New Foliage and Cut Flower Species from North Queensland

Home , Alloxylon flammeum, Alloxylon wickhamii, Athertonia, Buckinghamia, Buckinghamia celsissima, Carnarvonia

New Foliage and Cut Flower Species from North Queensland – Commercial Potential

A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

By Joanna Arthy and Kaylene Bransgrove

May 2003

RIRDC Publication No 03/043 RIRDC Project No DAQ-262A

ISBN 0642 58611 X ISSN 1440-6845

Identification of Native North Queensland Rainforest Species for Cut Flower and Foliage Production Publication No. 03/043 Project No. DAQ-262A

The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report.

This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186.

Researcher Contact Details

Joanna Arthy Queensland Horticulture Institute Queensland Department of Primary Industries PO Box 1054, Mareeba, Queensland 4880

Phone: (07) 40484651 Fax: (07) 40923593 Email: [email protected] 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 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: 02 6272 4539 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected]. Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in May 2003 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

Contents

Contents...... iii Foreword ...... iv Acknowledgements ...... v Project Staff...... vi Abbreviations ...... vii List of Tables...... viii Executive Summary ...... ix 1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1 General Introduction ...... 1 1.2 Objectives...... 2 2. Methodology ...... 4 2.1 Pictorial Survey and Selection of Species...... 4 2.2 Propagation...... 6 2.3 Establishment of Field Trials ...... 6 2.4 Field Trial Management...... 10 2.5 Post Harvest Evaluation ...... 12 2.6 Market Assessments of Cut Foliage...... 17 2.7 Plant Profiles ...... 20 2.8 Extension...... 20 3. Results and Discussion...... 23 3.1 Pictorial Survey and Selection of Species...... 23 3.2 Propagation...... 23 3.4 Field Trial Management...... 24 3.5 Postharvest Evaluation ...... 25 3.6 Market Assessments...... 29 3.7 Plant Profiles ...... 33 4. Implications and Recommendations ...... 42 Appendix One ...... 43 Appendix Two...... 44 Appendix Three...... 51 Appendix Four...... 52 Appendix Five...... 54

iii

Foreword

The potential of rainforest plants native to North Queensland for commercial cut flower and foliage production has long been recognised by the owners of Yuruga Nursery on the Atherton Tablelands and personnel from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Queensland. The flowers and foliage of the native North Queensland rainforest plants identified for inclusion in this project are attractive, exotic in appearance and, in many cases, new to the market.

The project has identified and evaluated a total of nineteen species for their potential as commercial cut flower and foliage products across three different growing regions on the Atherton Tablelands. The ability of the plants to grow in the three different regions and the perceived market demand for the products have been the two most important factors for selection of suitable species.

This publication explains the methodology of the project and reports on the species selected for commercialisation, together with the implications for these selections in a fledgling industry set to develop on the Atherton Tablelands and surrounds.

This project was funded from RIRDC Core Funds, which are provided by the Federal Government.

This report, a new addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 900 research publications, forms part of our Wildflower and Native Plants R&D program, which aims to improve the profitability, productivity and sustainability of the Australian wildflower and native plant industry.

Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website:

! downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm ! purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop

Simon Hearn Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

Acknowledgements

The financial support, cooperation and assistance of Peter and Ann Radke, owners and managers of Yuruga Nursery, are gratefully acknowledged, as well as the technical assistance of Garry Sankowsky (IT Manager and Scientific Advisor, Yuruga Nursery).

The support, assistance, cooperation and willingness of the field trial site holders, Neil and Debbie Sweedman, Chris and Vagn Terp and Maureen and Trevor Pearce, are greatly appreciated.

The technical assistance and expertise of Kathy Grice (Plant pathologist, DPI, Mareeba) and Stef De Faveri and Ross Storey (Entomologists, DPI, Mareeba) is also gratefully acknowledged.

The time commitment and support of the following people (exporters and wholesalers) are also greatly appreciated and acknowledged: Greg Lamont, Lynch Flowers; Brian Harris and Peter Brooks, Collina Export; Bruce Cameron, Austwinds Internation Pty Ltd; Adrian Parsons, WAFEX; and Andrew Landy, The Australian Flower Company.

The development of the original pictorial survey by Judy Noller, Marketing Officer, Queensland Horticulture Institute, is also acknowledged.

Project Staff

From January 2000 to December 2001, Ms Kaylene Bransgrove of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Mareeba, was the project officer and principal investigator.

From January 2001 to early June 2002, no project officer was assigned to the project. In the absence of the project officer, Yuruga Nursery (the commercial partner of the project and members of the project management team) assumed a greater role of liaison with site holders and provided guidance regarding production issues in this time.

From June 2002 to November 2002, Ms Joanna Arthy (DPI, Mareeba) was the project officer and principal investigator of the project. Ms Joanna Arthy is the continuing point of contact for this project.

