| Project
Title: |
Postharvest
protocols to increase numbers of exportable australian wildflower species |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAV-161A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Virginia Williamson |
| Organisation: |
Institute
for Horticultural Development
Department of Natural Resources
and Environment Victoria
Private Bag 15, Ferntree
Gully Delivery Centre, VIC 3156 |
| Phone: |
03
9210 9222 |
| Fax: |
03
9800 3521 |
| Email: |
Virginia.Williamson@nre.vic.gov.au |
| Objectives |
The
objectives of the project were to counteract the poor water uptake that
characterises most Australian native cut flowers with borderline vase lives
(< 7 days) by inhibiting the initial postharvest wounding response;
and to determine whether suberin inhibiting treatments could be used to
enhance water uptake and increase the vase life of selected Australian
native flowers. This would further enhance the export reputation of Australian
cut flowers and increase the number of exportable species. A further objective
was to ascertain whether suberin was deposited in cut stems using Transmission
Electron Microscopy (TEM). |
| Background |
Current
exports of Australian cut flowers concentrate on only a few genera. If
the borderline vase lives of many Australian flowers could be improved,
the range of species available for export might increase. This project
hypothesised that when flowers are cut, their response to that mechanical
damage was to deposit a water-impermeable substance (suberin). A suberin
barrier is formed as a generic response to wounding, e.g. to seal off an
area invaded by a pathogen. If this occurred in cut flowers, the suberin
barrier could cause premature wilting and a shortened vase life because
stems were no longer able to take up water from the vase solution. |
| Research |
The
effects of numerous suberin-inhibiting physial and chemical treatments
on vase life was tested using 13 species of Australian cut flowers and
foliage. Other experiments were aimed at physically removing the blockage
at the cut end of stems. These included recutting stems daily; keeping
stems in high or low water levels; and a washing treatment to flush the
base of stems. The number of bacteria in the vase water was monitored in
some experiments to check whether they were a factor in vase life results. |
| Outcomes |
For
the first time, evidence of an early stage of the wounding response in
cut flowers was observed under TEM. As seen under TEM, the wounding response
was inhibited by the chemical, S-carvone. This chemical also significantly
increased vase life in Hakea francisiana, the only species
tested with it. Recutting the basal 1cm from stems daily significantly
increased vase life. Keeping cut stems in deep water significantly increased
vase life over that of stems kept in low water. Water was not taken up
through the outside of the stem and bacterial numbers were not the reason
for the vastly different vase lives between the high and low water level
treatments. Increased water pressure on the stem may have forced water
past a blockage. As a by-product of this research, the ethylene sensitivity
of some popular Australian native flowers was determined. |
| Project
Title: |
Using
Wildflowers in Retail Floristry (Video) |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
AFP-
3A |
| Researcher: |
Christine
Horsman |
| Organisation: |
Australian
Flora and Protea Growers Association |
| Phone: |
08
8389 3057 |
| Fax: |
08
8389 3057 |
| Email: |
tctv@bigpond.com |
| Objectives |
To
produce an educational video for use by florists, which illustrates the
versatility of wildflowers when used in commercial floristry. |
| Background |
A
previous RIRDC project (AFP-1A) identified the fact that many florists
did not know how to use wildflowers, and this was affecting their desire
to purchase these products. Those who did use them often saw only limited
occasions when wildflowers were suitable, and rarely mixed them with traditional
flowers. |
| Research |
In
2001, AFPGA produced a video featuring designer Julia Jacobs FDA AIFD,
showcasing some of the Australian-grown wildflowers available in spring.
This was very well received, so with RIRDC funding support, this second
video was made, featuring Greg Block CSD AIFD FDA SNZPF, and part of the
summer range of wildflowers. |
Outcomes
Implications |
The
video "Design and Combine with Wildflowers No. 2" , is 32 minutes long,
and shows six designs, together with information on how each is supported
by the mechanics. Each wildflower is identified by picture and common name,
to aid increasing familiarity. Greg Block discusses each design in detail.
