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Rural Industries
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|| Introduction || Project listing|| Project Summaries ||
The Corporation views the New Plant Products program as a seed-bed or nursery in which stand-alone programs of the future can be germinated and raised. The program also provides a means of supporting commercially viable but intrinsically small rural industries.
The program has six components: bushfoods, culinary herbs, spices and beverages; extractive and fibre crops; prospective fruit, vegetable and nut crops; prospective grain and pulse crops; and miscellaneous crops and activities.
Research Highlights for 1996-97
SALICORNIEAE AS OIL SEED HALOPHYTES
FOR SALINE LAND AND WATER
Objectives
· To assess the feasibility of increasing financial returns from saline land, by determining if the oil-seed halophyte S. bigelovii can be grown under saline irrigation on the saline soils of southern Australia.
· To determine if Australian members of the Salicornieae tribe have seed compositions with commercial potential as oil-seed crops for saline degraded soils. \
· To supply seed produced from S. bigelovii crops to processors for evaluation.
Background
Large areas in Australian irrigation regions are saline, but this saline land contributes practically zero to the economy. Research addressing this imbalance has concentrated on forage production from halophytes such as saltbush. There is a need for more high value halophyte crops, as forage production produces only small returns. Salicornia bigelovii is an annual halophyte which as been selected an developed by the University of Arizona for its high oil yield when irrigated with sea water (2 tonne of seed/ha/year, containing 28% oil with a 74% linoleic acid content). This oil is suitable for human consumption and could form the basis of a high value halophyte industry.
Research
Throughout the project enormous difficulties were experienced in establishing S. bigelovii. The project addressed temperature requirements (four different field and four different greenhouse sowing dates), soil moisture requirements (automated drip irrigation, continuous sub-irrigation, periodic flood irrigation), salt requirements (irrigation with 4, 15 or 25dS/m water), and soil requirements (sown into eight different soils).
The project was developed to assess the feasibility of growing S. bigelovii, and the results indicated that a major constraint to field growth was the inability of S. bigelovii to germinate and establish. Whilst a range of establishment factors were investigated, it was beyond the scope of the project to undertake detailed investigations that would allow definitive conclusions as to the necessary establishment conditions.
Despite the range of factors tested, it is possible that the required combination of conditions were not produced in any of the sowings. This aspect is therefore an area for future development.
Outcomes
As all efforts at field establishment were unsuccessful, there was no seed multiplication and no seed was available for processor evaluation.
Although no plant data was produced, soil data from greenhouse trials demonstrated a problem inherent to saline irrigation. Even in free-draining cores, the soul EC increased from negligible to >10dS/m in response to irrigation with saline water. As S. bigelovii requires large quantities of saline water to grow, irrigation with saline water is unavoidable. Obviously S. bigelovii is not being considered for non-saline sites, however the sustainability of irrigating it even on salt degraded sites must be questioned in the absence of a means of removing the applied salt. Options such as tile-drains or ground-water pumps would inflate the cost of producing S. bigelovii products and still not 'dispose' of the salt. Where such engineering solutions exist, for instance as part of a Serial Biological Concentration installation, S. bigelovii's extreme salt tolerance would make it a useful final crop in the concentration series.
Of the Australian Salicornieae species collected, Tecticornia verrucosa was the most readily available as a clean seed sample. Its oil content (5%),is low however compared to S. bigelovii. The oil content of the Sarocornia blackiana sample was also low, but when allowance is made for the presence of trash, an oil content of 18% can be interpolated. Although this is much higher than the oil concentration in other species tested, the seed is fine and difficult to separate from other plant tissue. Therefore, no obvious oil-seed crops were identified amongst the Australian Salicornieae. It appears from the study that T. verrucosa could be considered for its marketability as 'Bush Tucker' cuisine, due to its availability, its ease of cleaning, and its history of usage by indigenous Australians.
RIRDC Project No: DAV-88A
RESEARCHER: Mr Mike Schulz ORGANISATION: Agriculture Victoria Dept of Natural Resources and Environment Ferguson Road TATURA VIC 3616 PHONE: 058 335 222 FAX: 058 335 299
LENTIL IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT FOR SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA
Objectives
To develop varieties of lentil which will form a sound basis for a lentil industry in Australia by:
· identifying of lines for possible cultivar development by critical selection of entries from ICARDA (International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas) early generation crossbred lines to identify genotypes better adapted to environments of Southern Australia; and
· conducting agronomic experiments which aim to improve crop management practices. Background
Lentils (Lens culinaris) are a relatively new crop to Australia. Prior to 1994 lentil production in Australia has been almost insignificant. In 1990-91 Australia imported 1,900 tonnes of lentils at a value of approximately $ 1.5 m. Currently we are importing 2-3,000 tonnes annually. The 1988-90 world lentil production was 2.26m tonnes of which 27.4% were exported by the producing countries mainly Canada, Turkey, USA and EEC countries. Southern Australia has a similar climate to Turkey, the world's leading producer.
The reason for developing a lentil industry in Australia is to replace current imports and to develop export markets. Lentil production would also provide further diversity in cropping options available to farmers. A lentil industry in Australia can directly replace current imports. This import is rising every year with increased migration into Australia from Asian countries.
Research
Cultivar development During the tenure of this project approximately 400 lines were introduced from ICARDA and evaluated annually at three to five sites in field trials throughout South Australia. In comparison with the existing, poorly adopted commercially available cultivars Kye, Laird and Callisto, lines were selected with improved adaption, seed yield, plant architecture and photopheriodic response.
This resulted in the successful identification and release of two cultivars namely cvs. Aldinga and Northfield.
The red lentil cv. Aldinga was a reselection from within the introduced line ILL 5750 obtained from ICARDA. Alinga was found to have a clear yield advantage over varieties then grown in South Australia regardless of season. The variety was registered under the voluntary registration scheme of Australian Pulse crops in 24 August 1994 (Reg No. ARGL 94-1; Australian journal of Experimental Agriculture (1995) 35,557-9)
The red lentil cv.Northfield was a reselection from within the introduced line ILL5588 obtained from ICARDA. Northfield is the only variety currently available in Australia with good resistance to late season Ascochyta lentis infection. Northfield was also registered under the voluntary registration scheme on 21 March 1995 (Reg No. ARGL 94-6, Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture (1995) 35,1181-2).