Abbreviations

DPI – Department of Primary Industries

DICA - Dichloroisocyanurate

QHI – Queensland Horticulture Institute

FGATNQ – Flower Growers Association of Tropical North Queensland

vii

List of Tables

Table One: Contact details of exporters and wholesalers included in the pictorial survey conducted in November 1999. Table Two: Scientific name, family classification and potential use of the twenty-two species selected for inclusion in field trials. Table Three: Scientific name, family classification and potential use of the species not selected for inclusion in field trials. Table Four: Species planted at the Upper Barron, Malanda and Mareeba (Paddy’s Green) sites. Table Five: Planting schedule for plant species and trial sites. Table Six: Species and treatment numbers included in two separate base vase life experiments carried out in May 2000 and June 2000. Table Seven: Species, treatment numbers and dry storage temperature treatments for the first and second dry storage experiments carried out in September 2000 and October 2000 respectively. Table Eight: The treatment numbers and outline of each treatment for the Eucalyptus phoenicea post- harvest trial. Table Nine: Specialty of each domestic market assessor. Table Ten: Participating exporters/wholesalers and species assessed in July/August 2002. Table Eleven: Species and propagation method. The primary method used to propagate the species planted in the trial plots is indicated by an asterisk (*). Table Twelve: Average vase life (in days) of rainforest foliage in Experiments 1 and 2 and for Stenocarpus sp. Tully R (‘Forest Gem’), Sarcotoechia serrata and Syzygium leuhmanii. Table Thirteen: Average vase life (days) at 20 days post harvest -dry storage Experiment 1 Table Fourteen: Average vase life (days) for various plant species. Table Fifteen: Average vase life after dry storage at various temperatures and after no dry storage (control). Table Sixteen: Effect of sucrose concentration on the vase life of Eucalyptus phoenicea flowers. Data represents all samples, including buds that did and did not open during the experiment. Table Seventeen: The effect of dry storage and pulsing on the vase life of Eucalyptus phoenicea flowers. Data represents all samples, including buds that did and did not open during the experiment. Table Eighteen: Results of market assessment by domestic market agent assessors. Table Nineteen: Results of market assessment questionnaire received from three export companies based in New South Wales and Victoria. Ratings represent the preference for the products, where: 1 = this product would be in high demand and therefore has excellent market potential; and 5 = there would be no demand for this product and therefore has no market potential. Table Twenty: Results of market assessment questionnaire received from Lynch Flowers Sydney (domestic agent). Ratings represent the preference for the products, where: 1 = this product would be in high demand and therefore has excellent market potential; and 5 = there would be no demand for this product and therefore has no market potential.

viii

Executive Summary

This aim of this project was to evaluate the commercial potential of a range of north Queensland cut flower and foliages for the export market. To do this, early market feedback was used to make an initial selection of twenty-two species from twenty-eight species. Vase life experiments investigating basic vase life and the effect of dry storage and storage temperature on vase life, field trials to ascertain production characteristics, and further market assessments during the project were used to select species for further development and commercialisation.

Vase life experiments showed that nearly all species evaluated had a vase life of over two weeks. Many had a vase life of longer than three weeks and the vase life of a few was longer than four weeks. All mature Proteaceae foliage specimens had a vase life of over three weeks. Dry storage experiments indicated that 10ºC is the most appropriate temperature for dry storage, although storage at any temperature did not affect the post-storage vase life of Stenocarpus sp. Tully River (Forest Gem), a species with particular market potential. Vase life was recorded as the number of days from harvest until a visible change in the appearance of the specimen occurred. As this was the first time many of these species had been evaluated, the pattern of specimen death was previously unknown. This change was usually wilting, leaf abscission or a change in pigment colour of the foliage.

Field trials were conducted in three climatic areas of the Atherton Tablelands. They showed that climatic and soil considerations will need to be taken into account, should growers from other regions adopt any of these species. Irrespective of market potential, some species (e.g. Leptospermum wooroonooran and Callitris macleayana) will be unsuitable for most regions due to their requirement for high elevation. Other species, such as Eucalyptus phoenicea and Xanthostemon youngii, would also be unsuitable in many areas because they require a sandy soil and warm climate.

Field trials also indicated that the species evaluated tend to form a good branching structure as the basis of later secondary growth, and produce lateral growth and stem production quite readily in response to pruning. Apical dominance is still evident in some of the species, and pruning techniques or shoot selection may be required to enhance stem production.

Insect damage will potentially be of greater concern than disease for foliage production from the selected species, although relatively few insect problems were noted. Disease incidence was limited to a number of fungal infections of pruning wound sites that led to dieback and death of the infected plants.

While field trials showed that the species were generally quite vigorous and responded well to pruning for stem production, detailed information regarding yields, time of pruning, species specific pruning, fertilisation and irrigation requirements needs to be produced.

Market feedback on foliage harvested from the field trials indicated that a number of species did have potential as new products in the market, and also indicated that the domestic and export markets have different requirements. Feedback varied between agents and between assessors of agent. The range of comments was extremely useful, however, for discerning the potential of the species studied.

Using the feedback from domestic and export agents, field trial and vase life results, ten species were chosen for further development and potential commercialisation. The species include Athertonia diversifolia, Banksia plagiocarpa, Eucalyptus phoenicea, Evodiella muelleri, Grevillea baileyana, Lomatia fraxinifolia, Neorites kevediana, Sarcotoechia serrata, Stenocarpus sp. Tully River (both varieties ‘Forest Gem’ and ‘Forest Lace’) and Xanthostemon chrysanthus. This development will initially be in the north Queensland region, but the species could be adopted in other areas in the future.

