| Project
Title: |
Australian
Cut Flower Best Bets Program |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAV-193A |
| Researcher: |
Anthony
T. Slater & Cynthia J. Carson |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Primary Industries (Vic) |
| Phone: |
(03)
9210 9222 |
| Fax: |
(03)
9800 3521 |
| Email: |
Tony.Slater@nre.vic.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To
improve the profitability of the wildflower industry by expanding the Victorian
"Best Bets" program to include exporters around Australia. This included
the provision of information on flowers that the markets want and are undersupplied,
including details on the crops, the regions where they are suitable to
grow in Queensland and nurseries where they can be obtained. |
| Background |
The
Wildflower Industry has been growing mainly due to the increasing demand
for wildflowers in Australia’s export markets. In the 1990’s wildflower
exports did not increase as fast as expected, as the supply of wildflowers
did not meet the demand. The large number of types of wildflowers causes
a dilemma for growers. The demand for individual crops was not clear and
there were no market statistics for the majority of species or cultivars
of wildflowers. The Victorian Best Bets program has provided information
on crops with a current export market demand, and has been a useful tool
for growers in planning future crops for the export flower industry. This
project sought to expand the Victorian program for growers in other Australian
states, particularly Queensland growers. |
| Research |
Working
with exporters relevant to Queensland growers, an analysis was conducted
to produce a list of cut flowers crops for which there is unsatisfied demand.
These companies are located in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria,
consequently the results of the analysis will also be important for growers
in other states who use these export companies. For these cut flower crops
the analysis also looked at their current price, any expected price change,
their postharvest efficiency and cost, and any State to State differences
in demands. |
| Outcomes |
The
results of the analysis were published as a separate report (see below).
The crops identified from this analysis should not be considered as guaranteed
winners, however, all sectors of the flower industry can benefit from collectively
listing which flowers will be in demand in the next few years. Information
has also been produced to aid Queensland growers in increasing plantations
of these crops. |
| Implications |
As
all sectors of the industry need to be profitable, the Best Bets program
is a valuable market research tool to provide information to growers to
help expand the industry’s supply base. This will in turn increase the
supply of flowers that exporters are receiving orders for, and therefore
increase Australia’s flower exports. |
| Publications |
Slater,
T. (2002). Australian Export Cut Flower Best Bets Analysis. Victorian Department
of Natural Resources and Environment. Knoxfield. |
| Project
title: |
Stage
4 - Statistics that are recorded for the export flower industry |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
FEC-7A |
| Researcher: |
Sally
Sutton |
| Organisation: |
Flower
Export Council of Australia |
| Phone: |
(03)
9258 6150 |
| Fax: |
(03)
9258 6112 |
| Email: |
feca@netspace.net.au |
| Objectives |
· The report presents
the results summarising seasonal trends in flower export statistics from
the September 2000 to the December 2001 quarters.
· The report continues
analysis of the efficacy of using ABS statistics, and in particular AHECC,
for recording flower export information.
· Examine the integrity
of the current data and its impacts on the measurement of the flower export
industry.
|
| Background |
While
the Australian flower export industry has been operating for some time,
few macro level analyses have been undertaken. The current report advances
the work undertaken by Brooks (2001) and responds to continued industry
and policy level needs. |
| Research |
For
the first time, information on seasonal trends and exports to a 42 export
markets is presented. The report also includes a number of methodological
suggestions for future studies. It is a timely report, coming at a point
of increased recognition of the need to progress the measurement and analysis
of many smaller Australian primary industries |
| Outcomes |
The
results bring out patterns in the flower export industry. Seasonal trends
and the strength of particular flower categories and export markets are
clear. Generally, there appears to be a low period in the March and June
quarters. Fresh flowers occupy the great majority of the current market.
Within the fresh flower category, Other Australian Species and Fresh Artificially
Propagated Waxflowers are dominant. Japan, the USA and the Netherlands
are the major export markets.
The results given in this
report confirm market trends, seasonal patterns and product demands. These
results can be used to generate and support marketing and production strategies.
Reviewing data on the levels and types of exports makes it possible to
ensure alternative products are targeted in low periods and that demand
matches supply. Environmental strategies can be implemented given figures
from fresh wild picked categories.
The results suggest that
the dollar value and volume of flowers exported from Australia have been
underestimated for a considerable period. This report indicates that current
figures may underestimate the industry size by as much as 30%. It is important
that accurate data for this export industry is obtained to encourage further
investment, employment, and focused research and development.
