RIRDC Completed Projects in 2007 - 2008

and Research in Progress as at June 2008

RIRDC Publication No. 08/063

NEW PLANT PRODUCTS

RIRDCInnovation for rural Australia

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2007- 2008 and Research in Progress as at June 2008

NEW PLANT PRODUCTS

June 2009 RIRDC Publication No 08/063

© 2009 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 1 74151 ISSN 1440-6845 RIRDC Completed Projects in 2007 - 2008 and Research in Progress as at June 2008 - New Plant Products Publication No 08/063 The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances.

While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication.

The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, RIRDC, the authors or contributors. The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication.

This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. However, wide dissemination is encouraged. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the RIRDC Publications Manager on phone 02 6271 4165.

RIRDC New Plant Products Research Manager Alan Davey Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: (02) 6271 4126 Fax: (02 6271 4199 Email: alan.davey@rirdc.gov.au In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form. RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6271 4100 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.au. Web: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Electronically published by RIRDC in June 2009 Print-on-demand by Union Offset Printing, Canberra at www.rirdc.gov.au or phone 1300 634 313

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Foreword RIRDC produces Research in Progress summaries of continuing projects and those completed during 2007-2008. Our intention is to:

• give stakeholders early access to the results of ongoing and completed work to inform their decisions, and

• to inform researchers of results to shape research directions.

The complete report on all programs is on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au This program aims to facilitate the development of new industries based on plants or plant products that have commercial potential for Australia. The New Plant Products program is divided into seven sub-program areas. These areas are:

1. Native Foods 2. Culinary herbs, Spices and Beverages 3. Olives 4. Extractive and Fibre Crops 5. Fruits, Vegetables and Nuts 6. Grains and Pulses 7. Miscellaneous

This report is an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1800 research publications, which are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website: www.rirdc.gov.au. Purchases can also be made by phoning 1300 634 313.

Peter O’Brien Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

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Contents

1.1 NEW PLANT PRODUCTS – COMPLETED PROJECTS PROJECT No

PROJECT TITLE

RESEARCHER

PHONE

ORGANISATION

PAGE No

Native Foods PRJ-000792 Improving harvest quality of native

food cropsMaarten Ryder (08) 8303 8534 CSIRO Land and

Water 1

Culinary Herbs, Spices and Beverages PRJ-000797 Paprika oleoresin - investment

backgroundJonathan Lancaster (02) 9351 8864 Structured Portfolios 3

PRJ-000590 Developing better nutritional strategies for mechanical tea production

James Drinnan (07) 4048 4647 Qld Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

4

PRJ-000880 To determine residue levels of specified chemicals in specified crops

Jane Floyed (03) 6423 2044 Peracto Pty Ltd 5

PRJ-000501 Production of high quality export green tea through integrated management

John Golding (02) 4348 1926 NSW Department of Primary Industries

6

PRJ-000909 Establishing R&D priorities for the Australian Green Tea industry

Steve Chaffey (02) 6041 1093 Chaffey & Associates Pty Ltd

7

Olives PRJ-000638 Recycling solid waste from olive

oil extraction processTan Nair (02) 4570 1332 University of Western

Sydney 9

PRJ-000497 A survey of Australian olive cultivars to determine compliance to international requirements

Rod Mailer (02) 6938 1818 NSW Department of Primary Industries

10

PRJ-000688 Mechanical olive harvesting: Evaluation of fruit loosening agents

Leandro Ravetti (03) 5272 9500 Modern Olives 11

Fruit, Vegetables and Nuts PRJ-002643 Truffle industry stocktake Barry Lee 0418 230 393 Connectica

International 12

PRJ-000608 End product markets for emerging tropical fruit industries - tropical fruit wines

Judy Noller (07) 4044 1617 Qld Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

13

PRJ-000593 Review and development of technology for improved processing of mechanically harvested cashews

Patrick O’Farrell (07) 4048 4653 Qld Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

14

PRJ-000689 Evaluation of the potential for hydroponic cranberry production

Jason Dennis (03) 5439 3841 Bioden Pty Ltd 15

Grains and Pulses PRJ-000760 Agronomic strategies for

producing large lupini beans for export

David Fulton (03) 6231 9033 Rural Development Services

16

Miscellaneous PRJ-000330 Current Issues in Intellectual

Property for the Australian Rural Sector

Brad Sherman (07) 3365 6193 University of Queensland

17

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1.2 NEW PLANT PRODUCTS – RESEARCH IN PROGRESS PROJECT No

PROJECT TITLE

RESEARCHER

PHONE

ORGANISATION

PAGE No

Native Foods PRJ-000723 Preparing the native food industry

for national and global challengesSibylla Hess-Buschmann

(02) 6689 7414 Australian Native Food Industry

19

PRJ-000448 Development of new root vegetable crops from South Western Australia's diverse tuberous flora

Geoff Woodall (08) 9892 8427 University of Western Australia

20

Culinary Herbs, Spices and Beverages PRJ-000597 An investigation into some

important pests and diseases of culinary herbs

John Hargreaves (07) 4681 6133 Qld Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

21

Olives PRJ-000496 Harvest timing sensory analysis

and shelf life for optimal olive oil quality

Rod Mailer (02) 6938 1818 NSW Department of Primary Industries

22

PRJ-000389 Characterisation of phenolic compounds in oils produced from frosted olives

Claudia Guillaume (03) 5272 9500 Modern Olives 23

PRJ-000475 Management of black scale and apple weevil in olives

Sonya Broughton (08) 9368 3271 W.A. Department of Agriculture

24

PRJ-000385 Technological and biological factors affecting sterols in Australian olive oils.

Leandro Ravettie (03) 5272 9500 Modern Olives 25

Extractive and Fibre Crops PRJ-000532 Improving latex extraction

technology by debarking guayuleMadan Gupta (07) 5460 1358 University of

Queensland 26

Fruit, Vegetables and Nuts PRJ-000527 Commercial potential of red

bayberry in AustraliaDaryl Joyce (07) 5460 1725 University of

Queensland 27

PRJ-000348 Collection, evaluation and selection of purslane as a potential vegetable crop

Guijun Yan (08) 6488 1240 University of Western Australia

28

Grains and Pulse PRJ-000356 Native Legumes as a Grain Crop

for Diversification in AustraliaHeather Clarke (08) 6488 1648 University of Western

Australia 29

PRJ-000347 Australian wild rice: A new sustainable wild food enterprise

Penny Wurm (08) 8946 6355 Charles Darwin University

30

Miscellaneous PRJ-000452 Grass roots - native perennial

grasses for sustainable pasture systems

Kingsley Dixon (08) 9480 3637 University of Western Australia

31

PRJ-000436 RIRDC Australian New Crops Website

Rob Fletcher (07) 5465 4121 Dr Rob Fletcher 32

PRJ-000003 Developing harvest technologies for C. australasicum

Eric Kobelt (08) 8303 9601 SA Research & Development Institute

33

PRJ-000162 Integrated Polyculture Industry Stage 1

Pia Winberg (02) 4455 5518 Sustainable Seafood Pty Ltd

34

PRJ-000585 Intensive seed-production systems to commercialise native grasses in northern Australia

Kenrick Cox (07) 4091 9324 Qld Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

35

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Completed Projects - NPP-Native Foods Project Title

Improving harvest quality of native food crops

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000792

Start Date: 7/1/2004 Finish Date: 31/8/2007 Researcher: Maarten Ryder Organisation: CSIRO Land and Water Phone: (08) 8303 8534 Fax: (08) 8303 8136 Email: maarten.ryder@csiro.au Objectives

This project aims to:

1. Identify the main quality criteria for produce (fruits nuts leaves) of key native food species and provide information for development of product description language

2. To harvest produce from native food trials established (RIRDC project CSL-11A ) and record yield

3. To assess native food produce quality as influenced by climatic and soil variation (i.e. trial site location)

4. To identify causes and test methods for control of major soil borne diseases of quandong and other native food plants; communication of results and findings to the native food industry

Deliverables of Research: 1. List of key quality criteria for the produce of 9 native food species in

cultivation in the CSIRO trials (quandong Acacia victoriae Citrus selections and hybrids riberry lemon myrtle lemon aspen mountain pepper munthari bush tomato).

2. Definition and initial description of produce quality criteria and a basic product description language that can be used by all levels of the native foods industry from producer/wild harvester to processer and other end-users (hospitality and retail sector)

3. Yield and quality data from native foods trials across south-eastern Australia. Information on commercial potential for cultivation of species in different regions and quality of produce.

4. Information for industry about the cause of soil-borne disease of quandong and other native food plants and potential methods of management and control.

Background

The modern native foods industry in Australia, excluding Macadamia, is still at an early stage. The research presented here is aimed at improving Australia’s capacity to grow and market quality native food produce. Aspects covered include cultivation of key native food species in different locations, pests and diseases, harvest and yield of produce and information about produce quality.

