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RIRDC Completed Projects in 2005-2006 & Research in Progress as at June 2006
To Tea Tree Oil Research in Progress
1.7 TEA TREE OIL - COMPLETED PROJECTS PROJECT No PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION To enhance the ability of the industry to provide products that meet appropriate safety and efficacy DAN-241A Quality assurance for tea tree oil safety investigative samples Dr Ian Southwell (02) 6624 2453 Ian Southwell ISO-2A p-Cymene and organic peroxides , indicators of oxidation in tea tree oil Dr Ian Southwell (02) 6624 2453 Ian Southwell MOT-1A Literature review of tea tree oil for SCCP A/Prof Jesper Bo Nielsen +45 65 50 37 64 Mercalli Overseas Trading Enterprises UWA-89A Compilation of toxicity data for tea tree oil components Prof Thomas Riley (08) 9346 3690 University of Western Australia To establish production systems that are both ecologically sustainable and profitable DAN-199A Breeding and cloning tea tree for greater profitability Trevor Oleson NSW Department of Primary Industries To enhance the ability of the industry to provide products that meet appropriate safety and efficacy
Project Title Quality assurance for tea tree oil safety investigative samples RIRDC Project No.: DAN-241A Researcher: Ian Southwell, Robert Lowe (WAI),
Phone 0266 261 224, Fax. 0266 283 264 Email ian.southwell@dpi.nsw.gov.au
David Leach and Aaron Pollack (SCU),
Phone 0266 223 211, Fax. 0266 223 459 Email dleach@scu.edu.auOrganisation: NSW Dept of Primary Industries
Locked Bag 21
ORANGE, NSW, 2800.Phone: (02) 6391 3219 Fax: (02) 6391 3327 Email: graham.denney@dpi.nsw.gov.au Objectives ·1 To determine the peroxide index of a range of fresh and aged commercial tea tree oil samples. ·2 To select three samples suitable for safety package regulatory testing that can be categorised as fresh (peroxide index ~ 0), mildly oxidised (peroxide index ~10) and oxidised (peroxide index ~30).
·3 To define the quality of the selected three samples of tea tree oil by determining the chemical composition by Gas chromatography – Mass spectrometry (GCMS) and comparison with ISO 4730.
Background The European SCCP (Scientific Committee on Consumer Products) recently concluded that insufficient data was available on the safety and stability of tea tree oil. The industry is addressing this situation by commissioning approved tests in order to obtain a more complete safety dossier on tea tree oil. For this to be achieved, the oil tested must be well defined chemically for the dossier to be valid. It is expected that at least two oils (one fresh and one oxidatively degraded) will be thoroughly defined by GCMS and peroxide index determination to prove that they are typical oils meeting international standards, before they are tested for dermal penetration and other safety parameters for the dossier. Research The oil tested was provided by the tea tree oil industry. Gas chromatography and peroxide index values (in replicate) were measured at the Wollongbar Agricultural Institute essential oil laboratories and the Southern Cross University Centre for Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. The results were interpreted and provided to the industry which selected samples to be tested to complete the safety dossier. International Standard Organisation (ISO) and British and European Pharmacopoeia (BP, Ph. Eur.) methods were used for the GC and the peroxide value determinations respectively. Outcomes The characterisation of these commercial tea tree oil samples and a blend of two of them have provided three oils, one un-oxidised, one substantially oxidised and a one partially oxidised, for further testing to enable the compilation of a more complete safety dossier for tea tree oil. Implications Such testing will be of economic benefit as a more acceptable oil will lead to more sales and of social benefit as the safety and stability of the oil are better defined. Publications Not applicable To enhance the ability of the industry to provide products that meet appropriate safety and efficacy
Project Title p-Cymene and organic peroxides , indicators of oxidation in tea tree oil RIRDC Project No.: ISO-2A Researcher: Dr Ian Southwell Organisation: Phytoquest
22 Canterbury Chase
GOONELLABAH NSW 2480Phone: (02) 6624 2453 Fax: Email: southwells@optusnet.com.au Objectives To investigate the oxidation of tea tree oil using p-cymene and peroxide index as indicators. Background Headlines in Europe recently stated: "tea tree oil – unsafe and unstable". This undesirable media coverage overseas came as a challenge to the Australian tea tree oil industry at a time when attempts to combat low prices by better market promotion of the oil were gaining momentum. The headlines followed the release of a European SCCP (Scientific Committee on Consumer Products) opinion that concluded that insufficient data were available on the safety and stability of the oil. Consumers and the media need to know the facts about the safety and stability of tea tree oil that, along with proven efficacy, have made the oil such a popular health care product over the last 70 years. The industry is addressing this situation by commissioning approved tests in order to obtain a more complete safety dossier on tea tree oil.