Methodological uncertainties
in the current analysis are exposed. Despite many clear trends, the findings
reported are made complex by unclarity in current measurements, and the
lack of any holistic means of cross validating the current data. Despite
recent revisions to the classifications used for measurement, this study
demonstrates that the categories need to be further refined. To this end,
a list of specific suggestions is given. The report also develops a rationale
for obtaining additional and different forms of data capable of providing
more accurate and reliable measurement of the industry. In addition to
the substantive results, therefore, methodological suggestions are made
for increasing the efficiency and accuracy of future studies. |
| Implications |
1. Additional production
and export figures on the value of the industry need to be gathered from
a range of sources both inside and outside Australia. This information
can then be used to establish the reliability and validity of ABS data,
particularly the dollar value estimates.
2. An independent audit of
exporters and possibly certain growers should be undertaken to cross validate
production and export statistics.
3. Additional data on exports
should be obtained from significant export markets, including Japan, the
USA and the Netherlands. This can be used to cross validate and, where
necessary, adjust current ABS estimates.
4. Marketing strategies for
the dried flower industry need to be investigated. It is possible that
dried flower exports could make a particular contribution during the low
March and June periods.
5. AHECC relating to the
current industry need to be refined. The redefinition is particularly necessary
in the case of a few categories which have current dominance. New categories
have been proposed in this report.
6. Interstate flower movements
need to be collated, as this is valuable information.
7. From an industry perspective,
it may be useful to examine seasonal complementarities of export countries
and regions, particularly between the Asian and European markets.
8. Quantitative analysis
of the Australian flower export market should be undertaken on an annual
basis. These need to develop better means of diagnosing export patterns
and developing explanatory models which can be used in developing production
and marketing strategies.
|
| Project
Title |
Boronia
heterophylla - Selection and development of clones for commercial development |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
BAF-2A |
| Researcher: |
George
A Lullfitz |
| Organisation: |
Sunregal
Holdings P/L
T/A BOUTIQUE AUSTRALIAN
FLORA
PO BOX 34
WANNEROO WA 6065 |
| Phone: |
(08)
94051607 |
| Fax: |
(08)
9306 2933 |
| Email: |
sales@lullfitz.com.au |
| Objectives |
To
provide a series of clones of Boronia heterophylla that have earlier
and later flowering times including a terminal flowering form. This will
enable cut flower growers and exporters to supply the flower market with
more continuity. |
| Background |
Boronia
heterophylla flowering stems have been sourced in Western Australia for
many years from natural stands. It is important from a conservation point
of view that harvesting from natural stands has been curtailed and transferred
to more superior cultivated forms.
The majority of the existing
cultivated plants appear to have originated from the same clone or from
a very narrow range of genotypes. The market requires these flowers over
a longer period of time. Attempts have been made to develop new varieties
by introducing superior selections from natural stands and germinated seedlings. |
| Research |
Selections
had previously been made from natural populations for early, late flowering
and a terminal flowering form. A couple of plants of each were propagated
and planted in ground at a cut flower farm for stock plants and further
assessment. Propagation material was collected for cuttings and initiation
into tissue culture. Grafting was used to multiply the number of plants
for one remaining selection for evaluation purposes.
The resulting selection was
assessed for flowering time compared to the normally cultivated form. |
| Outcomes |
Propagation
by cuttings using plant material from these stock plants was not successful.
Only one of the selections survived in tissue culture. The stock plants
all perished due to lack of water availability due to a hot dry summer.
The selection which survived
multiplied well in culture but proved extremely difficult to transfer successfully
to soil. Grafting using scions of this selection to rootstock of Boronia
clavata was very successful.
Flowering trials confirmed
that this selection of Boronia heterophylla flowers some weeks earlier
than the commonly grown variety. |
| Implications |
This
project has shown that it is possible to select desirable forms of plants
by careful observation of natural populations. It also illustrates the
part that tissue culture can play in the preservation of a potentially
valuable plant selection.
A new early flowering variety
of Boronia heterophylla is now available for production and distribution
to interested cut flower growers. |
| Project
Title |
Scholtzia
involucrata - Selection and development of clones for commercial development |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
BAF-3A |
| Researcher: |
George
A Lullfitz |
| Organisation: |
Sunregal
Holdings P/L
T/A BOUTIQUE AUSTRALIAN
FLORA
PO BOX 34
WANNEROO WA 6065 |
| Phone: |
(08)
94051607 |
| Fax: |
(08)
9306 2933 |
| Email: |
sales@lullfitz.com.au |
| Objectives |
· To assess a range
of clones of Scholtzia involucrata for their suitability in the
local and export cut flower industry. These varieties will provide a continuous
range in flowering times and enable production of uniform and improved
quality plant material.