Research

A range of native food crops originating from the arid zone through to higher rainfall areas were planted in a range of field site locations, from inland to coastal, in South-eastern Australia. Information on survival, growth, plant vigour and yield of produce was collected. Pest and disease problems were recorded. Yield of produce was documented up to 5 years after planting. Yields were collected, particularly where plants performed well, so that the figures show what can currently be expected in good situations with respect to plant material and location. Many trees in the trials have not yet come into full bearing. Recovery of native food plants after fire has been recorded. Working with industry participants, we have developed a set of produce quality information sheets for the species in the field trials. These sheets are intended to improve levels of product knowledge and communication within the industry.

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Outcomes

Every native food crop performed well in at least one location, and many species performed well at several trial sites. At every field trial site, several species performed well. It is helpful to trial a number of different selections or variants of species wherever possible, when establishing new plantings of native foods, so that the selections that are best adapted to a location (soil, climate) can be chosen. Pests and diseases include Citrus black scale and sooty mould on Citrus and lemon aspen and a canker of mountain pepper. Reliable yield figures are presented for bush tomato, muntries and wattle seed. Good wattle seed yields can be produced with very little water input. Other crops are still in early stages of bearing. Some native food plants, particularly those from the arid zone, are fire-tolerant. Produce quality information sheets include the names of produce, their uses, produce quality requirements and suggested conditions and methods for post-harvest handling to keep produce in good condition.

Implications

Growers can benefit from trialling different selections of native food plants where these are available, and choosing selections that are best suited. The yield figures we present in this report could be improved by various means, such as selection of better plant material, and better water and fertilizer management. Further research is needed on these aspects. The work on produce quality has highlighted knowledge gaps in post harvest handling of produce.

Publications

CSIRO / RIRDC Native foods website (2004, revised 2006 and updated regularly): www.cse.csiro.au/research/nativefoods PIRSA Native foods fact sheets (2006): http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/pirsa/more/factsheets/horticulture Native foods produce quality information sheets: to be published on-line.

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Completed Projects - NPP-Culinary Herbs, Spices & Beverages Project Title

Paprika oleoresin - investment background

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000797

Start Date: 30/4/2007 Finish Date: 30/5/2008 Researcher: Jonathan Lancaster Organisation: Structured Portfolios Phone: (02) 9351 8864 Fax: Email: j.lancaster@blo.usyd.edu.au Objectives

To identify if a market in Australia for paprika oleoresin exists that could be supplied by Australian producers and processors allowing profits along the value chain. Also, the level of current and relevant infrastructure that could be coordinated in an effective value chain proposition and the gaps and obstacles that need to be overcome. Opportunities in development of hybridisation systems for paprika (see TOR for further detail)

Background

This 3-year project is a continuation of US-116A. There is a possibility of a commercial paprika industry for Australia, as long as quality is high and low cost production can be achieved. As Australia develops suitable germplasm and the capability to grow high quality paprika, it then needs to identify and have the ability to implement the necessary technology in plant, equipment and processing techniques in order to establish a full value chain.

Research

This project seeks to consider the parameters and settings required for implementation of effective planning to create the necessary business networks, validation processes and investment opportunities. The research seeks to identify whether such a path is viable and further identify actions in the form of supplementary projects which might assist in the process.

Outcomes

During the course of information gathering for the project a number of quite disparate organisations and individuals provided insights to how such an industry might form and develop. Having identified these groups individually a facilitation process can now commence to bring focus and interaction between these individuals which may lead to commercial relationships and ultimately investment in the industry.

Implications

It is only through networking of suitable groups and the creation of strategies developed by those groups that a process of due diligence and detailed business planning can commence. Some facilitation via part funding of supplementary projects may assist in elimination of industry investment risks, and thereby increase the probability of investment to create a viable value-added paprika industry.

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Completed Projects - NPP-Culinary Herbs, Spices & Beverages Project Title

Developing better nutritional strategies for mechanical tea production

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000590

Start Date: 1/12/2003 Finish Date: 1/12/2007 Researcher: James Drinnan Organisation: The State of Queensland Acting through the Department of Primary Industries

and Fisheries Phone: (07) 4048 4647 Fax: (07) 4092 3593 Email: james.drinnan@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives

The project aims to: 1. Improve the understanding of tea growers on the nutritional requirements of mechanically harvested tea to maximise yields. 2. Identify micronutrient deficiencies and the best methods to alleviate. 3. Increase the average yields of tea producers to help meet the increasing demand, this will also reduce the costs of production. 4. Improve the efficiency of fertiliser use thereby minimising the environmental impacts of current and future fertiliser practices.

Background

The Australian Tea Industry has been able to compete with low cost overseas producers because of the use of mechanical harvesters, low costs of production and the high quality of produce. To remain internationally competitive, producers must optimise their production systems including fertiliser practices. With the area of land planted to tea unlikely to increase significantly, growers are keen to increase their production by increasing their yields/ha to meet increasing demands. Besides climate (temperature and rainfall), the fertilizer inputs are the next major factor determining yields of tea. While some work has been done on the fertilizer requirements for tea in North Queensland, this was done 25 years ago and little work has been done since. In North Queensland yields have varied from 1.5 t/ha to 4.7 t/ha and the highest yields have usually been associated with higher nutritional inputs, suggesting that nutritional research work could significantly improve production.

Research

Information on fertilising practices including rates, timing and frequency; leaf and soil nutrient levels and yields were collected from different paddocks over several years from three farms across the Australian production area. Climatic information (including rainfall, evaporation, temperature and humidity) was also collected. The relationships between fertilising practices, climatic data and yield were studied.

Outcomes

Results indicate that the rainfall pattern, temperature, pruning cycle and fertiliser inputs all interact to determine the yield of tea. A fertiliser program using 6 even applications with 6-8 week intervals during summer and 10 to 16 week intervals during winter of a fertiliser containing the following mix of nutrients -- 10 N: 1 P: 4 K: 0.5 S: 0.5 Ca: 0.5 Mg plus small amounts of Zn, Cu, Fe and B is recommended. For tea yielding around 4-4.5 t/ha, 400-450 kg N, 15-30 kg P, 150-200 kg K and 15 kg/ha of S, Ca and Mg is suggested.

Implications

Higher rates, a broader mix and more frequent applications of nutrients than currently being used by the industry is likely to increase yields and reduce the costs of production. This will help the industry meet rising demand and improve the economic viability of the tea industry. This in turn will lead to expansion of the industry and increase the economic and social contribution to the regional economies of Malanda and other towns of the Atherton Tablelands, as well as contributing towards the Queensland and Australian Economy.

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Completed Projects - NPP-Culinary Herbs, Spices & Beverages Project Title

To determine residue levels of specified chemicals in specified crops

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000880

Start Date: 31/8/2007 Finish Date: 31/5/2008 Researcher: Jane Floyed Organisation: Peracto Pty Ltd Phone: 03 6423 2044 Fax: 03 6423 4876 Email: jfloyed@peracto.com.au Objectives

Background

Currently, the Australian Herb and Spice Industry Association (AHSIA) has very few crop protectants available either by registration or minor use permits, to treat its major pests. This exposes the industry to crop failures and inconsistencies in market supply due to the lack of available management tools. It also presents a major risk of developing resistance to the present permitted crop protectants.

Research

Research conducted for this project has generated residue data on the levels of eleven different chemicals in fresh herbs (basil and parsley) following various application regimes, to support permit applications for their use by the industry’s producers.

Outcomes

A total of 38 trials were completed which provide data to support the application for 11 minor use permits.

Implications

Finalisation of the minor use permit applications will allow growers to develop more sustainable and efficient pest management systems and ultimately, maintain a premium quality product with continuity of supply capable of competing successfully in the highly competitive domestic and global marketplace

Publications

All the residue studies were written up as separate reports covering both the field and analytical phase of the studies. These reports are available from AHSIA

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Completed Projects - NPP-Culinary Herbs, Spices & Beverages Project Title

Production of high quality export green tea through integrated management

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000501

Start Date: 14/82004 Finish Date: 14/3/2008 Researcher: John Golding Organisation: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries for and on behalf of the

State of NSW Phone: (02) 4348 1926 Fax: (02) 4348 1910 Email: john.golding@dpi.nsw.gov.au Objectives

To determine the feasibility of different propagation, establishment and cultivation methods on green tea production, weed management and insect and disease management.

Background

Australia is well positioned to exploit the growing consumer demand for green tea with out-of-season production in a clean environment with high technical input. However our knowledge of growing, harvesting and handling of high quality green tea in Australia is limiting the development of this new horticultural industry. Markets for out-of-season high quality Australian green tea already exist in Japan. A commercial green tea company provided continuing financial and technical support for this project.

Research

A range of preharvest and postharvest trials were conducted to optimise green tea production and quality. A series of propagation and establishment factors were investigated. Methods to quantify green tea quality were developed at the University of Newcastle. These were applied to examine the effects of shading, nutrition and postharvest factors on green tea quality. Most research was conducted on the NSW DPI green tea plantation at the Somersby Research Station, where pests and diseases were also regularly monitored.