For this to be achieved, the oils tested must be well defined chemically for the dossier to be valid.
Research This investigation outlines how, from eleven commercial samples screened, three oils (one fresh, one oxidised and one, blended from commercial oils, mildly oxidised) were chosen by p-cymene content and peroxide index determination. These samples were then thoroughly defined by GC, GCMS and physical constants to determine status with respect to the ISO standard for tea tree oil before being recommended for dermal penetration and other safety parameter investigations for the dossier. The methods used were internationally accepted procedures for determining p-cymene content and peroxide value (British or European Pharmacopoeia methods), GC profiles and physical constants (ISO Standard) and GCMS (generally accepted literature procedures). Outcomes From 11 tea tree oils screened, three samples with sufficient bulk were selected for safety parameter testing. These were found to display mean p-cymene composition percentages of 2.5, 10.5 and 19.4 which corresponded with mean peroxide values of 1.1, 11.7 and 30.5 milliequivalents of active oxygen per kg. The first of these was the only sample within the limits of the Australian and International Standards for tea tree oil. The oxidised oil failed to satisfy these standards at the following points: in the chromatographic profile, p-cymene levels were high and a - and g -terpinene levels low even though other constituents were within the ISO Standard limits. The partially oxidised oil failed to meet the standard at p-cymene content and relative density.
Laboratories were surveyed for tea tree oil and product analyses where both Peroxide Value and p-cymene proportion were determined. Peroxide Values for 139 tea tree oils were found. For 77 of these the p-cymene proportion had also been determined. Records also showed aged oils stable for from 3-10years if stored correctly.
Implications As a result of this investigation, it is suggested that oxidised tea tree oils are always seen to be associated with high p-cymene contents and sometimes high peroxide values. Of the samples recorded, one with low peroxide value, showed high p-cymene content. This is not unexpected, as it is known that peroxides are unstable and decompose to oxidation products such as 1,2,4-trihydroxymenthane. Conversely some with high peroxide values were low in p-cymene but only when heat and/or rapid air movement removed the lower boiling terpenes including p-cymene. The oxidised oil provides an oil that would simulate an oil from a bottle which had been frequently opened for use by the consumer and inadvertently let deteriorate. With the difficulty in measuring and identifying the degradation products due to their instability and poor documentation, p-cymene concentration seems a better determinant for oxidation than any other method. Sufficient well accepted Standards exist for this to be an easy analysis.
The testing planned for the selected oils will be of economic benefit as a better defined oil will lead to more sales and be of social benefit as the safety and stability of the oil become recognised.
