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Rural Industries
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| Introduction | Project listing | Project Summaries |
There is growing interest in essential oils in Australia. The current value of production (excluding tea tree oil but including the refining of imported eucalyptus oils) is $6-7 million farmgate and $20-25 million wholesale/retail a year.
The principal foci for essential oil production are Tasmania and Victoria. Essential oils are largely used in the food flavouring and fragrance industries but their use in aromatherapy and other health care areas is growing.
The success of the pyrethrum, poppy, and hop industries, with a combined farmgate GVP of some $27 million, suggests that there are significant opportunities for producing plant extracts from both native and exotic species. Australia has a comparative advantage as a reliable supplier of clean, good quality, unique oils and extracts based on the use of high technology in both production and extraction.
Research Highlights for 1996-97:
EVENING PRIMROSE AS AN ALTERNATIVE ESSENTIAL OIL CROP IN TASMANIA
Objective
· To assess the potential for Evening Primrose (Oenethera spp.) as an alternative essential oil crop in the Northern Midlands of Tasmania.
Research
The program evaluated the yield and quality of a number of varieties on commercial properties, and determined appropriate production techniques. Long term the project aimed to develop an evening primrose industry in Tasmania.
Outcomes
The world market for evening primrose is largely supplied by the UK, Canada and China (with China being the largest player). New Zealand was a producer (around 200 t/year) but is presently growing very little primrose due to depressed world prices. For Tasmania to be competitive on world markets primrose produced would need to yield in excess of 1 t/ha with a GLA exceeding 10%. This was not able to be achieved in the two years of the trial (primarily due to agronomic features of the crop).
An alternative source of GLA on the world market is provided by a crop called Borage (Borago officinalis). Due to the difficulties encountered in producing evening primrose under Tasmanian conditions, borage was trialed in 1995-96. The results were extremely encouraging with estimated yields of up to 2 t/ha at one site (any yield over 0.5 t/ha is considered commercially viable). The quality of the borage seed was acceptable with oil yields ranging from 25 to 33% and GLA averaging approximately 24%.
Borage was found to be readily easy to establish and grow, with little problem associated with weed control and disease. The major difficulty with borage production is determining appropriate harvest time, where the window of opportunity is as little as several hours.
Implications
The production of evening primrose will not be pursued by the research organisation of the local farming industry involved in this project, however the production of borage will be further assessed. Contacts with major pharmaceutical companies in both Australia and Europe have been established, with both extremely interested in assisting to develop a Tasmanian industry.
RIRDC Project No: AMM-1A
RESEARCHER: Tim Douglas ORGANISATION: Agricultural Management & Marketing Pty Ltd PO Box 41 PORT SORELL TAS 7307 PHONE: 004 287 032 FAX: 004 287 032
EUCALYPT OIL PRODUCTION - ESTABLISHMENT OF A BREEDING PROGRAM
Objective
· To assist the establishment of a breeding program for eucalypt oil production in the blue mallee (Eucalyptus polybractea) by means of five separate studies.
Background
The field production of eucalypt oil on a commercial basis in Australia is concentrated on the use of a single species, the blue mallee, in two areas - West Wyalong in NSW and St Arnaud/Inglewood/Wedderburn in Victoria. Originally production was based on field cutting of natural stands but recent development of plantations allows breeding to improve production. The five studies provided information to assist in the establishment of a breeding program.
The ability to propagate material vegetatively is valuable in tree breeding programs. Clonal plantations using vegetatively propagated material, (usually cuttings), provide a quick method of getting genetically proven material into production. However previous studies indicated cuttings of blue mallee have no lignotubers and this could be a serious defect as the lack of a lignotuber might inhibit reshooting after harvest.
Research and Outcomes
A simple vegetative propagation facility has been established at West Wyalong and is operating successfully. The possibility of using the leaf residue after oil extraction as a potting mix in which to strike the cuttings has been studied. This material is readily available but unfortunately does not give good results and its use is not recommended.