Outcomes

The major outcome of this project was the demonstration that permanent shading was not necessary to produce high quality green tea, thus significantly reducing establishment costs. However the temporary application of shading before harvest increased leaf colour and improved final product quality. The development of a successful cutting storage technique of green tea shoots will allow the efficient use of propagation time and labour. Regular insect pest and disease monitoring showed there were no pests of any economic importance. The establishment of an organic block within the green tea plantation at the NSW DPI Somersby Research Station demonstrated the feasibility of organic production of high quality green tea. An update of the project was presented at the 2006 Green Tea Conference, which brought together over 75 stakeholders in industry, researchers and government.

Implications

The results of this project have provided new practical information for the emerging green tea industry to ensure high quality green tea for export. The project was successful in providing an important forum for both formal and informal information exchange.

Publications

Nguyen, V., Golding, J.B., Parks, S., Roach, P. and Motomi Ito, M. (2004) Production of high quality green tea on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Proceedings of International Conference on O-cha (tea) culture and Science. Japan. p 185-187. Proceedings of the 2006 Australian Green Tea Conference. Gosford NSW, 6-7 July 2006. Roach, P.D., Golding, J.B., Le B.N., Nguyen, D.D., Vuong, V.Q., Naumovski, N., and Nguyen V. (2006) Indices of green tea quality from the Japanese perspective. (A76) Invited speaker to 39th Annual Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology Convention 9-12 July 2006 Adelaide SA.

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Completed Projects - NPP-Culinary Herbs, Spices & Beverages Project Title

Establishing R&D priorities for the Australian Green Tea industry

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000909

Start Date: 27/9/2007 Finish Date: 9/4/2008 Researcher: Steve Chaffey Organisation: Chaffey & Associates Pty Ltd Phone: 02 6041 1093 Fax: 02 6041 4662 Email: chaffeysj@bigpond.com Objectives

To provide the Victorian industry’s perspective on R&D priorities for the Australian Green Tea industry.

Background

Since 1991 RIRDC has invested significant funds for investigations into the potential to establish an Australian green tea industry based on the production of “Japanese style” green tea for export. A commercial green tea industry is emerging in Victoria based around Ito En Australia Pty Ltd (IEA). Currently IEA is processing and exporting crude green tea to Japan, using fresh green tea sourced from contracted suppliers in Victoria. At the present time RIRDC has several research proposals that aim to support the emergence and development of a sustainable Japanese green tea industry in Australia. Concern has been expressed that the major direction of research to date is of limited benefit to the industry in Victoria. This report looks at green tea R&D requirements from the Victorian industry’s perspective.

Research

Between August 2007 and April 2008 a series of discussions, involving both IEA (the commercial processor and marketer) and IEA’s contracted Victorian suppliers, were held to identify high priority R&D requirements for ongoing sustainable development of the Victorian green tea industry. Included in these discussions were proposals for R&D currently lodged with RIRDC. All parties were asked to scan the production, processing and marketing spectrum and consider whether, in any specific area, a lack of information (that could be obtained through the application of science based R&D) was likely to significantly constrain industry development in Victoria. In total, eighty five knowledge (decision) areas across the supply chain were discussed. (Appendix C: A framework for advanced discussions with stakeholders). The authors believe that many of the conclusions arising from these discussions and the approach and framework developed can be directly applied to the development of a national R&D strategy appropriate to the broader Australian green tea industry.

Outcomes

Identified knowledge barriers to ongoing Victorian industry expansion that could be addressed by science based R&D. A total of twenty specific issues across the production, processing and marketing spectrum were discussed and analysed by Victorian grower representatives and IEA management. These included the specific elements contained in the current RIRDC proposals. Parties to these discussions were invited to nominate whether, for any specific issue, a lack of reliable information was likely to significantly constrain industry development in Victoria. The focus was restricted to information that was currently not available or considered unreliable and could be obtained through the application of science based R&D. A summary of these discussions has been presented in a tabulated format in the body of the report

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Implications

The report suggests the following actions: 1. Establish a national green tea industry committee that is inclusive of all industry stakeholders to systematically discuss, review, prioritise and assemble a shortlist of areas for R&D investigation using an adaptation of the approach and framework described in this report. 2. Request R&D providers to fully scope the RIRDC sanctioned R&D shortlist into formal research proposals that clearly identify and align with the strategic intent of the supply chain(s) they aim to improve. 3. The established representative national committee consider adapting, applying and regularly updating the framework used to assemble this report in future determinations of R&D priorities for the Australian green tea industry. 4. The representative national committee review options and make recommendations on the most appropriate combination of metrics to measure the commercial progress of the R&D program for Australian green tea industry.

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Completed Projects - NPP-Olives Project Title

Recycling solid waste from olive oil extraction process

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000638

Start Date: 30/7/2004 Finish Date: 28/2/2008 Researcher: Tan Nair Organisation: University of Western Sydney Phone: 02 4570 1332 Fax: 02 4570 1314 Email: n.nair@uws.edu.au Objectives

To develop environmentally sustainable systems to manage solid and wastewater from olive oil extraction process

Background

Olive mill wastes are produced in significantly large quantities in short periods of time, and are highly toxic to the environment. The industry is therefore faced with the challenge to manage these wastes in order to achieve sustainable production under a clean environment. There is a lack of sufficient data on the use of composting as a means of removing the toxicity of the olive husk. This project aims to develop a low cost composting technology for olive husk waste from the 2- and 3-phase olive oil mill extraction processes.

Research

Seven batches of composts were prepared with different combinations of olive husk, olive pruning, chicken manure, wheat straw and a mix of selected microorganisms. The compost heaps were turned and watered regularly to maintain aeration and moisture, and the temperature was measured each time just before the heaps were turned. The chemical data obtained from the compost during the process were then used to develop a protocol for composting olive husk waste.

Outcomes

This project has demonstrated that 2- and 3-phase olive husk waste can be successfully converted into compost by using a relatively low cost technology. It has further shown that the resultant compost is free of toxicity, and can therefore be recycled as an organic amendment to olive grove soil. The test results also showed that the end product of the composting process supported the growth of plants. An indicative budget for the production of the olive husk composting process is approximately $50 (fifty dollars) per tonne. There was a significant response from olive growers to the olive husk composts produced in this project when they were displayed at the 2007 Australian Olive Expo in Canberra.

Implications

The main impact of the outcomes of this project on the Australian olive industry is the application of an efficient and economical olive mill solid waste management technology. The consequence will be the ability to convert liabilities (waste) into assets (value-added compost) thus contributing to sustainable and responsible farming practices. The composting technology developed in this project is commercially feasible, economical and costs approximately $50 (fifty dollars) per tonne.

Publications

Nair, (Tan) N.G., Julie Markham, Roslyn Woodfield and Robert Spooner-Hart. (2007). Olive waste management by bioremediation technology – Research in progress. Australia & New Zealand Olive Grower& Processor, July 2007, 32-33. Nair, (Tan) N.G., Julie Markham, Roslyn Woodfield and Robert Spooner-Hart. (2007).Low cost olive waste management by bioremediation technology. Proceedings of Internal Conference on New Technologies for the Treatment and Valorization of Agro By-products, Terni, Italy. Markham J.L., Woodfield W. and Nair N.G. (2008) Extraction method for the determination of phenols in olive mill compost. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (in preparation).

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Completed Projects - NPP-Olives Project Title

A survey of Australian olive cultivars to determine compliance to international requirements

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000497

Start Date: 1/1/2005 Finish Date: 30/1/2008 Researcher: Rod Mailer Organisation: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries for and on behalf of the

State of NSW Phone: (02) 6938 1818 Fax: (02) 6938 1809 Email: rod.mailer@dpi.nsw.gov.au Objectives

This project aims to survey the chemical profile of the 10 major Australian cultivars to identify cultivars or conditions which contribute to unacceptable oil quality.

Background

Current studies indicate that a significant proportion of Australian olive production does not meet standards set by the International Olive Council. No prior surveys of minor components have been carried out on Australian olive cultivars. Australian cultivars have been found to exceed the limits for linolenic acid and campesterol content.

Research

Olives were be sampled from four sites over two years and at two different harvest times to investigate the changes in olive composition from the effect of site, cultivar and environmental differences. The oils were to be tested for fatty acid profile, phytosterols, free fatty acids, peroxide value, trans fatty acids, wax and 2-palmitic acid.

Outcomes

The study generated over 7,000 individual quality results on 10 cultivars of olive oil. For almost all of the fatty acid components, samples were found that did not comply with IOC standards. Sterols also were found to exceed the levels in many instances. The final report will document all of the non-compliances of Australian oil.

Implications

Over 50% of Australian olive oil is likely to be exported in coming years. The oil is extracted directly from olive fruit and meets all of the processing requirements of international regulations (IOC). However due to environmental conditions Australian oil is sometimes outside the range of the existing standards. These standards are used to determine if oil has been adulterated with other products such as seed oils. The non-compliance of Australian product has already resulted in problems with four deliveries of oil to Italy in 2005. Urgent attention needs to be given to addressing these standards which may result in trade barriers for Australian product in the future.

