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RIRDC Completed Projects in 2006-2007 & Research in Progress as at June 2007
To New Plants Products Completed Projects
1.1 NEW PLANT PRODUCTS – RESEARCH IN PROGRESS PROJECT NO. PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION 1. Native Foods
AUN-1A Preparing the native food industry for national and global challenges Mrs Sibylla Hess-Buschmann (02) 6689 7414 Australian Rainforest Products CSL-24A Improving harvest quality of native food crops Dr Maarten Ryder (08) 8303 8534 CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems KWH-2A A business plan for the development of a Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) industry in the top end of the Northern Territory Mr Adam Gordon (08) 8941 0388 Catalyst Consulting International Pty Ltd UWA-86A Development of new root vegetable crops from southern Western Australia's diverse tuberous flora Dr Geoff Woodall (08) 9892 8427 University of Western Australia 2. Culinary Herbs, Spices and Beverages
DAN-227A Production of high quality export green tea through integrated management Dr John Golding (02) 4348 1926 NSW Department of Primary Industries DAQ-313A Developing better nutritional strategies for mechanical tea production Dr James Drinnan (07) 4048 4647 QLD Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries DAQ-333A Northern Australia cocoa development (Stage 3) Mr Yan Diczbalis (07) 4064 1128 QLD Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries DAQ-339A An investigation into some important pests and diseases of culinary herbs and dissemination of this information to relevant bodies Mr John Hargreaves (07) 4681 6100 QLD Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries STP-1A Paprika oleoresin - investment background Mr Jon Lancaster (02) 9351 8864 Structured Portfolios 3. Extractive and Fibre Crops: Olives
AOL-7A Translation and publication of Spanish olive manual "El Cultivo del Olivo" Mr Chuck L'Heureux (02) 9863 8735 Australian Olive Association DAN-237A Olive crop management for optimal sensory and chemical quality Dr Rodney Mailer (02) 6938 1818 NSW Department of Primary Industries DAW-120A Management of black scale and apple weevil in olives Ms Sonya Broughton (08) 9368 3271 WA Department of Agriculture and Food MOD-1A Mechanical olive harvesting: Evaluation of fruit loosening agents Mr Leandro Ravetti (03) 5272 9550 Modern Olives MOD-2A Technological and biological factors affecting sterols in Australian olive oils Mr Leandro Ravetti (03) 5272 9550 Modern Olives MOD-3A Characterisation of phenolic compounds in oils produced from frosted olives Ms Claudia Guillaume (03) 5272 9500 Modern Olives UWS-20A Recycling solid waste from olive oil extraction process A/Prof N G Nair (02) 4570 1332 University of Western Sydney 4. Extractive and Fibre Crops: Others
UCS-37A Management of Fusarium oxysporum in jojoba plantations Dr Gavin Ash (02) 6933 2765 Charles Sturt University UQ-134A Improving latex extraction technology by debarking guayule Dr Madan Gupta (07) 5460 1358 University of Queensland 5. Fruit, Vegetables and Nuts
BID-1A Evaluation of the potential for hydroponic cranberry production Dr Jason Dennis (03) 5443 6993 BIODEN Pty Ltd DAQ-331A Markets for tropical fruit wines – end products for emerging tropical fruit wine industries Ms Judy Noller (07) 4044 1617 QLD Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
DAQ-343A Review and development of technology for improved processing of mechanically harvested cashews - Stage 1 Mr Patrick O’Farrell (07) 4048 4653 QLD Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries DNT-31A Product Description Languages and support material for minor tropical crops in northern Australia Mr Geoff Walduck (08) 8999 2019 NT Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development NTH-1A TEFA Levy Industry Consultation Mrs Tracey Leo (08) 8983 3233 Northern Territory Horticultural Association UQ-122A Commercial potential of red bayberry in Australia Dr Daryl Joyce (07) 5460 1725 University of Queensland US-125A A field evaluation of the productivity of hazelnut varieties Mr Basil Baldwin (02) 6360 5562 University of Sydney 6. Grains and Pulses
RDS-1A Agronomic strategies for producing large lupini beans for export Dr David Fulton (03) 6231 9033 Rural Development Services 7. Miscellaneous
ABA-22A Emerging animal and plant industries: Their value to Australia Mr Max Foster (02) 6272 2095 Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) ACO-1A A business plan and model development for a biodiesel industry based on Brassica mustard and other crops Mr Daryl Young (02) 6795 0315 Australian Agricultural Commodities DAQ-332A Intensive seed-production systems to commercialise native grasses in northern Australia Dr Kendrick Cox (07) 4092 9324 QLD Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries UWA-94A Grass roots-native perennial grasses for sustainable pasture systems Dr Kingsley Dixon (08) 9480 3637 Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority
Project Title: Preparing the Native Food Industry for National and Global Challenges RIRDC Project No.: AUN-1A Start Date: 01/07/06 Finish Date: 30/10/07 Researcher: Ms Sibylla Hess-Buschmann Organisation: Australian Rainforest Products
PO Box 6136
South Lismore NSW 2480Phone: (02) 6689 7414 Fax: (02) 6689 7565 Email: ozentico@nor.com.au Objectives 1. To develop and publish a naming policy for commercial native food plants. This involves codifying and publishing a standard nomenclature and quality characterisation for each of the major Australian plant food species traded commercially as a food. 2. To liaise with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) on recognising commercially traded native food products as food and excluding them from the novel foods status.