The simple and stunning creations all use both traditional and wildflowers,
and are suitable for various occasions such as corporate, wedding and home
decorating. Information on care and handling is also included.
Past experience has shown
AFPGA that video is an excellent training medium, especially for those
who are unable to attend workshops in person. The accessibility of this
information should encourage more florists to experiment, and thus increase
sales of wildflowers. Due to the seasonality of many wildflowers, AFPGA
plans (when funds become available) to produce two more tapes, featuring
the product available in autumn and winter. |
| Availability |
Both
videos are available from: AFPGA
C/- Chris Horsman |
| |
Post
Office KERSBROOK SA 5231 |
| Project
Title: |
Apractical
workbook of postharvest treatments for wildflowers. |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAV-175A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
John Faragher |
| Organisation: |
Institute
for Horticultural Development
Department of Natural Resources
and Environment Victoria
Ferntree Gully Delivery
Centre, Vic., 3156. |
| Phone: |
03
9210 9222 |
| Fax: |
03
9800 3521 |
| Email: |
John.Faragher@nre.vic.gov.au |
| Objectives |
The
objective of the project was to produce a user-friendly workbook that would
provide the practical information that growers, exporters and wholesalers
want to know about postharvest treatments for fresh Australian native flowers
and related species. |
| Background |
There
are a few reference and practical books on postharvest handling of cut
flowers available. However, the information on Australian native flowers
and related species is dispersed. Our aim was to bring this information
together, along with other practical information the grower, wholesaler
and exporter needs and present it in a practical workbook. The project
was sponsored by the Flower Export Council of Australia, Inc., Clearpac
and Hortraco and Amcor Fibre Packaging. |
| Research |
The
book was planned with advice from growers, exporters, R&D and extension
workers and from experts in workplace training. Growers and exporters have
provided a lot of information for the book. Our colleagues in adult education
advised us on ways to make the book relevant, interesting, clear and accessible.
We deliberately made space for notes and made the book a loose-leaf folder
so users and the authors can update it. |
| Outcomes |
The
book has been produced separately from this report – see Publications below.
It will be available from RIRDC at the end of 2001. The major sections
are:
· Why are postharvest
treatments important?
· Basic postharvest
treatments and handling for all flowers
· A general postharvest
treatment protocol
· Specific postharvest
treatments for 30 individual crops and notes on other crops
· Additional information
on postharvest treatments and allied issues
|
| Implications |
We
trust that it will be used as a practical workbook, a recipe book and a
reference and training book. The desired outcome is that the industry will
use it to improve flower quality in the market place and that consequently
sales and prices will increase and the industry will be more profitable
and grow. The book can be used for extension and education. For example,
four workshops based on the book have been held in Victoria. We recommend
that:
1. The gaps in our knowledge
about postharvest treatments are filled in by R&D:
· Postharvest treatments
to maintain quality during export
· The best practical
postharvest treatments for a wide range of important flowers.
· Detailed postharvest
biology of important species, including aspects such as ethylene sensitivity
and the importance of infection by Botrytis (grey mould) fungus
· How a wide range
of flowers respond to ethylene and anti-ethylene treatments
2. The appropriate authorities
ensure that accurate, simple advice on all issues related to regulation
and use of agricultural chemicals is readily available to industry. |
| Publications |
Postharvest
Handling of Australian Native Flowers and Related Species. A practical
workbook. By J. Faragher, T. Slater, D. Joyce and V. Williamson. Available
from RIRDC. |
| Project
Title: |
Queensland
cut flower industry R&D consultation forum |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
QFG-1A |
| Researcher: |
Geraldine
Meiburg |
| Organisation: |
Queensland
Flower Growers Association (QFGA) |
| Phone: |
07
3824 9537 |
| Fax: |
07
3286 3094 |
| Email: |
geraldine.meiburg@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
· To conduct a workshop
to identify industry R&D priorities and involve industry in the process
of developing an Industry Research and Development (R&D) Plan.
