RIRDC Completed Projects in 2002-2003 & Research in Progress as at June 2003

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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-2A	Do our own quandong production research (DOOR) feasibility study	Dr. Ben Lethbridge	(08) 8383 6181	Australian Quandong Industry Association
CSL-11A	Evaluating performance of cultivated bushfood plants in South Australian environments	Dr. Maarten Ryder	(08) 8303 8684	CSIRO Land and Water
CSL-20A	Soil biological constraints and benefits to quandong and other native food production	Dr. Maarten Ryder	(08) 8303 8534	CSIRO Land and Water
DAQ-295A	Effects of post harvest handling, storage and processing on functional ingredients in native plant foods	Mrs. Janette McDonald	(07) 3406 8643	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
UCS-29A	Functional properties of Australian bushfoods	Dr. Jian Zhao	(02) 6933 2968	Charles Sturt University

                                            Culinary Herbs, Spices and Beverages

DAQ-301A	Northern Australian cocoa development (Stage 2)	Mr. Craig Lemin	(07) 4064 1170	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
US-116A	Condiment paprika: breeding, processing and commercialisation (Stage 2)	Prof. Peter Sharp	(02) 9351 8803	University of Sydney

                                            Extractive and Fibre Crops

CWT-2A	Processing and market assessment for cottonised fibre from linseed stalks	Dr. Peter Lamb	(03) 5246 4000	CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology
DAN-197A	Olive harvesting project - harvest timing for optimal olive oil quality	Dr. Rod Mailer	(02) 6938 1818	NSW Department of Agriculture
DAN-206A	Evaluation of jojoba germplasm in different environments	Mr. Peter Milthorpe	(02) 6895 1016	NSW Department of Agriculture
DAQ-286A	Evaluation of guar cultivars in central and southern Queensland	Mr. Colin Douglas	(07) 4992 9112	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
DAQ-292A	Evaluation of hemp and kenaf breeding lines in tropical and sub-tropical environments	Dr. Peter Lawrence	(07) 4992 9135	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
DEB-2A	Evaluating olive water requirements from seedling to pre-fruit bearing	Mr. James De Barro	(08) 8756 2777	De Barro Agricultural Consulting
SAR-47A	National Olive Variety Assessment Project (NOVA) - Stage 2	Ms. Susan Sweeney	(08) 8303 9673	Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (SA)
UA-54A	Wild olive selection for quality oil production	Prof. Margaret Sedgley	(08) 8303 7242	University of Adelaide
UCQ-17A	Laying the groundwork for a new rural industry - Stevia rebaudiana	Prof. David Midmore	(07) 4930 9770	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
UCS-32A	Production of bioactive phenols from olive processing waste streams	Dr. Paul Prenzler	(02) 6933 2540	Charles Sturt University
UCS-33A	Quality enhancement of Australian extra-virgin olive oils	Dr. Paul Prenzler	(02) 6933 2540	Charles Sturt University
UQ-94A	Evaluating new guayule varieties for low-allergenic rubber production	Dr. Doug George	(07) 5460 1308	University of Queensland
UWA-74A	New oilseed options for Australian farmers and industry	Dr. Clive Francis	(08) 9380 1878	University of Western Australia
UWS-17A	Sustainable pest and disease management in Australian olive production	A/Prof. Robert Spooner-Hart	(02) 4570 1429	University of Western Sydney

PROJECT NO.

PROJECT TITLE

RESEARCHER

PHONE

ORGANISATION

PAGE No

                                            Fruit, Vegetables and Nuts

CAU-1A	Investigation into commercial systems for production of capers in Australia	Mr. Jonathon Trewartha	(08) 9485 0090	The Australian Caper Company
DAQ-274A	Rambutan IPM Development Phase1: Insect Monitoring/Insecticide screening	Mr. David Astridge	(07) 4064 1160	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
DAQ-288A	Nutrition and phenology survey of durian and mangosteen orchards in north Queensland	Mr. Yan Diczbalis	(07) 4064 1128	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
DAQ-289A	Floral manipulation and canopy management in rambutan and longan	Mr. Yan Diczbalis	(07) 4064 1128	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
DNT-24A	Integrated management of Phytophthora diseases of durian	Mr. Chris Wicks	(08) 8973 9769	Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT)
PTT-3A	Increasing the productivity of truffieres in Tasmania	Dr. Daryl Brown	(03) 6224 1207	Perigord Truffles of Tasmania
TMB-1A	Myrtus ugni berries: market research	Mr. John Bailey	(03) 6223 5804	Tas Myrtus Berries Pty Ltd

                                            Grains and Pulses

UWA-73A

Investigation into legumes with pharmaceutical and aquaculture potential

Dr. Shao Fang Wang

(08) 9222 3040

University of Western Australia

                                            Miscellaneous

UQ-104A	Second Australian New Crops Conference	Dr. Rob Fletcher	(07) 5460 1311	The University of Queensland
UT-25A	Leguminous browse species as forage plants for temperate environments	Dr. Peter Lane	(03) 6226 2621	University of Tasmania