Detailed field examination of cuttings before and after harvest indicated that they do produce lignotubers but rather more slowly than do seedlings. Both cuttings and seedlings reshoot from the stem and not just from lignotubers. The buds providing the new shoots are those closest to the top of the stump regardless of whether these are in a lignotuber. The indications are that cuttings could be used in production plantations.
The assessment of oil production and quality using a gas chromatograph was developed and compared to an older procedure - the ortho-cresole method. Both methods gave comparable results especially when ranking the trees. However the gas chromatograph required smaller samples of leaves and allowed large numbers of trees to be assessed more quickly.
About 120 trees were assessed for oil production and quality in an area at West Wyalong which was to be converted to seed production. However this was not proceeded with as another area became available with much less risk of pollen contamination.
The blue mallee proved more superior to two other species, E.kochii and E.plenissima from Western Australia.
The relative performance of progeny of trees from Victorian and NSW sources of the blue mallee was compared, particularly for oil production per weight of leaf an oil quality. In almost all characteristics studied there were some good parent trees and some poor from each location. The differences between individual trees were so great that they overshadowed the differences between the locations. The recommendation was therefore to use high quality trees regardless of their origin and not to make any special attempt to use Victorian or NSW trees at West Wylong.
Implications
The studies have shown that a breeding program can be established to improve oil production in E. polybractea. Seed from both the NSW and Victorian origins should be used.
RIRDC Project No: ANU-10A
RESEARCHERS: Dr M U Slee Mrs C Davis Mr A Carter G R Davis Pty Ltd
ORGANISATIONS: Department of Forestry "Tallimbalong" ANU RMB
554 CANBERRA ACT 0200, WEST WYALONG NSW 2671
PHONE: 02 6249 2224 FAX: 02 6249 0746
PUBLICATIONS:
Slee, M U, Davis C C, Mitchell A G and Mutenduedzi M. (1993) "Oil production with respect to leaf shape, size and weight in blue mallee (Eucalytus polybractea) at West Wylong, NSW, Australia.
" Poster presentation 2nd European Symposium on Industrial Crops and Products. Pisa, Italy, 1993. Slee, M U, Davis C C, Mitchell and M Mutenduedzi. (1995).
"Variation in leaf and oil production in Blue Mallee." Proc. CRC-IUFRO Conference "Eucalypt Plantations: Improving Fibre Yield and Quality", Hobart, Tasmania, 1995.251 Slee, M U and C C Davis. (1995).
"Oil production in blue mallee (Eucalyptus polybractea) at West Wyalong, NSW".
Poster presentation 'Tools or Toys - Applications of New Technologies in Forestry', Ballarat, Victoria, April 1995.
TASMANNIA LANCEOLATA - A NEW NATURAL FLAVOUR PRODUCT
Objectives
· To develop a technical database for commercial and horticultural development of the species both as a naturally occurring forest resource and as a cultivated plantation crop. · To develop extraction and product preparation methodologies for commercial application and to the high standard required by the flavour and fragrance industry. · To establish the species and its extracts as a natural source of high value, high purity products for the flavour and fragrance industry.
Background
Tasmannia lanceolata (Poiret) A C Smith is an understorey shrub of wet sclerophyll mountain gullies and woodlands of Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. It bears a dark pea sized fruit, known colloquially as 'Mountain Pepper', and its leaves and fruit yield an extract with a powerful spicy aroma redolent of the wet forests from its natural habitat. The spicy, 'hot' character of the oil has immediate appeal as a distinctive replacement for the three main sources of spicy heat - capsicum, black pepper and ginger.
In 1989 and 1990, samples of a number of extracts of selected Tasmannia lanceolata were prepared and taken by the Chief Executive of the Tasmanian company, Essential Oils of Tasmania, to flavour and fragrance houses in Europe, the United States and Japan for commercial assessment. Trial samples of approximately one kilogram would be necessary to establish potential use by fragrance and flavour houses in geographic areas identified by the initial survey. This aspect of the work would assist in the identification of joint partners for GRAS registration. Aboriginal usage and interest by early European settlers may assist in establishing a history of safe use.
