Essential Oils - RIRDC Completed Projects in 2003-2004 & Research in Progress as at June 2003

2.4 essential oils - completed projects
PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION

Development and Improvement of Products

MRA-1A

Efficient sourcing and fractionation of sesquiterpenoid alcohols from Australian sandalwood

Ms. Valerie Gearon

(08) 9841 7788

Mt Romance Australia Pty Ltd

Improved Production Systems

UT-33A	Commercial Borage Production for Oil and Gamma-linolenic Acid	Dr. Rowland Laurence	(03) 6430 4901	University of Tasmania
DAV-190A	Implementing IPM in Australian peppermint crops	Mr. Fred Bienvenu	(03) 5731 1222	Dept of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)

Regulatory Approvals

UT-36A

Determination of pesticide minimum residue limits in essential oils

Prof. Robert Menary

(03) 6226 2723

University of Tasmania

Industry Development

PSE-2A	Production of a newsletter of the Essential Oil Producers Association of Australia	Dr. Erich Lassak	(02) 9875 1894	Phytochemical Services
QUT-6A	Developing a herbal medicine primary industry	Dr. Phillip Cheras	(07) 3840 6111	Queensland University of Technology
AGG-1A	Support for the international ginseng conference - November 2003	Mrs. Charlene Hosemans	(03) 5968 1877	Australian Ginseng Growers Association Inc.

Development and Improvement of Products

Project Title:	Efficient sourcing and fractionation of sesquiterpenoid alcohols from Australian sandalwood
RIRDC Project No.:	MRA-1A
Researcher:	Ms. Valerie Gearon
Organisation:	Mt Romance Australia Pty Ltd
Phone:	(08) 9841 7788
Fax:	(08) 9841 7100
Email:	valmike@wn.com.au
Objectives	The primary objective is the development of methods of the efficient separation of individual sesquiterpenoid alchohols (or enriched concentrates) from the fragrant wood oil of Western Australia sandalwood. Santalum spicatum (R.Br) A. DC. The pure alcohols or their enriched concentrates will be used in the formulation of value added products such as pharmaceuticals (anti-inflammatory and bacterial agents) cosmetics/toiletries and fine perfumes. A secondary, but nonetheless indispensible, objective for the ultimate commercial success of this project is the identification of all parameters influencing the wood oil composition and oil yield.
Background	Following the successful granting of a sandalwood supply tender from the State Government, and extensive market appraisal to confirm the market value of Australian sandalwood oil, Mt Romance undertook research into efficient fractionation and distillation processes, in order to optimise sandalwood oil recovery from the raw material. Additionally, therapeutic properties were clinically ascertained and fine fragrance formulation protocol determined.
Research	·1 Evaluation of historical information available regarding the distillation of Australian sandalwood oil led to the implementation of extraction and distillation processes, initially on a pilot scale, then on a large production scale. A number of different fractionation technologies were investigated, with maximum yield and odour quality the desired outcome. ·2 Market research was conducted to determine the acceptance levels of a new sandalwood product for fine fragrances. ·3 Therapeutic properties ( anti – microbial, anti – inflammatory etc) were determined, and safety of the product quantified.
Outcomes	Refinement of extraction methodologies provided an immediate and tangible increase in the odour quality of the oil produced. This led to an increase in global interest in Australian sandalwood oil, with concomitant increase in both workforce number and sales. Today, Australian sandalwood oil is used in a number of world – class perfumes and therapeutic goods. The oil has been listed with the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia for use in topical and inhaled goods.
Implications	This project has demonstrated that, with application of technical skill and extensive marketing research, a new industry ( manufacture of Australian sandalwood oil) can dominate a niche traditionally filled by others (India).
Publications	RIRDC publication to be advised.