Publications

Mailer, R.J. 2007. The natural chemistry of Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil. RIRDC Publication No. 06/132, Project DAN239A. Mailer R.J. Chapter 4. Setting Quality Standards for Australasian Olive Oils. In “A Handbook of Australasian Lipids”. In press. Mailer, R.J., 2005. Variation in oil quality and fatty acid composition in Australian olive oil. Aust. J. Exp. Agric. 45:115-119. Curtis M. Kalua, Rodney J. Mailer, Jamie Ayton, Malcolm S. Allen, Danny R. Bedgood, Jr., Andrea G. Bishop, and Paul D. Prenzler. Discrimination of olive oils and fruits into cultivars and maturity stages based on phenolic and volatile compounds. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2005, 53, 8054. Ayton, J., R. J. Mailer, A. Haigh, D. Tronson, D. Conlan. Quality and oxidative stability of Australian olive oil according to harvest date and irrigation. Journal of Food Lipids 14:138-156. Mailer R.J., Ayton, J. and Conlan D. 2007. Influence of harvest timing on Olive (Olea europaea) oil accumulation and fruit characteristics under Australian conditions. J. Fd Agric. & Environ. Vol 5. (3 & 4).

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Completed Projects - NPP-Olives Project Title

Mechanical olive harvesting: Evaluation of fruit loosening agents

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000688

Start Date: 15/6/2006 Finish Date: 28/2/2008 Researcher: Leandro Ravetti Organisation: Modern Olives Phone: (03) 5272 9500 Fax: (03) 5272 9599 Email: l.ravetti@modernolives.com.au Objectives

To evaluate the currently available fruit loosening agents under Australian conditions in order to determine their cost effectiveness and conditions for their commercial use

Background

Chemical of various kinds used to promote fruit loosening, have been tested overseas for many years. Field trials were carried out in Australia on fruit loosening agents applied to heavy cropping loads of Barnea, Picual, Frantoio and Minerva varieties.

Research

The chemicals used to promote the loosening of pedicel were ethephon and mono potassium phosphate (MKP) at various concentrations.

Outcomes

These agents had the affect of loosening fruit after 7 days treatment. The maximum reduction in fruit retention force (FRF) was expressed 2-3 weeks after with up to 97% of fruit removed by mechanical harvesters. Leaf and fruit drop was within normal levels in most cases, higher than desirable levels were reached only with high concentrations of ethephon and under stressing conditions. Three fruit separation zones were defined: Peduncle-branch, pedicel-rachis and fruit-pedicel. Fruit separation occurred at all zones but predominantly in the first zone. No residues of ethephon were detected in the oil produced from all treatments.

Implications

The evaluated fruit loosening agents, when applied at correct rates, times and conditions, show an increase in harvest efficiency. This efficiency is reflected in larger fruit removal percentages and the possibility of harvesting faster, reducing the length of harvest, its costs and risks associated with the late harvest (Frost damage, biannual bearing). If we consider that most commercial groves in Australia (Approx. 20,000 ha) decide to apply these agents to approximately 25% of their crop (Mainly early harvest and difficult varieties), the potential benefits for the industry could reach betweenAU$ 3,700,000 and AU$4,300,000/year. The preliminary results obtained from the first year of this research as well as our extensive bibliographic research was utilised by the Australian Olive Association to obtain an off-label permit for ethephon. Being a fertiliser, MKP did not need a permit to be applied.

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Completed Projects - NPP-Fruit, Vegetables & Nuts Project Title

Truffle industry stocktake

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-002643

Start Date: 7/1/2008 Finish Date: 30/4/2008 Researcher: Barry Lee Organisation: Connectica International Phone: Fax: (02) 9545 2687 Email: barrywlee@ozemail.com.au Objectives

This report is expected to clarify the status of the industry across Australia, its location, potential for growth, realistic production predictions, price predictions and the necessary industry infrastructure for a profitable and sustainable Australian industry

Background

During the 1990’s, RIRDC assisted the Australian truffle industry by supporting a number of research projects and industry awards, and the industry has since grown and expanded. The industry now appears to be entering a new phase of industry investment and growth. Following discussions with The Australian Truffle Growers Association, RIRDC conducted this review of the status of the industry, and its requirement for investment in research.

Research

The research was based upon desktop research and an extensive program of industry consultation.

Outcomes

The report contains information on the status and location of the industry across Australia, production estimates, potential for growth, pricing estimates and industry infrastructure required for a profitable and sustainable Australian industry. The industry is projected to experience a rapid rate of growth over the next 5 years. The industry shall grow from an estimated 250 ha of mature truffière land in 2007 to almost 600 ha by 2013. This represents an average rate of growth of over 20% per annum. The production or harvest of truffles has steadily increased since 2002 to an estimated production volume of 800 kgs in 2007. Industry projects that the national production volume of truffles shall increase to 5 - 10 tonnes by 2013.

Implications

The challenge for the industry is the co-ordination and management of national and international issues with the anticipated growth of the industry, and The Australian Truffle Growers Association has a role to play here. The successful establishment and growth of truffle cultivation in Australia brings significant benefits to rural Australia. It provides not only alternative sources of income for rural Australia, but it also supports regional communities with a new and sustainable form of agriculture

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Completed Projects - NPP-Fruit, Vegetables & Nuts Project Title

End product markets for emerging tropical fruit industries - tropical fruit wines

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000608

Start Date: 14/8/2005 Finish Date: 18/1/2008 Researcher: Judy Noller Organisation: The State of Queensland Acting through the Department of Primary Industries

and Fisheries Phone: (07) 4044 1617 Fax: (07) 4035 5474 Email: judy.noller@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives

The overall aim of the project is to assist the emerging Australian tropical exotic and native fruit wine ("tropical fruit wines") industry to develop new markets to identify, evaluate and prioritise domestic and export markets and trade opportunities for tropical fruit wines. Also, to determine and evaluate the competitive situation and marketing requirements of such markets.

Background

An emerging tropical fruit wine new industry is producing wine from exotic, Australian native and tropical fruits in northern Australia, and seeking to expand beyond current local markets. The Australian fruit wine is small and undeveloped, although many countries have established commercial fruit wine industries, including some tropical fruit wine production.

Research

A literature search, distributor and consumer surveys, and interviews with retailers, restaurant and hotels operators and others were used evaluate the market situation for tropical and other fruit wines in Australia. A literature search was used to profile markets with significant fruit wine consumption. These were compared on overall market attractiveness and the likely competitiveness of Australian products, and Japan was chosen as the best prospect. The Japanese market was then evaluated through a market visit to interview importers, distributors, retailers and restaurant operators.

Outcomes

The findings indicate small undeveloped regional tourist and local markets in wine-producing regions, and potential niches in the wider national drinks market. There are also undeveloped markets of novice wine drinkers and the health conscious in Japan, and potential opportunities in other countries, led by the United States and Singapore that would justify further research.

Implications

Australian tropical fruit wines may have the potential to emulate Australia’s successful and internationally renowned grape wine industry. This will require development of awareness in new markets, distribution channels outside production regions, and a focus on high and consistent product quality to overcome a prevailing image of fruit wines as of low and variable quality and compete in crowded markets.

Publications

Noller, J, 2000, Market opportunity identification and analysis of the domestic markets for Australian longans and rambutans and the Japanese market for rambutans, RIRDC Publication 01/25. Topp, B, Noller, J and Russell, D, 2006, Development of Prunus mume, a new tree crop for Australia, RIRDC publication 07/053.

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Completed Projects - NPP-Fruit, Vegetables & Nuts Project Title

Review and development of technology for improved processing of mechanically harvested cashews

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000593

Start Date: 1/7/2006 Finish Date: 30/4/2008 Researcher: Patrick O'Farrell Organisation: The State of Queensland Acting through the Department of Primary Industries

and Fisheries Phone: 07 4048 4653 Fax: 07 4092 3593 Email: patrick.o'farrell@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives

• Review the operation of the existing cashew processing system at the

commercial cashew property and define its performance • Propose alternative or modified techniques that improve aspects of the

process • Construction and testing of prototype equipment where appropriate • Review technology for mechanised cashew nut shelling

Background

Profitable cashew production in Australia requires large-scale plantings, mechanical harvesting, and subsequent kernel extraction in low labour cost countries. Producers need to remove the perishable apple that is attached to the nut following harvest to protect the nut from spoilage during storage and to facilitate transport. The harvested nut/apple sample is currently dried to suit de-appling machinery, and this procedure as well as other aspects of post-harvest handling has inherent inefficiencies. Research was undertaken at a commercial plantation in Queensland (Cashews Australia) in 2006/2007 and represents Stage 1 of a two stage program to improve the efficiency of cashew post-harvest nut handling in Australia.

Research

Harvesting and post-harvest nut handling technology and methods used by Cashews Australia were described and evaluated. Priority research to improve efficiency was determined. Prototype de-appling machinery was constructed and its performance was assessed.

Outcomes

The schema of the post-harvest handling system and processes at Cashews Australia were described. De-appling technology that can process the full range of apple states (dry–fresh) would simplify post-harvest treatment of the harvested nut/apple sample, by eliminating the need to dry the sample prior to de-appling. The efficiency of the current system could however, be significantly improved by eliminating extraneous material from the system (pre-harvest cleanup, better extraneous material removal technology), and alternative techniques for preparing the nut/apple sample for de-appling (product segregation, and mechanical removal of juice and heat-assisted drying of the apple). The de-appler in use at Cashews Australia caused no nut damage, howeverexcept that about 9% of the nut processed by the machine still had apple attached that would require reprocessing. In contrast, the prototype de-appler constructed to process the full range of apple states caused an inordinate level of nut damage, particularly when tested with dry nut/apple product (60% sound NIS output).