1. Introduction

1.1 General Introduction

New flower and foliage products are in continual demand by the flower industry. Over the last 10 years, non-traditional products have become increasing popular. To date, however, it has been largely southern and western Australian species that have been developed.

The unique rainforests of tropical north Queensland support more than 1000 species of plants, and over 400 of these species are endemic to the area. In this area, small pockets of ancient Gondwanan rainforest, which previously covered the whole Australian continent, can still be found. The Proteaceae family has a significant number of ancient genera that are only found in this area. Many Proteaceae and other rainforest species have attractive and distinctive foliages, with interesting leaf colours and forms.

The selection criteria for new foliage species are interesting colours, leaf shapes and forms, a long vase life, and being economically viable to produce. While a large proportion of northern Queensland rainforest species have attractive foliage, and a small number are known to the Australian domestic market, most are not known and have not been evaluated as potential cut foliage species.

A specific licence is required to collect native plants from the wild, whether collection is for the purposes of propagation or the sale of the plant/plant part. In addition, collection of many of the species requires prospecting missions to remote areas of north Queensland. Having had appropriate licences for numerous years, collection of rare and interesting rainforest species has been the specialty of the staff and owners of Yuruga Nursery. Staff of the nursery has worked with DPI Forestry in Queensland and, from their own and co-operative collections, have assembled the largest and most comprehensive range of native north Queensland plants. Nursery staff members are also the leaders in propagation and production of these plant species, and have regarded many species as potential cut foliage and flower species for many years.

The existing cut flower and foliage industry in north Queensland contributed over $3.6 million to the regional economy in the 1998/1999 financial year1. The industry is comprised of growers of traditional, tropical and native flowers and foliage, and has affiliations with the Native Food Association of Far North Queensland Inc and the Flower Growers Association of Tropical North Queensland (FGATNQ). The growers in the region supply 51% of their total production direct to florists, 40% to hotels and the corporate market and 7% to the general public. The main products supplied include traditional flowers and foliage (72%), tropical flowers (22%), tropical foliage (4%) and native flowers (2%)1. These percentages highlight a significant opportunity for the further expansion of native flower and foliage production in the region and to investigate the southern domestic and export markets.

Considerable interest in expanding the flower and foliage industry exists in north Queensland. This may be tied to the demise of the tobacco and tea-tree industries in the area over the preceding five plus years, recent deregulation of the dairy industry (affecting the Atherton Tableland most directly) and a down- turn in the sugar industry in 2002 (affecting the Atherton Tableland, the Mareeba-Dimbulah district and the coastal fringe). With a clear need for new rural industries in this area, and a constant need for new products by the flower and foliage industry, evaluation of a range of the endemic rainforest species would seem timely.

1 Noller, J. (2000). Capability Profile of the Far North Queensland Flower Industry 2000: A Survey of the Industry. Report commissioned by the Cut Flower Industry of Far North Queensland and the Cairns Region Economic Development Corporation.

Producing endemic species immediately eliminates production obstacles such as climate suitability and pest and disease problems associated with weak plants. The climatic conditions of north Queensland allow production of flowers and foliage for longer time periods than for southern regions. Following this, not only can northern growers extend the season of some products, they can also produce hardened, market-ready material in the September/October period when foliage from southern regions is still flushing and is too soft to harvest and market. This represents a significant window of economic opportunity for growers and market agents alike. The experience of staff members of Yuruga Nursery indicates that most of these species will grow in production systems. The vigour and health, lateral branching and stem production and exact climate suitability, however, would need to be determined for any selected species.

After identifying a species with attractive foliage that may be of market interest, the vase life and the ability to survive dry storage and maintain vase life post-storage are fundamental to the commercialisation of any species. Neither of these criteria has been investigated in most rainforest species. Other tropical foliages, however, are known to have a vase life of several weeks to several months.

Vase life is influenced by numerous pre- and post-harvest factors, including time of harvest, maturity of foliage at harvest, hydration (pre- and post- harvest), temperature and humidity. For any commercialised species, the effect of these factors on vase life needs to be determined. Vase life is frequently measured as the number of days from harvest (or storage) before the specimen undergoes a prescribed change in appearance (e.g. wilting, discolouration) or dies.

To evaluate a range of northern Queensland species for their commercial potential as cut flower or foliage products, this project has consisted of five major research activities. These are market comment and identification of species, agronomics, post-harvest, market evaluation and extension.

A total of twenty-two species were selected from an original number of twenty-eight for inclusion in the project. The initial selection of species was based on comments from a number of exporters and wholesalers across Australia, the knowledge and experience of staff at Yuruga nursery and the marketing expertise of the DPI project leader. Of the twenty-one species, sixteen are being considered for foliage production and the remaining five, for flower production. The species represent several families of plants, including Proteaceae, Sapindaceae, Cupressaceae, Myrtaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rutaceae and Xanthorrhoeaceae.