Improved Production Systems

Project Title:	Commercial borage production for oil and gamma-linolenic acid
RIRDC Project No.:	UT-33A
Researcher:	Dr. Rowland Laurence
Organisation:	University of Tasmania
Phone:	(03) 6430 4901
Fax:	(03) 6430 4950
Email:	rowland.laurence@utas.edu.au
Objectives	·1 To provide local information on key agronomic practices for the production of borage and to provide recommendations for the commercial production of borage in south-eastern Australia.
Background	Commercial interest in the production of borage in Tasmania has increased with strengthening demand and genotypic work in progress. With previous attempts to develop borage as a commercial crop in south-eastern Australia suffering from a lack of knowledge of the crop’s agronomy, this work was carried out to meet this need.
Research	Time of sowing borage was found to be critical to good seed yields. Highest yields were returned from early August sowings with delays of four or five weeks halving yields. July sowing showed no improvement upon early August sowings. Sowing rates of 16 kg/ha were required for optimal yields when field germination was around 50 per cent but 8kg/ha is likely to be adequate where good field germination is assured.
Outcomes	The work has provided important information to assist prospective growers in the husbandry of borage. New growers will now be aware of the very critical importance of sowing time and correct harvest timing, and of sowing rates necessary to achieve good establishment and weed control through crop competition, rather than prospectively suffering a first crop failure and thus jeopardizing the crop’s future development in Australia.
Implications	Implications are that adequate confidence is now being shown in this crop for commercial operators to currently grow sufficient borage to test market the oil in Australia.
Publications	Laurence, Dr. R., Borage Production for oil and gamma-linolenic acid, 2004, Canberra, RIRDC publication number R04/040. Laurence,R., Palmer,C. and Saunders, P. (2001). The influence of sowing time on the yield of borage (Borago officinalis). Proceedings of the World Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Budapest, Hungary, July, 2001. Acta Horticulturae 576, 2002.

Project Title:	Implementing IPM in Australian peppermint crops
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-190A
Researcher:	Mr. Fred Bienvenu
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
Phone:	(03) 5731 1222
Fax:	(03) 5731 1223
Email:	fred.bienvenu@dpi.vic.gov.au
Objectives	·1 Identification and integration of chemical and sustainable bio-control practices that will maximise yield of hight quality peppermint oil. ·2 Development of data required to support registration (minor use or full) of predator "friendly" pesticides. ·3 Establishment of an industry reference group to facilitate and implement the use of a practical IPM program.
Outcomes	Project terminated due to sale of industry partner’s land.

Regulatory Approvals

Project Title:	Determination of pesticide minimum residue limits in essential oils
RIRDC Project No.:	UT-36A
Researcher:	Robert C. Menary and Sandra M. Garland
Organisation:	University of Tasmania
Phone:	(03) 6226 2723
Fax:	(03) 6226 7609
Email:	R.C. Menary@utas.edu.au and Sandra_g@utas.edu.au
Objectives	·1 To assess the application of solid phase extraction to the clean-up of pesticides. To establish the specificity and sensitivity of selective gas chromatograph detectors in terms of residue detection in oils. To determine dissipation rates of pesticides in essential oil crops and monitor commercially produced oils on an annual basis.
Background	With minimal research conducted into pesticide residues in essential oils in Australia, an earlier RIRDC project UT-23A established a framework of analytical methodologies. Progress in this field will ensure an active contribution to the setting of international standards, whilst monitoring for chemical residues resulting from pest management programs will protect Australia’s reputation.
Research	Development of analytical methodologies focused on the clean-up of pesticide contaminants to lower detection thresholds and utilise instrumentation otherwise not suited. The application of those techniques in field trials and monitoring programs provides information on the efficacy, and consequences associated with the use, of pesticides.
Outcomes	An SPE pre-concentration method was developed. Isolation and methylation of acidic pesticides and mancozeb derivatives on ion exchange discs were successful. An ICP OES method was developed for the monitoring of mancozeb in peppermint. NPD was shown to be effective in detecting pesticides in distilled oils although the response was suppressed in the oil by 80%. Field trails established dissipation rates of terbacil in peppermint with residues undetectable within 56 days. Only low levels of terbacil co-distilled with the oil (0.03±0.01%). Mancozeb was still present on leaf surfaces one month after application but was below detection levels after 56 days. Distillation of contaminated leaf produced oils free of mancozeb. Monitoring of commercially produced oils found levels of contamination of propiconazole as high as 43 mgkg^-1 in the year 2000/2001. Corrective measures ensured most levels were below the 1 mgkg^-1 level in the following year. Difenaconazole did not exceed 2 mgkg^-1 in boronia samples. In 2002/2003 propiconazole levels in boronia were between 0 and 2 mgkg^-1. Pesticide residues in distilled oils presented few problems although positive results were recorded for pirimicarb in parsley and fennel oil in 2002/2003 (below 0.1 mgkg^-1). All screens undertaken for tea tree oil found no pesticide contamination.
Implications	This project highlighted the need for ongoing monitoring of pesticide residues in essential oils. Field trials provided a framework for the re-assessment of pesticide application regimens. The development of SPE for the clean-up of residues will provide for more robust methodologies.
Publications	Garland S M, et. al., Practical approaches to the analyses for pesticide residues, 2004, Canberra, RIRDC publication number 04/109.