Implications

Pre-harvest cleanup practices should be implemented as a first step to improving the efficiency of post-harvest extraneous material removal. They could be simply and immediately applied to cashew production in northern Australia, and would not require additional investment in machinery. Further research is needed to develop technologies to improve extraneous material removal from the harvested nut and the separation of the apple from the nut. Three potential post-harvest handling approaches were postulated and should be considered when planning this research.

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Completed Projects - NPP-Fruit, Vegetables & Nuts Project Title

Evaluation of the potential for hydroponic cranberry production

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000689

Start Date: 1/7/2005 Finish Date: 31/5/2008 Researcher: Jason Dennis Organisation: Bioden Pty Ltd Phone: (03) 5439 3841 Fax: (03) 5439 4315 Email: bioden@bigpond.com Objectives

The objectives of this project are to evaluate one of the main commercial fruit and vegetable hydroponic production systems compared to a modified system to produce cranberries and to provide an indicative cost of the optimum system.

Background

Cranberries have proven health benefits in the urinary tract, cardiac and oral health areas, and have documented anti-cancer and anti-ulcer properties. With the rise in consumer awareness of the benefits of including functional foods in the diet to improve and maintain wellness, the medicinal properties of cranberries create an opportunity in Australia to produce and market fresh cranberries in an environmentally sustainable manner to meet the demand for fresh functional foods.

Research

Well known commercial hydroponic systems and techniques were trialled and modified, and crop management strategies were investigated on cranberry plants grown in hydroponics.

Outcomes

The outcomes of this project were the identification of a hydroponic system that is highly suitable for cranberry production, and identification of optimum crop management strategies.

Implications

The 16 month production cycle from flower bud formation to harvest of fruit, means that management practices or seasonal influences in any year have an impact on crop production for the following year. A suitable environment is essential for hydroponic cranberry production. It is unlikely to be cost-effective in dry or hot climates with low rainfall over the growing season or in areas with low chill hours as it would be too expensive to create a suitable climate-controlled environment.

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Completed Projects - NPP-Grains & Pulses Project Title

Agronomic strategies for producing large lupini beans for export

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000760

Start Date: 1/7/2005 Finish Date: 10/6/2008 Researcher: David Fulton Organisation: Rural Development Services Phone: (03) 6231 9033 Fax: (03) 6231 1419 Email: david.fulton@ruraldevelopmentservices.com Objectives

To develop simple and reliable measures of crop development and to identify windrowing management practices for achieving highest possible bean quality. To identify the optimum time to harvest for commercial and seed crops and to advance the development of a selection/breeding strategy for the Tasmanian lupini industry. To develop and export marketing strategy for large lupini beans.

Background

The lupini industry could expand significantly in both volume and value of production if it were able to produce a larger high quality bean than its competitors. Initial small trials undertaken in Tasmania have indicated there is great potential for developing agronomic and plant selection strategies for producing large lupini beans.

Research

A range of agronomic monitoring and experimentation was undertaken involving lupini beans. The focus was particularly on crop development, windrowing, and harvesting. In addition, recommendations for progressing lupini breeding strategies and an assessment of marketing opportunities were developed.

Outcomes

A staging method is applicable for monitoring lupini crops. A reduced sowing density can yield the same results with less input. Windrowing around the time of maximum bean dry weight can maximise potential yield whilst minimising losses. A visual index to assess pod dryness can be used to easily determine the moisture content of pods, and help determine when to harvest. Breeding objectives were described for traits of sufficient value to justify the expense. Although the agronomic systems have been developed to ensure production of high quality large beans, there are barriers to receiving premiums for them.

Implications

The research has increased understanding of lupini crop development and presented practical tools to enhance the abilities of farmer decision making. A lupini breeding programme could be valuable to the industry; however its feasibility depends on longer term strength of the market.

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Completed Projects - NPP-Miscellaneous Project Title

Current Issues in Intellectual Property for the Australian Rural Sector

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000330

Start Date: 10/6/2007 Finish Date: 30/5/2010 Researcher: Brad Sherman Organisation: The University of Queensland Phone: 07 3365 6193 Fax: 07 3365 1466 Email: b.sherman@uq.edu.au Objectives

To examine three important and related issues that currently, or in the future are likely to, impact upon Australian rural industries: 1. Management of intellectual property for the benefit of Australian rural

industries 2. The potential costs and benefits of geographical indications for Australian

rural industries 3. The impact of plant and animal patents on Australian rural industries.

Background

Historically, patent law has had little direct impact of agricultural practices. However in recent years patent law has come to play an increasingly important role in the protection of plant and animal innovation. This means that researchers must be aware of the differences between legal regimes and the potential issues this raises for the patenting of plants and animals. This report examines some of these issues, including the nature and scope of patent rights, the extent to which patents are currently being sought over plant and animal-related innovations, and the ways in which researchers in these fields are likely to be affected by the increasing use of patents to protect plant and animal innovations.

Research

This research examines trends in the use of patents to protect plant and animal-related innovations in Australia, Europe and the United States. The scope of this research was restricted in a number of ways. First, the study focused on the patent laws of, and patenting activity in, Australia, Europe and the United States. These jurisdictions were chosen because they are (along with Japan) the only jurisdictions which permit patents to be granted for plants and animals, and they are important export markets for Australian agricultural products. Secondly, the empirical component of the study was restricted by limiting research to publicly available databases. Titles and abstracts were also analysed to exclude patents on products or processes outside of the focus of this report, including agricultural equipment, water and solar plants.1 Thirdly, we did not intend to capture all relevant patent applications (such as claims over plant and animal genes) as this was well outside the terms (and time-frame) of the study. Finally, the analysis of patenting activity in based on patent applications filed in each jurisdiction, rather than granted patents, because applications are a good indicator of interest in protecting plant intellectual property and applications are not affected by processing or other factors.

Outcomes

Our research indicates that while animals and plants generally are patentable, some questions remain. In particular, there remains uncertainty over the extent to which conventionally-bred plants and animals are patentable. In addition, questions remain over the extent to which conventional plant breeding processes are patentable in Europe.

1 The primary search terms used were ‘plant’ and ‘cultivar’.

17

Furthermore, our research highlights a number of significant consequences of a shift towards the use of patents to protect plant and animal innovations. These include the extensiveness of patent rights, and the limited nature of existing exceptions to those rights – in particular, the absence of a robust research exemption in Australian patent law and restrictions on the use of farm-saved seed and progeny of patented animals. Our research also indicates that the type of patents being sought for plant-related subject matter varies between jurisdictions: the United States has a high percentage of plant variety patents, while currently in Europe and Australia patent applications are primarily for processes and biological information, such as promoters, isolated genes and DNA sequences. Application rates also vary by crop. In the United States, where patent protection is most prevalent, the majority of applications relate to genetically-modified crops (soybeans, cotton and corn) and animals. In Australia, where there are still moratoria on the commercialisation of GMOs, fewer patent applications have been filed. In respect of animal-related subject matter, the majority of patents have been sought for transgenic animals, milking technologies and harnessing devices. The United States has the highest rate of patenting in this area. However, application rates have been in decline since 2003. In Europe, relatively few patents have been sought for animals. In Australia, application rates have fluctuated in recent years.

Implications

The increased use of patents as a means to protect investment in plant and animal breeding has the potential to have profound effects, both positive and negative, on Australian agriculture. The extensiveness of patent rights, and the limited defences to those rights, means that researchers will increasingly be required to obtain permission to conduct research involving patented technology. This has the potential to delay the commencement or continuation of research, and in some instances may even lead to the abandonment of research projects where agreement cannot be reached with the patent owner on the terms of any licence. At the same time, the broad scope of subject matter that is capable of being protected by patents means that multiple components of plants and animals, and techniques and processes used in the production of plants and animals, are capable of protection. This increases the likelihood that researchers will be required to obtain multiple licences, potentially from a number of different patent owners, in order to obtain access to resources required to complete a program of research. It is likely to that the increasing number of transactions that will be required in order to access patented materials will increase the cost of research. The anticipated introduction of a research exemption into Australian law has the potential to offset some of these negative effects, and has the potential to provide a competitive advantage to Australian industries. However, the scope and form of the proposed research exemption remains unclear. It is also unclear whether patent owners will be able to negate the operation of the exemption by incorporating terms in licensing agreements restricting the ability of licensees to make use of the exemption. If managed correctly, the use of patents to protect plant innovations also offers the possibility for attracting increased investment in plant breeding, particularly for the breeding of plants specifically tailored to meet Australian needs.