Publications To be included in the SCCP submission
To enhance the ability of the industry to provide products that meet appropriate safety and efficacy
Project Title Literature Review of Tea Tree Oil for SCCP RIRDC Project No.: MOT-1A Researcher: A/Prof Jesper Bo Nielsen Organisation: Mercalli Overseas Trading Enterprises
Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health
University of Southern Denmark
Winsløwparken 17
DK-5000 Odense C
DENMARKPhone: +45 65 50 37 64 Fax: +45 65 91 14 58 Email: jbnielsen@health.sdu.dk Objectives To supply regulatory agencies with an updated review of the relevant literature on the human toxicity of TTO and TTO constituents, and to provide possible approaches to be considered by the industry. Background The Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products (SCCP) in Europe has issued an opinion on TTO concluding that the committee has insufficient data to make an assessment on its safety. The Australian tea tree industry together with the Australian government (through RIRDC) therefore commissioned a literature search on the toxicity of individual TTO components including potential products formed due to oxidation. Research Based on the publicly available literature, the present review summarizes the toxicity profiles of the 14 individual constituents of TTO with an expected concentration in newly refined TTO above 0.5 % and five known oxidative degradation products from TTO. Further, the review includes suggestions for "No observed adverse effect levels" (NOAELs) for specified targets as well as an overall NOAEL for TTO. Outcomes TTO products and formulations have generally, except for the neat products, been reported to be without significant risk for acute human toxicity. The NOAEL for irritative effects of TTO is expected to be equal to or above 25% based on human studies. The allergic potential of freshly produced TTO is presumed to be low on healthy skin, whereas photoaged TTO must be considered to be a stronger sensitizer due to formation of oxidative degradation products. TTO has probably a weak sensitizing potential among pre-sensitised people. The penetration rates for those TTO constituents eventually penetrating the skin are low. Based on the available information, neither TTO nor its constituents are expected to pose any carcinogenic risk to humans. Based on reproductive toxicity, a NOAEL for TTO can tentatively be set at 330 mg TTO/kg bw following oral exposure. Implications This project indicates that photoaged TTO probably possesses a sensitizing potential due to formation of oxidative degradation products. The formation of oxidation products in TTO and TTO products needs appropriate consideration by industry. Publications
To enhance the ability of the industry to provide products that meet appropriate safety and efficacy
Project Title Compilation of toxicity data for tea tree oil components RIRDC Project No.: UWA-89A Researcher: Prof Thomas Riley Organisation: University of Western Australia
Microbiology (M502)
School of Biomedical & Chemical Sciences
35 Stirling Hwy
CRAWLEY WA 6009Phone: (08) 9346 3690 Fax: (08) 9346 2912 Email: triley@cyllene.uwa.edu.au Objectives Search relevant literature and databases relating to the 15 key components of tea tree oil as identified by the ISO standard. Background The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) has concluded that the use of undiluted tea tree oil as a commercial product is unsafe, and that the safety dossier on tea tree oil is incomplete. The SCCP requires additional information to be submitted by the end of 2005. In response to this opinion, the RIRDC R&D Advisory Committee has recommended that a comprehensive review of toxicological data pertaining to components of tea tree oil, that might also be found in other essential oils, be compiled. In conjunction with members of the sub-committee these data will be assessed and a response formulated. In the short term a meeting has been arranged with the SCCP for early July 2005 and it is hoped that some preliminary data or a brief report will be available then to discuss. Research A search was made for each of the relevant components/products in scientific literature databases and on the internet. These search results were then combined with various keywords to limit the results to information relating to the toxicity of the components. Documents and data were also sourced from the internet. All of the citations entered into Endnote were briefly reviewed and then compiled according to which component they referred to and which fundamental property was examined. The citations were then searched to locate references specifically referring to the following subjects: 1) Mutagenicity/carcinogenicity, 2) Subchronic and chronic toxicity, 3) Reproductive toxicity, 4) Percutaneous absorption, 5) Irritancy, 6) Sensitisation potential and 7) Degradation products. These publications were summarised according to the headings listed above. Outcomes The four major outcomes of this project were as follows
1) A brief summary of literature relating to the toxicity of tea tree oil components2) A list of publications categorised by component and toxicology parameter
3) A library of more than 400 citations constructed using the Endnote program
4) A collection of research publications and reports relating to tea tree oil component toxicity
Implications The implications of this research are that this report will be a major contribution to the response to the SCCP Opinion on tea tree oil. In the absence of a well-organised, well-informed response the tea tree oil industry will sustain significant damage. Although the tea tree oil industry has managed for quite some time to get by without addressing issues such as those raised by the SCCP, these issues cannot be ignored any longer. Publications Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. 2006. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews 19 (1): 50-62. Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV, Nielsen JB. 2006. A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Food and Chemical Toxicology. In press.