Native Foods

Project Title	Do our own quandong production research (DOOR) feasibility study
RIRDC Project No.:	AQI-2A
Start Date:	1-Jul-02
Finish Date:	20-Nov-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	· To attempt to initiate the principles of DOOR (do our own research) in the Australian Quandong Industry Association. The outcome will be a document critically analysing the introduction of DOOR to a new native food industry and the suitability of the adopted approach to other new (native food specifically) industries.
Current Progress	At the conference workshop on DOOR (August 2002) we reviewed the DOOR process using relevant sections from DOOR in wildflowers and Native plants (RIRDC publication no. 00/103) The concept was well received, ranking excellent on a survey form. The first pro-active newsletter article presented two simple observational projects 1. National survey of quandong pollenators 2. Attachment of quandong haustoria to annual grasses Results from these two projects will be reviewed at the Conference (August 2003). The newsletter also describes an intuitive approach to statistical analysis and some computer techniques. (Spreadsheet etc.) Feed back from the newsletter survey form was minimal. At the general meeting (November 2002) participants indicated that they appreciated the concept, but would prefer a ‘fill in the box approach’ (FIBA) to experimental procedures. The second newsletter article developed the FIBA approach for estimating yields of quandong per tree and correlations with tree yields. The rational of this approach was to allow quandong growers to apply statistical methodology to data they might reasonably be expected to collect whilst producing a crop, without the cumbersome need for rigorous directed experimental designs. The article also includes a glossary of simple statistical methodology so that originally puzzling terms can be better understood. Responses to this current approach will be best assessed after the coming conference workshop and harvest (August to October) A field grafting workshop in July 2003 and further development of knitting statistical approaches with practical quandong production is planned.


 
 
 
 

Project Title	Evaluating performance of cultivated bushfood plants in South Australian environments
RIRDC Project No.:	CSL-11A
Start Date:	1-Jan-00
Finish Date:	1-Jan-04
Researcher:	Dr. Maarten Ryder
Organisation:	CSIRO Land and Water Private Mail Bag 2 GLEN OSMOND SA 5064
Phone:	(08) 8303 8534
Fax:	(08) 8303 8684
Email:	maarten.ryder@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	A meeting of field site cooperators (representing 7 of the 8 sites) was held at Loxton, SA in June 2002, to facilitate communication and to discuss the maintenance of field trials. CSIRO staff have maintained regular contact with cooperators throughout the year. Data on plant establishment, plant growth (height) and vigour have been collected at least three times from each site during 2002-2003.  The shrubs species (muntries and bush tomato, Solanum centrale) produced fruit in the 2002-03 summer at many sites. Data have been processed and statistical analysis has begun. A new field trial site was set up with the Aboriginal community at Ceduna SA, using funds from the Western Eyre Peninsula Landcare group. A paper on the research was presented at the Desert Knowledge conference in Alice Springs in August 2002. Senior RIRDC and CSIRO staff inspected the Junee NSW field site in April 2003.  Project newsletters (most recently May 2003) are available in the web at: http://www.clw.csiro.au/research/farming/crops/. The research is supported by RIRDC, Aboriginal Employment Program (SA Government), Australian Native Produce Industries and Primary Industries and Resources SA.


 
 
 
 

Project Title	Soil biological constraints and benefits to quandong and other native food production
RIRDC Project No.:	CSL-20A
Start Date:	1-May-02
Finish Date:	31-Jul-03
Researcher:	Dr. Maarten Ryder
Organisation:	CSIRO Land and Water Private Mail Bag 2 GLEN OSMOND SA 5064
Phone:	(08) 8303 8534
Fax:	(08) 8303 8684
Email:	maarten.ryder@csiro.au
Objectives	· Determination of the extent and cause of quandong seeling loss in nurseries. · Assessment of methods that may have potential to control quandong seedling loss, including the use of chemical controls and/or beneficial soil fungi to protect against soil borne pathogens (depending on the results of the first objective.)
Current Progress	CSIRO staff have visited a number of quandong nurseries and orchards and, for the nurseries, have compiled information on estimated seedling losses and nursery practices. Several alternative explanations for quandong seedling losses have been proposed, and some of these are currently being tested in glasshouse experiments. The first experiment focuses on the impact of potting mix moisture content and watering frequency on seedling health and growth. The second experiment aims to find out which of a range of soil-borne plant pathogens are able to cause disease symptoms on newly emerged seedling roots of quandong. In the same experiment we also intend to test biological and chemical treatments to control disease.  The research is supported by RIRDC, the Australian Quandong Industry Association and Australian Native Produce Industries.