· To formulate a highly
relevant R&D Plan for the Queensland cutflower industry identifying
goals strategies and actions for all industry parties.
|
| Background |
The
Australian cutflower industry is experiencing a general decline in confidence
in R&D due to a lack of funding, a reduced awareness of what research
has been carried out and a belief that past research has not achieved any
real benefits for growers. However, Queensland industry has identified
that the creation of an active R&D program as a priority. Thus, QFGA
is conducting this project to enable it to effectively (1) provide a coordinated
force, (2) identify industry R&D priorities, (3) support and encourage
increased industry financial support of, and participation in, R&D
activities, and (4) implement processes to ensure that relevant and meaningful
research is carried out and that research results actually reach end-users. |
| Research |
The
workshop was conducted May 25, 2001 at Cleveland (near Brisbane). Participants
included growers from all the major Queensland cutflower growing regions
and sectors (about 80% were growers of Australian natives), allied traders
(eg export agents, propagators and flower carton manufacturers) and R&D
service provider representatives. Growers were invited from the more distant
major growing regions (eg Central and Far North Queensland) to represent
the interests of industry located in those regions. To attract increased
participation from industry, the day also included a forum consisting of
guest speakers who provided information on past R&D activities.
Information on past industry
development activities, including the results of a previous analysis of
the industry’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, was provided
to all registered participants prior to the workshop. Participants were
also invited to respond to a survey, the results of which where collated
to form a starting point for workshop discussions.
Workshop results were collated
into a Forum/Workshop Report, which was then used to create the
industry planning documents. A draft R&D Plan was formulated
and, in response to workshop results, QFGA also addressed other industry
issues that would impact on the success of any R&D plan implemented
by preparing an industry Future Vision document and an Education
and Training (E&T) Plan. All workshop participants were
given the opportunity to provide input into the preparation of the documents. |
| Outcomes |
A
Queensland
Cutflower Industry Research and DevelopmentPlan was formulated which
identified strategies and actions to be undertaken to reach identified
industry goals. This included a list of industry’s top R&D priorities,
a process formulated to assess proposed R&D projects for their relevance
to industry’s requirements, and industry preferred options to enable projects
to be funded were identified.
A Queensland Cutflower
Industry Education and Training Plan was formulated to similarly address
how to effectively disseminate past and future research results. It lists
R&D issues that have been previously researched but have not been adequately
disseminated and/or accessed by industry.
A Queensland Cutflower
Industry Future Vision document was formulated to examine other industry
issues (eg marketing, production and communication issues) that, if left
unaddressed would limit any industry development achieved through the development
of an active R&D program.
Final documents and/or summaries
were distributed to all identified cutflower enterprises in Queensland,
industry stakeholders in Queensland and other states, and identified R&D
service providers. |
| Implications |
The
R&D
Plan, E&T Plan and the Future Vision document identify
industry goals, and recommend strategies and actions. These documents provide
all industry parties (including QFGA, grower groups, other industry leaders
and individuals) with a guide on what must be accomplished to realise the
industry development potential of the Queensland cutflower industry.
QFGA’s activities will be
adjusted to incorporate the recommended actions. QFGA’s R&D and E&T
subcommittees are now implementing identified R&D related activities.
The subcommittee will now actively work with (1) R&D service providers
to create and conduct new and worthwhile R&D opportunities and (2)
industry to facilitate the initiation, funding and operation of new R&D
projects in line with identified priorities, and E&T activities are
being prepared to address identified priority issues.
QFGA will actively encourage
industry to adopt the recommendations of the plans and documents.
The results have been supplied
to other industry stakeholders such as cutflower industry peak bodies in
other Australian states and other emerging horticultural industries (eg
olive industry). This will provide them with an opportunity to apply the
information to their own situations and may assist them in addressing any
similar problems their industries may be experiencing. |
| Publications |
Fuss, A and Meiburg, G.F.
(2001) Research, development and extension for the Queensland cutflower
industry
Meiburg, G.F. (2001) Queensland
cutflower industry future vision
Meiburg, G.F. (2001) Queensland
cutflower industry research and development plan and education and training
plan.
|