3. To establish the recognition of Australian native foods within the global Codex Alimentarius.
Current Progress Material ready for publication as first edition.
A draft of naming proposals for some 21 native food products, nominally traded in volumes of more than 500kg (est.), has been prepared. The draft will shortly be posted on the CSIRO Native Foods website, and any persistent contention dealt with before final publication. At that point the names will be adopted as ‘industry preferred’ by the Australian Native Foods Industry Ltd (ANFIL).Summary of Report to FSANZ :Jan 07
Progress on presentation of data to FSANZ, and consideration of the respective species by the authority has proceeded well ahead of schedule. Four additional food products have been considered by the FSANZ reference group (details below, and at the time of writing verbal advice has been received that Davidson Plum will be considered a traditional food).
Progress report via Industry Bulletin April 07There has been a review of three more food products: Anise myrtle, Tasmanian Pepper and Bush Tomato.
The internal FSANZ Novel Foods Reference Group (NFRG) has considered whether Anise Myrtle (Syzygium anisatum formerly Anetholea anisata), Tasmanian Pepper, (Tasmannia lanceolata) and Akudjura- Bush Tomato (Solanum centrale) would be considered a ‘non-traditional food’ and/or ‘novel food’ in accordance with Standard 1.5.1- Novel Foods- of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code).
Standard 1.5.1 – Novel Foods requires FSANZ to conduct a pre-market safety assessment of those non-traditional foods that are deemed to be novel according to the definition in the Standard.
According to the review, Anise Myrtle would be regarded as a non-traditional food, and would not be considered a novel food, and not subject to the pre-market assessment requirements.
On the basis of information available to FSANZ, Tasmanian Pepper and Bush Tomato would not be regarded as a non-traditional food. They both appear to have a tradition of use as a spice and/or condiment and also appear to have been available in Australia and New Zealand for a number years. They are therefore also considered to be not novel in Australia and New Zealand.
RESEARCH IN PROGRESS ? Native Foods
Project Title: Improving harvest quality of native food crops RIRDC Project No.: CSL-24A Start Date: 01/07/04 Finish Date: 30/06/07 Researcher: Dr Maarten Ryder Organisation: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems
Private Mail Bag 2
Glen Osmond SA 5064Phone: (08) 8303 8534 Fax: (08) 8303 8684 Email: maarten.ryder@csiro.au Objectives This project aims to identify the main quality criteria for produce (fruits, nuts, leaves) of key native food species and provide information for development of product description language; also to harvest produce from native food trials established in RIRDC project CSL-11A: Evaluating performance of cultivated bushfood plants in South Australian environments and record yield; to assess native food produce quality as influenced by climatic and soil variation (i.e. trial site location); to identify causes and test methods for control of major soil borne diseases of quandong and other native food plants; communication of results and findings to the native food industry. Deliverables of Research
1. List of key quality criteria for the produce of 9 native food species in cultivation in the CSIRO trials (quandong, Acacia victoriae, Citrus selections and hybrids, riberry, lemon myrtle, lemon aspen, mountain pepper, munthari, bush tomato).2. Definition and initial description of produce quality criteria and a basic "product description language" that can be used by all levels of the native foods industry, from producer/wild harvester to processor and other end-users (hospitality and retail sector).
3. Yield and quality data from native foods trials across south-eastern Australia. Information on commercial potential for cultivation of species in different regions and quality of produce.
4. Information for industry about the cause of soil-borne disease of quandong and other native food plants, and potential methods of management and control.
