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Development and Improvement of Products
| DAQ-328A | A literature review and assessment of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) | Ms. Helen MacPherson | (07) 3406 8589 | Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld) |
| UCS-31A | Improvement of lavender varieties by manipulation of chromosome number | Dr. Nigel Urwin | (02) 6933 2450 | Charles Sturt University |
| UT-39A | Development of an internationally competitive saffron industry | Prof. Robert Menary | (03) 6226 2723 | University of Tasmania |
| Project Title: | A literature review and assessment of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) |
| RIRDC Project No.: | DAQ-328A |
| Researcher: | Ms Helen MacPherson |
| Organisation: | Department
of Primary Industries (Qld)
Centre for Food Technology 19 Hercules Street, HAMILTON QLD 4007 |
| Phone: | (07) 3406 8589 |
| Fax: | (07) 3406 8677 |
| Email: | helen.macpherson@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives | To
investigate the potential for a new value adding industry by conducting
an extensive literature review on the plant Morinda citrifolia (Noni)
and its juice extract. The objectives are to assess:
·2 the broad range of supposed therapeutic effects ·3 the fermentation process for quality control ·4 existing agronomic best practices |
| Background | Noni
grows widely throughout the Pacific and is native to Australia. There are
many claims as to the efficacy of noni juice from its use by traditional
healers but there appears to be little in the way of scientifically reproducible
studies.
A group of growers in Far North Queensland have commenced planting noni trees and have formed an association (Australian Noni Producers Inc.) to initiate the growth of this opportunity to produce plant extracts from both the native and exotic varieties of this species. The association has identified that information is required to progress the development of this industry. |
| Research | By searching, compiling and reviewing the extensive existing literature on the plant Morinda citrifolia (noni) and its juice extract, the researchers were able to assess the broad range of agronomic best practices, the fermentation process, supposed therapeutic effects and the market opportunities and potential returns to Australian producers. |
| Outcomes | Agronomic
best practices from both international and local sources have been reviewed
and extensive information provided on the botany, ecology and cultural
practices of the plant Morinda citrifolia (noni).
It has been demonstrated that the basic mechanisms and associated microflora of the reported noni juice fermentation process is not well understood. Further research is required to identify the mechanisims and microflora involved in the reported fermentation process to develop commercial process parameters, potential processing aids (starter cultures) and industry standards. In vitro research and limited animal experiments have shown that noni has antimicrobial, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and cardiovascular activity. However more studies are needed to identify the specific compounds and their mechanisms of action in relation to potential health benefits. |
| Implications | Based on the results of this review of existing literature, it is clear that further scientific investigations are required to address important issues in agronomic and processing processes, possible health benefits and marketability of the noni fruit as a potential crop in Australia. |
| Project Title: | Improvement of lavender varieties by manipulation of chromosome number |
| RIRDC Project No.: | UCS-31A |
| Researcher: | Dr. Nigel Urwin |
| Organisation: | Charles
Sturt University
School of Agriculture Locked Bag 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678 |
| Phone: | (02) 6933 2450 |
| Fax: | (02) 2933 2812 |
| Email: | nurwin@csu.edu.au |
| Objectives | This
project aimed to breed improved varieties of Lavandula angustifolia
(lavender) and Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin) both of which are
grown commercially for their essential oil, dried and cut flowers. Plant
tissue culture techniques and the use of mitotic spindle inhibitors will
be used to induce polyploidy.
The specific outcomes of the proposed research are as follows: Polyploid L. angustifolia and L. x intermedia cultivars, with improved oil yield and vigour. Double haploid L. angustifolia and fertile L. x intermedia cultivars, which can be propagated by seed. |
| Background | Lavender,
(L. angustifolia) is grown for its essential oil, which is used
in the perfume industry. Lavandin, (L. x intermedia) cultivars
are sterile hybrids of the species L. angustifolia and L. latifolia.
These are also grown for their oil, which is of lower quality but used
in various toiletries. Lavender is also grown for cut and dried flowers
and several of the 39 species within the genus are grown as ornamentals.
The Australian lavender industry produces less than 1% of total oil produced
worldwide but recently there has been increased interest in lavender as
an alternative crop given the increased demand for essential oils particularly
in complimentary therapies. Little effort has been put into breeding
improved cultivars of lavender for commercial oil production. Polyploidy
induction (producing plant with more than two sets of chromosomes) in agricultural
and horticultural crops is commonly used for plant improvement producing
bigger plants with increased vigour. L. angustifolia cultivars which
produce the highest grade oils are small plants with smaller flowers in
comparison to L. x intermedia cultivars. L. x intermedia
cultivars produce 3-5 times more oil than L. angustifolia cultivars.
