Executive Summary
The primary aim of this project was to facilitate the commercialisation of the following five native foliage species: S. ‘Forest Lace’, S. ‘Forest Gem’, L. fraxinifolia, A. diversifolia and G. baileyana.

This project has followed on from a first phase project titled – ‘Identify and evaluate the commercial potential for new foliage and cut flower species from north Queensland’ – RIRDC project number – DAQ-262A. These five species were selected based on the results of DAQ-262A.

A number of research activities were carried out as part of the project to assist industry to commercialise these products. The research activities covered a range of topics to ensure that all important aspects relating to new product development were addressed at the same time. The research activities included: 3 field trials across different climates on the Cairns Highlands, post harvest and market research, gross margin analyses and grower education and extension. Field trials were used to determine; the agronomic requirements of the plants, the viability of S. ‘Forest Gem’ explants and to test different fertiliser and pruning treatments. Information has been collected on plant health, pests and diseases, irrigation requirements, growth rates, survival percentages and yield for all five species.

These field trials are also included in the third phase project titled – ‘Market development and commercial production of five native foliage products’ – RIRDC project number DAQ-324A beginning in December 2004. This will enable the collection of another two years of data from these trials.

Post harvest trials were carried out to test the vase life of A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia under a range of conditions. These species were assessed in deionised water, Chrysal Professional 3 cut flower vase solution both with and without oasis floral foam. In addition to this, leaves of these two species were included in a transport trial designed to test the vase life of the leaves after 4 days transport. In all experiments conducted, both species demonstrated acceptable vase life. Bruising during transport is an issue with both species and can significantly reduce vase life post transport.

Market research activities carried out were designed to obtain information on potential grower returns, grading and product quality. During the project, test samples of foliages were sent to wholesalers in Australia for evaluations on the parameters listed above. Price indications obtained have been used to generate gross margin analyses for S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’. Responses from wholesalers have indicated that quality and grading of the products has been accepted. These quality standards and grading protocols will be included in product specifications developed as part of DAQ-324A.

During the project, gross margin analyses were carried out for the production of S. ‘Forest Lace’ and S. ‘Forest Gem’ under an intensive system similar to the production of tobacco. The gross margin analyses have revealed encouraging figures for this type of production system. Establishment costs under an intensive system with 8400 plants per hectare are estimated at $26700 and $23490 per hectare for manual and mechanical planting respectively.

Extension of project results and grower education has occurred on numerous occasions during the project through workshops, field days, newsletters, meetings and field walks. A strong emphasis has been placed on the timely delivery of project results to industry in the Cairns region. This has enabled growers to capitalise on the research outcomes well before the completion of the project.

The success of this project has relied heavily on the high level of collaboration between the principal investigator and Yuruga Nursery. Peter and Ann Radke of Yuruga Nursery have contributed significantly to the success of this project as have the growers themselves. The growers involved in the industry are progressive and innovative which will assist the industry in the future to reach its full potential.