 
 

Project Title	Effects of post harvest handling, storage and processing on functional ingredients in native plant foods
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-295A
Start Date:	1-Dec-02
Finish Date:	28-Feb-05
Researcher:	Mrs. Janette McDonald
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) Centre for Food Technology 19 Hercules Street HAMILTON QLD 4007
Phone:	(07) 3406 8643
Fax:	(07) 3406 8699
Email:	Janette.McDonald@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· To investigate the effect of current post harvest handling practices, food preservation methods and storage conditions on the stability of functional ingredients from three native plant sources (bush tomato, kakadu plum and wattleseed) to improve the commercial value to both producers and food manufacturers.
Current Progress	A literature review was conducted in 2001 as preparation for the project application. It is being updated regularly as part of the ongoing needs of the project as new information becomes available relevant to the project outcomes. Selection of post harvest and processing methods, functional ingredients and food systems has been initiated in consultation with the industry partner and the following outcomes have been achieved:  · agreement on selection of native plant foods: kakadu, bush tomato, wild lime and wattleseed;  · agreement on bioactives (functional ingredients) to be evaluated;  · initial identification of harvesting techniques and issues in terms of seasonality regarding supply of raw materials;  · identification of issues regarding proposed visits to sites to observe hand harvesting and post harvest handling and distribution methods · observation of processing of some finished products  Preliminary discussions with the industry partner have identified some current harvesting and post harvest handling methods for raw material. Samples of bush tomato, wattlesed, wild lime and kakadu plum have been sourced from the industry partner for benchmarking of bioactives.


 

Project Title	Functional properties of Australian bushfoods
RIRDC Project No.:	UCS-29A
Start Date:	1-Feb-02
Finish Date:	30-Jun-06
Researcher:	Dr. Jian Zhao
Organisation:	Charles Sturt University School of Wine and Food Sciences Locked Bag 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678
Phone:	(02) 6933 2968
Fax:	(02) 6933 2107
Email:	jzhao@csu.edu.au
Objectives	· To promote market growth and enhance profitability of the Australian bushfood industry by: 1. generating reliable data on the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of bushfoods to add to the existing knowledge and anecdotal information on their functionality; 2. expanding the application of bushfoods using the research outcomes; and 3. developing antimicrobial, antioxidant and emulsifying agents of commercial grade for use as natural substitutes for their synthetic counterparts.
Current Progress	In the past 12 months, we have completed the extraction of 20 native plants using three solvents with polarity varying from apolar to strongly polar. The extracts were tested for activity against 11 major foodborne pathogens, seven common food spoilage bacteria, nine yeasts and several moulds using the agar disk diffusion method. A number of the extracts were found to possess anti-microbial properties and five of which have shown strong activity against a wide spectrum of bacteria and yeasts. The extracts, however, were generally ineffective against the moulds tested. Work is continuing to determine the minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC) of the active extracts and this part of the project is expected to be completed in the next two months. We have completed the work on the screening of native plants for antioxidant activities. Eighteen native plants (or their products) were tested for total phenolics and antioxidant activity using the ?-carotene bleaching method. All of the plant extracts showed antioxidant activity with four extracts exhibiting relatively strong activities. In sum, significant progress has been made in the past 12 months and the project is well on track to meet its objectives within the scheduled timeframe.


 

