed with reference to dextran standards of known molecular weight, however, these may be adjusted to directly reference the polysaccharides if current purification through the use of a preparative HPLC is successful. In addition, further analytical work is being conducted utilizing a Light Scattering Detector to aid in the establishment of the correct molecular weight profile.  Based on dextran standards, the leaf contains polysaccharides at 10-18 mg/g (dry) with no significant difference throughout the growth of the plant. The level in flower is slightly lower at 5-13 mg/g with indication of an increase during plant growth. It is of some interest that polysaccharides are present in flowers that have insenescence. These results are being re-examined and a correlation of the degree of senescence to the polysaccharides content being more closely observed.  The root contains 3-10 mg/g during its first season of growth and a substantially higher amount (30-40 mg/g) at maturity after 18 months growth. These results reveal a substantial increase in yield may be obtained through an 18month growing period for the root section.

Project Title	Commercial Borage Production for Oil and Gamma-linolenic Acid
RIRDC Project No:	UT-33A
Start Date:	01/09/00
Finish Date:	31/08/03
Researcher:	Dr. Rowland Laurence
Organisation:	University of Tasmania GPO Box 447 BURNIE TAS 7320
Phone:	(03) 6430 4901
Fax:	(03) 6430 4950
Email:	rowland.laurence@utas.edu.au
Objectives	The research proposed here will seek to improve agronomy and harvesting of borage in order that the yields and profitability in this new Australian industry will allow grower and processor stakeholders to maximise their competitive advantage in an expanding world market. The key deliverable of the proposed work will be the provision to grower stakeholders of recommendations for the commercial production of borage in Tasmania/South East Australia. These will be synthesized from the verification and adaption of available overseas information through local field experimentation. The latter will concentrate on those husbandry practices, which are likely to be the major deterimants of yield and profitability.
Current Progress	This project, which began in September 2000, attempts to maximise commercially harvested yield, optimise planting time and find adequate methods of weed control. Three field investigations have been carried out in 2001-02. A further small plot comparison of a range of planting times, from July 2001 through to October 2002, has been harvested and seed is presently being re-cleaned before analysis of the data to verify the reduction in yield with delayed sowing found in the previous season’s experiment. While most emphasis is being placed on non-chemical methods for weed control, in recognition of market preferences, a range of ’best bet’ commercial herbicides has been applied, post emergence, to small plots of borage in the late rosette stage of growth. Of these herbicides, Allicide®, Stomp® and Ramrod® showed no visual effects on growth of borage. In addition, a field trial has been carried out attempting to improve upon the minimal herbicide production regime investigated in the previous growing season. Replicated large plots, with a total area of 0.5 hectare, compared three sowing rates and two row spacings to assess crop competition with weeds after the use of a stale seed-bed technique, a pre-emergence contact herbicide and mechanical post emergence weed control with an inter-row brush weeder. The crop competed very well with weeds, which were confined to an insignificant understorey. Prolonged wet weather after windrowing of the borage in December prevented final commercial harvesting for two months. While seed re-cleaning is still to be completed, yields are likely to be higher than this delay in reclaiming the windrow earlier suggested.

Project Title	Determination of pesticide minimum residue limits in essential oils
RIRDC Project No:	UT-36A
Start Date:	01/10/01
Finish Date:	31/07/03
Researcher:	Prof. Robert Menary
Organisation:	University of Tasmania School of Agricultural Science GPO Box 252-54 HOBART TAS 7001
Phone:	(03) 6226 2723
Fax:	(03) 6226 7609
Email:	r.menary@utas.edu.au
Objectives	To establish adequate withholding periods after pesticide application to ensure sufficient dissipation of the active ingredients from essential oil crops To assess the efficiency of disposable SPE cartridges in the clean-up of essential oil. To develop analytical techniques using ECD and NPD To produce an updated manual detailing more streamlined methodologies for pesticide residue analyses in essential oils.
Current Progress	Peppermint and dill samples were collected several days after routine applications of pesticides. Despite the short time period between application and sample collection, no pesticide residues were detected. Propiconazole has previously been detected in peppermint crops at the final harvest. More comprehensive trials are planned for the 2002 season.  The application of SPE to the clean-up of pesticide residues has been undertaken. Anion exchange discs were trialled for the separation of aqueous solutions of chelated mancozeb. The subsequent derivatisation with organic solvent based methylating reagents was successful but recoveries were poor compared to that obtained with phase transfer reagents. The discs were used to clean-up halogenated acidic pesticide residues. Detection was undertaken using GC ECD. Encouraging results were obtained but severe contamination of the GC column was evident. The source of contamination is being investigated.  Analytical method development and validation is continuing. LCQ capabilities have been extended to include screening of boronia oil and blackcurrant concrete. Extensive work has been undertaken to detect residues of Dithane in boronia. In addition to the work on methylating chelated residues of mancozeb, vigorous acidic digestions to allow for the quantification of zinc and manganese using ICPMS has been undertaken with limited success. The oils produced in the 2002 season have been screened. Pesticide residues have been detected and samples are to be resubmitted for analyses to confirm results obtained.

Project Title	Production of a newsletter of the Essential Oil Producers Association of Australia
RIRDC Project No:	PSE-2A
Start Date:	01/07/01
Finish Date:	30/06/03
Researcher:	Dr. Erich Lassak
Organisation:	Phytochemical Services 254 Quarter Sessions Road WESTLEIGH NSW 2120
Phone:	(02) 9875 1894
Fax:	(02) 9875 1791
Objectives	To bring together growers, producers, traders, researchers and users of essential oils and of certain plant related natural products by the dissemination of information, which will stimulate the growth and development of Australian industries based on these products. It is proposed to produce three issues of the newsletter over two years.
Current Progress	The first newsletter for this project was published in March 2002. It included reports on the adoption of a tea tree oil monograph by the European Pharmacopoeia, reports on recent essential oils conferences and a listing of the botanical names of Australian native species used for commercial essential oil production. The next newsletter is due to be published in January 2003.