Polyploid varieties of L. angustifolia and L. x intermedia
are likely to be larger, have bigger flowers and consequently yield more
oil. The new germplasm would be useful for future breeding.
This project aims to give Australian lavender growers access to lavender cultivars improved with respect to oil yield and quality. The Australian horticulture industry will also benefit from marketing these plants internationally. For example a single ornamental lavender (1 million plants) sold in the US under licence with a 10cent royalty per plant would yield >AUD$250,000 in income to Australia alone. If these cultivars are adopted for commercial oil production worldwide the benefit from royalties alone is likely to be at least 10-fold greater. It is hoped the availability of these plants will encourage growth in the Australian lavender industry. |
| Research | Using standard plant propagation techniques, plant tissue culture techniques and colchicine (a mitotic spindle inhibitor) we have produced varieties of lavender and lavandin with more than the usual two sets of chromosomes (polyploids). Using a variety of methods we have begun to characterise these plants in terms of their genome size and morphological characteristics, particularly those which will affect their productive capacity such as flower size, oil gland size, oil yield and quality. |
| Outcomes | Fertile tetraploid L. angustifolia varieties producing perfume quality oil, infertile polyploid (probably triploid) L. angustifolia and L. x intermedia varieties with improved vigour, larger flowers, potentially higher oil yield and improved oil quality. |
| Implications | The Australian lavender industry will be encouraged to adopt and benefit from the new germplasm. |
| Publications | Urwin
N, Horsnell, J and Moon T (2005) Improvement of Lavender by Manipulation
of Chromosome number. Lavender Bag, 23:5-10
Urwin N (2004) Breeding New Lavenders. The Australian Lavender Growers Association (TALGA) Annual conference, Halls Gap, Victoria September 2004. Oral presentation. |
| Project Title: | Development of an internationally competitive saffron industry |
| RIRDC Project No.: | UT-39A |
| Researcher: | Prof Robert Menary |
| Organisation: | University
of Tasmania
School of Agricultural Science Private Bag 54 HOBART TAS 7001 |
| Phone: | (03) 6226 2723 |
| Fax: | (03) 6226 7609 |
| Email: | r.menary@utas.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·2 To identify and design improved saffron drying technology (This was changed with the agreement of RIRDC following request in the 2004 Milestone Report). ·3 To identify potential fragrance products from waste flowers and alkaloids in dormant corms. ·4 Work closely with management and staff of Tas-Saff Pty.Ltd. to focus research and implement recommendations. |
| Background | Tas-Saff is the only significant producer of saffron in Australia and have been marketing product locally for over 10 years. The company is aiming to achieve import replacement by capturing 30% of the domestic market by 2013 as well as access export markets, but is competing with cheaper products from countries with much lower labour costs. The Industry Partners have therefore identified the need to differentiate their product as being of premium quality. To this end they have sought to both analytically demonstrate the quality of their current product relative to competitors and determine how their post harvest processing methods might be altered to further improve this quality and/or develop new products from the crop and thus provide competitive advantage. |
| Research | ISO standard and alternative analytical measurement techniques were applied and compared for Tas-Saff samples from different local growers and imported products. These techniques were also used to investigate the stigma drying process to experimentally determine the optimum conditions for retention of the colour and production of aroma components in the spice. Distillation and extraction techniques, combined with organoleptic and chemical analysis, were used to investigate potential fragrance products from the waste flower parts. Extraction and chemical analysis methods were also used to investigate the reported presence of commercially valuable alkaloids in the dormant Crocus corms. |
| Outcomes | Local
saffron products generally compared well to imported products for colour,
but not for aroma contents. The current drying technique (employing air-flow
at moderate temperature) does not produce optimum aroma development and/or
retention and carries the risk of insufficient drying leading to colour
degradation in storage. It was shown that by drying at a significantly
higher temperature, without air-flow, but in an elevated humidity atmosphere;
highly significant increases in the content of the main aroma compound
were produced. Furthermore, these conditions could enhance the retention
and/or availability of the main pigments in the saffron.
A waxy solvent extract from the waste flower parts was identified as having potential as a new commercial fragrance product although a small addition of saffron to these flowers may be required to give the extract sufficient aroma impact. Distillation and corm extraction did not identify potential products. |
| Implications | This
project has shown that by applying the appropriate drying conditions, it
is possible to significantly and consistently improve the quality of the
local product such that it is superior to that produced by overseas competitors.
To this end it is recommended that the local producers use fan-less ovens,
either modified or specifically constructed, that are sufficiently enclosed
to allow enhanced humidity from a container of water placed in the chamber.