Current Progress This field trials project is nearing completion. Drought conditions prevailed over much of the region in 2006. Nevertheless, harvest data were collected during 2006-07 from most of the native food crops planted in 2001, including muntries, bush tomatoes, wattle, quandong, desert lime and lemon aspen. Potential yields of standing lemon myrtle and mountain pepper at one site were calculated using biomass estimation. Data on plant survival, height and vigour that were collected from the 9 species growing in 9 trials between 2004 and 2006 have been collated, ready for statistical analysis. Each species has performed well at one or more sites and each site has shown the capacity to grow several of the selected species. Advanced drafts of produce quality fact sheets for the 9 species have been prepared. In May 2007 we held a final meeting of the project team, the field trial site owners and operators and the project steering committee in Adelaide. Discussion about the future of the trials revealed a strong interest among site owners in continuing both the work and the established coordination and partnerships.
RESEARCH IN PROGRESS ? Native Foods
Project Title: A business plan for the development of a Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) industry in the top end of the Northern Territory RIRDC Project No.: KWH-2A Start Date: 11/09/06 Finish Date: 31/08/07 Researcher: Mr Adam Gordon Organisation: Catalyst Consulting International Pty. Ltd.
GPO Box 2455
Darwin NT 0801Phone: (08) 8941 0388 Fax: (08) 8981 8382 Email: adam@catalystnt.com.au Objectives 1. To understand the economics of the industry 2. To establish whether there is a market for processed Kakadu Plum products and the size and nature of that market
3. To develop competitive marketing and corporate strategies
4. To determine the intellectual property strategy
5. To determine the human, capital and technological resources needed for the business to be viable
6. To recommend the legal tax and corporate structure
7. To undertake a risk analysis
8. To determine the commercialisation strategy
Current Progress Extensive desk research has been undertaken into the potential market for processed Kakadu Plum product. The market may broadly be broken into two: unprocessed and processed. Whilst unprocessed fruit may be used in jams, chutneys and other such food products, this is a very small part of the market. The processed market is considerably larger and includes nutraceuticals and functional food products. Kakadu plum is also used for a range of soaps and skin care products.
Supply is the major limitation on market growth, with wild harvesting picking probably as much as can be supplied through Aboriginal pickers. The immediate research and development requirements and a Draft Plan for cultivation development work have been determined. A financial model to assess the costs of orchard production and processing to powder over a 10 year period has been developed.
Culinary Herbs, Spices and Beverages
Project Title: Developing better nutritional strategies RIRDC Project No.: DAN-227A Start Date: 14/08/04 Finish Date: 30/11/07 Researcher: Dr John Golding Organisation: NSW Department of Primary Industries
c/o Locked Bag 21
Orange NSW 2800Phone: (02) 4348 1926 Fax: (02) 4348 1910 Email: john.golding@dpi.nsw.gov.au Objectives To determine the feasibility of different propagation, establishment and cultivation methods on green tea production, weed management and insect and disease management. Current Progress Further green tea harvests (2nd and 3rd harvest) and experiments were complete in November/December 2006 and January 2007. Propagation trials (including storage and pathology) are currently underway and will be reported in the final report. These experiments included:
·1 Assessment of different fungicides (Amistar™, Filan™, Sportak™, commercial fungicide (copper) for efficacy against ‘post-striking’ diseases on green tea cuttings. This study is being conducted with Len Tesoriero (NSW DPI, plant pathologist).
·2 The effects of post-cutting storage at 0oC are being evaluated on green tea shoots prior to striking for propagation.
The fertiliser plan on the green tea plantation at NSW DPI Somersby has converted to liquid fertigation through the irrigation lines. This will allow precise application of nutrition to the green tea plants.The HPLC analysis of the green tea quality attributes (catechins and theamine) are currently being undertaken at the University of Newcastle on samples taken from nutrition, storage and shading experiments. These results will be presented in the final report (November 2007).
Culinary Foods, Spices and Beverages
Project Title: Developing better nutritional strategies for mechanical tea production RIRDC Project No.: DAQ-313A Start Date: 01/12/03 Finish Date: 01/12/07 Researcher: Dr. James Drinnan Organisation: QLD Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences
PO Box 1054
Mareeba QLD 4880Phone: (07) 4048 4647 Fax: (07) 4092 3593 Email: james.drinnan@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives The project aims to: 1. Improve the understanding of tea growers on the nutritional requirements of mechanically harvested tea to maximise yields. 2. Identify micronutrient deficiencies and the best methods to alleviate.
3. Increase the average yields of tea producers to help meet the increasing demand. This will also reduce the costs of production.
4. Improve the efficiency of fertiliser use thereby minimising the environmental impacts of current and future fertiliser practices.