Implications
Prior to the release of two lentil cultivars, the area under lentil production in South Australia was 400ha (1993-94). The project area sown to lentils in South Australia in 1996-97 is 1500ha. In 1995, Northfield was sown 50% and Aldinga on 25% of the area cropped to lentils, and thus the release of these two cultivars is having a big impact on SA lentil production. Agronomic experiments on seeding rate and herbicide tolerance have also provided valuable information to guide producers in the management of lentil crops. Therefore, the principal objectives of this project have been achieved by providing the technical foundations for a lentil industry in South Australia.
RIRDC Project No: DAS-34A
RESEARCHERS: Dr S M Ali & Mr R D Wheeler ORGANISATION: South Australian Research & Development Institutes (SARDI) GPO Box 397 ADELAIDE SA 5001 PHONE: 08 8303 9483 FAX: 08 8303 9378
Objectives
· To increase durian productivity by introducing more adaptable, high-yielding and compatible clones.
· To improve our understanding of the crop phenology and reproductive biology of durian with regards to pollination and to rationalise cultural practises such as assisted pollination and fertilisation.
· To improve fruit yield, size, quality and uniformity by practical cultural measures and proper fertilisation based on soil and foliar nutrient monitoring.
· To reduce the juvenile period using various precocious rootstock-scion combinations and propagation techniques with introduced Durio species and clones.
Background
Durian has immense potential to be developed into viable fruit crop in northern Australia. The market potential for durian has not been tapped despite a sizeable Asian Pacific minority and European migrant population. There are many production and market impediments that have to be surmounted before it can be developed into a viable horticultural industry in northern Australia. Some of these can be summarised as the lack of high-yielding adaptable cultivars, erroneous identification of cultivars, a long juvenile period of 9-12 years, inadequate knowledge of the crop phenology and poor fruit set and development.
Research
The first objective will be realised by the introduction and grafting of promising, high-yield durian clones and various Durio species from Malaysia and Indonesia onto compatible rootstock.
The second objective will be achieved by a thorough study of the flowering biology with the ultimate aim of devising a practical system of assisted pollination through selfing and outcrossing studies to identify compatible pollen sources and by laboratory pollen germination, viability and storage studies. Monitoring of vegetative and reproductive cycles with respect to fluctuations in meteorological factors, leaf and soil nutrient levels and existing cultural practises will also address the second and third objective.
The fourth objective will be realised using various grafting techniques for different precocious scion-rootstock combinations ivz. single and double rootstock.
Outcomes
From the overseas trips to Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia a total of 440 plants and seeds of 45 plant species were brought back besides durian cultivars and Durio species. A higher success level was obtained by bringing in scionwood and budding them onto rootstock in the quarantine screen-house than by introducing barerooted grafted durian seedlings. Polygonal graph analysis using durian leaf parameters was developed to overcome erroneous identification of clones. It rectified 11 cases of misidentification and confirmed similarities in identity between samples from different localities, regions and countries. Fifty samples from 32 designated durian cultivars were reduced to 21 cultivars.
Additionally, a highly predictable, precise and rapid multiple linear regression model A=-52.1+2.67L+13.3Wm was developed to estimate leaf area in durian based on non-destructive measurements of leaf length and mid width.
A crop phenology model was developed to rationalise crop management inputs and cultural practices in durian. Manually assisted cross-pollination gave significantly higher fruit set of 31% in contrast to<10% for selfing. Selfing resulted in more fruit drop, lower yields and poorer fruit quality. Self incompatibility was more common in durian and was gametophytically controlled. The maternal parent was found to influence the following fruit traits of flesh colour, taste, flavour, basic fruit shape and spine length. The pollen had a metaxenia effect on fruit weight, size (length), rind weight, number of locules with fertilised ovules, number of well-formed arils per locule, number of arils per fruit, percent flesh recovery and sweetness (Brix).
Diagnosis of crop nutrient demand should be assessed from leaf and soil sampling done in November by standardising a leaf sampling method. Nutrient norms were developed on the sufficiency range basis and m-DRIS approaches to be used as guidelines for nutrition programs.
Implications
Polygonal graph analysis of leaf characters can be used to differentiate among durian cultivars from various localities, regions and countries instead of using reproductive characters which entails a long waiting period of 10-12 years for seedling trees and 6-8 years for grafted trees. The multiple linear regression model developed can be used as a fast and accurate method to estimate durian leaf area which are commonly employed as indices of growth and development in crop physiological studies and in horticulture.
The crop phenology model encompassing flowering and vegetative phenology provides a holistic approach to optimising crop management inputs and resources in particular with respect to the development of sound fertilisation and irrigation scheduling programs as well the implementation of cultural practices.
RIRDC Project No: DNT-13A
RESEARCHER: Dr T K Lim
ORGANISATION: Horticulture Division, Department of Primary Industry and
Fisheries,
GPO Box 990 DARWIN NT 0801 PHONE: 08 8999 2222 FAX: 08 8999 2049
EMAIL: tk.lim@nt.gov.au
ESTABLISHING A BUSH FOOD INDUSTRY IN WESTERN QUEENSLAND
Objectives
· To determine the economic viability of a plantation or wild harvest bush food industry in Australia's northern rangelands, focusing on western Queensland.
· To assess the size and structure of the bushfood industry in Australia.
· To assess the market potential of rangeland bush food products, including the potential product range, market share, price structure and limitations to market expansion.
· To determine the availability of raw materials, including a brief comparison of wild harvest production with the production potential from plantations.
· To determine the natural distribution and preferred soil types of a number of native plants with bush food potential. · To use this information to recommend species to trial in demonstration plantations.
Background
Australia's bush food industry is currently worth $5 million at the farm gate and $14 million retail. Interest in harvesting and growing bush foods has been increasing in the semi-arid and arid rangelands of Australia over the last 5 years. There is a wide range of native plants with commercial potential in western Queensland, including gundabluey, desert lime, bottletrees and kurrajongs, wild oranges, bush cucumbers, native thyme, quandongs, plumwood, bush tomatoes, and warrigal greens. This may represent an opportunity for diversification in the rangelands of western Queensland to relieve increased economic pressures resulting from low and erratic beef and wool prices.
Research
The research consisted of three major stages: · a preliminary market analysis and brief overview of the industry based on seven "best bet" rangeland products; · gathering of information on the distribution and abundance of species using existing botanical records and a survey of landholders throughout western Queensland; and · the combining of these two major sections of research with recent published material to form the final recommendations of the pre-feasibility study.
Outcomes
There is a small but rapidly expanding bush food industry in western Queensland, with the farm gate value of produce currently $37 350. This is predicted to increase to almost $345 000 in the year 2000, in line with the industry's 74% per annum growth target.