Using continued market feedback, production and vase life information, the project has identified species with potential and has also been able to identify those species that do not warrant further research. As a result, species have already been selected for inclusion in a follow-on project, which aims to further commercialise the selected species and develop the north Queensland native flower and foliage industry.

1.2 Objectives

1. To identify species with market potential based on the results of a photographic survey of 28 species distributed to exporters and wholesalers around Australia.

2. To establish field trials in three geographically and climatically different sites across the Atherton Tablelands.

3. To monitor and observe the plants in these trials for growth, susceptibility to insect attack and suitability to each site.

4. To strategically prune and fertilise the plants to encourage branching and vigorous growth from a young age.

5. To partially determine the market demand for each of the species in both the export and domestic markets.

6. To determine the base vase life of selected species.

7. To develop short plant profiles for each of the species.

8. To establish and maintain close working relationships with project trial site holders, Yuruga Nursery staff, and other cut flower and foliage growers in the region.

9. To establish links with the Queensland Flower Growers Association and the Flower Growers Association of Tropical North Queensland.

10. To communicate project results to industry through newsletters, discussion groups, and field days.

11. At the completion of the project, species deemed to have commercial potential will be made available to other relevant Australian industry and government organisations to evaluate their performance in other regions.

2. Methodology

2.1 Pictorial Survey and Selection of Species

A five-page colour pictorial survey (Appendix One) was sent to 15 exporters across Australia for comment on the stem length, appearance and market potential of 28 species native to north Queensland in November 1999. This survey was developed and co-ordinated by Judy Noller in consultation with Peter and Ann Radke from Yuruga Nursery Pty Ltd and included species for commercial foliage and flower production.

In November 1999, Judy Noller, Marketing Officer for the Queensland Horticulture Institute distributed the pictorial survey to the following exporters and wholesalers (Table One) for their comments and feedback.

Table One: Contact details of exporters and wholesalers included in the pictorial survey conducted in November 1999. Exporter/ Wholesaler Exporter/ Wholesaler Chanel Day Floral Import/Export Manager Jeff Hayler Carter & Spencer Sunglow Flowers Pty Ltd P.O. Box 30 PO Box 716 Brisbane Markets CANNINGTON WA 6107 ROCKLEA QLD 4106 Jamie Creer, Managing Director, Brian Harris/Peter Brooks Export Sales (USA / Canada) Collina Export The Australian Flower Company 542 Footscray Road 40-42 John Street NORTH MELBOURNE VIC 3051 MASCOT NSW 2020

Joanne Prior Philippe Lescuyer Executive Officer Japanese Operations, Technology Manager. FECA The Australian Flower Company PO Box 442 40-42 John Street NORTH MELBOURNE VIC 3051 MASCOT NSW 2020

Shaun Keenan Andrew Landy – Export Sales (Europe and Flora Trade International Asia) Unit 1 The Australian Flower Company 14 Freight Road 40-42 John Street TULLAMARINE VIC 3043 MASCOT NSW 2020

Fred Van Wijk Russell Klopper Austwinds International Pty Ltd Total Flower Exports P.O. Box 563 69 Dowd Street TULLAMARINE VIC 3043 WELSHPOOL WA 6106

Dr Brian Freeman WAFX Direct Managing Director Unit 4 International Horticultural Services (IHM) 6 Elmsfield Road P.O. Box 700 MIDVALE WA 6056 GOSFORD NSW 2250

Exporter/ Wholesaler Exporter/ Wholesaler

Mr Chris Findlater Mr Craig Musson Ironbark Wildflowers Pty Ltd Westralian Flora Exports P.O. Box 291 4/6 Elmsfield Road CLUNES NSW 2480 MIDVALE WA 6056

Peter Lynch Barbara Oats Director Australis Flowers Pty Ltd Lynch Flowers 4/9 Pilbara Street PO Box 371 WELSHPOOL WA 6106 SYDNEY MARKETS NSW 2129

Ron Tong Mrs Jenni Bras Tong Sing Pty Ltd The Tulip Garden Nursery Pty Ltd 173 Spence Street 140 Monbulk-Seville Road Bungalow SILVAN VIC 3795 CAIRNS QLD 4870

Peter Bice & Wil Spierenburg Australian Flora Corporation

PO Box 355 PALMWOODS QLD 4555

Of the fifteen exporters contacted, nine responded with their comments and preferences. In January 2000, the information was collated and the project management team considered the potential of each species and decided which of the 28 species would be investigated further in the project. In conjunction with comments from the participating exporters, the team used leaf colour, shape and known potential stem length and productivity information to select species for further investigation. The 22 species selected and rejected for the field trials are listed in Tables Two and Three, respectively. Opisthiolepsis heterophylla was included at this stage of the selection process and was to be included in field trials; however, the number of plants needed for field trials was not available from the nursery and therefore the species was excluded from field trials.