This project also found that there is potential for value adding to the saffron crop. |
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Development and Improvement of Products
| BRA-4A | Development and economic assessment of Artemisia for production of anti-malarial extract | Dr. Rowland Laurence | (03) 6425 5888 | Botanical Resources Australia Ltd |
| UNC-21A | Analysis of Dodonea viscosa as a potential remedy for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial applications | Dr. Douglas Stuart | (02) 4348 4124 | The University of Newcastle |
Improved Production Systems
| DAQ-329A | Commercial production of milkweed, a plant with anticancer properties | Mr. Larry Cooper | (07) 3824 9541 | Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld) |
| UT-38A | Rejuvenation of peppermint crops through establishment of quality nursery stock | Prof. Robert Menary | (03) 6226 2723 | University of Tasmania |
| UT-40A | Improved oil quality and yield from Tasmanian-grown French lavender | Prof. Robert Menary | (03) 6226 2723 | University of Tasmania |
| UT-49A | Increased yields from peppermint crops through improved micronutrient nutrition | Prof. Robert Menary | (03) 6226 2723 | University of Tasmania |
| ISO-1A | Production of newsletter of the Essential Oil Producers Association of Australia | Dr Ian Southwell | (02) 6624 2453 | Ian Southwell |
Regulatory Approvals
| UT-45A | Quality assurance protocols to minimise pesticide residues in essential oils | Prof. Robert Menary | (03) 6226 2723 | University of Tasmania |
Development and Improvement
of Products
| Project Title | Development and economic assessment of Artemisia for production of anti-malarial extract |
| RIRDC Project No.: | BRA-4A |
| Start Date: | 01-Jan-06 |
| Finish Date: | 31-Dec-09 |
| Researcher: | Dr Rowland Laurence |
| Organisation: | Botanical
Resources Australia
44-46 Industrial Drive ULVERSTONE TAS 7315 |
| Phone: | (03) 6425 5888 |
| Fax: | (03) 6425 4468 |
| Email: | tgroom@botanicalra.com.au |
| Objectives | To develop commercially viable techniques for the production of marketable extracts of artemisia, through the investigation of ways to maximise the yield of artemisinin, the anti-malarial compound, present in Artemisia annua L. |
| Current Progress | This
project, funded from January 2006, will attempt to determine a production
method for Artemisia annua, which will be economically viable in
Australia. Key areas for investigation will be seed handling and sowing
techniques, weed control and harvesting systems.
Seed of two improved lines of A. annua have been acquired to date and sowing in the field attempted, but with poor emergence of the small and fragile seed. Initial investigations of the plant’s tolerance of herbicides have also been attempted but with little result to date due to this poor emergence in the field. Greenhouse-grown seedlings also were transplanted in the field in January and an initial assessment of their tolerance of some commercial herbicides was made. These results have been more encouraging and an attempt to verify this data will be made next season. The remainder of these transplants will be harvested shortly and artemisinin content determined. These plants have not flowered in the Tasmanian environment to date and strategies to produce additional seed for experimentation are being considered. |
Development and Improvement of Products
| Project Title | Commercial production of milkweed, a plant with anti-cancer properties |
| RIRDC Project No.: | DAQ-329A |
| Start Date: | 01-Jul-05 |
| Finish Date: | 30-Nov-07 |
| Researcher: | Mr Larry Cooper |
| Organisation: | Department
of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld)
PO Box 327 CLEVELAND QLD 4163 |
| Phone: | (07) 3824 9541 |
| Fax: | (07) 3286 3094 |
| Email: | larry.cooper@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives | Milkweed (Euphorbia peplus) has bioactives known as PEP compounds and these are suitable for use in treating various cancers, particularly skin cancer. This research will build on the system for commercially growing of E. peplus, which was developed as a result of previous projects funded by RIRDC. Cost effective production techniques will be enhanced to enable producers to meet market needs and enable the even and reliable production of PEP compounds all year round for a larger market. Efficient production systems for both intensive cropping in artificial structures and less intensive broad-acre field production will be developed. Research to date was focused on production of material for clinical trials. This research will result in the development of intensive production techniques for commercial scale production and extraction. The growing sector which will benefit from this research would be small holdings and holdings with some covered or protected areas such as shade or plastic tunnel. The growing E. peplus would aso be attractive to organic growers. |
| Current Progress | Trial
initiated in early March 2006 to look at plant spacing, planting method
(plugs vs direct seeding), plastic mulch vs bare ground and fertilizers
(amount of nitrogen). Harvesting commenced early May and is still in progress.
Determination of PEP compound concentrations will occur after all harvesting
is completed.