Over 50% of graziers in western Queensland would be interested in either wild harvest or plantation production of bush foods. There are sufficient plants growing throughout western Queensland to supply the current demands for bush foods through wild harvest in an average year. Quality and yield of produce cannot be guaranteed with wild harvest production, and demand may exceed supply in some years. Plantations are being established in other areas of Australia which will directly compete with produce from western Queensland.
Implications
A coordinated approach involving the public and private sectors is required to quickly and strategically enhance the bush food industry in western Queensland.
RIRDC Project No: DAQ-189A
RESEARCHER: Mr D Phelps
ORGANISATION: Department of Primary Industries, Queensland
PO Box 519, LONGREACH QLD 4730
PHONE: 076 584 400 FAX: 076 584 433
GROWING TUBER MELANOSPORUM AS A CROP FOR EXPORT AND DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION
Objective
· To conduct a feasibility study on the establishment of Perigord black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) industry on mainland Australia.
Background
In Europe the Perigord black truffle is a highly seasonal and expensive delicacy keenly sought after by the restaurant trade and gourmets. In the Northern Hemisphere the season for this species of fungus is limited to 4 months per year (Dec - Mar) consequently there is an apparent market opportunity for fresh truffles grown 'out of season' in the Southern Hemisphere. To date no attempt has been made to grow the truffles on mainland Australia.
This study considers the practical issues related to the actual growing of the truffles and the economic issues with respect to the costs of establishing the industry and the marketing of its produce.
Research
Key personnel involved in truffle research, growing, processing and marketing in France, Italy, USA and New Zealand were interviewed to ascertain the current state of knowledge on all aspects of truffle growing and what potential there was for establishing an industry on mainland Australia.
Outcomes
It is concluded the establishment of a Perigord black truffle industry is possible on mainland Australia.
The key points of the study include:
· The edaphic and climatic requirements of T. melanosporum can be met in several locations on mainland Australia especially where natural rainfall is supplemented by irrigation.
· With pre-emptive action and appropriate controls, an industry on mainland Australia should be able to avoid problems of contamination and substitution of T. melanosporum by inferior species in the inoculation and the marketing phases, respectively.
· Farmers interviewed in the locations identified as being suitable for growing truffles expressed a keen interest in participating in the fledgling industry.
· There is almost unlimited market potential for fresh Australian truffles as a vastly superior replacement for the unreasonably expensive preserved truffles used in Europe, Asia and USA.
· The protracted time frame and uneven cash flow indicate the need to treat the establishment of the industry in three separate stages with three separate and possibly independent groups of beneficiaries - inoculation, growing and marketing.
· The least profitable but most critical stage of the industry, the inoculation stage, will require Government funding to assist in the establishment.
· It is unlikely that centralised control of the whole industry, from inoculation to marketing, by a single corporate entity or cooperative would be worthwhile.
Implications
With limited seeding money there is an opportunity to establish a new, profitable and long-term agricultural industry on mainland Australia.
RIRDC Project No: DPS-1A
RESEARCHER: Dr P P Stahle,
ORGANISATION: DPS Strategy Pty Ltd, 84 Richmond Terrace RICHMOND VIC 3121
PHONE: 03 9428 5978 FAX: 03 9428 5978
MAIZE AND SORGHUM GERMPLASM CONSERVATION
Objectives
· To regenerate and establish Australian germplasm collections of sorghum and maize, and store them under internationally acceptable conditions.
· To establish a database on all these accessions.
· To make seed and data on these accessions available to researchers.
Background
The maintenance of germplasm collections of maize and sorghum is an integral part of the research support for the sorghum and maize industries in Australia.
At the commencement of this project, in Australia there were 4,000 germplasm accessions of sorghum and 2,000 germplasm accessions of maize with QDPI, CSIRO, NSW Agriculture, Pacific Seeds Pty Ltd, Pioneer Overseas Corporation, DeKalb Shand Seed Co Pty Ltd, and Snowy River Cooperative Ltd.
Seed viability of the sorghum was reasonable but characterisation data was poorly catalogued. Some maize accessions had good germination but other collection such as the old Australian open pollinated variety collection had germination rates of approximately 1%. All maize collections were poorly catalogued. Both sorghum and maize germplasm collections could benefit by placing them in a national Genetic Resource Centre.
Research
The Australian Tropical Crops Genetic Resource Centre (ATCGRC) assembled germplasm collections for maize and sorghum by soliciting accessions form research organisations throughout Australia. The accessions were grown at Biloela Research station for regeneration and characterisation. Good quality harvested seed was placed in long-term storage, and passport and characterisation data catalogued onto our national database.
Outcomes
This project commenced the task of assembling national germplasm collections of maize and sorghum germplasm. 1,222 sorghum germplasm accessions and 654 maize germplasm accessions were regenerated, catalogued and placed in long-term storage. Seed and data are available to bona-fide researchers wishing to use the germplasm in the research programs
A GRDC project is continuing the regeneration, characterisation, cataloguing and storage of further accessions of maize and sorghum germplasm.
Implications
National germplasm collections of maize and sorghum germplasm being assembled by the ATCGRC should facilitate the use of wide genetic variation in breeding programs in Australia, both public and private.
RIRDC Project No: DAQ-136A
RESEARCHER: Dr Peter Lawrence
ORGANISATION: Australian Tropical Crops Genetic Resource Centre,
PO Box 201 BILOELA QLD 4715
PHONE: 079 929 135 FAX: 079 923 468
SEAWEED AS A SOURCE OF OMEGA-3-FATTY ACIDS AND BETA CAROTENE
Objectives
· To identify Australian seaweeds having the most economic value for extraction, concentration and purification of omega-3-fatty acids (OFA) and beta carotene (BC).
· To incorporate OFA and BC into general food and health food products.
· To assist in the development of the Australian and Japanese markets for these products.
Background
Eicosapentaenioc acid (EPA), an omega-3-fatty acid found rich in fish oil is considered to be beneficial in the prevention of some coronary heart diseases. Another OFA having beneficial effects on the development of brain and eye cells in infants is identified as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Several studies indicated that seaweed could be used as a reliable source of OFA. Australia, with over 40,000 km of coastline, has thousands of species of seaweeds. Australian water, free of pollution, can be ideal for seaweed aquaculture. Australian seaweeds, once identified, as having high levels of OFA and free of toxic elements can be consumed directly or processed as ingredients for food and pharmaceutical applications.
A two year project to investigate the potential use of Australian seaweeds as a source of OFA and Beta carotene (BC) was supported by Department of Natural Resources and Energy (DNRE) and Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC). Other research and industrial participants in this project are Australian Sea Vegetables (ASV), Sagami Chemical Research Centre (Japan), Sunward International Inc (Japan), Melbourne University and Monash University.