Research
The preparation, extraction, analysis and identification of solvent soluble compounds from leaf material of Tasmannia lanceolata were examined. A preliminary survey of extracts of some members of the natural population of the species in Tasmania was conducted. Oil bearing structures were studied, and the progressive accumulation of a number of leaf extract constituents was monitored. The effect of various light levels and canopy structures was investigated. Market research was undertaken to gauge user preferences.
Outcomes
· Suitable methods for extraction were developed, along with
an analytical technique for polygodial.
· A wide variety of extract yields and compositions were revealed,
from even a small selection of the available material.
· Polygodial was shown to be stored within specialised structures
scattered throughout the leaf tissue, and characterised by distinctive
size and shape and a thickened wall.
· The seasonal variation of key compounds in the extract, and the
data obtained relating to dry matter accumulation enable the identification
of a suitable harvest period within which leaf material will produce a
consistent product an maximum yield.
· Results indicated that mature leaves were capable of recovering
their photosynthesis ability after removal of overtopping leaves.
· There were definite indications that the market has a preference
for extracts with significant levels of polyodial and other more subtle
aroma characteristics. There is a need to register the product with appropriate
regulatory bodies for full market acceptance.
Implications
Clearly the marketing imperatives must be addressed as a matter of urgency if the product is to be used world wide. The development of a reliable means of assessing the desirable flavour, fragrance and compositional characteristics of the product is already underway, in the second RIRDC funded research project, building on the work completed during 1992-95. Key aspects of this work are the assessment of the rich variety of leaf extracts available from the natural population of the species and development of a plantation resource, and product registration for use in flavours and fragrances.
RIRDC Project No: UT-6A
RESEARCHERS: Professor R C Manary, Chris Read & Sandra Garland ORGANISATION: Dept. Agricultural Science University of Tasmania GPO Box 2520 HOBART TAS 7000 PHONE: 002 20 2723 FAX: 002 20 7609
DETERMINING PESTICIDE MINIMUM RESIDUE LIMITS IN ESSENTIAL OILS
Objective
· To develop analytical methods for the determination of the ten key pesticides; Goal (Oxyfluorfen), Linuron, Mecoprop, Tramat (Ethofumesate), Folicur (Tebliconazole), Stomp (Pendimethalin), Carbaryl, Simazine, Carbendazim and Monocrototophos in essential oils and to test this methodology on field samples collected from trials of application rate and timing.
Background
In a market which increasingly demands data to support assurance of quality, the competitive edge of Tasmanian products needs an effective base and recognised analytical capabilities.
Research
Experiments were undertaken to: · isolate and purify the active ingredients of pesticides; · develop analytical techniques to detect residues of pesticides in essential oils; · monitor 1994, 1995 and 1996 boronia harvests for the presence of residues of the main pesticides used for the control of rust and insects; and · establish field trials to follow the degradation profile of pesticides in essential oil crops.
Outcomes
· Analytical techniques were developed for the analysis of 14 pesticides used in the essential oil industry. · Trials of Folicur, Tilt and Starane monitored the levels of residue in crips from the time of pesticide application through until harvest. · The products of harvests in 1993, 1994 and 1995 were monitored for the presence of pesticide residues. · A marked decrease is the levels of Tilt residues detected in crops over successive years was achieved through consultation with farmers.
Implications
Residues of some of the main fungicides used by the essential oils industry can be detected in the final oil product. Implementation of the pest management programs recommended, however, should not produce residue levels above the minimum acceptable levels standardised by the international regulatory bodies, such as CODEX and the European Union.
Data from the time series studies will be used by industry to make informed decisions as the to minimum withholding period between pesticide application and harvest date. The analytical methods developed in this project are readily adaptable to extend these time series studies to many of the major pesticides used in the natural plant extract industry.
A strong research base should be maintained to supply information about the long term implications of using chemicals to enhance crop quality and yield. Problems with the high level of Tilt residues in boronia concrete were highlighted during this study and improvements were realised by the next growing season. The obvious benefit of producing a quality extract with lower residue levels is accompanied by the reduced cost in lower application rates of pesticides required for effective pest management.