Current Progress A newly developed fertiliser program (analysis and timing) is being tested against the current fertiliser practices used on three tea farms. Soil and leaf nutrient levels collected throughout the trial are being graphed to identify how the levels vary throughout the year and to compare the nutrient levels of the treated blocks receiving the new fertiliser program and the tea blocks receiving the normal fertiliser program. The nutrient levels although variable are showing that in the foliage of the treated blocks the levels are closer to the optimum levels than in the untreated blocks. The yield data is also showing that the tea blocks receiving the new fertiliser program are performing better than the blocks receiving the standard fertiliser program. However, the increased costs associated with the more frequent applications need to be taken into account. Yield data is showing that the level of management and harvesting regime are playing a major role in the yields achieved by the growers. Samples from the yellow unthrifty plants indicate the nutrients Nitrogen, Iron and Zinc are the most likely to limit growth.
A literature review of the fertiliser and nutrient management practices used overseas is currently being conducted.
Culinary Foods, Spices and Beverages
Project Title: Northern Australia cocoa development (Stage 3) RIRDC Project No.: DAQ-333A Start Date: 01/07/05 Finish Date: 30/11/07 Researcher: Mr Yan Diczbalis Organisation: QLD Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Centre for Wet Tropics Agriculture
PO Box 20
South Johnstone QLD 4859Phone: (07) 4064 1128 Fax: (07) 4064 2249 Email: yan.diczbalis@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives The feasibility and economics of cocoa production in northern Australia will continue to be investigated. Yield potential of PNG hybrids will be assessed at two sites in north Queensland. Agronomic aspects of production will be recorded and management guidelines developed. Commercialisation of technology for mechanisation of pod splitting and bean extraction will be initiated. Labour requirements for cultural operations (particularly harvesting) will be assessed. Information gathered will allow refinement of the cocoa economic model and provide a decision support for assessing economic viability of cocoa production in northern Australia. Current Progress The project is continuing with support from Cadbury Schweppes. Meanwhile, commercial cocoa plantings are being undertaken at Mossman by Cocoa Australia Pty Ltd. Following the cocoa information day held at South Johnstone on 19th September 2006 current project work is focused on:
i) Continuation of monitoring and maintenance at the Mossman Hybrid Yield Evaluation Trial. The last yield data set will be collected in late June. ii) Observation on the rehabilitation of the Farming Systems Trial and Mini-Hybrid Yield Evaluation Trial at South Johnstone continues following Cyclone Larry in March 2006. Full recovery of the block has been hampered by a lack of windbreaks.
iii) Commercialisation of the pod splitter technology patent application and invitations for commercialisation. To date no inquiries have been received. Currently agreements are being negotiated to lease the equipment to Cocoa Australia.
iv) Importing seed and raising seedlings for the cocoa commercialization project.
v) Assisting the four commercial industry participants in orchard design and planting instructions. To date approximately 3,000 trees have been planted out with a further 5,000 trees due to be planted out in the next month.
vi) Drafting of the Cocoa growing manual
vii) Data collection and collation for analysis
Culinary Foods, Spices and Beverages
Project Title: An investigation into some important pests and diseases of culinary herbs and dissemination of this information to relevant bodies RIRDC Project No.: DAQ-339A Start Date: 01/10/06 Finish Date: 28/02/09 Researcher: Mr John Hargreaves Organisation: QLD Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries
Applethorpe Research Station
Applethorpe QLD 4380Phone: (07) 4681 6100 Fax: (07) 4681 4769 Email: john.r.hargreaves@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives 1. To produce an educational tool for growers and research/extension personnel to allow accurate identification of a range of pests & diseases encountered in herbs. 2. To develop a mechanism to manage beneficial insects in field crops pre-harvest.
3. To identify common seed borne diseases in herbs (basil, coriander, marjoram, oregano, sage & thyme).
Current Progress Insect and disease pest listings have been compiled from literature searches, from Departmental host records, from national databases- where available (e.g. Australian Plant Disease Database); from sampling of specific herb grower’s properties and to a lesser extent submitted samples. Appropriate photographs have been matched up against this listing. These have been sourced from the internet, from the main departmental collection at Nambour, individual collegiate collections as well as private collections.
For diseases, herb samples with putative symptoms are being obtained from commercial herb growers and diagnostic work being completed to determine causes. Most samples have come from Biloela, as well as growers in SE Qld , Stanthorpe, Atherton Tableland & South Australia.
A severe & emerging problem in oregano crops in Biloela has been found to be attributable to root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.)
For insects, it has become more apparent from field collections that many non-pest species of insect would also be caught up in the product at harvest. These would be considered undesirable contamination, affecting the marketability of the product when it is either manufactured or in export offerings. Consequently additional photographs are being produced to list these as well as beneficial insects.