Research
A market survey was conducted to confirm a growing concern by the general public about the effects of diet on health and also confirm that a market existed for OFA products in Australia, from either fish oil or seaweeds.
An extensive investigation of Australian seaweeds as a source of OFA has been conducted. About four hundred seaweed samples of all major divisions (Green, Brown and Red) were collected along the coastlines of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. These samples were scientifically identified by Australian and American experts.
Outcomes
The lipids and OFA in 400 samples from 155 species were extensively analysed to identify the most likely commercial species. Over 30 species with a high level (>40%) of EPA were identified. The level of the target acid in this study (EPA) is the highest level found among all seaweed worldwide. Other components of commercial interest were also identified. Compared with imported edible seaweeds, Australian seaweeds are free of any toxic metals such as As, Cd, or Hg. The market survey confirmed that consumers in Australia are prepared to consume OFA products from either fish oil or seaweeds.
Implications
The project has attracted support from the Australian and overseas seaweed industries. This reflects a recognition of the economic potential of Australian seaweed resources which has been recognised by the industry. A seaweed working network including many experts from a range of disciplines has been established in Australia to support this project and any future work in this area.
Although the project was completed in June 1996, the Japanese team is still working on this project. An agreement has been signed by all parties in July 1996 confirming the economic potential of this natural resource and also suggesting that further investment in seaweed research is required for ultimate commercial utilisation.
RIRDC Project No: DAV-87A
RESEARCHER: Dr Hung Tran
ORGANISATION: Department of Natural Resources & Environment,
Sneydes Road, WERRIBEE VIC 3030
PHONE: 03 9742 0121 FAX: 03 9742 0250
EMAIL: hungt@food.agvic.gov.au
DESERT EPHEMERAL PLANTS AS TEACHING TOOLS
Objectives
· To develop a set of teaching tools based on arid zone ephemeral plant species.
· To document the responses of the plants under study to a range of environmental parameters.
· To develop a set of experimental procedures designed to demonstrate the plants' responses to environmental factors.
· To develop a set of instructional materials for use by plant biology teachers.
Background
Presently, the teaching of plant biology at both high schools and universities in Australia is still largely derivative of the approaches and materials used in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Europe. Consequently, many of the teaching tools and laboratory and field experiments used to demonstrate principles of plant biological responses are European in origin. In order for this situation to change, a new set of plants, which can be used as teaching tools, needs to be developed.
Research
The research consisted of a series of experiments designed to evaluate the germination, growth and development of four species collected from the arid zone of western New South Wales. The responses of the species to a range of environmental parameters was studied. The results of these experiments were largely descriptive. These results formed the basis for the first set of instructional materials developed.
These materials were refined in content after initial trials with first year university students. The germination and establishment of Atriplex pseudocampanulata was examined in a series of experiments. The results of these experiments formed the basis of a second set of instructional materials. The effectiveness of these materials were evaluated in first and second year university plant biology practical classes.
Outcomes
The major outcomes of this project have been the development of the teaching materials which have been designed to enable students to observe the germination of seeds and the development of plants of Atriplex pseudocampanulata. The results of the series of experiments conducted on the germination and establishment of A. pseudocampanulata have also increased our knowledge of this annual member of an important genus in the vegetation of the arid zone.
Although four species were initially collected for use in this project, three of the species proved unsuitable for use as teaching tools. These species were Goodenia pinnatifida, Rodanthe corymbiflora and Wahlenbergia communis. Little information on the basic biology of these species was gathered during this project.
Implications
The results obtained in this study form the basis for the development of a series of new teaching tools. The adoption of these tools by the community of plant biology teachers awaits the dissemination of the knowledge of these teaching tools and the availability of supplies of seed material. The adoption of these teaching tools can also enhance the examination of major issues confronting the continued use of arid lands for agricultural activities.
RIRDC Project No: UWS-6A
RESEARCHER: Dr Anthony M Haigh,
ORGANISATION: School of Horticulture University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury
Locked Bag 1 RICHMOND NSW 2753
PHONE: 045 70 1254 FAX: 045 70 1314
PROSPECTS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN NATIVE BUSHFOOD INDUSTRY
Objective
· To evaluate the prospects of the Australian native bushfood industry and in doing so provide a sound basis for identifying and prioritising industry research and development needs.
Background
The Australian native bushfood industry, estimated to have a current value of $10-12 million, is at a critical point of development where issues of national importance are impacting on industry growth. Understanding how these issues are best overcome and how they are affecting the industry should encourage effective research and development, therefore supporting sustainable and viable growth.
Research
Nine issues were investigated with particular reference to the fourteen most widely used native bushfood species.
These issues were:
· product development potential with major food processors;
· price structures and costs of production at each industry level;
· limitations of current food standards;
· required levels of raw produce supply for major processors to enter market;
· major competing food types and product ranges;
· minimum product standards of raw materials;
· time required to develop and launch new products;
· the role of the Federal and State government agencies in the bushfood industry; and
· the benefits of liaison with complimentary industries eg native meats, ecotourism.
Outcomes
The final report contains the most current and complete base line study of this emerging industry to date.
It provides a useful source of industry information to determine:
· industry and/or plant species viability;
· current raw produce demand;
· industry research and development requirements; and
· industry opportunities and constraints.
RIRDC Project No: RPT-1A
RESEARCHERS: D. Hart, C. Graham
ORGANISATION: Rapt Consulting Pty Ltd, PO Box 309, CIVIC SQUARE ACT 2608
PHONE: 08 88 213 565 FAX: 08 8821 3454
TISSUE CULTURE DEVELOPMENT OF A TROPICAL ASPARAGUS SUPER-CLONE
Objective
To develop a heat-tolerant tropical asparagus super-clone with early emergence characteristics, high yields and good spear quality by:
· identifying, from tropical stands of field grown asparagus, superior individuals displaying earliness, good spear quality and high yield characteristics; and
· using tissue culture techniques to propagate clones of the best individuals with the view to developing a cultivar specifically suited to tropical Australia.
Background
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is a temperate perennial vegetable crop which is normally harvested from September to December in southern Australia. The industry in tropical Australia has undergone expansion in recent years from approximately 100 ha in 1992 to 300 ha in 1997. This expansion has been in response to the high price for early-season (July/ August) fresh asparagus in both the domestic market and Japan. However, heat stress and a lack of cold-induced winter dormancy in some tropical areas have been responsible for reduced total yield and inferior quality compared with the temperate product. Exploitation of the inherent variability of the crop by tissue culture was perceived as one avenue for the production of a high-yielding, heat-tolerant tropical asparagus clone with early emergence characteristics.