· To make these new
varieties available to the commercial cut flower industry.
|
| Background |
The
cut flower industry in Australia can capture a greater market share by
introducing a range of new and improved plant varieties. The fall off in
supply of native plant flowering material during the summer and autumn
can be addressed by selecting plant varieties that flower during this period.
Scholtzia
involucrata fulfils the criteria.
Existing supplies are sourced
from the bush and quality is often very average. Output and quality can
be improved by cultivation. This also reduces the impact on the natural
bushland and contributes to its conservation. |
| Research |
This
project involved assessment of a range of very good varieties selected
from several widely spread locations within the natural habitat for their
flowering time, growth habit and vigour. The plants selected included early,
mid and late flowering forms.
Plants were propagated and
planted in the field for assessment of flowering times in cultivation. |
| Outcomes |
Several
new varieties of Scholtzia involucrata suitable for cut flower production.
These varieties provide a sequence of flowering times from mid November
to mid February
Recommendations are made
concerning future investigations involving plants related to this species. |
| Implications |
This
project makes available several new varieties providing continuity of supply.
Improved quality and yield of flowering stems is possible by selecting
superior varieties of Scholtzia involucrata. |
| Project
title: |
Identify
and Evaluate the Commercial Potential for New Foliage and Cut Flower Species
from North Queensland. |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAQ-262A |
| Researcher: |
Ms
Joanna Srhoj |
| Organisation: |
Queensland
Horticulture Institute
PO Box 1054
MAREEBA QLD 4880 |
| Phone: |
(07)
4048 4651 |
| Fax: |
(07)
4092 3593 |
| Email: |
Joanna.Srhoj@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To
evaluate the potential of a selected range of tropical flowers and foliage
as new cut foliage products using market selection, vase life evaluation
and production characteristics |
| Background |
North
Queensland has a large range of native species with novel and attractive
foliage. The selection and development of these species for the export
market would provide a new range of exciting foliage for the market and
for the cut flower and foliage industry of north Queensland. |
| Research |
The
general and post-storage vase life of the species were determined. Foliage
was stored for three days at 3, 10 or 20°C and general or post-storage
vase life was evaluated at 20°C. A pictorial survey of the full species
range was used at the commencement of the project to make initial species
selections, and market assessments of foliage were conducted during the
project. Field trials were conducted to investigate the ability of the
species to grow in cultivation, their response to pruning and their ability
to produce saleable products, and their susceptibility to pests and diseases |
| Outcomes |
Vase
life was generally long, with most species having a vase life of over three
weeks. 10°C was the best storage temperature to maximise post-storage
vase life. The vase life of Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’, a variety
with good market potential, was not compromised by storage at any temperature.
Field trials indicated the
species will grow in cultivation, but site and climatic differences do
affect growth. Most species respond to pruning and produce saleable leaves
or stems quite readily. Few disease problems were observed, although pest
control will be important for the production of first-grade leaves.
In conjunction with the vase
life and field trials, market assessments have indicated that a number
of species have good potential as new foliage products and require further
development. |
| Implications |
New
foliage species with good market and production potential are available
for the producers of the northern flower and foliage industry. The species
will provide new products and foliage during late spring when foliage supplies
from southern areas is slow. While available to growers from other regions,
the climatic requirements of the plants will need to be considered.
All producers will need to
consider the temperature of the transport systems available, as vase life
experiments indicated the vase life of most of the species was compromised
at low temperatures and therefore may not be compatible with transport
with traditional flowers and foliages. |
| Publications |
Australian
Horticulture, May 2000 – ‘Rainforest species under trial for cutflower
market.’
Australasian Flowers, Winter
2000 – ‘Trials of promising rainforest foliage begin.’