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Research in Progress - NPP-Native Foods Project Title

Preparing the native food industry for national and global challenges

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000723

Start Date: 1/7/2006 Finish Date: 30/5/2009 Researcher: Sibylla Hess-Buschmann Organisation: Australian Native Food Industry Phone: (02) 6689 7414 Fax: 02 6689 7565 Email: ozentico@nor.com.au Objectives

The first objective aims at improving the recognition within the market place of native foods through clarifying a standard nomenclature and quality characterisation for commercial plant food species. The second and third objectives aim at removing a specified number of plant foods from under the FSANZ novel foods regime and in so doing enable recognition within the international Codex Alimentarius thus enhancing opportunities for export growth.

Current Progress

Report on status of the initial 10 species: Lemon myrtle, wattleseed, Tasmannia pepper (leaf and berry), bush tomato, riberry, Davidson’s plum have been evaluated by the FSANZ Novel Food Reference Group (NFRG) and are viewed as traditional Australian Foods in the context of the historic consumption of the wider Australian population. Only Anise myrtle was viewed as non-traditional but not novel, due to its limited consumption over time. FSANZ has replaced the NFRG with an Advisory Committee on Novel Foods (ACNF) and the process is more stringent and formalised and responses take longer. Kakadu plum has been submitted in the new format for reviewed by FSANZ. The data collection for Quandong and Desert limes will forwarded to FSANZ when the review for Kakadu plum has been completed. Report on the developments with the additional species: Significant progress has been made with the following species: finger limes, lemon aspen, Illawarra plum and muntries. The remaining species have not been targeted as yet. Report on history or prior use: Historic prior use has been acknowledged by FSANZ for lemon myrtle, Tasmania pepper, bush tomato, riberry, and Davidson’s plum. There is documented evidence of prior use for Kakadu plum, desert limes and quandong. It remains to be seen whether the evidence provided will be sufficient for FSANZ to view the species as traditional foods. Report on progress with development of industry working groups and flavour development task: ANFIL has sent out its membership renewal form last month and has included a questionnaire to be completed to form industry working groups around the three main areas of native foods: essential oils, herbs and spices and native fruits. Contact has been made with research institutions to develop a flavour lexicon for the prime commercial native food species.

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Research in Progress - NPP-Native Foods Project Title

Development of new root vegetable crops from South Western Australia's diverse tuberous flora

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000448

Start Date: 5/11/2004 Finish Date: 30/5/2009 Researcher: Geoff Woodall Organisation: University of Western Australia Phone: (08) 9892 8427 Fax: (08) 9841 2707 Email: gwoodall@agric.wa.gov.au Objectives

This project aims to systematically asses the horticultural potential of southern western Australia's diverse tuberous flora and commence commercialisation of promising species as new vegetable crops.

Current Progress

This project has identified that Ipomoea.calobra and Platysace.deflexa have considerable potential as new vegetable products and has commenced commercialisation. For each species this project has developed a propagation system, a basic cultivation system and determined that the market would readily accept product from both species. It is recommended that I.calobra and P.deflexa be perused as new vegetable crops. Haemodorum.spicatum should not be pursued as a vegetable crop, though it does have considerable appeal as a spicy food colouring agent and as a dye. This project has created exciting opportunities for indigenous enterprise and it is recommended that they are encouraged and given the opportunity to participate in the industry associated with these new vegetable crops.

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Research in Progress - NPP-Culinary Herbs, Spices & Beverages Project Title

An investigation into some important pests and diseases of culinary herbs

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000597

Start Date: 4/8/2006 Finish Date: 2/3/2009 Researcher: John Hargreaves Organisation: The State of Queensland Acting through the Department of Primary Industries

and Fisheries Phone: (07) 4681 6133 Fax: (07) 4681 1769 Email: john.r.hargreaves@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives

To produce an educational tool for growers and research/extension personnel to allow accurate identification of a range of pests and diseases encountered in herbs. To develop a mechanism to manage beneficial insects in field crops pre-harvest. To identify common seed borne diseases in herbs (basil, coriander, marjoram, oregano, sage and thyme

Current Progress

For the major insect & mite pests of herbs, images of all of these have been collected. In addition, less important pests such as flea beetles, have also been photographed using microphotography equipment lent by colleagues. In spite of the absence of a dedicated plant pathologist, herb samples from south-east Qld and more particularly Biloela, Bundaberg, Stanthorpe & South Australia have been obtained and 200 images of symptomatic plants compiled. In addition, a collaborative linkage with Mr Steven Koike, of the UCLA Cooperative Extension Programme, has been forged. He has, very kindly, allowed us to utilise his herb disease images, so as to make up any shortfall that we may have in illustrating any particular disease in the wall chart. Disease testing of commercial herb seed samples is continuing. Presently coriander seed is being screened for Pseudomonas syringae coriandricola, following outbreaks in a commercial hydroponic system.

21

Research in Progress - Olives Project Title

Harvest timing sensory analysis and shelf life for optimal olive oil quality

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000496

Start Date: 1/1/2005 Finish Date: 30/10/2009 Researcher: Rod Mailer Organisation: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries for and on behalf of the

State of NSW Phone: (02) 6938 1818 Fax: (02) 6938 1809 Email: rod.mailer@dpi.nsw.gov.au Objectives

To study the relationship between harvest timing and oil chemical and sensory quality at the time of harvest and over time in storage, to determine the optimum harvest periods for the best commercial characteristics.

Current Progress

This study has now entered into the fourth harvest since the imposition of water stress conditions. The first two years showed little effect of stress despite reduction in water application. This was partly expected based on previous published studies. Due to the limited water availability as a result of continuing drought, it was necessary to limit the number of trees being irrigated. As reported in the 2007 annual report, this study was reduced to only one cultivar cv Paragon. Four treatments are now being imposed on each of 4 blocks of trees. These are 1) fully watered, 2) 50% water, 3) watered through summer, no water after February, 4) watered through summer, no water between February and April. Soil moisture measurements have been collected throughout the season. Two fruit harvests were carried out, one early harvest and the second at the same time as the commercial harvest was proceeding. Fruit yield per tree was calculated at the time of harvest. Fruit were transported back to Wagga Wagga and chemically analysed for: oil content by both solvent and cold press extraction, moisture content, free fatty acids, polyphenols, tocopherols, induction time, peroxide value and chlorophyll content. Results are currently being analysed.

22

Research in Progress - NPP-Olives Project Title

Characterisation of phenolic compounds in oils produced from frosted olives

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000389

Start Date: 4/6/2007 Finish Date: 30/10/2008 Researcher: Claudia Guillaume Organisation: Modern Olives Phone: (03) 5272 9500 Fax: (03) 5272 9599 Email: lab@modernolives.com.au Objectives

Volatile and phenolic compounds are the main responsible substances for the flavour of virgin olive oils and therefore will affect the consumers’ acceptance of this product. Studying the volatile and phenolic profile of frosted oils we should be able to characterise these oils and manage their blends more efficiently. The evaluation of the frost effects on oil quality and chemical/organoleptic characteristics will be undertaken in commercial olive groves where fruit frost damage has been observed in past years. Fruit from three different varieties with clearly different fatty acid, phenolic and organoleptic profiles will be crushed in an experimental olive oil mill before a frost damaging event and on a weekly basis after the event during a month. All samples will be evaluated based on basic quality parameters as well as phenolic compound profile immediately after being crushed, three months later and six months later.

Current Progress

All analysis on the obtained oils (immediately after processing, three and six months later) have been completed. Differences in the phenolic profile between varieties and between oils produced from frosted and not frosted olives have been observed. Some of the most important differences have been related to the reduced levels of tirosil acetate and derivates of oleuropein and increased levels of vanillic acid and vanillin. Levels of pinoresinol and acetoxi-pinoresinol have only increased in Picual frost affected oils. In order to re-check these results, we are currently artificially freezing (-20ºC x 4 hours) fruit from the same varieties and processing it immediately after, two and four weeks later. All those oils will be analysed before August 2008. We have found some interesting correlations with UV absorption at 280nm, which could allow exploring a fast UV test to determine the degree of frost related degradation in olive oils.

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Research in Progress – NPP - Olives Project Title

Management of black scale and apple weevil in olives

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000475

Start Date: 1/7/2006 Finish Date: 30/9/2009 Researcher: Sonya Broughton Organisation: The State of Western Australia represented by the Director General of

Agriculture Phone: (08) 9368 3271 Fax: (08) 9368 2958 Email: smbroughton@agric.wa.gov.au Objectives

• Develop monitoring and management programs to reduce the impact of two

major insect pests, black scale and apple weevil, in olive groves • Clarify the biology of black scale to improve its sustainable management

using IPM-compatible sprays and natural enemies. Currently, the timing of sprays for black scale control needs to be refined and the role of natural enemies needs to be evaluated. Both these aspects of scale management will minimise the effects of this pest in olives.

• Assess the efficacy and practicality of a range of options for controlling apple weevil in commercial olive groves to provide more sustainable and effective control of this pest.

Current Progress

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Research in Progress - NPP-Olives Project Title

Technological and biological factors affecting sterols in Australian olive oils.