Culinary herbs, spices and beverages
 

Project Title	Northern Australia cocoa development (Stage 2)
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-301A
Start Date:	1-Jul-02
Finish Date:	30-Nov-05
Researcher:	Mr. Craig Lemin
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) Centre for Wet Tropics Agriculture PO Box 20 SOUTH JOHNSTONE QLD 4859
Phone:	(07) 4064 1170
Fax:	(07) 4064 2249
Email:	craig.lemin@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· The feasibility and econonmics of cocoa production in northern Australia will continue to be investigated. Yield potential of accessible hybrid and clonal types will be assessed in two potential growing regions (tropical Northern Territory and north Queensland). Agrononmic 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. Additionally, plantation layouts, tree management strategies and a harvest aid to reduce labour inputs will be investigated. Information gathered wil allow further development of a cocoa econonmic model to provide a decision support for assessing the economic viability of cocoa production in northern Australia.
Current Progress	The project is continuing in NT and Qld subsequent to a review meeting held at Darwin in September 2002 where an economic model of cocoa production in northern Australia was also updated. Prior to this meeting the Western Australia Dept. of Agriculture (WADA) communicated their intention to withdraw from Stage 2 of the project. In February 2003, RIRDC, Cadbury and a new industry collaborator visited trial sites in WA, NT and Qld and participated in a meeting at Cairns to discuss project IP and equity. In March 2003, the new industry collaborator decided to back-out of their previously agreed commitments to the project. Recently a position has been negotiated whereby the industry collaborator will remit their 2002-03 funding to the project but discontinue after that. Cadbury-Schweppes and Cadbury UK remain strongly committed to the project. A replacement source of funds is urgently required for 2003-04 and 2004-05. Hybrid Yield Evaluation Darwin The trees are generally growing well but are significantly behind those in Qld. Problems with termites have continued but are being adequately controlled. Pressure from insects is generally low. Premature removal of shade trees (due to storm damage) resulted in exposure damage to the cocoa. This was redressed with replanting of shade trees and additional shelter trees in early 2003. Some tree losses have been attributed to poor root development – this is not widespread. Small harvests commenced in May 2002 and have continued. Yield has been low. Currently, flowering and pod set is good and tree vigor has improved. Mossman The trees have continued to develop rapidly – the canopy is now at 3-4 m. Shade trees have been removed (excepting perimeter). Shading by the canopy has reduced weed growth and herbicide applications. Insect pests are being adequately controlled. Regular harvesting is carried out – yield to date is very good and above expectations. Yield differences attributed to hybrid and row layout are apparent and will probably be significant. Broome Prior to withdrawal of WADA from the project, difficulties were continuing to be experienced with germination and seedling development. Also, the field planted trees were growing poorly. No compelling reason was attributed to the problems experienced. A report was submitted in July 2002 discussing outcomes and failed objectives. Farming Systems The trees at South Johnstone are slightly behind the Mossman planting. Previously high insect pressure (canopy) has reduced to moderate or low levels. As per Mossman, shade trees have been removed. Regular harvesting is also conducted – the monthly profile is different to Mossman. Yield to date is good – about half that for Mossman (per hectare basis). Canopy management of trellised trees is more intensive but continuing. A harvest aid has not been developed – this is now a priority given that trees are yielding. Clonal Introduction 4 replicates of the 11 introduced clones were successfully field planted at Coastal Plains (NT) and are being monitored. A small number of clones have been field planted at South Johnstone. A larger planting at South Johnstone is planned but unavailability of rootstock is currently holding this up. Pod Processing The prototype pod splitter has been used extensively for processing pods ex Mossman and South Johnstone with various modifications. Further development is required. A pod feeding mechanism was constructed but did not work as hoped. A commercial collaborator could be sought to assist with further development. A larger and improved version of the Brazilian separator trommel is being fabricated and will be available for upcoming harvest peaks. Fermentation In Qld, several fermentations have been conducted in specially constructed boxes using wet bean from Mossman and South Johnstone pods. Incomplete fermentation is emerging as an issue. To date the pod index is reasonable and bean characteristics are good. No significant fermentations have been performed in NT but bean size and indicated pod index are not favorable. Other § The Cadbury supported PhD investigating "factors limiting growth and yield of cocoa in northern Australia" is being written up. All findings have been communicated to the project. § Currently, a proposal for a PhD investigating fermentation is being developed between Cadbury and UNSW. This will link with the project in terms of successfully demonstrating commercial scale fermentations. WADA agreed to retain the small field planting of cocoa at Kununurra supported with funds leftover from the discontinued Broome trial. Shade trees were thinned, the windbreak extended and a maintenance and monitoring schedule implemented. These trees have developed slowly in the harsh environment. However they have been useful for physiological measurements in the PhD study. This planting will be reviewed at September 2003.


 

Project Title	Condiment paprika: breeding, processing and commercialisation (Stage 2)
RIRDC Project No.:	US-116A
Start Date:	1-Jul-02
Finish Date:	30-Nov-04
Researcher:	Prof. Peter Sharp
Organisation:	The University of Sydney Plant Breeding Institute PMB 11 CAMDEN NSW 2570
Phone:	(02) 9351 8803
Fax:	(02) 9351 8875
Email:	peters@camden.usyd.edu.au
Objectives	· Breed cultivars suitable for mechanised commercial production. · Develop advanced lines incorporating the traits of pedicel and fruit detachability to aid mechanical harvesting.
Current Progress	During the 2002/03 season besides the routine paprika breeding program we also ran a comprehensive variety trial. This trial included two USA, 8 central European varieties and 6 of our selections. The two USA cultivars 'Papri Queen' and 'Conquistador' produced the highest total yields when all fruits ripe and green were harvested at once. Considering mechanical harvesting and only the ripe fruits are collected one of our selections, Co 57-13.3 produced the highest yield. Regarding the dry-matter production per unit area another selection 'Sweet Cerise' (Co.SzNFD.3) was significantly the best line. During the past seasons this line produced the highest pigment content, >300 ASTA. Depending on this year's pigment tests we anticipate submission for PBR registration three lines: 'Sweet Cerise', 'Co57-13.3’ and 'Co.801.2'. We are cooperating with the Szeged Paprika Research Station, Hungary (Drs Gy & N Somogyi) and a Spanish paprika breeder (Dr Isabel Garcia Pomar). Consequently 20 crosses as requested by Dr Pomar were made and we received 43 crosses from Hungary. This cooperation is utilizing the alternative seasons in Europe and Australia. Paul Kelly, a Western Australian grower lost 70% of last season's crop due to irrigation problems. He requested seed for his next season’s crop.


 