Australian Horticulture,
June 2002 – ‘Far north plants under trial’. |
| Project
Title: |
Industry
Workshop on Production of Eucalypts for Floriculture |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UA-60A |
| Researcher: |
Professor
Margaret Sedgley |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Horticulture, Viticulture and Oenology, The University of Adelaide,
P.M.B. 1, GLEN OSMOND SA 5064 |
| Phone: |
(08)
8303 7248 |
| Fax: |
(08)
8303 7116 |
| Email: |
margaret.sedgley@adelaide.edu.au |
| Objectives |
To
gather key players in the eucalypt cut bud and flower sector of the industry
for a workshop on eucalypt production, where issues relating to the production
of eucalypts will be discussed, with those discussions formulated to produce
a manual on commercial eucalypt cut bud and flower production that will
be published and made available to all interested parties. |
| Background |
A
RIRDC program (UA-52A) has been underway at the Waite Campus, University
of Adelaide, since 1999, investigating the production and postharvest handling
of eucalypt bud and flower lines. During the time of the project, the need
for an up-to-date reference manual for the industry has been identified
through contact with industry partners at conferences and farm visits. |
| Research |
Thirty
eight delegates from 24 enterprises attended the eucalypt production workshop.
The workshop was divided into four sessions, varietal selection, marketing,
postharvest treatments and production. Each session was managed by a guest
speaker and panel, with delegate participation encouraged. The following
day, 30 delegates gathered for field tours to observe interspecific hybrids
growing under different conditions, and to comment on the morphology of
the hybrids for floricultural uses. |
| Outcomes |
The
workshop enabled players from the eucalypt industry to gather and network
with others from all over Australia. The information generated at the workshop
and field tour has been collated and prepared into an easy to use reference
manual for growers, incorporating current published information and material
available from growers and wholesalers. All delegates contributed to the
content of the manual, which will markedly increase the knowledge base
for producing eucalypts for floriculture. The delegates were provided with
an opportunity to observe and discuss first hand RIRDC project UA-52A,
providing valuable industry feedback for that project. All delegates agreed
that such workshops should continue to be held on a biennial basis, providing
the opportunity to update the manual with new information on all aspects
of production of eucalypt buds and flowers. |
| Implications |
The
workshop provided an opportunity for industry players to gather for information
sharing and networking for the betterment of the whole industry. New business
relationships and market opportunities can arise from such gatherings.
The manual produced from the workshop covers the current best practice
methods for the sustainable production of eucalypt cut bud and flower lines
across a range of climatic and soil types. It is available to all growers
and would-be growers of eucalypts. |
| Publications |
Horsman,
C. & Delaporte, K.L. 2002. Eucalypts for Floriculture: A Growers’ Guide.
Findings from an Industry Workshop on the Production of Eucalypts for Floriculture".
RIRDC publication 02/132 |
| Project
Title: |
Delaying
Postharvest Senescence of Cut Flowers Using Nitric Oxide |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UNC-16A |
| Researcher: |
Ron
Wills and Michael Bowyer |
| Organisation: |
Centre
for the Advancement of Food Technology and Nutrition
School of Applied Sciences,
Ourimbah Campus
University of Newcastle
PO Box 127
Ourimbah NSW 2258 |
| Phone: |
(02)
43484119 |
| Fax: |
(02)
43484145 |
| Email: |
chmcb@cc.newcastle.edu.au |
| Objectives |
To
examine new, alternative treatments for extending the postharvest life
of native Australian cut flowers. |
| Background |
Research
conducted by our research group has established that DETA/NO – a soluble
nitric oxide donor compound can significantly extend the postharvest life
of several exotic species of cut flower. This research project aimed to
assess the effects of this compound on Australian native flowers. |
| Research |
Seven
flower species (paper daisy, ptilotus, kangaroo paw, isopogon, grevillea,
Geraldton wax and waratah) were investigated. Factors such as the rate
of water uptake and transpiration loss were investigated. Each flower species
was pulsed with three of concentrations of DETA/NO (10, 100 and 1000 ppm)
and the postharvest life compared against water and STS controls. |
| Outcomes |
Of
the seven species investigated, four (ptilotus, kangaroo paw, grevillea
and waratah) showed a positive response to pulse treatment with DETA/NO.
In three of these cases (ptilotus, kangaroo paw, and waratah), the extension
in postharvest life was greater than that observed for both the water control
STS. The treatment also produced changes in the senescence pattern of each
flower species that were not observed in the corresponding STS treatment.