Industry Development

Project Title:	Production of a newsletter of the Essential Oil Producers Association of Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	PSE-2A
Researcher:	Dr Erich Lassak
Organisation:	Phytochemical Services
Phone:	(02) 9875 1894
Fax:	(02) 9875 1791
Email:
Objectives	·1 To bring together growers, producers, traders, researchers and users of essential oils and of certain plant related natural products by the dissemination of information, which will stimulate the growth and development of Australian industries based on these products. ·2 It is proposed to produce three issues of the newsletter over two years.
Outcomes	Three issues (7 8 and 9) of the newsletter were produced under this project. They included information on: ·7 The tea tree oil monograph adopted by the European Pharmacopoeia; ·8 Botanical names of Australian native species used for commercial essential oil production; ·9 Reports on recent essential oils conferences; ·10 The National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) and its implications for essential oils producers; ·11 Recently published articles on essential oils; RIRDC news.

Project Title:	Developing a herbal medicine primary industry
RIRDC Project No.:	QUT-6A
Researcher:	Dr. Bruce Rich and Dr. Phillip Cheras
Organisation:	Queensland University of Technology
Phone:	(07) 3840 6111 and 07 3864 4738
Fax:	(07) 3840 6119 and 07 3864 47 19
Email:	p.cheras@uq.edu.au and b.rich@qut.edu.au
Objectives	·1 To develop and implement a strategy to advance medicinal herb production and processing and capitalise on commercial opportunities to advance the complimentary medicine industry as a significant export sector in a structured and systematic manner by 2007.
Background	The Complementary Medicine (CM) sector is experiencing steady growth both nationally and globally. General population usage of CM is high in Western countries eg USA 40%, UK 40% and Australia 60%. This increased interest in, and acceptance of, CM by the developed countries has led to an increased demand for quality raw materials and value-added (extract) supplies.
Research	This feasibility study was initiated to evaluate the requirements necessary to progress the complementary medicine sector to one of greater significance. The initial approach was to focus on the supply chain, its components, appropriate areas for potential development and gaps that hinder progress.
Outcomes	As the study progressed it became clear through a series of industry workshops that the industry required a corporate entity that would play a lead role in scientific application and the advancement of commercial opportunities that will impart competitive advantage. This has resulted in a convergence with a concomitant initiative by the University of Queensland to commercialise intellectual property (IP) generated by the university. This convergence has led to the establishment of Healing Power (CM) Ltd., a company set up to function as a CM IP bank. Whereby projects would be funded for development to a commercial ready stage and then licensed to commercial industry members. Healing Power (CM) Ltd. through its strategic alliance with the Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine Education and Research, plus its other associations with universities, institutes and industry partners, will act as a vehicle through which the Australian complementary medicine industry can advance.
Implications	This project has progressed the CM industry feasibility study from an assessment of the industry and the identification of potential opportunities or strategies, to one of implementation of an identified strategy and establishment of a corporate entity. Flow-on effects from the commercialisation process will proceed across the supply chain contributing to the development of the industry in a sustainable manner.
Publications	RIRDC publication to be advised.

Project Title	Support for the international ginseng conference - November 2003
RIRDC Project No.:	AGG-1A
Start Date:	01-Dec-01
Finish Date:	31-Jan-04
Researcher:	Mrs Charlene Hosemans
Organisation:	Australian Ginseng Growers Association Inc. PO Box 250 GEMBROOK VIC 3783
Phone:	(03) 5968 1877
Fax:	(03) 5968 1877
Email:	ginseng@nex.net.au
Objectives	· To support the Australian Ginseng Growers Association's International Ginseng Conference in Melboune, November 2003.
Outcomes	The international Ginseng conference was held in Melbourne from 27 to 29 November 2003. The theme of the Conference was the globalisation of ginseng. Keynote speakers at the Conference were: Prof. Paul But - Ginseng Production in Asia Dr Laura Murphy – American ginseng in cancer theraputics Prof Kwang-Tae Choi – Ginseng in Korea Dr Scott Persons – Woodland ginseng production in the US Prof. John Proctor – Canadian ginseng production.