Extractive and fibre crops
 

Project Title	Processing and market assessment for cottonised fibre from linseed stalks
RIRDC Project No.:	CWT-2A
Start Date:	18-Aug-02
Finish Date:	17-Aug-03
Researcher:	Dr. Peter Lamb
Organisation:	CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology PO Box 21 BELMONT VIC 3216
Phone:	(03) 5246 4000
Fax:	(03) 5246 4057
Email:	peter.r.lamb@csiro.au
Objectives	· An evaluation of the feasibility of processing field-retted linseed stalks into high value cotton-like fibre that can be further processed on existing cotton machinery, and in blends with cotton. · A comparison of the technical feasibility, economic attractiveness and environmental impact, relative to the conventional high-labour cost processes, used for producing flax yarns. · Assessment of cultivars, time of harvest, and growing and retting conditions by measurement of the achievable fibre properties (diameter, length and strength). · A market assessment, with input from fabric makers, of the potential for yarns spun using cottonised seed flax.
Current Progress	Waste stalks from linseed (a stunted variety of flax) have been field retted before being decorticated in the newly acquired processing plant of the Flax Company of Australia. Combined mechanical and chemical processing has been developed to remove contaminants and separate the bast into its component fibres. Even mild treatments allowed the ultimate fibres to be teased out by hand while the material was wet but the fibres re-attached firmly on drying which lead to unacceptable breakage in further processing A treatment regime has been found that achieves good individualisation and inhibits the re-glueing. The resultant mean fibre diameter is about 15m m (micrometre) while the fully individualised fibres average only about 12m m, comparable to a fine cotton. However, the fully treated fibre is very short which means it is unsuitable for spinning except possibly in blends with cotton or longer synthetics. Alternatively, it means that less stunted varieties are necessary. Some partly individualised material was shown to a commercial spinner, A.W. Spinning Mills Pty Ltd., and one sample was assessed as "nearly spinnable". The fibres had good strength and might be ring spun but there were too many long fibres for open-end spinning. The other sample was considered to be too short.


 
 

Project Title	Olive harvesting project - harvest timing for optimal olive oil quality
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-197A
Start Date:	1-Jul-01
Finish Date:	30-Nov-04
Researcher:	Dr. Rod Mailer
Organisation:	NSW Department of Agriculture Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute PMB WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650
Phone:	(02) 6938 1818
Fax:	(02) 6938 1809
Email:	rodney.mailer@agric.nsw.gov.au
Objectives	· To determine the precise harvest time for optimal olive oil quality of four olive oil varieties through oil quality analysis and organoleptic assessment of fruit and oil samples progressively through ripening. · Assessment of harvest parameters such as fruit detachment force, uniformity of ripening, fruit mass and fruit maturity index, through the fruit ripening period to derive harvest efficiency indicators with the aim of developing field guidelines for harvest timing. · Assess the effects of deficit and full irrigation on harvest timing, oil yield, oil quality and extraction efficiency. · Provide industry with technical data on irrigation management and harvest timing to achieve optimal quality and oil extraction efficiency. · Assess the effects of harvest timing and irrigation on chemical and organoleptic stability of olive oils.
Current Progress	Drought conditions prevailed throughout the previous summer which has enabled us to impose severe deficit irrigation treatments without the complications caused by summer rainfall. However the drought conditions and low atmospheric humidity also meant that we were unable to supply optimal irrigation to control treatments due to priority watering of wine grapes. Despite this, we were still able to implement three distinct irrigation treatments as per out experimental design. Minor harvests were carried out on 17 February and 18 March to establish the pattern of oil accumulation in all four varieties under investigation. The first major harvest was carried out on 9 April, the second on 30 April and harvests 3 and 4 will be conducted in late May and mid-late June. Results from the first major harvest showed differences in oil yield, moisture content and oil chemistry between varieties, with polyphenol levels substantially higher this year than at the equivalent time last year. Fruit moisture content and fruit size has been influenced by irrigation treatments although other yield and quality differences are not clear at this stage. The ideal seasonal conditions and more consistent yield of the experimental trees this year promises to provide us with good data on the yield and quality characteristics of the varieties under investigation.


 

Project Title	Evaluation of jojoba germplasm in different environments
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-206A
Start Date:	1-Jul-02
Finish Date:	31-Jul-05
Researcher:	Mr. Peter Milthorpe
Organisation:	NSW Department of Agriculture PO Box 300 CONDOBOLIN NSW 2877
Phone:	(02) 6895 1016
Fax:	(02) 6895 2688
Email:	peter.milthorpe@agric.nsw.gov.au
Objectives	· To evaluate the response of flowering and fruiting of a diverse, but known, range of jojoba germplasm to changes in climate across Australia. · To provide benchmarks to assist researchers and growers in the selection of new varieties as well as give confidence in recommending where new selections are best suited.
Current Progress	The 5 sites in eastern Australia have been visited recently and all plants have been tagged. The co-operators have maintained the plants well during the year and despite the drought, few plants have died. There is a good crop of buds on all plants at all sites. This year a new tag type was used to assist the co-operators by facilitating branch recognition on each plant. Data scoring sheets have subsequently been prepared and forwarded to co-operators in preparation for data collection. This should commence from late August with the onset of spring conditions and the commencement of flowering. It is anticipated that data sheets will be returned to me for collation by the end of October after fruit counts have been completed. Arrangements are currently being made to visit the WA sites.