Attempts to find a solution to the removal of this benign contamination has been constrained by the small range of chemicals allowed on product by the importing countries. In addition the use of such benign insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis greatly increases the cost of testing to certify batches of product are free of anthrax (Bacillus anthracis).
Testing presently centres on natural pyrethrum and canola oil. Trials were to be done at Biloela but now will be done, at least initially, at Applethorpe. From collections we made in field grown herbs in the Callide Valley, a similar incidence of insects has been found closer to home. The travelling expense for servicing trials at Biloela from Applethorpe would be more costly than initial trials being done on home turf.
Some commercial herb seeds have been gathered for ongoing disease testing.
Culinary Foods, Spices and Beverages
Project Title: Paprika Oleoresin – investment background RIRDC Project No.: STP-1A Start Date: 01/05/07 Finish Date: 30/05/08 Researcher: Mr Jon Lancaster Organisation: Structured Portfolios Pty Ltd Phone: (02) 9351 8864 Email: j.lancaster@blo.usyd.edu.au Objectives Briefly, the report should identify: 1. If a market for paprika oleoresin exists in Australia that could be supplied by Australian producers and processors allowing profits along the value chain. 2. What current and relevant (to production and processing of oleoresin) infrastructure exists that could be coordinated into an effective value chain proposition.
3. Gaps and obstacles that need to be overcome before an efficient and cost effective oleoresin production and processing system can be established.
4. Opportunities in development of hybridisation systems for paprika and the broader markets of capsicum – Bell etc. (The analysis to be partitioned in order to segment and differentiate markets and opportunity chains).
Current Progress Contracts exchanged. Extractive and Fibre Crops: Olives
Project Title: Translation and publication of Spanish olive manual "El Cultivo del Olivio" RIRDC Project No.: AOL-7A Start Date: 21/05/07 Finish Date: 30/05/08 Researcher: Mr Chuck L'Heureux Organisation: Australian Olive Association Phone: (02) 9863 8735 Fax: (02) 9636 4971 Email: secretariat@australianolives.com.au Objectives The objective is to have a definitive reference source for the Australian olive industry. The Spanish manual, 'El Cultivo del Olivo' is seen as such a manual. However at present it is available in Spanish only. An English version will help underpin a Code of Conduct for the Australian olive industry, while providing a definitive reference source for all sectors of the Australian olive industry. Current Progress Contracts exchanged. Extractive and Fibre Crops: Olives
Project Title: Olive crop management for optimal sensory and chemical quality RIRDC Project No.: DAN-237A Start Date: 01/01/05 Finish Date: 31/10/09 Researcher: Dr Rodney Mailer Organisation: NSW Department of Primary Industries c/o Locked Bag 21
Orange NSW 2800
Phone: (02) 6938 1818 Fax: (02) 6938 1809 Email: mailerr@dpi.nsw.gov.au Objectives 1. To continue a study of the relationship between harvest timing and oil quality of four olive cultivars, utilising chemical analysis of relevant parameters including total polyphenols, individual polyphenols, oil content, fatty acid profiles, peroxide value, induction time and others. Trees in this study will approach their maximum bearing potential during the course of the project (9 years old by the third year). 2. To study the relationship between harvest timing and sensory qualities of oil produced by four olive cultivars to determine optimum harvest times for best organoleptic characteristics.
3. To study the relationship between harvest timing and shelf life stability of oil produced by four olive cultivars and assessment of the factors which relate to oil stability.
4. To study regulated deficit irrigation in olives, expanding on the previous study to include partial root zone drying and more detailed assessment of the effects of irrigation timing in relation to fruit development stage on oil yield and quality (chemical, sensory and stability).
Current Progress 1. As for previous years, four cultivars are being harvested at 5 stages over the maturity period. At this time four harvests have been completed and the chemical analysis is in progress. In addition to the components measured in previous years phytosterols are also being analysed in the 2007 season. We consider this important in light of the industry problems with international standards. 2. From each of harvest two and three, samples have been submitted to the WWAI sensory panel for organoleptic analysis. This includes samples from different irrigation treatments to determine their effects on sensory quality.
3. Samples from harvests two and three and selected irrigation treatments have been placed into long term storage. These samples are being chemically analysed at six monthly intervals to determine changes in quality over time.
4. Four different irrigation regimes have been applied to three cultivars Manzanillo, Nevadillo Blanco and Paragon. Severe drought conditions have curtailed the level of irrigation during 2007 and only one cultivar, cv Paragon is now being irrigated.