Research
The research was carried out in four steps:
· commercial fields were scouted for superior individuals and their yields were recorded;
· tissue culture was used to propagate up plantlets from the best six individual plants (based on yield and quality characteristics);
· clonal plantlets and seedlings from the industry standard cultivar UC157 F1 were transplanted into the field in a replicated factorial experiment; and · yield was assessed over two harvest seasons.
Outcomes
The resultant field trial which assessed the performance of the clones with the industry standard cultivar showed that only half of the clones were male, the weight of marketable spears produced by the most productive clone (UC#18) was only 3.9% greater than that of the industry standard cultivar and, that the average weight of individual marketable spears of the clones were generally higher than UC157 F1.
Implications
Based on approximate gross margin analysis, it was concluded that, due to the extra expense of plants produced from tissue culture, commercial planting of a clone which is less than 30% more productive than the industry standard cultivar would probably not be economically viable. Because the highest yielding clone produced only 3.9% more marketable spears (by weight) than the standard industry cultivar, a recommendation for commercial release of this clone could not be made.
Therefore, the industry implication of this research is that the clones which were developed in this project did not produce a marketable yield which was sufficiently higher than the current standard cultivar to justify their commercial release. It is possible that the price of tissue cultured plants may fall in the future due to greater capacity, but unless appreciably higher yields may be attained by tissue cultured plants, this method of plant propagation will not serve any useful purpose in the asparagus industry.
The selection procedure may have been improved by increasing the period of data collection from one to at least two harvest seasons and by observing fern characteristics (such as height, stem diameter and number of stems per crown) during the growing period.
RIRDC Project No: DAQ-138A
RESEARCHER: Jason K Olsen
ORGANISATION: Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Bundaberg Research
Station MS 108, Ashfield Road BUNDABERG QLD 4670
PHONE: 071 556 244 FAX: 071 556 129
EMAIL: olsenj@dpi.qld.gov.au
DEVELOPING MOLECULAR MARKERS FOR OSMOTIC ADJUSTMENT IN MAIZE AND SORGHUM
Objectives
· To identify molecular markers linked to osmotic adjustment in sorghum and maize.
· To measure levels of genetic diversity in Australian sorghum hybrids.
· To investigate the potential use of graphical genotypes developed using molecular markers in a pedigree breeding system.
Background
Molecular markers are being increasingly used as an additional tool for plant breeders. Molecular markers can be used to tag traits which are difficult and/or expensive to select for in the field, to tag simple or complex (QTLs) traits, and to provide estimates of genetic diversity in a species. Many important agronomic traits in sorghum, such the drought resistance traits osmotic adjustment (OA) and staygreen, are difficult to select for in the field. Identification of molecular markers linked to such traits would overcome the need for field screening and allow rapid identification of plants containing these traits. Two methods are being utilised, map-based trait tagging and graphical genotypes.
Low levels of genetic diversity increase the crop's risk for significant loss of production due to unknown pests or disease and numerous examples exist of epidemics caused by low levels of diversity. The level of genetic diversity in commercial sorghum hybrids grown in Australia is unknown but is thought to be narrow. Molecular markers can be used to quantify levels of genetic diversity and monitor changes in diversity levels.
Research
Parents of two well-mapped maize recombinant inbred line populations and a sorghum recombinant inbred line population (previously shown to be segregating for OA) were screened for variation in levels of OA, using two methods of calculating OA, namely maximum OA and osmoregulation.
Twenty-six sorghum hybrids, representing >90% of the area sown to sorghum, were screened with RFLP probes and pairwise similarity values calculated.
Sixty related sorghum lines from the QDPI breeding program were screened with mapped RFLP probes. The inheritance of chromosome fragments from source lines through generations of selection to elite lines was followed using the RFLP probes.
Outcomes and Implications
Insufficient variation in OA exists between the parents of the 2 maize RIL populations and parents of the sorghum RIL population to enable accurate phenotyping of progeny of the RIL populations. Thus, at this time, it is not possible to identify markers linked to OA in sorghum or maize. Further work is required to characterise the conditions under which the previously identified sorghum OA gene will express before mapping can proceed.
Levels of genetic diversity in Australian sorghum hybrids is low. Levels are considerably lower than that found in elite maize inbred lines and hybrids but are comparable with that found in Australian and US rice varieties where the germplasm base is known to be narrow. Of more concern, however, is the realisation that the move to midge resistant hybrids is resulting in a further decrease in levels of genetic diversity in sorghum.
The inheritance of chromosome fragments from source lines through generations of selection was followed. Evidence for selection of a chromosome region containing a rust resistance gene or genes was obtained, providing strong supportive evidence for the location of gene(s) for these traits on these chromosomal regions and proving the utility of the graphical genotype approach.
RIRDC Project No: CSC-48A
RESEARCHER: Dr Lynne McIntyre
ORGANISATION: CSIRO Division of Tropical Agriculture, Cunningham Laboratory,
306 Carmody Road ST LUCIA QLD 4067
PHONE: 07 3377 0209 FAX: 07 3371 3946
MANUFACTURING SELECTED INDUSTRIAL HEMP PRODUCTS IN AUSTRALIA
Objectives
· To identify the domestic markets for utilising hemp for the production of particle board, geotextiles, insulation batts and other fibrous insulation materials and specialty textile products.
· To evaluate the technical suitability of hemp as a raw material for these product categories.
· To identify the price at which hemp would need to compete in these product categories, and the price at which it could be made available in Australia, considering growing, processing and capital costs.
· To identify potential market and industry reaction in these product areas to the introduction of hemp.
· To identify requirements for research and development for hemp in each of the product categories listed above, and in the processing of hemp to provide raw material to those categories.
Background
In December 1995 the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science jointly convened a conference in Melbourne entitled, "Industrial Hemp: The Potential for an Industrial Hemp Industry in Australia". Several workshop sessions were conducted to identify key issues which needed resolution if a viable industry was to be established and to suggest actions to resolve these issues. This report addresses three of the key issued identified during the workshop.
Research
Contact was made with key members of the recent workshop to draw on past experience and ideas. Relevant information was collected from Australia and overseas using the Interned and the International Hemp Association.
Samples of hemp were collected from overseas and locally and used to obtain an assessment of its properties from industry. Assessments were made of the likely costs of growing hemp using information obtained from departments of agriculture and from overseas studies.