Table Two: Scientific name, family classification and potential use of the twenty-two species selected for inclusion in field trials. Species Genus and Species Family Cut Number Flower/Foliage Product 1 Athertonia diversifolia Proteaceae Foliage 2 Banksia plagiocarpa Proteaceae Flower 3 Buckinghamia celsissima Proteaceae Foliage 4 Callitris macleayana Cupressaceae Foliage 5 Carnarvonia araliifolia var. Proteaceae Foliage montana 6 Dissiliaria surculosa Euphorbiaceae Foliage 7 Eucalyptus phoenicea Myrtaceae Flower 8 Evodiella muelleri Rutaceae Flower 9 Grevillea baileyana Proteaceae Foliage 10 Lomandra hystrix Xanthorrhoeaceae Foliage 11 Lomatia fraxinifolia Proteaceae Foliage 12 Leptospermum wooroonooran Myrtaceae Foliage

Species Genus and Species Family Cut Number Flower/Foliage Product 13 Neorites kevediana Proteaceae Foliage 14 Opisthiolepsis heterophylla Proteaceae Foliage 15 Placospermum coriaceum Proteaceae Foliage 16 Sarcotoechia serrata Sapindaceae Foliage 17 Stenocarpus sp. Tully River Proteaceae Foliage 18 Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ Proteaceae Foliage 19 Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ Proteaceae Foliage 20 Syzygium leuhmanii Myrtaceae Foliage 21 Xanthostemon chrysanthus Myrtaceae Flower 22 Xanthostemon youngii Myrtaceae Flower

Table Three: Scientific name, family classification and potential use of the species not selected for inclusion in field trials. Species Genus and Species Family Cut Number Flower/Foliage Product 1 Darlingia darlingiana Proteaceae Foliage 2 Buckinghamia ferruginiflora Proteaceae Foliage 3 Grevillea hiliana Proteaceae Foliage 4 Alloxylon flammeum Proteaceae Flower 5 Austromyrtus floribunda Myrtaceae Foliage 6 Leptospernum ‘Cardwell’ Myrtaceae Foliage/Flower 7 Austromyrtus sp. Mt Lewis Myrtaceae Foliage 8 Syzygium papyraceum Myrtaceae Flower 9 Tapeinochilos ananassae Costaceae Flower 10 Alloxylon wickhamii Proteaceae Flower

2.2 Propagation

Yuruga Nursery conducted the propagation trials for all species evaluated in this project. Standard seed and cutting propagation protocols were used. The Results section of this report outlines observations that were made by Yuruga staff while carrying out the propagation trials.

2.3 Establishment of Field Trials

2.3.1 Identification of Trial Site Co-operators

In early 2000, the project officer advertised for expressions of interest for the foliage and flower demonstration sites in the ‘Tablelands Advertiser’, a very widely distributed local paper. Interested parties were asked to complete a questionnaire asking for details of their horticultural experience and of their property, including size of the available trial site and irrigation water supply details (Appendix Two). All expressions of interest were received by the 10th May 2000. The project officer selected three sites representative of the varied climatic conditions on the Atherton Tablelands based on information supplied in the application forms, phone conversations with the prospective site holders and site visits. After selection of the three sites, the project officer visited the sites with Peter and Ann Radke and Gary Sankowsky from Yuruga Nursery to ensure the selections were appropriate and to meet the applicants in person.

The original selection of sites included: Malanda (cool/wet climate), Mareeba (warm/dry climate) and Kuranda (warm/wet climate). The applicants at Kuranda withdrew their application for involvement close to planting time and a site at Upper Barron (cold/very wet climate) was selected instead. The co- operators at the Upper Barron site have since proven to be excellent collaborators for the project. Project contracts were drawn up and signed off to formalise the agreements between the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Queensland and the grower co-operators.

The grower co-operators chosen are listed below.

Maureen and Trevor Pearce Chris and Vagn Terp Neil and Debbie Sweedman ‘Telpara Hills’ ‘Toften Nursery’ Randazzo Rd Kennedy Highway Lot 4 Paddy’s Green via Upper Barron via Ball Rd Mareeba QLD 4880 Atherton QLD 4883 Malanda QLD 4885 Telephone (07) 4096 6926

The following area map shows the site locations. On the map, the Upper Barron is south-east of Herberton on the dark red road indicator in the narrow portion of the green (rainforest) section. Paddy’s Green is just north-west of Mareeba on the road pictured just north of Mareeba.

(Map source: http://www.cairnsholiday.com/AreaMap/AreaMap1.htm ) A brief description of each site is provided below.

Upper Barron – western aspect, slight slope, red volcanic soil, area 2646 m2, strong prevailing winds, annual rainfall approx. 2000 mm, altitude approx. 1000 m.

Malanda – north-east aspect, slope, clay (Mt Quincan), does not experience strong winds (protected by large trees surrounding the site), area 2080 m2, annual rainfall over 1400 mm, altitude 730 m.

Mareeba – no slope, very sandy soil, altitude 400 m, area 1256 m2, annual rainfall 925 mm.