5. All harvests and chemical analysis are on schedule at this time. Attachments indicate effects of irrigation on oil content, harvest timing on oil content and shelf life on sensory quality.
Extractive and Fibre Crops: Olives
Project Title: Management of black scale and apple weevil in olives RIRDC Project No.: DAW-120A Start Date: 01/07/06 Finish Date: 30/09/09 Researcher: Ms Sonya Broughton & Mr Stewart Learmonth Organisation: Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
3 Baron-Hay Court
South Perth WA 6151
PST: Locked Bag 4, Bentley Delivery Centre, WA 6983Phone: (08) 9368 3271 Fax: (08) 9368 3223 Email: smbroughton@agric.wa.gov.au slearmonth@agric.wa.gov.au
Objectives 1. Clarify the biology of black scale to improve its sustainable management using IPM-compatible sprays and natural enemies. Currently, the timing of sprays for black scale control needs to be refined and the role of natural enemies needs to be evaluated. Both these aspects of scale management will minimise the effects of this pest in olives. 2. Assess the efficacy and practicality of a range of options for controlling apple weevil in commercial olive groves to provide more sustainable and effective control of this pest.
Current Progress BLACK SCALE Sites are being monitored by DAFWA or by growers in the WA Olive Grower’s Association to assess different monitoring methods, black scale phenology and the presence of parasites and predators under different climatic conditions. Knowledge of black scale phenology (study of the life cycle in response to seasonal changes) is required to determine the best times to apply treatments and to release parasites. Methods include monitoring crawler emergence with sticky traps, tape wrapped around a branch, or by putting an infested shoot or leaf into a bag and watching for crawler movement and parasite emergence.
APPLE WEEVIL
Trials to assess treatments to control apple weevil in groves were undertaken across the south west of WA representing slightly different climates. The fecundity of weevils was studied at three sites.
The most successful treatment was fluffy dacron exclusion bands. Other treatments that reduced weevil abundance included baked dacron and a grease exclusion trunk bands and butt drench and foliar applications of insecticide and sprayable kaolin clay. The latter group of treatments did not provide season long protection.
The parthenogenetic weevil adults commenced egg lay in mid February, a period of about 10 weeks after peak weevil emergence in early December.
Extractive and Fibre Crops: Olives
Project Title: Mechanical olive harvesting: Evaluation of fruit loosening agents RIRDC Project No.: MOD-1A Start Date: 15/06/06 Finish Date: 30/11/07 Researcher: Mr Leandro Ravetti Organisation: Pengala Pty Ltd t/a Modern Olives
PO Box 324
Lara VIC 3212Phone: (03) 5272 9550 Fax: (03) 5272 9599 Email: l.ravetti@modernolives.com.au Objectives To evaluate the currently available fruit loosening agents under Australian conditions in order to determine their cost effectiveness and conditions for their commercial use. Current Progress The forces that lead to mechanisation in agriculture are clear: high cost and availability of manual labour. The new emerging Australian olive industry needs to be extremely cost effective. The most important factor affecting cost competitiveness is harvesting mechanisation. Chemicals used to promote fruit loosening have been tested overseas for many years. Field trials were carried out in Australia on fruit loosening agents applied to heavy cropping trees of Barnea, Picual and Frantoio varieties. The chemicals used to promote loosening of pedicels were ethephon and mono potassium phosphate (MKP) at various concentrations. The maximum reduction in fruit retention force (FRF) was expressed 2-3 weeks after the treatments with up to 97% of fruit removed by mechanical harvesters. Leaf and fruit drop was minimal in all treatments and did not exceed 0.4%.
The evaluated fruit loosening agents, when applied at correct rates, times and conditions, show an increase in harvest efficiency. This efficiency is reflected in larger fruit removal percentages and the possibility of harvesting faster reducing the length of harvest, its costs and risks associated with late harvest (Frost damage, biannual bearing). These trials and new variations of chemical concentrations and timing will be conducted again during the 2007 season.