Industry sectors were contacted regarding the potential utilisation of hemp, and information provided by representatives and engineers of companies making processing machinery was assessed and compared with practice overseas. The likely availability of local processing capacity was considered.
Outcomes
Because of the likely costs of producing hemp in Australia, it is concluded that only specialty clothing - which can carry a relatively high price per tonne of fibre - offers encouraging prospects at this time.
The report gives very useful insights into the needs and price structures of the markets and identifies the constraints that R&D should target if the hemp industry is to be viable.
RIRDC Project No: PMP-1A
RESEARCHER: Stuart De Jong
ORGANISATION: Planning & Managing Projects Pty Ltd,
15/56-62 Chandos St, ST LEONARDS NSW 2065
PHONE: 02 9439 6545 FAX: 02 9439 7597
PUBLICATIONS RIRDC Research Paper 97/31, (1997). Some Opportunities for Commercial Hemp Products in Australia
Objectives
· To identify and register cost effective herbicides for use in sesame.
· To investigate weed competition with sesame and its interaction with herbicides as a basis for the progressive development of integrated weed management systems.
Background
The Northern Territory Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries has identified sesame as a high value crop warranting intensified research and development because the semi-arid tropics is the most suitable environment in Australia for high commercial yields and seed quality, and Australian demand far exceeds production. Weeds are a serious problem because they can cause serious yield losses, lower the seed quality for confectionary, and impede harvesting.
It was decided to address the weed problems by identifying and registering suitable herbicides, and to instigate research into integrated weed management via crop/weed competition.
Research
There were 3 main thrusts to the research: 1) screening of herbicides, 2) establishing the competitive effect of weeds on crop biomass, 3) investigating the practicality and usefulness of models based on early leaf area growth to predict yield losses.
Outcomes and Implications
· Sesame was very sensitive to pre-emergence herbicides whose effectiveness and phytotoxicity varied from season to season. Linuron, and perhaps diuron may be suitable for registration after further testing. · Suitable post-emergence herbicides affect chiefly grasses; broadleaf weed control will remain a problem if linuron or diuron prove unsuitable. · The relationship between crop and weed biomass at maturity was negatively linear; thus any weed growth will reduce yield. · Leaf area indices of crop and weeds up to 22 days after sowing were reliably estimated photographically. · The reliable prediction of yield losses at maturity from changes in early leaf area required more intensive research. · Although it was possible to predict yield losses at maturity from data recorded in the first month of growth, much more research is required to predict the economic benefits of weed control. The establishment of the negatively linear relationship between crop and weeds and the accurate measurement of early growth should, however, provide a solid basis for the prediction of economic losses and the need for weed control.
RIRDC Project No: DNT-15A
RESEARCHER: Dr Colin Martin
ORGANISATION: Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, Agriculture
Division,
GPO Box 990 DARWIN NT 0801
PHONE: 08 8999 2323 FAX: 08 8999 2043
FEASIBILITY AND PROFITABILITY OF JOJOBA
Objectives
· To provide background information to ABARE for further economic assessment of jojoba.
· To disseminate information on management and marketing to the public through advisory publications.
Background
ABARE are undertaking a project which forms part of a broader study ('Episodic recharge under crops and shrubs in the mallee zone') funded by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission. They are looking at the economic impact of the use of shrubs for recharge control in the mallee cereal cropping areas of the basin.
The ABARE component of the study comprises three stages. The first, to establish the existence and nature of markets for three crops , has already been completed and published in Jojoba, Blue Mallee & Broombush: Market Assessment & Outlook, [ABARE Research Report 94.9]. The second stage will analyse the impact of increased production, stemming from planting for recharge control, on market trends, while the third stage will examine the profitability of farming the shrubs in the mallee region. Work on both these stages is currently in progress.
This project was undertaken to gather information to assist ABARE complete stages 2 and 3 of their study on the feasibility of jojoba in marginal cropping areas that are under threat of salinisation from rising watertables.
As jojoba is new to Australia the agronomic knowledge available to successfully manage plantations is incomplete and subject to change as growers become more familiar with it. Detailed knowledge does not extend to the harvesting and crushing operations as plantations in Australia are still immature and overseas information has been sought.
Outcomes
The data has been used to assist ABARE to complete parts 2 and 3 of their economic analysis of jojoba, and complete a new agfact on jojoba for distribution to people interested in gaining knowledge about jojoba.
RIRDC Project No: DAN-117A
RESEARCHER: P Milthorpe
ORGANISATION: NSW Agricultural Research and Advisory Station,
PO Box 300, CONDOBOLIN NSW 2877
PHONE: 068 952099 FAX: 068 952688
PUBLICATIONS: McThorpe, P., Dunstone, R. (1996), Jojoba - Agfact, p5.2.8 2nd Edition, NSW Agriculture Condobolin, and Jojoba Scene Pty Ltd Curtin
AN AGRONOMIC PACKAGE FOR MICROLAENA STIPOIDES FOR FORAGE AND OTHER PURPOSES
Objectives
· To obtain PBR registration for three accessions of the Australian native grass Microlaena stipoides and make these commercially available both in Australia and overseas.
Background
Microlaena stipoides is a native yearlong green perennial grass found throughout the higher rainfall zones from the mountains of the Cape York Peninsula through New South Wales and Victoria to Tasmania, as well as in the wetter coastal districts of South Australia and the south west of Western Australia. Within this range, Microlaena has a great potential for a wide variety of commercial uses.
Research
About 45 different accessions of Microlaena were collected from a wide range of ecological situations and grown in a comparison nursery at the University of New England. Single plant selection for four generations resulted in a range of distinct and uniform accessions. A replicated variety comparison trial enabled the data necessary for PBR registration to be collected. Laboratory, glasshouse and field trials were conducted to provide the information necessary to construct a management package for each variety registered.
Seed of the selected varieties was increased to provide seed for the above trials and to enable seed growers to commence commercial seed production. Arrangements were made with a commercial partner for seed production and marketing.
Outcomes
Three varieties of Microlaena, (Wakefield, a forage type; Griffin, a turfgrass and Shannon for amenity purposes) were registered under Plant Breeders Right legislation in 1995 and a contract signed with Wrightson Seeds (Australia) Pty Ltd for their commercial seed production and marketing.
Small seed production blocks of 225m2 were established for each variety and 10kg of seed of each was supplied to Wrightson Seeds in May 1995 to commence commercial seed increase.
Vacuum harvesting using an electric "Flymo" garden vacuum proved satisfactory for small plots of Microlaena seeds because the machine only removes ripe or nearly ripe seeds from the inflorescences. Several landcare groups have developed larger scale vacuum specifically for Microlaena and these will be tested during the 1996-97 summer.