RIRDC Project No: UT-8A
RESEARCHERS: Professor R C Menary, S M Garland
ORGANISATION: Dept of Agricultural Science University of Tasmania GPO Box
252C HOBART TAS 7001
PHONE: 03 6226 2723 FAX: 03 6220 7609
DEVELOPING HIGH-VALUE FOOD AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS FROM CORIANDER SEED
Objective
· To determine the technical and economic feasibility of establishing a new regional processing industry in southern Australia based on the production and export of high-value essential oils, spices and other products from coriander seed.
Background
Australian production of coriander seed in 1993 was approximately 3,500 t, mostly from South Australia and western Victoria. Most of this crop was being exported as whole seed to SE Asia. At that time, world prices for coriander products were relatively high, good yields were being obtained in some cropping systems and a continuing increase was forecast. Preliminary market and technical research indicated an opportunity for the growth and diversification of this emerging industry through the development of value-added products such as essential oils and spices.
Research
In a two-year project funded by RIRDC, Agriculture Victoria and Manesty Holdings Pty Ltd (S.A), product and process development research was conducted into the production of high-quality oils and spice products from various types of coriander seed. Both steam-distilled and carbon dioxide (CO²) - extracted oils were developed and evaluated, together with ground seed products. Further market research was conducted in relation to food, food ingredients and fragrance export markets in Japan, South-East Asia, Europe and USA, using product samples produced in the initial stages of the project.
Outcomes
The technical feasibility of using dense CO² to simultaneously extract and fractionate lipids and essential oils from Australian-grown coriander seed was demonstrated. Good yields of high quality steam-distilled essential oil and hammer-milled spice powder were obtained from the same material. Market research identified keen interest in these products from local and overseas food and fragrance companies.
A significant fall in world prices for coriander oils occurred in 1994-95, largely due to increased production in Russia and eastern Europe. Concurrently, most coriander crops in southern Australia suffered severe yield losses, due to disease and lodging, during two unusually cool and wet summers. There agronomic problems were worse with the high-oil cultivars that are required for essential oil production.
Research into ground coriander resulted in the establishment of a new farm-based industry in Maitland, SA, producing spice for domestic and export markets from material that was formerly sold as low-value unprocessed seed.
Implications
CO² extraction of coriander oil was not recommended for further development, due to unfavourable economic and agronomic factors associated with coriander production, processing costs and market prices. Production of steam-distilled coriander oil from locally grown crops might be commercially viable in southern Australia as part of a wider essential oil or spice business.
There are good prospects for the continued growth of the SA ground spice industry alongside the established and successful commercial production whole coriander seed, subject to the maintenance of favourable work process and economic and sustainable crop yields.
RIRDC Project No: DAV-72A
RESEARCHER: Dr Martin Palmer
ORGANISATION: Department of Natural Resources & Environment Sneydes
Road WERRIBEE VIC 3030
PHONE: 03 9742 0251 FAX: 03 9742 0204
HARVESTING AND PREPARATION OF GERANIUM PLANTS FOR OIL EXTRACTION
Objective
· To develop a mechanised system for the harvesting of Pelargonium graveolens cultivated as a row crop in preparation for production of an essential oil.
Background
The oil containing glands on this cultivar are superficially located on the leaves and as such necessitate the careful handling of the crop to minimise evaporative losses prior to distillation. The importance of this redistillation evaporation is made even more significant by the low yield of this plant under even the most rigorous conditions (typical yield 0.08 %). As the plants regrow and allow three harvests annually the level of damage to the residual plant by the cutting technique is very significant from the viewpoint of subsequent plant pathology.
Research
Prior to the commencement of this project, a survey of different harvesting systems available commercially in Australia was conducted from the viewpoint of potential ability of these systems to cause premature release of essential oil to the atmosphere. Then trials were conducted of the most suitable systems measuring oil yields on a weight / weight basis utilising a hand harvested samples as the control. A reciprocating cutter bar was selected as the appropriate method for cutting the plant material in the field. A commercial hand operated grass seed cutter with a reciprocating bar was used to assess the stem damage in trial plots. Follow up over a six month period showed no statistically significant change in rates of plant pathology using this cutting system.