2.3.2 Trial Design, Layout and Site-Specific Species Selection

Each site presented different challenges that impacted on the design and layout of the trials, with the sites differing in size, aspect, slope and soil type. The trials were designed to achieve the following aims: to make the most of the resources available; to eliminate as much bias as possible; and to ensure that results obtained from the trials could be analysed and presented scientifically. Expert knowledge regarding the growing requirements of the species was used to exclude species from climates in which they were known not to grow. For example, Xanthostemon youngii occurs on sand dunes in Cape York. Therefore, X. youngii was only planted at the Mareeba (very sandy soil) site to give the plants the best chance of survival. The following table outlines the species planted at each trial site in detail.

Table Four: Species planted at the Upper Barron, Malanda and Mareeba (Paddy’s Green) sites.

Malanda and Upper Barron Site Mareeba Site (Paddy’s Green) Athertonia diversifolia Dissiliaria surculosa Banksia plagiocarpa Evodiella muelleri Buckinghamia celsissima Eucalyptus phoenicea Callitris macleayana Grevillea baileyana Carnarvonia araliifolia var. montana Lomandra hystrix Dissiliaria surculosa Stenocarpus sp. Tully River Evodiella muelleri Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ Grevillea baileyana Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ Lomandra hystrix Syzygium leuhmanii Lomatia fraxinifolia Xanthostemon chrysanthus Leptospermum wooroonooran Xanthostemon youngii Neorites kevediana Placospermum coriaceum Sarcotoechia serrata Stenocarpus sp. Tully River Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ Syzygium leuhmanii Xanthostemon chrysanthus

Upper Barron Site

The trial design was a randomised block design with four replications of each species. Each replication was made up of three individual plants of each species (excluding Lomandra hystrix) and the blocks ran perpendicular to the direction of the 9 rows. Row spacing was 4 metres, plant spacing was 2.5 metres and guard rows were planted to protect the outermost rows from environmental biases. Guard plants (one on each end) were placed at the end of each of the rows. A total of 12 plants of each of the 19 species were required, which created a total of 228 plants. The Lomandra hystrix plants were planted in a single row away from the replicated trial, as the growth habit of these plants made them unsuitable to be placed adjacent to other species.

Malanda Site

The trial design was a randomised block design with three replications of each species. Each replication was made up of three individual plants of each species (excluding Lomandra hystrix) and the blocks ran perpendicular to the direction of the 18 rows. There were 4 metres between rows and 2.5 metres between plants and guard rows were planted to protect the outermost rows from environmental biases. Guard plants (one on each end) were placed at the end of each of the rows. A total of 9 plants of each of the 18 species were required which created a total of 162 plants. One Lomandra hystrix plant was planted at the northern end of each row after each guard plant.

Mareeba Site (Paddy’s Green)

All species other than Lomandra hystrix and Eucalyptus phoenicea were arranged in a randomised block design, with three replications of each species (except for Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’, which had 5 replications). Each replication was made up of three individual plants of each species and the blocks ran perpendicular to the direction of the 4 rows. Row spacing was 3 metres, plant spacing was 1.75 metres and guard rows and guard plants were planted to protect outermost rows and individual plants. The total number of plants required for this section of the site was 72 (8 species x 3 replications x 3 plants per replication) plus 15 Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’. The Lomandra hystrix and Eucalyptus phoenicea were planted in a separate section, as the Eucalyptus phoenicea would have provided too much shading for the other species in the trial. Five rows were planted and individual plants of each species were planted alternately. In total, there were 30 Lomandra hystrix and 30 Eucalyptus phoenicea plants.

2.3.3 Site Preparation

The following is an outline of the steps taken to prepare each trial site for planting:

1. The number and location of rows and replications (based on trial design) at each trial site were clearly marked out.

2. Herbicide (Round Up) was applied to kill weeds growing on the marked out rows.

3. Machinery for ground preparation was sourced.

4. Initially the rows were deep ripped, followed by several passes with either discs or a rotary hoe. The aim was to prepare a reasonably fine and well-tilled soil in time for planting

5. Following soil preparation, the beds were mulched with either pinebark or peanut shell mulch.

6. Once the mulch was applied, the sites were left undisturbed until planting.

7. The irrigation equipment was installed by trial site holders. The recommended system of irrigation was an above ground sprinkler system that is capable of watering a 2.5m2 area around the base of each plant. Irrigation of the foliage was not recommended.

8. Planting commenced in September 2000 and continued until March 2001 as the plants became available from Yuruga Nursery.

2.3.4 Planting schedule

Table Five outlines the planting schedule for all three trial sites. The schedule was determined by availability of the plants from Yuruga Nursery. Table Five: Planting schedule for plant species and trial sites.