Extractive and Fibre Crops: Olives
Project Title: Technological and biological factors affecting sterols in Australian olive oils RIRDC Project No.: MOD-2A Start Date: 04/06/07 Finish Date: 30/10/08 Researcher: Mr Leandro Ravetti Organisation: Pengala Pty Ltd t/a Modern Olives
PO Box 324
Lara VIC 3212Phone: (03) 5272 9550 Fax: (03) 5272 9599 Email: l.ravetti@modernolives.com.au Objectives This proposed new project complements research by analysing the horticultural and processing practices that may have an impact on the sterol content and profile of the most important Australian varieties as well as generating biochemical and genetic information for a better understanding of the dynamics of sterols in olive oil. Plant sterols have been found effective in lowering elevated cholesterol reporting no adverse health effects and are now being added to a wide range of foods. The information to be generated with this project does not aim only to solve a legislation problem but also to maximise the nutritional and health value of the Australian olive oils. Current Progress Contracts exchanged. Extractive and Fibre Crops: Olives
Project Title: Characterisation of pheolic compunds in olive oils produced from frosted olives RIRDC Project No.: MOD-3A Start Date: 05/06/07 Finish Date: 30/10/08 Researcher: Ms Claudia Guillaume Organisation: Pengala Pty Ltd t/a Modern Olives
PO Box 324
Lara VIC 3212Phone: (03) 5272 9500 Fax: (03) 5272 9599 Email: lab@modernolives.com.au Objectives Volatile and phenolic compounds are the main responsible substances for the flavour of virgin olive oils and therefore will affect the consumers’ acceptance of this product. Studying the volatile and phenolic profile of frosted oils we could be able to characterise these oils and manage their blends more efficiently. The evaluation of the frost effects on oil quality and chemical/organoleptic characteristics will be undertaken in commercial olive groves where fruit frost damage has been observed in past years. Fruit from three different varieties with clearly different fatty acid, phenolic and organoleptic profiles will be crushed in an experimental olive oil mill before a frost damaging event and on a weekly basis after the event during a month. All samples will be evaluated based on basic quality parameters as well as phenolic compound profile immediately after being crushed, 3 month later and 6 months later. Current Progress Contracts exchanged. Extractive and Fibre Crops: Olives
Project Title: Recycling solid waste from olive oil extraction process RIRDC Project No.: UWS-20A Start Date: 30/07/04 Finish Date: 30/11/07 Researcher: Associate Professor N G (Tan) Nair Organisation: University of Western Sydney
Centre for Plant and Food Science
Locked Bag 1797
South Penrith DC NSW 1797Phone: (02) 4570 1332 Mobile: 0409 866 809
Fax: (02) 4570 1314 Email: n.nair@uws.edu.au Objectives To develop environmentally sustainable systems to manage solid waste (olive husk) from olive oil extraction process. Current Progress A method was developed to convert solid waste (olive husk) from 2006 harvest into compost that can be recycled on to grove for enhanced growth of olive trees. Olive husk was collected from 2- and 3-phase oil extraction processes. Three-tonne batches of experimental compost mixes using olive husk from both the oil extraction processes were used. The compost ingredients consisted of olive husk, cereal straw, olive pruning and chicken manure. The ingredients were composted for 28 days. The finished compost had no phytotoxicity, and can be used as an ideal organic mulch to improve the soil health in olive grove. Methods to improve the humus content of the olive husk compost are being investigated. This will enhance nutrient value of the soil. Extractive and Fibre Crops: Others
Project Title: Management of Fusarium oxysporum in jojoba plantations RIRDC Project No.: UCS-37A Start Date: 01/07/04 Finish Date: 30/08/07 Researcher: Associate Professor Gavin Ash Organisation: Charles Sturt University Phone: (02) 6933 2765 Fax: (02) 6933 2812 Email: gash@csu.edu.au Objectives The principal objective of the research is to provide Australian jojoba growers with a management plan for collar rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum. Current Progress This project was concerned with the detection and spread of collar rot of jojoba caused by Fusarium oxysporum. Secondary objectives concerned the identification of other diseases of jojoba plantations in eastern Australia. An attempt was made to develop a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) diagnostic using existing published primer sets. We were able to extract naturally occurring Fusarium DNA from jojoba wood. Generic Fusarium primers were found to be best and species specific primers failed to generate the expected banding pattern. The Internal Transcriber Spacer (ITS) region of a number of these isolates have been sequenced and will be compared with the ITS region from Fusarium isolates from soil and roots of jojoba. This will give further information on the source and means of spread of the fungus in the plantations. It has also been determined that there is no apparent link between the recovery of jojoba plants from stress and their infection with Fusarium oxysporum in the glasshouse.
It has been determined that the symptoms of witches-broom found in Forbes are not caused by a phytoplasma and could be a genetic sport. Black spot caused by a species of Elsinoe has been shown to be widespread.