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000385

Start Date: 4/6/2007 Finish Date: 30/10/2009 Researcher: Leandro Ravetti Organisation: Modern Olives Phone: (03) 5272 9500 Fax: (03) 5272 9599 Email: l.ravetti@modernolives.com.au Objectives

This proposed new project complements research by analysing the horticultural and processing practices that may have an impact on the sterol content and profile of the most important Australian varieties as well as generating biochemical and genetic information for a better understanding of the dynamics of sterols in olive oil. Plant sterols have been found effective in lowering elevated cholesterol reporting no adverse health effects and are now being added to a wide range of foods. The information to be generated with this project does not aim only to solve a legislation problem, but also to maximise the nutritional and health value of the Australian olive oils.

Current Progress

All analysis on the obtained oils (immediately after processing and six months later) have been completed. Differences in the total sterols and sterol composition between varieties and between treatments have been observed. We are currently finalising the fruit sampling and oil extraction of the 2008 samples. Only malaxing times and temperatures for Picual samples and late ripening samples are still to be done. In order to try to better explain some of the variations observed during the first year of the project, we conducted some additional trials. These trials consist of analysing the sterol profile of oils obtained from depitted olives and of studying the sterol composition of oils obtained from different parts of the fruit (Seed, flesh and skin). It is expected that the ratio between the different fruit parts as well as the time that the oil remains in contact with them are two of the major aspects influencing the sterol profile. Hence, it would be easier to determine the horticultural and production practices that could be used to enhance or reduce the total level of sterols or the level of certain individual components.

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Research in Progress – NPP - Extractive & Fibre Crops Project Title

Improving latex extraction technology by debarking guayule

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000532

Start Date: 1/3/2007 Finish Date: 31/5/2009 Researcher: Madan Gupta Organisation: The University of Queensland Phone: (07) 5460 1358 Fax: (07) 5460 1367 Email: m.gupta@uq.edu.au Objectives

To develop a practical and economical way of debarking guayule that is suitable for commercial use. The specific obrjectives are: * To develop an efficient and reliable debarking machine for guayule * To evaluate the effect of debarking on the quality of latex produced from guayule * To compare the economics of latex extraction from guayule bark with that from whole plants * To make appropriate recommendations for adoption of debarking technology by the guayule industry in Australia and overseas.

Current Progress

Focus of the debarking project is currently on design and development of the machine. Design of major components for conveying, feeding, cutting and bark removal has been completed. Development of the machine is underway. Harvested material is fed into the cutting mechanism via a set of wheels mounted on a single shaft that grab and hold the branches against a set of circular saws arranged vertically on a shaft for cutting at a desired length. The bark removal unit consists of a pair of rollers rotating in opposite directions at different speeds which crush the cut stems without chipping the core. Clearance between rollers is adjustable so that different stem sizes can be handled. Rollers are covered with rough rubber surfaces for gentle removal of bark and minimal damage to the inner wood. Separation of bark from unwanted plant material is critical; an investigation is being conducted for selection of appropriate air flow requirements and terminal velocities for the design of the bark separation unit. Routine maintenance on guayule plants in the field includes irrigation and weed control. Flood killed more than half of the 2008 transplants but the 2007 plants are almost ready for harvesting and processing.

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Research in Progress - NPP-Fruit, Vegetables & Nuts Project Title

Commercial potential of red bayberry in Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000527

Start Date: 1/7/2005 Finish Date: 30/4/2010 Researcher: Daryl Joyce Organisation: The University of Queensland Phone: (07) 5460 1725 Fax: (07) 5460 1112 Email: d.joyce@uq.edu.au Objectives

Evaluate Australian consumer acceptance of red bayberry; create a business plan for commercialisation of red bayberry in Australia; import the most popular elite cultivar from China; and, establish trial plantings in North Queensland and Victoria.

Current Progress

Foci over the Summer-Autumn growing season since the last bayberry project report have been to: maintain the original 12 seedling stock plants (i.e. vegetatively re-propagate) held at The University of Queensland Gatton campus (UQG) and the allied initial planting of one maturing tree of each of these genotypes at DPI&F Maroochy Research Station (MRS); and, maintain the second planting-out of approx. 200 seedlings for germplasm evaluation and selection at MRS. Growth is vigorous and there have not been any plant losses. Moreover, both the 12 established trees and many of the germplasm selection seedlings have already formed what appear to be flower buds for the 2008 fruiting season. Also, it has been established in root studies that nodules are present on both the nursery and the field trees at UQG and MRS, respectively. These nodules are indicative of natural innoculation probably by the nitrogen-fixing organism Frankia. Accordingly, it is unlikely that artificial root inoculation will be needed in Australia. Finally, a consignment was organised for Chinese bayberry juice to be sent from China (Haitong Food Company) to Australia (Food Spectrum Pty. Ltd.) for trialing with clients. The aim is to create in Australia, market pull to compliment production push.

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Research in Progress - NPP-Fruit, Vegetables & Nuts Project Title

Collection, evaluation and selection of purslane as a potential vegetable crop

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000348

Start Date: 1/10/2007 Finish Date: 30/12/2008 Researcher: Guijun Yan Organisation: University of Western Australia Phone: (08) 6488 1240 Fax: (08) 6488 1108 Email: gyan@plants.uwa.edu.au Objectives

The research will collate and develop information on growing, processing and marketing new purslane cultivars as a new commercial product. This will help the industry to diversity and become more viable.

Current Progress

The project started early April, 2008. A Research Officer is employed one day a week from 7th April to the end of December, 2008; a fourth year horticulture student has signed up to work on the project; and the WA Chemistry Centre has been notified to assist with the chemical analysis. Eight accessions of purslane from Western Australia and three accessions from China have been collected. Thirty accessions from Israel are in the mail and are expected to arrive next week or so. Eleven accessions have been planted at the UWA glasshouse for agronomic assessment, chemical analysis and DNA fingerprinting. More genotypes will be planted soon.

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Research in Progress - NPP-Grains & Pulses Project Title

Native Legumes as a Grain Crop for Diversification in Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000356

Start Date: 1/7/2007 Finish Date: 30/5/2009 Researcher: Heather Clarke Organisation: University of Western Australia Phone: (08) 6488 1648 Fax: (08) 6488 1140 Email: hclarke@cyllene.uwa.edu.au Objectives

Assess native herbaceous legumes for their potential as alternative pulse and oilseed grain crops. Identify native legumes with potential for domestication and cultivation. Provide basic information regarding seed yield, seed size, protein, starch and oil content, and harvestability, on a number of legume species; a vital first step for evaluating their potential value as alternative grain crops. Select 20 species for trialing in glasshouse conditions Rank species with poential.

Current Progress

Progress for the project is on schedule and no problems have arisen which could affect achievement of project goals. Industry linkage partnerships are developing well, and representatives from GWF Technologies and Ballard Pasture Consultants are actively involved. CLIMA also raised awareness of native species during a visit by local Grower Groups in February 08, including a demonstration of native legume species and plans for native legume research. Existing data on Australian legume species has been collated from published and unpublished reports, as well as via personal communication with experts in this field. This task for phase 1 of the study was finished on schedule in March. Final decisions on selections for phase 2 glasshouse study were made in April; a list of selected species and accessions is attached. Seed for selected accessions were requested and compiled at CLIMA. The glasshouse study of 20 accessions was planted in May 2008. Ten replicates are growing: five for collection of data on key traits and five for seed multiplication for analysis by GWF Technologies. Writing of a review article for publication was initiated in late January. The review article is currently in draft format with maps being prepared etc.

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Research in Progress - NPP-Grains & Pulses Project Title

Australian wild rice: A new sustainable wild food enterprise

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000347

Start Date: 1/7/007 Finish Date: 1/10/2008 Researcher: Penny Wurm Organisation: Charles Darwin University Phone: (08) 8946 6355 Fax: (08) 8946 6847 Email: penny.wurm@cdu.edu.au Objectives

Investigate feasibility of a native rice enterprise. Evaluate ecological feasibility and impact of wild rice harvest. Assess cost and barriers associated with collection and processing.

Current Progress

Milestone 1: Collect whole plants to understand yield and its components. Progress: Due to field conditions this was not practicable in the current field collection. Data from previous nursery trials will be summarised in the final report, as appropriate. Milestone 2: Collect seed of Oryza meridionalis and O. rufipogon, ensuring samples from at least two sites are included. Progress: Samples from five O.rufipogon and six O. meridionalis populations in two catchments were collected. Milestone 3: Determine the grain nutritional quality through analysis of (a) protein content, and (b) mineral compostion Progress: Quarantine clearance for movement of seeds to NSW is secured. Preliminary hulling trails (on previously collected seed) indicate successful de-hulling of both species. Preliminary mineral analysis (by ICP) of previously collected grain showed concentrations of P, Na, Ca, Mg and Zn were higher, while K and Mn were lower, than in brown grains of O. sativa from commercial Australian rice crops. Micronutrient concentrations in dehulled wild rice seed were similar, to slightly higher than, cultivated rice. Full analysis, and comparisons between wild species, will be presented in the final report.