September 2000 October 2000 March 2001

Athertonia diversifolia Dissiliaria surculosa Banksia plagiocarpa Syzygium leuhmanii Lomandra hystrix (Malanda and Upper Callitris macleayana Barron) Carnarvonia araliifolia Lomatia fraxinifolia Eucalyptus phoenicea var. montana Placospermum coriaceum Evodiella muelleri (Malanda only) Stenocarpus sp Tully Grevillea baileyana River Stenocarpus Forest Gem Neorites kevediana Syzygium leuhmanii Placospermum coriaceum

(Mareeba only) (Upper Barron only) Xanthostemon chrysanthus Sarcotoechia serrata

Xanthostemon youngii Stenocarpus Forest Lace

Buckinghamia celsissima Leptospermum

wooroonooran

2.4 Field Trial Management

2.4.1 Monitoring and Observations

The following measurements were taken bi-monthly at all three sites from October 2000 to December 2001: plant stem diameter; plant height; number of branches; insect damage rating (where 0 = no damage and 5 = 95-100% of the plant damaged); and plant health rating (where 0 = dying or dead and 5 = very healthy, vigorous growth). For the first 2-3 months post-planting, the trial sites were visited weekly to make plant establishment observations, begin pruning and manipulation of the plants and to ensure trial site holders were aware of trial protocols and objectives. Trial site co-operators were included in site visits and pruning activities. After the first 2-3 months, visits were extended to fortnightly. These visits incorporated plant measurements, fertilisation and continued grower co- operator involvement.

From January 2002 to early June 2002, in the absence of a project officer, all trial management including fertilisation and irrigation was the responsibility of the trial site holder. Yuruga Nursery had agreed to liase with the site holders in this period. From June 2002 and the commencement of the new project officer, the observations and monitoring activities described below were conducted:

1. Fortnightly visits to all three trial sites to observe plant growth and general health, sample, identify and record any pests and diseases present, and discuss any industry or project issues with trial site holders.

2. On the first visit on the 19th June 2002, the following records were taken: viable numbers of plants of each species; species and number of plants of each species displaying nutritional problems in the leaves; presence or absence of flowering in cut flower species; any obvious pests and diseases; and general comments on plant health.

3. The principal investigator borrowed the diaries kept by each trial site holder to gain an understanding of the management practices that had been carried out after January 2002. This gave valuable insight into the causes of some obvious nutritional problems.

2.4.2 Irrigation

At each site, an above-ground micro-irrigation sprinkler system was installed. The height of each micro- sprinkler was approximately 30 centimetres to ensure that only the base of the plant was wet during irrigation. As each site holder was responsible for installing the irrigation system at their site, the individual sprinkler head types and their capability to throw water varied. At the Malanda site, large rotating heads that produce large droplets and cover over 2.5m2 were installed, at the Mareeba site, sprinkler heads that produced a mist and covered approximately 2.0m2 were installed, and at the Upper Barron site, sprinklers that produced a similar mist were installed.

2.4.3 Pruning

The aim of the pruning activities was to encourage branching at an early stage of growth. Pruning was conducted to ensure the maximum number of stems or leaves were produced in the future. Pruning was conducted after the plants were well established and showing vigour, and this occurred two to three months after planting. All plants, with the exception of Placospernum coriaceum, were pruned back to a height of approximately 30 to 40cm from an original single or double stem. Staff from Yuruga Nursery indicated that pruning Placospernum coriaceum in this manner was not appropriate, as the species was not likely to survive such harsh pruning. Tip pruning was carried out periodically during 2001 to encourage further branching and terminal flowers on selected species.

During January 2002 to June 2002 (period of no project officer) very little pruning took place at the trial sites. The absence of pruning allowed the plants to grow without impediment during this time and this enabled the new project leader to harvest much of the new foliage for market assessment purposes. At the completion of market assessments, the plants at all three sites were heavily pruned to achieve the following: removal of old or dead parts of the plant; removal of stem-penetrating pests and diseases that had built up over the first half of the year; removal of centre stems to allow sunlight to penetrate into the centre of the plants and to reduce competition of leaves and stems for sunlight and nutrients (the result is larger and longer leaves and stems desirable in the market place); and removal of any unnecessary tips to avoid overcrowding.

2.4.4 Fertilisation

‘Triabon’ (16% N, 3.5% P, 10% K, 2.4% Mg, 9% S, 0.02% B, 0.04% Cu, 0.1% Fe, 0.1% Mn, 0.015% Mo, and 0.007% Zn) was used at a rate of 27g per plant to fertilise the trials once every 3 months, commencing in April 2001 and ending in December 2001.

‘Triabon’ is a slow-release granular fertiliser. It is suitable for native plants because it has a very low concentration of phosphorous and is able to supply nutrients gradually over a period of 3 months. During January 2002 and June 2002, it was discovered that ‘Triabon’ probably does not supply nutrients for any significant length of time in tropical conditions and therefore was considered unsuitable for the purposes of the trials. Therefore in June 2002 the new project officer discontinued the use of ‘Triabon’.

CK77S (13.3% N, 2.2% P, 13.5% K, and 19.6% S) replaced ‘Triabon’ and has been applied three times at the Upper Barron site and once at the other two sites in the June 2002 to October 2002 period.