Extractive and Fibre Crops: Others
Project Title: Improving latex extraction technology by debarking guayule RIRDC Project No.: UQ-134A Start Date: 01/03/07 Finish Date: 28/02/09 Researcher: Dr Madan Gupta Organisation: The University of Queensland
School of Agriculture and Horticulture
Gatton QLD 4343Phone: (07) 5460 1358 Fax: (07) 5460 1367 Email: m.gupta@uq.edu.au Objectives To develop a practical and economical way of debarking guayule that is suitable for commercial use. The specific objectives are: 1. To develop an efficient and reliable debarking machine for guayule 2. To evaluate the effect of debarking on the quality of latex produced from guayule
3. To compare the economics of latex extractiion from guayule bark with that from whole plants
4. To make appropriate recommendations for adoption of debarking technology by the guayule industry in Australia and overseas
Current Progress Contracts exchanged.
Project Title: Evaluation of the potential for hydroponic cranberry production RIRDC Project No.: BID-1A Start Date: 01/07/05 Finish Date: 31/05/08 Researcher: Dr Jason Dennis Organisation: BIODEN Pty Ltd
PO Box 425
Golden Square VIC 3555Phone: (03) 5443 6993 Email: bioden@bigpond.com Objectives The objectives of this project are to evaluate one of the main commercial fruit and vegetable hydroponic production systems compared to a modified system to produce cranberries and to provide an indicative cost of the optimum system. Current Progress Cranberry plants were transplanted into a modified hydroponics system based on the results from the first season’s trials. Optimum pH, nutrient, and medium for cranberry growth were implemented, and the tagging system from the first season’s trials was maintained with the transplanted material, to track progress and determine long term effects on growth and yield from the marked differences noted. Despite the entire system utilising hydroponics, and therefore providing sufficient water to the plants, the drought still had a marked effect on the system over the second growing season. The complete lack of any rain over the entire season caused extremely low air humidity and excessive evaporation from the medium surface, resulting in marked nutrient and salt build-up, not completely alleviated by implementing a misting system to try to minimise evaporation. There were also problems with transplantation shock, exacerbated by the drought, and a number of plants died, in particular the most vigorous from the first season. The system was modified to assist flushing and remove excessive salt, and a misting system installed. Trials were set up focusing on vegetative growth and determination of flowering time, and will be followed across the third season. Some will need to be duplicated due to plant losses.
Project Title Markets for tropical fruit wines – end products for emerging tropical fruit industries RIRDC Project No.: DAQ-331A Start Date: 30/11/05 Finish Date: 15/05/07 Researcher: Ms Judy Noller Organisation: QLD Dept of Primary Industries
PO Box 652
wCairns QLD 4870Phone: (07) 4044 1617 Fax: (07) 4035 5474 Email: judy.noller@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives The overall aim of this project is to assist the emerging Australian tropical exotic and native fruit wine (‘tropical fruit wines’) industry to develop new markets: 1. To identify, evaluate and prioritise domestic market opportunities for tropical fruit wines. 2. To identify, evaluate and prioritise export market opportunities for fruit wines and tropical fruit wines, focussing on one country with strong prospects for Australian suppliers.
3. To determine and evaluate the competitive situation and marketing requirements of such markets, particularly product, packaging, pricing, distribution and promotion, and potential market position.
Current Progress As distributors were considered vital to developing markets outside fruit wine production regions, a written survey was distributed to all wine distributors listed in the Australian and New Zealand Wine Directory, excluding those that were obviously a division of a grape winery. Despite the small response, the information received was rich and relevant. A market research visit was then carried out to gain an understanding of current and potential markets and competitive issues for fruit wines, and in particular tropical fruit wines, and to identify prospective distribution channels. A literature search was carried out to identify all countries with markets for fruit wines, through the internet and a database search. This revealed numerous countries and regions with traditional or emerging fruit wine industries, although it was rarely possible to quantify the market size or trends. These markets were rated for market attractiveness and the likely competitiveness of an Australian industry, and the scores plotted on a Market Attractiveness: Business Competition matrix. This revealed Japan to have the most potential for the emerging Australian tropical fruit wine industry, mainly because of its developing fruit wine industry and market, imports of tropical fruit wines, and demand trends favouring tropical fruit wines.
The other draft country profiles were sent to overseas Austrade and Queensland Government offices to gather more information from Australian trade staff regarding the fruit wine markets and market opportunities for Australian tropical fruit wine in their respective regions.
Project Title: Review and development of technology for improved processing of mechanically harvested cashews - Stage 1 RIRDC Project No.: DAQ-343A Start Date: 01/07/06 Finish Date: 31/12/07 Researcher: Mr Patrick O'Farrell Organisation: QLD Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
PO Box 1054
Mareeba QLD 4880Phone: (07) 4048 4653 Fax: (07) 4092 3593 Email: patrick.o’farrell@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives 1. Review the operation of the existing cashew processing system at the commercial cashew property and define its performance. 2. Propose alternative or modified techniques that