Microlaena seed can be successfully spread by hydromulching and the resultant fibre mulch should be about 20mm thick for best results. Seeds of Microlaena usually weigh between 4 and 6mg and should be sown at about 10mm in the field. About 20mm of eucalyptus mulch or sterilised sheep manure were very effective for covering surface sown seed and reduced seed problems in some experiments. Microlaena seeds have a wide temperature range for germination between about 10 degrees to 35 degrees C. Best results have been achieved by sowing in early spring or autumn.
The best turfgrass stands were produced when the seeds were sown at 10,000/m2, and Griffin Microlaena turf responds best to a cutting height of about 20mm mown weekly.
Small commercial seed increase areas of Wakefield have been established at Rystone and Armidale, and Shannon and Griffin at Armidale during late 1996. A draft management package for each variety will be produced early in 1997 to be ready for release with the first of the commercially produced seed.
Implications
The recently formed Australian Native Grass and Legume Seed Industry Association Inc. has listed several species including Microlaena as high priorities. Hopefully, if the post-harvest seed treatment problems can be solved in the near future, then the Microleana project will provide a model for the development of seed industries involving other species of native grasses and legumes.
RIRDC Project No: UNE-35A
RESEARCHERS: R D B Whalley and C E Jones
ORGANISATION: Department of Botany University of New England, ARMIDALE
NSW 2341
PHONE: 067 73 2477 FAX: 067 73 3283
CONTROLLING PHOMOPSIS NUT ROT AND EXTENDING STORAGE LIFE OF CHESTNUTS
Objective
· To improve the quality of chestnuts and extend the marketing period by controlling Phomopsis and associated nut rots; and developing effective post-harvest handling, storage and marketing protocols.
Background
Around 700 tonnes of chestnuts are produced in Australia worth over $3 million. Most production is consumed on the local market although there is considerable potential for export to the Northern Hemisphere. To facilitate the development of a profitable industry, research was aimed at overcoming major quality problems which are associated with Phomopsis rots and with poor post-harvest handling and storage practices.
Phomopsis castanea is the major cause of nut rot in Australia, and can cause up to 90% losses in large nut consignments. This fungus has been shown to live as an endophyte in apparently healthy trees throughout the year for the first time anywhere in the world. It is widespread throughout chestnut plantings and has been found in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. Cultivars such as Purton's Pride, Red Spanish and Lucente were shown to be less susceptible than Marone, Sword and Buffalo Queen.
Research
The research consists of studies to determine the main cause and source of infections; studies to develop field and post-harvest treatments to control Phomopsis rot; and studies to optimise post-harvest handling, storage and marketing in order to maximise quality of chestnuts.
Outcomes
Harvesting nuts at least every two days is recommended, longer delays lead to significantly more rots. Contamination of nuts during post-harvest handling is unlikely to be a major source of infection, although other rot fungi could contaminate nuts at this time.
Two to four field sprays of benomyl or phosphorous acid significantly reduced rot levels in nuts from these trees during storage for up to 16 weeks. No residues of benomyl were detected in nuts at harvest, but residues of phosphorous acid ranged from 16-145 mg/kg. An application based on this work was submitted to the National Registration Authority for a permit for minor use of phosphorous acid for nut rot control. Tree injection with phosphorous acid or imazalil failed to significantly reduce rot in stored nuts. Pre-storage water soaking at a range of temperatures and times reduced rots during storage by up to 70%.
The best treatments were 60 min at 20 degrees C, 15 min at 50 degrees C and 5 min at 60 degrees C although some treatments caused damage and /or nut sprouting during storage. Pre-treatment of nuts with carbon dioxide (80%) at 0 degrees C for 5-10 days also reduced rots. Sodium hypochlorite dipping of nuts reduced external moulding of stored nuts.
Low temperature storage restricts the development of rots, with -1 degrees C being better than 5 degrees C for long term storage. Storage materials which restrict moisture loss reduce rot levels eg. nuts stored in polyethylene bags are less rotted than those stored in hessian bags; however sprouting can be a problem in the former during long term storage. Temperature monitoring of nuts during post-harvest handling (grower, wholesaler, retailer) showed that the optimal low temperatures are not maintained and conditions allow rot development.
Implications
Chestnut quality can be improved by a combination of practices. For new plantings, avoid cultivars such as Marone and Sword which are highly susceptible to Phomopsis rot, and plant less susceptible to Phomopsis rot, and plant less susceptible cultivars such as Purton's Pride, Red Spanish and Lucente. Field sprays of phosphorous acid or benomyl reduce rots in nuts from treated trees (NRA application under consideration).
Harvest nuts within two days of nut fall. Pre-storage soaking of nuts in chlorinated water, and subsequent drying; or pre-treating in a high carbon dioxide atmosphere before storage will both reduce rotting. Low temperature storage after harvest and during marketing is important in restricting rot development and improving nut quality, with -1 degrees C being better that 5 degrees C. Further studies are required to develop some of these findings for commercial use.
RIRDC Project No: DAV-81A
RESEARCHER: W S Washington
ORGANISATION: Agriculture Victoria Institute for Horticultural Development,
Knoxfield Private Bag 15, South Eastern Mail Centre VIC 3176
PHONE: 03 9210 9222 FAX: 03 9800 3521
THE HEMP INDUSTRY IN EUROPE AND ITS FUTURE IN AUSTRALIA
Objective
· To present a paper outlining the status of industrial hemp in Australia and to gain insights into the progress of the industry around the world. The paper is based on a trip taken by Carolyn Ditchfield, of Australian Hemp Resource and Manufacture, to the Bioresource Hemp Symposium at Frankfurt between 27 February - 2 March 1997.
Report Summary
The paper "Whither Australian Hemp", presented by Carolyn Ditchfield, summarised the progress of the hemp industry in Australia and provoked a lot of response from delegates at the symposium. A number of solutions were offered to overcome problems identified in the paper.
There are hemp cultivars available that would be better suited to Australian conditions, and result in higher yields. To introduce and select appropriate cultivars, the permissible level of THC should be raised to 1%. Development of male only crops would address the immediate need for maximising fibre quality. The lower THC content of male plants and lack of seed production would also deter illegal use of the crop for drug purposes.
Hemp has been successfully reintroduced and commercialised by private enterprises in England and the Netherlands. Their approach and government involvement provide working examples for Australia. Western Europe has embarked on an extensive research program exploring ways to improve on old technology and develop new products. Private industries are also contributing to this effort, and have introduced hemp into some of their manufacturing lines.