 
 

Project Title	Evaluation of guar cultivars in central and southern Queensland
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-286A
Start Date:	1-Jul-01
Finish Date:	30-Nov-04
Researcher:	Mr. Colin Douglas
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) Australian Tropical Crops Genetic Resource Centre Locked Mail Bag 1 BILOELA QLD 4715
Phone:	(07) 4992 9112
Fax:	(07) 4992 3468
Email:	col.douglas@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· To identify a new cultivar of guar suitable for commercial dryland production central and southern Queensland.
Current Progress	Guar is a promising new summer-growing grain legume option for dryland farming systems of Queensland and northern New South Wales. There is an expanding international market for gum extracted from the seed; it is widely used in industrial processes and as a food additive. Seed of 104 lines selected from the 2001/02 trial was increased during the winter at Ayr Research Station. Two yield trials were grown in 2002/03, at Biloela Research Station and on a farm trial at St. George, using supplementary irrigation in this drought year. Twenty five promising lines with no lodging, good seed set, and low seed weathering have been identified in the paddock.  Gum content along with collated data on agronomic traits, yield and seed quality will be used to select elite lines for the next round of trials in the 2003/04 season. A key representative from industry partner, Australian Gum Products, and a former guar plant breeder visited Biloela to view promising varieties in the trial. Twenty new lines of guar imported from breeding programs in the USA and Pakistan were released from post-entry quarantine. Intial seed quantities have been increased and this material will be planted in field evaluation plots in November 2003.


 

Project Title	Evaluation of hemp and kenaf breeding lines in tropical and sub-tropical environments
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-292A
Start Date:	1-Jul-02
Finish Date:	30-Nov-05
Researcher:	Dr. Peter Lawrence
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) DPI Research Station Locked Bag 1 BILOELA QLD 4715
Phone:	(07) 4992 9135
Fax:	(07) 4992 3468
Email:
Objectives	· To facilitate the establishment of a bast fibre industry in Australia by identifying suitable high-yielding low-drug content cultivars of hemp and suitable high-yielding cultivars of kenaf that are adapted to sub-tropical and tropical environments in Queensland.
Current Progress	Hemp and kenaf are potential new field crops for sub-tropical and tropical environments. These bast fibres are suitable for manufacturing a wide range of non-woven products such as replacing fibre-glass, reinforced composites for use as internal mouldings in cars, or geo-textiles. Five cultivars of kenaf and four lines of hemp were evaluated at three different row spacings in field trials at two locations, Biloela and Mareeba, in 2002/03. The kenaf and hemp plants were harvest for fibre yield when the plants flowered, as this is the optimum growth stage to obtain quality fibre. Emergence of hemp at Biloela was low (0-15%), leading to the conclusion that the surface crusting soils in the Callide Valley are not suitable for growing hemp. The kenaf flowered in approximately 170 days at Mareeba and 165 days at Biloela. The best cultivar at Biloela was a Chinese variety Yuexuan 743, yielding 25t/ha; and best cultivar at Mareeba was Gregg yielding 18t/ha. The current commercial kenaf variety yielded 19t/ha and 14t/ha respectively at Biloela and Mareeba. Narrow rows (25cm) were higher yielding than wider rows (65-75cm) at both locations. CHG, the best hemp line at Mareeba flowered in 117 days and yielded 8t/ha. Yields were similar in 18cm and 25cm rows at the same plant density (40 plants/m2). The THC content of line CHG was low (0.05-0.1%) and well within acceptable levels. In conclusion, the first year of trials has identified promising new cultivars of both kenaf and hemp. Further trials are required in the next two years at appropriate locations to confirm these results.


 

Project Title	Evaluating olive water requirements from seedling to pre-fruit bearing
RIRDC Project No.:	DEB-2A
Start Date:	1-Sep-00
Finish Date:	30-Aug-04
Researcher:	Mr. James De Barro
Organisation:	De Barro Agricultural Consulting PO Box 424 KEITH SA 5267
Phone:	(08) 8756 2777
Fax:	(08) 8756 2778
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 third irrigation season concluded and the trees are now 42 months old, with minimal fruit bearing. Irrigation timing and quantities, rainfall events and tree growth (height, truck girth and canopy diameter) have been recorded. Tree growth is being compared between trees irrigated according to soil moisture monitoring and those irrigated on calendar timing and perceived nutrient requirements. Data is being collected from trees grown on deep sand and those on heavy clay. One hectare of olive grove has 250 trees grown in an 8 x 5 m grid spacing and the micro-sprinklers are restricted. 6-18 month old trees grown in the heavy clay soil required 0.16 ML/ha of irrigation and 18-30 month old trees required 0.17 ML/ha. 30-42 month old trees required 0.08 ML/ha. The calendar timed trees of the same age had 0.47 ML/ha applied. There were no significant differences in tree growth measurements between the two irrigation practices. 6-18 month old trees grown on deep sand required 0.18 ML/ha of irrigation and 18-30 month old trees required 0.20 ML/ha. 30-42 month old trees had 0.09 ml/ha applied (compared to 0.66 ML/ha for the calendar practice). These trees became moderately water stressed in late November, and whilst they recovered, it impacted negatively on fruit set. There was a need for a specific irrigation in mid November ahead of a heat wave. Trees showed little evidence of significant moisture usage from below 45 cm deep. The reduced water requirement and apparently healthy trees indicate water use was widely away from the tree centre. This will be monitored this coming season with additional monitoring instrumentation. The research indicates that the scheduled trees are being provided adequate soil moisture and that the calendar timing is providing excess to the tree’s needs. Incorporating rainfall there was a 35-40% decrease in water applied in the scheduled trees in the third season. Actual irrigation application on the clay soil was 326 litres/tree compared to 357 litres/tree on the deep sand.