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Research in Progress - NPP-Miscellaneous Project Title

Grass roots - native perennial grasses for sustainable pasture systems

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000452

Start Date: 31/5/2005 Finish Date: 30/11/2008 Researcher: Kingsley Dixon Organisation: University of Western Australia Phone: Fax: Email: kdixon@bgpa.wa.gov.au Objectives

To develop a national program to deliver seed-based solutions to overcome seed germination and establishment barriers for a profitable and productive broad-acre native perennial grass pasture and restoration industry. This aim will be met via the following objectives being addressed for fourteen promising species currently in limited commercial production and will be completed in collaboration with the DPI&F (QLD) (RIRDC project DAQ-332A). 1. Refine new advances in seed production technology to increase commercial availability of native perennial grass species (including the use of the discovery by the applicant of one chemical in smoke that stimulates the germination of native species) for pasture systems and rehabilitation sites. 2. Define and prioritise the information and implement technology required to overcome barriers to commercial production focusing on improving seed germination seedling vigour and seedling stress tolerance. 3. Increase the efficiency of the seed-to-site establishment by targeting a series of high potential native pasture species and recent innovations in seed technologies including polymer-based seed coatings for efficient delivery of germination enhancement and growth promoters to seed.

Current Progress

Public presentations have been delivered on the benefits of native grasses at: Friends of Trigg Bushland general meeting (20/01/08) and Friends of Kings Park AGM (10/04/08). Also attended was a pasture establishment workshop with the Department of Agriculture and Food, WA (11-13/03/08). Experiments currently running include: • Comparative longevity of native grass seeds (five species) • After-ripening requirements of native grass seeds (four species) • Storage requirements of native grass seeds (five species) • Germination viability and enhancement of 13 ecotypes of Microlaena

stipoides - seeds remaining from the "Perennial Grain Crops for High Water Use" 2005 project.

Five species are currently being prepared for the application of seed coating technology to be used in laboratory and field trials.

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Research in Progress - NPP-Miscellaneous Project Title

RIRDC Australian New Crops Website

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000436

Start Date: 1/7/2007 Finish Date: 30/12/2008 Researcher: Rob Fletcher Organisation: Dr Rob Fletcher Phone: (07) 5465 4121 Fax: Email: robfletc@gmail.com Objectives

Provide a source of reliable and current plant information useful for those commercialising new plant products in Australia and good advice on the process of new crop commercialisation

Current Progress

This project has been revising and upgrading the Australian New Crops Website (ANCW), which was initiated in 1997 (RIRDC Project UQ33A). ANCW provides reference to information on plants and general advice on the commercialisation of new plant products in Australia. The major source of information in ANCW is a Listing of Interesting Plants of the World. For more than 56125 plant species, references to published papers have been included, along with charts of the numbers of mentions per year for each plant species. This information can currently be accessed through the address: http://www.newcrops.uq.edu.au/testing/listing/listing_front_page.htm. For plant species mentioned at least three times in the literature, a trend line has been calculated (and included in the relevant charts) and species have then been compared on the basis of their current popularity. Although there are many reasons for a recent surge in interest in a specific plant species (eg it has become recognised as a weed in a specific ecosystem, there has been a change in name etc), one reason is a growth in commercial interest. Such species warrant investigation as possible new crop species for Australia.

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Research in Progress - NPP-Miscellaneous Project Title

Developing harvest technologies for C. australasicum

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000003

Start Date: 1/9/2007 Finish Date: 30/11/2010 Researcher: Eric Kobelt Organisation: The Minister for Agriculture, Food & Fisheries acting through South Australian

Research & Development Institute Phone: (08) 8303 9601 Fax: (08) 8303 9607 Email: kobelt.eric@saugov.sa.gov.au Objectives

Establish the suitability of Cullen to be harvested cost effectively utilising conventional cereal headers. Identify best practice techniques for seed production of Cullen.

Current Progress

Results from harvest experiments in 2007/08 have been analysed for various harvest methodologies including harvest method, harvest times, seeding rates, delayed harvest, and bee pollination. In four experiments seed drop was also measured weekly till harvest. Harvested yield was highest with a regime that involved indrowing, earliest harvest date, lowest seeding rates, and with bees present. Delaying harvest was unsuccessful and very low yielding after poor regrowth during very hot summer weather. While caging with bees produced higher yield and greater seeds per raceme than without bees the bee exclusion treatment was still adequately productive. These results indicate that bees may be beneficial but that augmenting natural populations of bees is not necessary. Collaboration is in progress with studies in WA looking at the breeding system and pollination requirements of Cullen. Yield loss by pod dehiscence over 11 weeks totalled 410 kg/ha with 62% (254kg/ha) occurring in the in the first four weeks (to Feb 25th). Reducing seed loss by dehiscence is clearly a key objective to improve seed yield of Cullen, and close monitoring of seed drop is indicated to maximise harvest yield. Proposed ongoing research suggests the following work in 2008/09: • confirm early harvest by windrowing method to maximise harvested seed

yield • monitor seed drop to better predict optimal harvest time • harvest earlier, as indicated by seed drop monitoring • investigate ways to minimise seed loss by dehiscence • attempt to shorten or compress the flowering period confirm ‘low’ plant density for best seed yield, and try even lower plant

densities.

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Research in Progress - NPP-Miscellaneous Project Title

Integrated Polyculture Industry Stage 1

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000162

Start Date: 1/10/2007 Finish Date: 30/7/2009 Researcher: Pia Winberg Organisation: Sustainable Seafood Pty Ltd Phone: (02) 4455 5518 Fax: Email: pia@sustainableseafood.com.au Objectives

1) To evaluate a range of local, NSW seaweed species with the potential for cultivation in integrated marine culture systems. 2) To determine the the potential health benefits of local seaweed species as human functional foods, and what potential health claims can be made about them.

Current Progress

1) The nutritional properties and health benefits review of 8 seaweed genera has been through two edits and a final version from the National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods has been accepted. An interim report was provided to RIRDC in March. This will be incorporated with objective 2 into a final report. 2) The review of known algal culture methods and the relevance and potential of these for application in Australia, specifically with relevance to food products, is currently being edited for the final report. Further information will be gathered at a conference in Ireland in June that is expected to be of value to this section, and potentially this could be added at a later date. 3) An Honours research project has been established at the University of Wollongong at the Shoalhaven Marine and Fresh Water Research Centre. The research has sourced and collected a range of local seaweed species with potential for culture and food products. Three of these are undergoing experiments to test for their nutrient removal capacity lab cultures.

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Research in Progress - NPP-Miscellaneous Project Title

Intensive seed-production systems to commercialise native grasses in northern Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000585

Start Date: 1/7/2005 Finish Date: 30/11/2009 Researcher: Kendrick Cox Organisation: The State of Queensland Acting through the Department of Primary Industries

and Fisheries Phone: 07-40919324 Fax: Email: Kendrick.cox@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives

Collect and assess for market suitability and seed production, a wide range of ecotypes of six native grasses with identified market potential. Identify and progress, to commercial status, one or two elite ecotypes of each species through: • Developing appropriate seed crop management practices • provision of foundation seed for industry • developing suitable extension resources and providing extension services.

Current Progress

The project is progressing well following delays caused by cyclone (March 2006) and cutting (March 2007) damage. All market-trait assessments of cockatoo, spear, kangaroo and Queensland blue grass ecotypes (89) have been completed and foundation seed collected. Two elite ecotypes of each species were selected and pre-commercial seed crops established: agronomic studies have begun. A research paper on the seed characteristics of these species was accepted for the 2008 Australian Rangelands conference. Mitchell grasses assessments (31 ecotypes) were completed, but collection of foundation seed is continuing as performance was poor at the sandy site (reflecting adaptation to clay soils). Crops of selected ecotypes of bull Mitchell, barley Mitchell and cockatoo grasses will be established in September for agronomic studies and pre-commercial seed, overcoming delays of sourcing seed. Pre/post-emergence herbicide screenings have been completed. A field day is scheduled for 12 June to avoid seed producer commitments during May (harvesting and processing): flyers have been distributed. Additional activities: 50 plants of selected ecotypes of spear, kangaroo, Qld blue, bull and barley Mitchell grasses were raised to establish a demonstration site near Emerald (key market area for Native Seeds); the DPI&F team completed field assessments of UWA (project partner) germination enhancements.

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RIRDC Publication No. INSERT PUB NO. HERE

NEW PLANT PRODUCTS

The New Plant Products program aims to facilitate the development of new industries based on plants or plant products that have commercial potential for Australia.

The New Plant Products program is divided into seven sub-program areas. These include Native Foods, Culinary herbs, Spices and Beverages, Olives, Extractive and Fibre Crops, Fruits, Vegetables and Nuts, Grains and Pulses.

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) manages and funds priority research and translates results into practical outcomes for industry.

Our business is about developing a more profitable, dynamic and sustainable rural sector. Most of the information we produce can be downloaded for free or purchased from our website: www.rirdc.gov.au, or by phoning 1300 634 313 (local call charge applies).

RIRDCInnovation for rural Australia

Contact RIRDC:Level 2

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PO Box 4776Kingston ACT 2604

Ph: 02 6271 4100Fax: 02 6271 4199

Email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.auweb: www.rirdc.gov.au

Most RIRDC books can be freely downloaded or purchased from www.rirdc.gov.au or by phoning 1300 634 313 (local call charge applies).

www.rirdc.gov.au

RIRDC Publication No. 08/063