The versatility of hemp was constantly highlighted and many papers presented discussed unique properties of the fibre, seed, oil and cannabinoids. There was also a number of newly developed machinery to handle the crop and process the fibre, which are currently available for purchase.
The symposium provided an opportunity for Australian Hemp Resource and Manufacture to renew old acquaintances and meet other influential hemp researchers and manufacturers. This has increased the resource base of the company for providing up-to-date information and market contacts to decision-makers in Australia.
Discussions with delegates reinforced the likely economical, social and environmental benefits that a hemp industry could provide the rural industry in Australia. Many papers provided guidelines and examples of ways to avoid problems in hemp production. Australia is in a good position to participate in this industry and prove its commitment to a sustainable future.
RIRDC Project No: TA967-24
RESEARCHER: Carolyn Ditchfield
ORGANISATION: Australian Hemp Resource and Manufacture, 15 Belmont Crescent.
PADDINGTON QLD 4064
PHONE: 07 3369 5925 FAX: 07 3368 1255
EMAIL: ahrm@hits.net.au
INVESTIGATION INTO THE COMMERCIALISATION OF SAFFRON
Objectives
To investigate the feasibility of a commercial Tasmanian-based saffron export industry through:
· critical evaluation of the export market potential for saffron; and
· evaluation of the commercial processing and agronomic factors affecting production under Tasmanian conditions.
Background
Saffron (Crocus sativus) is one of the most highly prized and expensive spices, it is a plant-derived dye and is used to colour food, fabric and other fibres. The genus crocus belongs in the family Iridaceae, (irises etc.) and comprises over 80 species, distributed through Central to Southern Europe, North Africa, West Asia as far as Afghanistan.
The saffron industry appears to be well protected and very little information to date has been available. The crop is harvested by hand and traditionally grown in areas able to supply intensive labour at very low cost. Information on the current world production and consumption levels is available. The lack of information on the agronomic and economic factors makes assessing the industry difficult.
The highest grades of saffron are produced by removing the stigmas from the dried flower by hand. Lower grades of saffron are produced after breaking up the dried flowers by threshing and floating the crushed petals off in water.
Research
Research methods included the extensive use of international library databases, international publications both general and specialised journals, books and news articles. An extensive network of peers and contacts has been established around the world. The research also encompasses experimental work and investigation of agronomic principles by Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries staff.
Outcomes
Saffron is the spice obtained from the flowering corm, Crocus sativus. It is an unprocessed product requiring large amounts of manual labour. The plant itself is less than 30cm tall at flowering and requires the gatherer to individually pick each flower as it opens. The flowers are spread out to dry and sort and require frequent turning. The stigma (which is the actual saffron) is then pulled out of the dry flower by hand with forceps.
Capital investment costs are relatively low compared with other new crops like olives or ginseng production. The main establishment cost is the purchase of corms in the first year. The variable costs are incurred over the remaining 4 years in which saffron is harvested. The returns for saffron production, obtained in 2 to 5 years are sensitive to the size of the area planted, the planting density and the market price of saffron at the time of sale.
Implications
There has been an opinion among herb dealers and growers that there is potential for development in the industry in Australia particularly if there is an opportunity to introduce some form of mechanisation within the post harvest area of the crop. The industry is possibly better suited to a cottage based format rather than large commercial ventures. There are a number of small, labour intensive producers as opposed to larger capital based properties.
RIRDC Project No: DAT-27A
RESEARCHERS: Ms Ange Monks and Mr Les Baxter
ORGANISATION: Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, New Town Laboratories,
St Johns Avenue, NEW TOWN TAS 7008
PHONE: 03 6233 6809 FAX: 03 6228 5936
INVESTIGATION INTO THE COMMERCIALISATION OF SIBERIAN GINSENG
Objectives
The project aims to determine the potential for an export industry based on Siberian ginseng through:
Background
Siberian ginseng was identified as an opportunity for investigation by the Horticulture Branch, New Crops group of the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries in 1993-94. Various publications suggest that Siberian ginseng, (E. senticosus) is more efficient and accessible, less toxic and less expensive than Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng).
A one year project was designed to investigate the possibility of introducing E. senticosus into Australia as a new crop to provide a possible alternative in the wide range of medicinal plants that are at present grown in Australia.
Research
Research methods include the extensive use of international library databases, international publications, both general and specialised journals, books and news articles. An extensive network of peers and contacts has been established around the world. The research also encompasses experimental work and investigation of agronomic principles by DPIF staff.
Outcomes
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) belongs in the family which also contains other genera of ginseng (e.g. Panax etc). It is active in many and various ways. Siberian ginseng increases the general tone of an organism. It is also said to be a biologically active stimulant that does not cause undesirable changes in the functioning of internal organs or metabolic processes, this is referred to as its adaptogenic properties.
Among the ailments that Siberian ginseng is believed to control or mediate are: thermal shock, mental illness, reproductive disorders, radiation illness, some forms of cancer, cardiac problems and hypertension. It is also said to enhance the senses' response time coordination and concentration in humans without producing any physiological changes. Propagation is by ripe seed in the autumn and by root cuttings in late winter. Alternatively suckers and semi-ripe cuttings can be struck with bottom heat in summer.
Propagation by seed can be guided by the general procedure used for Araliaceae. Tests of seed germination in other types of ginseng suggests that they require two periods of winter chilling and a warming cycle. Germination of seed sourced overseas and introduced into Australia has proven to be very difficult. The quality of the seed is dubious and germination tests have been carried out including stratification and flushing. The micropropagation of Siberian ginseng may be an option to increase the plants available. Other forms of vegetative propagation may also be an alternative to the use of seed.
Implications
Siberian ginseng appears to be a viable cropping alternative for Tasmanian or Australian farmers. Sourcing of viable germplasm is the main hindrance to proceeding with the project, although the development of the large pool of contacts world wide among alternative crop producers by the DPIF plays a proactive role.
Contacts have been established and are maintained to provide alternative sources of Siberian ginseng. The literature review has established the basic information surrounding the growing and usage of the plant. The review has also brought to notice the possibility of other medicinal herbs that have been used in tandem with Siberian ginseng.
RIRDC Project No: DAT-28A
RESEARCHERS: Ms Ange Monks and Mr Les Baxter
ORGANISATION: Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, New Town Laboratories,
St Johns Avenue, NEW TOWN TAS 7008
PHONE: 03 6233 6809 FAX: 03 6228 5936
Last updated: 30 October1997
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