To establish production systems that are both ecologically sustainable and profitable
Project Title Breeding and cloning tea tree for greater profitability (continuation of DAN-151A) RIRDC Project No.: DAN-199A Researcher: Dr Trevor Olesen Organisation: NSW DPI
PO Box 72
Alstonville, NSW, 2477Phone: (02) 66262422 Fax: (02) 66285209 Email: trevor.olesen@dpi.nsw.gov.au Objectives To improve the profitability of the tea tree industry by production and distribution of highly improved seed and selected clones. Background The project builds on two earlier RIRDC/ATTIA tea tree breeding projects (1993-1996; 1996-2000) that substantially improved the quality of seed available to industry. Research The main breeding strategy is based on establishing large trials which, after culling inferior trees, are converted to orchards to supply genetically improved seed. Complementing this, interim measures (best bush seed and a clonal seed orchard) have also delivered genetically improved seed to industry. Outcomes Oil yield from project seed has progressively increased from 148 kg/ha at the beginning of the breeding program to c. 250 kg/ha, equivalent to a gain of 70% in 12 years. Desirable changes in oil quality have also been achieved in parallel with the increase in yield. Even greater gains are expected from elite clonal selections, which are currently being field assessed, and through improved seed from the project’s seed orchard program. Implications Adoption of project seed would result in improved profitability to the industry equivalent to c. $4M at current prices and costs. More important, the breeding program provides a competitive advantage and thus increases the long-term viability of the Australian tea tree industry. Publications Doran JC, Baker GR, Williams ER, Southwell IA (2006) Realised genetic gains in oil yields after nine years of breeding Melaleuca alternifolia (Myrtaceae). Aust. J. Exp. Ag. 46 (in press).
1.7 TEA TREE OIL - RESEARCH IN PROGRESS PROJECT No PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION To enhance the ability of the industry to provide products that meet appropriate safety and efficacy CIN-1A Preparation of SCCP submission for tea tree oil Mr John Issa (02) 9705 9909 CINTOX Pty Ltd GUI-1A Skin Sensitisation: Local Lymph Node Assay Mrs Patricia Bolster (02) 6674 2991 Willow Management Pty Ltd SCF-1A Allergy to tea tree oil: Qualitative aspects and risk assessment Dr Susi Freeman (02) 8353 3000 Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia UQ-124A In-vitro human skin penetration of topically applied tea tree oil Dr Sheree Cross (07) 3240 5364 University ofQueensland USC-9A Stability testing of tea tree oil Mr David Leach (02) 6622 3211 Southern Cross University UWA-90A Effects of tea tree oil on biofilm formation Dr Kate Hammer (08) 9346 1986 University of Western Australia UWA-93A Pilot study of tea tree oil in the decolonisation of MRSA positive wounds Dr Christine Carson (08) 9346 3288 University of Western Australia To establish production systems that are both ecologically sustainable and profitable ANU-74A Diagnostic tools for quality enhancement in Australian essential oil industries Dr William Foley (02) 6125 2535 Australian National University
To enhance the ability of the industry to provide products that meet appropriate safety and efficacy
Project Title Preparation of SCCP submission for TTO - Stage 1 RIRDC Project No.: CIN-1A Start Date: 15/7/2005 Finish Date: 30/6/2006 Researcher: Mr John Issa Organisation: Cintox Pty Ltd
PO Box 168
SUMMER HILL NSW 2130Phone: (02) 9705 9909 Fax: (02) 9705 9919 Email: johnissa@cintox.com.au Objectives To prepare a safety dossier on tea tree oil for submission to the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) in conjunction with the Tea Tree Oil industry Current Progress (200 words maximum)
A draft safety dossier has been prepared in conjunction with industry and RIRDC. It has been reviewed by national and international experts and gaps have been identified. Test protocols and testing strategies have been reviewed and amended accordingly. Appropriate reviews, tests and procedures have been approved and are being coordinated to meet necessary standards and guidelines. Agreement from the SCCP to an extension until March 2007 has been approved in order to allow for sufficient time to complete safety testing.
To enhance the ability of the industry to provide products that meet appropriate safety and efficacy
Project Title Skin Sensitisation: Local Lymph Node Assay RIRDC Project No.: GUI-1A Start Date: 25/3/2006 Finish Date: 30/8/2006 Researcher: Mrs Patricia Bolster Organisation: P Guinane Pty Ltd
PO Box 20
Tweed Heads NSW 2485Phone: 02 6674 2991 Fax: 02 6674 2475 Email: pcb@gelair.com.au Objectives To undertake a Local Lymph Node Assay in Mice (OECD429) to identify the contact allergenic potential of tea tree oil in order to provide a rational basis for risk assessment to the sensitising potential of tea tree oil to humans. Current Progress (200 words maximum)
In order to study a possible contact allergenic potential of tea tree oil, three groups each of mice were treated with the tea-tree oil at concentrations of 2%, 20% (w/v) in poly ethylene glycol 300 and 100% (undiluted) by topical application to the dorsum of each earlobes (left and right) on three consecutive days. Neither clinical or local signs nor other findings were observed.