 

Project Title	National Olive Variety Assessment Project (NOVA) - Stage 2
RIRDC Project No.:	SAR-47A
Start Date:	1-Dec-02
Finish Date:	30-Nov-04
Researcher:	Ms. Susan Sweeney
Organisation:	Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (SA) 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	The 2002 survey of olive varieties from properties across Australia is currently being analysed. The following are some early highlights from 37 different varieties. · The 10 varieties that yielded the highest oil percentage in dry flesh were Corregiola, Arbequina, Barnea, Manaiki, Frantoio, I-77, Paragon, Kalamata and Del Morocco. To the extent that oil % in dry flesh is a predictor of oil yield, these varieties show promise as high oil yielding varieties. The 10 varieties that yielded the lowest percentage of oil in dry flesh were: UC13A6, Californian Mission, SA Verdale, Hojiblanca, Frantago, Oblitza, Manzanilla de Sevilla and Large Fruiting. · Oleic acid is a favourable fatty acid for olive oil quality due to enhanced oxidative stability and superior nutritional quality. The 10 varieties with the highest oleic acid content were: Frantago, Picual, I-77, Coratina, Kalamata, Leccino, Hojiblanca, Ascolano, Pendolino and Manzanilla de Sevilla. The 10 varieties with the lowest oleic acid content were: Katsourela, Columella, Rouget, Azapa, Manaiki, SA Verdale, Sevillano, Marchiosa, Arbequina and Jumbo Kalamata. There was a clear trend in increasing levels of oleic acid from fruit samples from more southerly latitudes in Australia.


 

Project Title	Wild olive selection for quality oil production
RIRDC Project No.:	UA-54A
Start Date:	1-Jul-00
Finish Date:	30-Nov-03
Researcher:	Prof. Margaret Sedgley
Organisation:	The University of Adelaide School of Agriculture and Wine Discipline of Wine and Horticulture Waite Agricultural Research Institute PMB 1 GLEN OSMOND SA 5064
Phone:	(08) 8303 7242
Fax:	(08) 8303 7116
Email:	margaret.sedgley@adelaide.edu.au
Objectives	· The aim of the 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	Superior trees were identified on the basis of the fruit having >18% oil in the flesh at 50% moisture content determined by Soxlhet extraction and the fatty acid profile, measured using gas chromatography, having greater than 70% oleic acid and less than 1% linolenic acid. The superior selections were propagated in the glasshouse, and DNA fingerprinted to confirm that all propagules were identical to the parent tree. The fingerprints were compared to those in our olive collection and it was found that the selections were genetically distinct from all of the cultivars in the database.  The trees were planted in a trial plot accommodating 300 trees in an array of 30 rows by 10 columns at the University of Adelaide Roseworthy Campus. Thirty-five superior feral selections and 3 known cultivars were included in the trial. Details of the trial design and a copy of the planting plan were lodged with the Plant Breeders Rights Office. The plants have now been in the ground for 10 months and are growing well. Measurements of growth rates will be taken in spring 2003. One hundred trees were sent to growers’ properties in South Australia and New South Wales and more trees will be sent to Queensland in the near future, to assess their performance in different environmental conditions.


 

Project Title	Laying the groundwork for a new rural industry - Stevia rebaudiana
RIRDC Project No.:	UCQ-17A
Start Date:	1-Jul-02
Finish Date:	31-Jul-04
Researcher:	Prof. David Midmore
Organisation:	Central Queensland University School of Biological and Environmental Sciences ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4702
Phone:	(07) 4930 9770
Fax:	(07) 4930 9255
Email:	d.midmore@cqu.edu.au
Objectives	· To lay the basis for a rural industry that will replace imported artificial sweetener with a risk-free natural sweetener. This will achieved by: * accessing information on food safety issues and determine the likely acceptance of steviosides by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (formerly ANZFA) for use in foodstuffs. * accessing germplasm from diverse sources (particularly Japan, Taiwan, China, Korea, India and Paraguay) and test them under a range of environmental conditions, leading to quantifiable production outputs on which to evaluate the viability of the industry.
Current Progress	This project follows an introductory study funded by RIRDC in 2001/02. The 2 year project focuses on two aspects necessary for a successful stevia industry to be established – agronomics and market development. The agronomic work in the initial period is concentrating on locating and importing seed of commercially available stevia varieties, procedures for germination and seedling establishment and then growing plants at a number of locations (from Bowen in the north to Burnie in the south). Six imported varieties, together with a number of strains located within Australia (mainly from the herb nurseries), are now being grown to determine stevioside content and quality in the plant leaves from the various varieties at different latitude and at different times of the year and plant growth stages. Market development work so far has concentrated on identifying and contacting parties interested in the processing side and use of stevioside, helping coordinate development activities and assisting with provision of supporting data (from China, Japan and elsewhere) for applications to have stevioside registered for use in processed foods as a non-calorie, non-chemical alternative sweetener. It is now approved for use in domestic food preparation and as an industral food/beverage ‘flavour’.