At this point design of a harvesting system with a reciprocating cutter bar for a single row was commenced. Once again, after assessing what was commercially available, it was decided to use a conveyor belt to deliver harvested material to a field bin to minimise evaporative losses when compared to pneumatically conducted biomass.
Outcome
After three years and numerous modifications there is now a selipropelled single row harvester which collects biomass with minimal extraneous material. The field bin doubles as a distillation vessel to minimise handling. The harvester is powered by a four cylinder petrol engine (1600 cc) and uses hydraulics to control forward propulsion, cutter bar speed, cutting height, conveyor belt speed and steering.
Implications
This system could be modified to suit a variety of oil bearing crops. It also will have considerable significance in the harvesting of medicinal herb crops because of the minimal extraneous material collected during the harvesting process. This mechanised process wit allow Australia to compete more effectively against established cheap labour countries already producing geranium and other similar essential oils.
RIRDC Project No: MIC-1A
RESEARCHER: Dr Graham Michael
ORGANISATION: Green Leaf Extracts Pty Ltd Robinson Road MS 582 TOOWOOMBA
QLD 4350
PHONE: 076 966 125 FAX: 076 966 124
EMAIL: Gmichael@t130.aone.net.au
GENETIC RESOURCES OF BORONIA MEGASTIGMA FOR ESSENTIAL OIL PRODUCTION, AND B. HETEROPHYLLA AND B. PURDIEANA FOR FLORICULTURE
Objectives
· To locate natural populations of Boronia heterophylla, B.
purdieatza and B. megastigma and assess their conservation status.
· To determine the floristic qualities of B. heterophylla and B.
purdieana and essential oil content and quality of B. megastigma in representative
individuals from these populations.
· To cultivate propagated plants under different systems at various
field sites to determine the requirements for optimum production of flowers
and high quality essential oils.
Background
The current boronia industry for both cut flower and essential oil production is based on a very narrow genome. The natural populations have diminished and the remainder is threatened. A broader genetic base is required to improve quality and productivity, extend the colour range and season of harvest.
Research & Outcomes
Many populations of Boronia heteroplzylla, B. purdieatza and B. megastigma have declined, died out or been replaced with agriculture or urban development. Most of the remaining populations were sampled.
Virtually all B. heterophylla flower within a period of two weeks. This occurred across different field sites in the south west of Western Australia. Plant growth regulators could only shift flowering by 6 days and this is not commercially viable. Shading improved flowering slightly but this could not be recommended for commercial use.
Two selections flowered outside the usual two week period. One flowered two weeks ahead of the commercial "Red" variety, is vigorous, produces good flowering stems, has a postharvest life of greater than 7 days without treatment, and has been submitted for Part A Plant Breeders Rights. Another selection appears to be late and it is being trialed in Denmark, WA. Virtually all B. heteroplzylla were red. However, several selections with pale pink flowers were identified in 1995/6. These will flower in cultivation in 1997.
Most B. purdieana have a short or prostrate habit unsuitable for cut flower production. However tall, vigorous, floriferous forms were identified. Postharvest life is >7 days. They are difficult to propagate but have much better survival rate in the field in Mundijong than other Boronia. These superior selections will flower in cultivation in 1997. They will probably be suitable for planting in hot dry conditions, for which they are naturally adapted. Southern plantings in Western Australia did not grow and flower well.
There was a considerable range in survival rate, plant vigour, flowering time, floriferousness, postharvest life, content of oil components and ease of harvest in B. megastigma. Two selections were exceptional in the categories leading to high, good quality oil yield and negotiations are underway for their sale and protection.
RIRDC Project No: UWA-16A
RESEARCHERS: Dr Julie A. Plummer & Prof John A. Considine ORGANISATION:
University of Western Australia Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture
NEDLANDS WA 6009
PHONE: 09 380 1782 FAX: 09 380 1108 EMAIL: jplummer@cyllene.uwaedu.au
Last updated: 22 October1997
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