Results are currently being analysed.
To enhance the ability of the industry to provide products that meet appropriate safety and efficacy
Project Title Allergy to Tea tree Oil: Qualitative Aspects and Risk Assessment RIRDC Project No.: SCF-1A Start Date: 1/6/2006 Finish Date: 30/6/2007 Researcher: Dr Susi Freeman Organisation: Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia
Skin and Cancer Foundation
277 Bourke St
DARLINGHURST NSW 2010Phone: 02 8353 3000 Fax: 02 83533040 Email: Objectives To evaluate the safety profile of tea tree oil by elicitation of dose-response patch testing and use testing. Current Progress (200 words maximum)
Ethics approval for this project is underway. Nine of the fifteen subjects have been recruited to date.
To enhance the ability of the industry to provide products that meet appropriate safety and efficacy
Project Title In-vitro human skin penetration of topically applied tea tree oil RIRDC Project No.: UQ-124A Start Date: 22/8/2005 Finish Date: 30/3/2006 Researcher: Dr Sheree Cross Organisation: The University of Queensland
Therapeutics Research Unit
South Clinical Division
Princess Alexandra Hospital
BRISBANE QLDPhone: (07) 3240 5364 Fax: (07) 3240 5342 Email: shereec@soms.uq.edu.au Objectives Determine the in-vitro human skin penetration of tea tree oil over a 24hr application period (i) A pure 100% oil standard preparation, and
(ii) A 20% tea tree oil in a commercial formulation as representative of an 'in use' low concentration preparation.
To determine the degree of skin penetration of excipients from a pure oil and formulated tea tree oil preparations and gain an indication of the inter-individual variability in absorption likely to be encountered in the general population.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)
Non-occluded studies:
Terpinen-4-ol was seen to penetrate isolated human epidermis into the receptor phase and remain within epidermal membranes following application of both pure tea tree oil and a 20% tea tree oil formulation to human skin in-vitro over a 24hr period. Terpinen-4-ol could be detected in receptor phase at 2hr following application in all skins from both formulations (pure and 20%).Effect of occlusion:
Under occluded conditions the total recovery of tea tree oil components was significantly increased, from amounts ranging between 650-880µg for the three different skin donors to almost 1800µg. Only terpinen-4-ol, alpha-terpineol and 1,8-cineole were detected in the receptor phase at 24hrs.Total absorption of tea tree oil components:
The data shows that following application of pure tea tree oil, under normal ‘in use’ conditions, 3% of tea tree oil components can be found either penetrating through or retained within the skin (receptor fluid penetration accounting for 2.6±1.1% and epidermal retention accounting for 0.4±0.1%).
To enhance the ability of the industry to provide products that meet appropriate safety and efficacy
Project Title Stability testing of tea tree oil RIRDC Project No.: USC-9A Start Date: 1/2/2006 Finish Date: 30/4/2007 Researcher: AProf David Leach Organisation: Centre for Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
Southern Cross University
PO Box 157
Lismore NSW 2480Phone: (02) 6622 3211 Fax: (02) 6622 3459 Email: david.leach@scu.edu.au Objectives The objective of this study is to determine the changes in tea tree oil composition and peroxide value over 12 months under simulated in-use conditions. The proposed study protocol is based on principles outlined by the EMEA (European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products) in 'Guidance On In-Use Stability of Human Medicinal Products'. It is proposed to analyse the chromatographic compositional profile at predetermined time intervals using the GC method outlined in the Tea Tree Oil monograph 04/2002:1837 of the European Pharmacopoeia 4.1, and to concurrently determine the peroxide value using the peroxide value test method as per British Pharmacopoeia 2003 (Ph. Eur. Method 2.5.5). Both proposed analysis methods are based on authoritative European reference texts and should be acceptable to the SCCP and related relevant European authorities. Current Progress (200 words maximum)
The Centre for Phytochemistry and Pharmacology (SCU) has established a stability programme investigating the stability of Tea Tree Oil under in-use conditions over 12 months. Two samples each, of two different Tea Tree Oil batches are sampled according to a standardised procedure on a weekly basis. The purpose is to stimulate in-use conditions and monitor the condition of tea tree oil over time. The test samples are analysed monthly for chemical composition by GCFID and peroxide level by the specified BP titration method. Results from the first three months have been provided in an interim report. The results indicate that at three months all samples have remained relatively stable. There are no significant observable changes at this stage