These included reductions in the occurrence of stem wilt and flower head
wilt (in the case of ptilotis and kangaroo paw, and decreased incidence
of mould growth in the case of waratah. |
| Implications |
The
findings suggest that DETA/NO is effective in counteracting some of the
undesirable postharvest characteristics that afflict certain species of
native cut flowers. However, a more extensive long-term study is required
to gain a comprehensive understanding of the actions of NO donor compounds
on Australian native flowers |
| Project
Title: |
Evaluation
of Phytophthora tolerance in Leucadendron |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UWA
69A |
| Researcher: |
Guijun
Yan, Ben Croxford, Ralph Sedgley |
| Organisation: |
Guijun
Yan
School of Plant Biology
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural
Sciences
The university of Western
Australia
35 Stirling Hwy
Crawley, WA 6009
Australia |
| Phone: |
(08)
9380 1240 |
| Fax: |
(08)
9380 1108 |
| Email: |
Email:gyan@agric.uwa.edu.au |
| Objectives |
To
develop a protocol for the screening of Leucadendron genotypes tolerant
or susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi, and to rank
the important Leucadendron genotypes used in the breeding program. |
| Background |
Leucadendron
is a major wild flower crop in Australia. To increase the competitiveness
of the local industry, a breeding program based on interspecific hybridisation
was initiated in 1998. Since this time, thousands of hybrid plants have
been produced involving 27 different parental species. These were planted
at the farms of contributing growers for evaluation but large losses have
occurred at some sites with symptoms indicating that infection by Phytophthora
cinnamomi may be responsible. |
| Research |
Three
experiments were conducted to inoculate more than 40 Leucadendron genotypes
both as established plants and as excised cuttings with Phytophthora
cinnamomi pathogen. Both lesion development and plant death at day
12, day 24, day 36 and day 52 after inoculation were recorded to evaluate
the tolerance and susceptibility of Leucadendron genotypes. |
| Outcomes |
Intact
plants were very slow to show any symptoms with most genotypes remaining
without symptoms after 80 days. Excised stems were more suitable for the
assessment. The occurrence, length and tangential spread of lesions appear
to correlate well with eventual death of excised stems. All cuttings that
died in the trial first expressed lesions, those dying first and in highest
percentages had the largest tangential and vertical lesion spread. This
project has successfully developed a protocol, using excised stems, to
assess the tolerance and susceptibility of Leucadendron genotypes to Phytophthora.
The trialled Leucadendron genotypes can be divided into three categories:
highly tolerant, medium tolerant and susceptible based on the lesion development
and plant death rate. |
| Implications |
These
results are helpful for the selection of parents in our breeding program
to produce highly tolerant new Leucadendron varieties and may also be useful
for the growers to make decisions on selecting suitable varieties on their
properties. |
| Publications |
None
at the moment but the results will be presented at the International Protea
Association’s Conference in April, 2004 at Melbourne and published in Acta
Horticulture. |
| Project
Title: |
Grafting
Eriostemon australasius |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAN-181A |
| Researcher: |
Mr
Jonathan Lidbetter |
| Organisation: |
NSW
Agriculture
National Centre for Greenhouse
Horticulture
Locked Bag 26, Gosford NSW
2250 |
| Phone: |
02
4348 1900 |
| Fax: |
02
4348 1910 |
| Email: |
jonathan.lidbetter@agric.nsw.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To
bring a range of Eriostemon australasius selections into commercial
production through grafting. To overcome the difficulty of propagating
superior cut flower forms and field survival problems. To shorten the lead-time
in developing cultivated Eriostemon as a major domestic and export
crop. |
| Background |
Eriostemon
australasius is an excellent cut flower with a long vase-life. Unfortunately,
most of the E. australasius currently sold is bush-picked with the plants
in cultivation mainly of one clonal variety. This species has been identified
in both NSW and Victoria as a crop with excellent export potential for
Europe and Asia, and FECA has reported its popularity with Japanese florists. |
| Research |
Techniques
have been developed which allow the grafting of field selections and tissue
cultures of Eriostemon australasius onto seedling or cutting grown
rootstocks. This has allowed the rapid introduction of selected material
from natural populations into cultivation and rapid deflasking of hard
to strike tissue cultures.
The grafted motherstock thus
created provided further scions for grafting or cutting production. Cutting
propagation has been successful but strike rates are extremely variable
between clones. Rapid striking varieties have been identified with up to
73% of cuttings struck within 5 weeks.
Intergeneric grafts with
thirteen hardy rootstocks from eight closely related genera have failed
to establish a long-term compatible combination although an initial union
and growth were observed in all combinations. |
| Outcomes |
Over
forty new varieties have been introduced into cultivation and assessed
by collaborators in 2001 and 2002. Over 450 cutting grown or grafted plants
of the selections have been propagated for planting out on grower’s properties.