 
 

Project Title	Diagnosing diseases affecting mature jojoba plantations and developing strategies to reduce their effect on commercial production of jojoba seeds
RIRDC Project No.:	UCS-27A
Start Date:	1-Jul-00
Finish Date:	1-Aug-03
Researcher:	Dr. Gavin Ash
Organisation:	Charles Sturt University School of Agriculture PO Box 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678
Phone:	(02) 6933 2765
Fax:	(02) 6933 2812
Email:	gash@csu.edu.au
Objectives	· The naming and classification of currently observed diseases afflicting jojoba plantations. · The development of a testing procedure to objectively measure the impact of disease in a plantation. · The development of management practices to minimise the effect of these diseases in commercial plantations. · Providing base information to allow the breeding and development of resistant jojoba varieties.
Current Progress	In surveys conducted in 2000 and 2001 several fungi and bacteria were isolated from both symptomatic and asymptomatic jojoba plants in eastern Australia. The pathogenicity of isolates of Fusarium oxysporum and Burkholderia andropogonis has been established. The pathogenicity of the other microorganisms could not be established. A study of the genetic diversity of the F. oxyxsporum isolates indicates that there are four genotypes present in the samples found, that there are common genotypes between isolates found in asymptomatic plants and symptomatic plants and that all four genotypes are widely distributed. This may indicate that the isolates have been distributed in cuttings from a common source. However, subsequent isolation from cuttings and the nursery of origin has failed to produce any further isolates. Current research is concentrating on the detection of the fungus using PCR, the isolation and characterisation of F. oxysporum from soil from jojoba plantations and comparison of isolates from Australia with international isolates. Studies are also ongoing on the likely source of the B. andropogonis using epidemiological and molecular studies.


 

Project Title	Production of bioactive phenols from olive processing waste streams
RIRDC Project No.:	UCS-32A
Start Date:	1-Sep-02
Finish Date:	31-May-06
Researcher:	Dr. Paul Prenzler
Organisation:	Charles Sturt University School of Science and Technology Locked Bag 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678
Phone:	(02) 6933 2540
Fax:	(02) 6933 2737
Email:	pprenzler@csu.edu.au
Objectives	· To investigate the potential to add value to process waste streams, thereby creating a sustainable and integrated Australian olive industry with a number of product streams. The outcomes will be: * A survey of waste streams from olive oil processing to identify bioactive fractions; * Isolation, identification and quantification of the commercially useful bioactive compounds; * Knowledge of the impact of varietal, regional, seasonal and processing differences on the composition of waste streams and the bioactivity, based on Australian conditions; * The investigation of strategies for the extraction of compounds of commercial interest from olive industry waste streams, thus enabling the reutilisation of the residue; * Trained personnel to meet the future demands of the olive industry.
Current Progress	Progress toward meeting the stated objectives is advancing in a timely fashion and we have met all milestones up to May 2003 (see GANTT Chart). As indicated in the 2002 Annual Report the commencement of this project was contingent on appointing a PhD student. This has now happened and the student is very quickly becoming familiar with the analytical techniques required for the project (Item 2 on GANTT Chart). The Australian Olive Association was consulted to provide advice about the waste streams being generated in Australia and we have accordingly begun to focus on waste from a two-phase decanter. Fractionating and bioactivity testing of the waste will occur later in 2003 (Items 4 and 5 on GANTT Chart). Assessment of varietal and other factors on the composition of waste will be forthcoming as sampling of waste continues. It should be noted that due to the extreme drought over 2002-2003 the processing season was shortened considerably and this has affected the number of samples that can be collected.


 

Project Title	Quality enhancement of Australian extra-virgin olive oils
RIRDC Project No.:	UCS-33A
Start Date:	1-Sep-02
Finish Date:	31-May-06
Researcher:	Dr. Paul Prenzler
Organisation:	Charles Sturt University School of Science and Technology Locked Bag 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678
Phone:	(02) 6933 2540
Fax:	(02) 6933 2737
Email:	pprenzler@csu.edu.au
Objectives	· Chemical profiles of the component phenols and volatiles in extra-virgin olive oils will be related to extraction methods and cultivars to identify processing parameters critical to the production of premium oils.
Current Progress	Progress toward meeting the stated objectives is advancing in a timely fashion and we have met all milestones up to May 2003 (see GANTT Chart). As indicated in the 2002 Annual Report the commencement of this project was contingent on appointing a PhD student. This has now happened and the student is very quickly becoming familiar with the analytical techniques required for the project (Item 2 on GANTT Chart). The Australian Olive Association was consulted to provide advice about the most commercially significant cultivars. This has led to sampling of corregiola/frantoio and manzanillo fruit and oils. Although not explicitly stated in the Milestones, the successful bench trials (Item 4) to be conducted during Aug-March is dependent on suitable methods of fruit storage. Accordingly an experiment has been set up to determine the effects of fruit storage on oil quality. It should be noted that due to the extreme drought over 2002-2003 the processing season was shortened considerably and this has affected the number of samples that can be collected.