To enhance the ability of the industry to provide products that meet appropriate safety and efficacy
Project Title Effects of tea tree oil on biofilm formation RIRDC Project No.: UWA-90A Start Date: 23/8/2005 Finish Date: 1/7/2007 Researcher: Dr Kate Hammer Organisation: University of Western Australia
Microbiology (M502)
School of Biomedical & Chemical Sciences
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley WA 6009Phone: (08) 9346 1986 Fax: (08) 9346 2912 Email: khammer@cyllene.uwa.edu.au Objectives Investigate the effects of tea tree oil on the formation of biofilm by several different micro-organisms. Current Progress (200 words maximum)
The effects of tea tree oil (TTO) on the formation of biofilm have been investigated using two bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and one yeast, Candida albicans. Due to variation in the production of biofilm and the effects of TTO on its formation, ten isolates of each organism were tested. TTO significantly reduced the formation of biofilm by each of these organisms, in most cases at concentrations lower than those required to inhibit growth of the organisms. In addition to these organisms which are of particular consequence in human disease, organisms of importance in industrial and environmental settings are being tested. Vibrio spp. are important components of biofilms in these types of aqueous environments. Furthermore, the signalling systems used to initiate biofilm formation are well-characterised in some species. Consequently, apart from these organisms being important in their own right in the formation of biofilm, the mechanisms of any reductions seen may be explored in detail.
An abstract has been accepted for oral presentation at the annual meeting of the Australian Society for Microbiology to be held on the Gold Coast, 2nd-6th July 2006. The presentation will be one of three talks given on the research being done on tea tree oil at UWA.
To enhance the ability of the industry to provide products that meet appropriate safety and efficacy
Project Title Pilot study of tea tree oil in the decolonisation of MRSA positive wounds RIRDC Project No.: UWA-93A Start Date: 1/9/2005 Finish Date: 30/11/2007 Researcher: Dr Christine Carson Organisation: University of Western Australia
Microbiology (M502)
School of Biomedical & Chemical Sciences
35 Stirling Highway
CRAWLEY WA 6009Phone: (08) 9346 3288 Fax: (08) 9346 2912 Email: ccarson@cyllene.uwa.edu.au Objectives Determine if tea tree oil is a beneficial treatment for chronic wounds. Current Progress (200 words maximum)
Provisional approvals to conduct the pilot study have been granted by the UWA and Silver Chain Human Research Ethics Committees pending minor modifications. These modifications have been made and the applications are being re-submitted for final approval. Final approval can be granted by the Chairpersons of the Committees and does not require consideration by all members of the committees. Meanwhile, the pilot study protocol has been reviewed by two independent international experts in the area. Some of the limitations they identified were addressed by modifying the protocol. Others were noted in the protocol but could not be addressed within the context of a pilot study.
Products for use in the study have been manufactured and labelled in Europe and are being sent to Australia. Once they have arrived and final approvals have been given, the clinical phase of the pilot study can begin.
To establish production systems that are both ecologically sustainable and profitable
Project Title Diagnostic tools for quality enhancement in Australian essential oil industries RIRDC Project No.: ANU-74A Start Date: 5/30/2006 Finish Date: 5/30/2007 Researcher: Dr William Foley Organisation: Australian National University
Botany and Zoology
CANBERRA ACT 0200Phone: (02) 6125 2535 Fax: 02 6125 5573 Email: william.foley@anu.edu.au Objectives The project aims to exploit the recent discovery of genes that control the production of terpenes in Eucalyptus and Melaleuca (Myrtaceae). The discovery of these genes, for the first time, provides a means of identifying the genetic differences responsible for the chemotypic variation among species and genotypes of Eucalyptus and Melaleuca plantation cultivars. Current Progress (200 words maximum)
This work is in progress but there are no results available at this stage.
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