Seed storage testing and supply system to growers was started. Seed is stored at DPI&F Redlands Research Station and distributed, via Postpack, on request from Peplin. This system is working well to supply seed to plug and plant growers in Queensland and New South Wales. Germination testing is still to be fully explored and a commercial lab may be needed. Meeting of researchers, growers and Peplin was held on 11th April 2006 at Stanthorpe and was attended by 9 growers, 4 researchers and Steve Ogbourne from Peplin. Discussions and presentations focussed on light/shade, plugs/direct seed, use of pesticides and harvesting issues. Main outcomes were that growers preferred the use of plugs, plastic mulch (for weed control) and Peplin have now agreed to contract DPI&F staff to submit any minor use permit applications for pesticides. Growers networked and shared ideas freely. |
| Project Title | Increased yields from peppermint crops through improved micronutrient nutrition |
| RIRDC Project No.: | UT-49A |
| Start Date: | 01-Jul-05 |
| Finish Date: | 30-Nov-07 |
| Researcher: | Prof Robert Menary |
| Organisation: | University
of Tasmania
School of Agricultural Science GPO Box 252-54 HOBART TAS 7001 |
| Phone: | (03) 6226 2723 |
| Fax: | (03) 6226 7609 |
| Email: | r.menary@utas.edu.au |
| Objectives | Determine current micronutrient status of commercial fields and undertake diagnosis and recommendation for remedial action. |
| Current Progress | A
field trial was established to determine responses to S,Mo,Cu and B. Oil
analysis of the first harvest has revealed that nutritional treatments
have influenced composition of the oil. Menthone and menthyl acetate varied
with treatment but menthol and menthofuran were not affected.The variation
in oil composition is likely to be related to the physiological age of
plants at harvest with, high levels of menthone in immature plants and
high menthyl acetate in mature plants. A higher % oil yield was observed
in treatments receiving B.
Glasshouse trials were conducted to establish critical levels in tissue for S,Mo,Cu and B. Dry weight per plant indicated that critical levels for growth were established for S, Mo and B. Levels of Cu in the soil were too high and deficiency levels were not recorded in these peppermint plants. Work is continuing on the distillation and chemical analysis of the second oil harvest. Information from the first and second harvests will be combined to assess the overall effect of nutrition on growth oil yield and composition. |
| Project Title | Production of newsletter of the Essemtial Oil Producers Association of Australia |
| RIRDC Project No.: | ISO-1A |
| Start Date: | 02-Jan-06 |
| Finish Date: | 30-Jun-07 |
| Researcher: | Dr Ian Southwell |
| Organisation: | 22
Canterbury Chase
GOONELLABAH NSW 2480 |
| Phone: | (02) 6624 2453 |
| Email: | southwells@optusnet.com.au |
| Objectives | To
inform growers, oil producers and traders of national and international
developments in the trade of essential oils
Three issues of the newsletter will be published over a period of two years. |
| Current Progress | Newsletter
Issue 13 has been published and distributed. It contained information on:
·2 Notes on recent conferences and symposia ·3 Regulatory matters ·4 Essential oils standards(Australian) ·5 Constitution of EOPAA ·6 Recently published articles and books ·7 RIRDC News and Publications |
| Project Title | Quality assurance protocols to minimise pesticide residues in essential oils |
| RIRDC Project No.: | UT-45A |
| Start Date: | 01-Jun-04 |
| Finish Date: | 30-Aug-07 |
| Researcher: | Prof Robert Menary |
| Organisation: | University of Tasmania |
| Phone: | (03) 6226 2723 |
| Fax: | (03) 6226 7609 |
| Email: | r.menary@utas.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·2 Optimise analytical procedures for analysis of pesticides in essential oils ·3 Monitor pesticide behaviour in cropping cycle ·4 Undertake hazard analysis for pesticides used in crop production. |
| Current Progress | The
paper based chemical management plan and the HACCP based approved supplier
program has been presented to our industry partners for assessment and
implementation.
In response to industry requests, Select® (clethodim) , Eclipse® (metosulam) , Spinflo® (carbendazim), Asulox® (asulam) and dimethoate have been added to the list of potential targets for pesticide screening. The implementation of routine solid phase extraction and cleanup steps to enhance pesticide detection levels remains elusive. This is primarily due to a wide range of chemical pesticides used in production and the complex matrices of essential oils. Analysis of the field trials involving pesticide behaviour throughout the production cycle has been completed for peppermint, blackcurrant and fennel. The parsley trial is in the process of development and should be completed within the next month. Spray boom calibration and maintenance procedures have been finalised and are ready to present to producers for assessment and implementation as part of an audited quality assurance programme. |

Last updated: September
2004
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http://www.rirdc.gov.au/comp04/eoi1.html