Cultivation of a range of selections across the country will see a significant
expansion in the seasonal and colour form availability of this species.
Industry interest in the
project is high with numerous requests for access to plant material. |
| Implications |
This
project has shown that grafting is an incredibly useful tool for introducing
new varieties of Eriostemon australasius into cultivation. This
has much wider implications, suggesting that any difficult to propagate
field selection (eg. banksias or eucalypts) may be brought into cultivation
by grafting. Direct grafting of tissue cultures also has implications for
breeding programs where the rapid deflasking and accelerated growth of
grafted tissue cultures is an advantage. At this stage no alternate rootstock
has been identified that will allow the easy cultivation of Eriostemon
australasius on a greater range of soil types. |
| Publications |
Lidbetter,
J. (2000) ‘New and Potential East Coast Crops’. Proceedings of the First
Australian Flower Conference. Mingara Club, Tumbi Umbi, NSW.
Moody, H. (June 2001) ‘Propagating
superior Eriostemon’ Australian Horticulture pp.44-46.
Slater, T. (2000) ‘Floricultural
research and development in Tasmania and Victoria’. Proceedings of the
First Australian Flower Conference. Mingara Club, Tumbi Umbi, NSW.
Slater, T., Lidbetter, J.,
Cain, P. and Vujovic, C. (2002) ‘Eriostemon australasius – capturing
the variation’. Proceedings of the 6th Australian Wildflower
Conference. Sunnybrook Hotel, Warwick Farm, Sydney, NSW. |
| Project
Title: |
6th
Australian Wildflower Conference – Keys to Progress and Profit |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
ANW-1A |
| Researcher: |
Peter
Abell |
| Organisation: |
ANFGP
(Australian Native Flower Growers and Promoters) |
| Phone: |
(02)
4567 2050 |
| Email: |
passion@pnc.com.au |
| Objectives |
To
sponsor specific activities in accordance with RIRDC objectives at the
6th Australian Wildflower Conference;
1. Poster display
2. Keynote speaker and session
sponsorship
|
| Background |
Industry
groups and previous conference delegates provide the demand for conferences,
through a need for interaction on a regular basis. The previous Wildflower
Conference (5th) in Melbourne was run during April 1999. The
three year period between the 5th and 6th is widely
considered by both industry and the research community as being appropriate.
The 6th Australian Wildflower Conference is a joint initiative
of the ANFGP (Australian Native Flower Growers and Promoters), AFPGA (Australian
Flora and Protea Growers Association), NSW Agriculture, Royal Botanic Gardens
and The University of Sydney and well as having active input from other
industry and government agencies. It provides the opportunity for industry
and research to get together and exchange ideas and discuss matters important
to the wildflower industry. RIRDC has been involved financially at several
previous wildflower conferences and the continued involvement was sought. |
| Research |
There
is no research associated with this project. |
| Outcomes |
The
sponsorship of specific activities at the 6th Australian Wildflower
Conference was carried out. Florence Treverrow and Amelia Martyn were the
winners of the RIRDC sponsored poster display and received a RIRDC grant
to be used to attend another industry based workshop/conference. RIRD sponsored
a keynote speaker and session. It also provided the opportunity for a RIRDC
representative to chair the session and say a few words about the role
of RIRDC in the Wildflower industry. Attendance at the conference totaled
200 delegates from all states of Australian and a couple from overseas. |
| Implications |
It
is considered widely that conferences and workshops should be held regularly
to keep growers abreast of new trends, varieties and production methodology.
The 6th Australian Wildflower Conference provided the opportunity
for the dissemination of knowledge and the opportunity for growers to ‘network’
with their colleagues and researchers from other states. This dissemination
of knowledge will lead to better production both in flower quality and
volume and hence better service throughout the industry. |
| Publications |
Proceedings
were produced with full copies of presented papers included. These are
available to non delegates from NSW Agriculture. The Horticultural media
and grower associations published promotion and reports on the event, these
included; Flower News, Agriculture Today, Buds and Bracts, ANFGP Newsletter,
The Land, Australasian Flowers, Australian Horticulture, Nursery and Garden
News, Australian institute of Horticulture News, Floraculture International,
Ornamentals Update, Flower Link, Commercial Horticulture. |