Another potential alternative to ‘Triabon’ was also investigated. Nitrophoska ® Blue Special (12.0% N, 5.2% P, 14.1% K, 6.0% S, 4.3% Ca, 1.2% Mg, 0.01% Zn, 0.02% B, and 0.05% Fe) was applied to the plants in the guard rows at all three sites at the same time the first application of CK77S was applied. Nitrophoska Blue is the preferred fertiliser, as it supplies both macro- and micro-nutrients; however, applying the fertiliser to the trial plants without prior knowledge of its use on Australian natives was deemed to be a high risk activity and the product was assessed on the guard plants at each site only. From the results, the project management team felt comfortable that the fertiliser would not harm the plants if used responsibly; therefore, Nitrophoska Blue was used as the second fertiliser application at the Malanda and Mareeba sites at a rate of 280kg/ha (Malanda) and 400kg/ha (Mareeba). Unfortunately Nitrophoska Blue is more difficult to dissolve than CK77S and the sprinklers at the Upper Barron site would not have effectively dissolved the Nitrophoska Blue granules, which explains why CK77S was applied twice at the Upper Barron site.

An application of urea (46% N) was carried out in mid-October 2002 at Malanda and Mareeba, to allow time for the plants to respond before the industry field day on the 29th October 2002. The rates of urea application were 120kg/ha and 170kg/ha for Malanda and Mareeba respectively. The trial site holders at Upper Barron had already fertilised with CK77S before the project officer arrived to apply urea. Therefore the Upper Barron site has been fertilised three times with CK77S.

2.4.5 Trial Maintenance

The newly planted trials were mulched in October 2000 with the following materials: Upper Barron,10 to 15cm thick application of peanut shell mulch; Malanda, 5cm thick application of peanut shell mulch; and Mareeba, 10cm thick application of pine bark mulch. The single 10-centimetre application at Upper Barron was found to effectively control weeds for the duration of the trials. Mulch was re-applied at Malanda and Mareeba sites. At Malanda, peanut shell mulch was re-applied after continued weed control did not occur, and at Mareeba, baggas (by-product of sugar cane refining) was applied when the pine bark mulch decomposed and did not provide weed control (May 2002).

It was the responsibility of trial site holders to carry out general trial maintenance activities, which included mowing, weeding and application of herbicide. All trial sites were maintained satisfactorily in regards to general trial maintenance, therefore the growth of plants has not been adversely affected by any failures to carry out these duties.

2.5 Post Harvest Evaluation

2.5.1 Base Vase Life

Two vase life experiments were carried out in May and June 2000 to ascertain the base vase life of the species (Table Six). Base vase life evaluations of Stenocarpus sp. Tully River (medium form ‘Forest Gem’), Syzygium leuhmanii and Sarcotoechia serrata were also conducted according to the protocol detailed below.

Experiment One – May 2000

The plant material was collected from either Yuruga Nursery or private gardens, as field trials were not established at this stage. The plant material was harvested using sharp secateurs to cut the longest stem or leaf length possible from the plant. The cut stems were placed immediately into water and transported to the laboratory for processing in an air-conditioned vehicle. On arrival at the laboratory in Mareeba, the cut foliage was placed immediately into the cold room at 20ºC. The experimental design was a latinised alpha design, which consisted of ten treatments (Table Six) and ten replications of each treatment.

Glasses containing 200ml of 10ppm dichloroisocyanurate (DICA) solution were used for the experiment to simulate a vase and vase water. The glasses were labelled and weighed at three separate times during the preparation, as follows: glass only; glass + vase water; and glass + vase water + cut stem. Single stems or leaves were placed in each glass and care was taken to ensure the replications were as uniform as possible. When all 100 vases were prepared they were arranged in the cold room (20ºC) according to the latinised alpha design recommended for the experiment. Measurements of plant material fresh weight and vase water only weights were taken every second day starting on the second day after harvesting of the material. At the time of these measurements, observations were made concerning the physical form and quality of the leaf and stem tissue, and every fourth day, the vase solution was changed. This schedule of measurements and observations continued until an observable change in the quality of the cut stems or leaves occurred. The results were statistically analysed and the base vase life of each species and significant differences between the vase life values of the nine species were determined.

Experiment Two – June 2000

Experiment Two was conducted according to the protocol described above. This experiment, however, was arranged in a completely randomised design and consisted of seven species instead of nine (Table Six).

Table Six: Species and treatment numbers included in two separate base vase life experiments carried out in May 2000 and June 2000. May 2000 June 2000 Treatment Treatment Species Species Number Number

1 Athertonia diversifolia 1 Athertonia diversifolia

Carnarvonia araliifolia var. 2 Opisthiolepsis heterophylla 2 montana

3 Lomatia fraxinifolia 3 Neorites kevediana

Grevillea baileyana – 4 Lomandra hystrix 4 mature leaves

Grevillea baileyana – 5 5 Opisthiolepsis heterophylla juvenile leaves

6 Placospermum coriaceum 6 Placospermum coriaceum

7 Neorites kevediana 7 Lomatia fraxinifolia

Grevillea baileyana – 8 mature leave

9 Callitris macleayana

Carnarvonia araliifolia var. 10 montana

2.5.2 Dry Storage and Transport Simulation

Dry storage experiments were carried out to determine the ability of the species evaluated in this project to maintain acceptable form and vase life after transport to market. The aim of the experiments has been to simulate refrigerated road transport from the Atherton Tablelands to the Sydney or Melbourne flower market, which is thought to take approximately three to four days. Although expensive from north Queensland, airfreight would also allow transport of foliage and flowers from Cairns to overseas markets in this time period. Three separate dry storage experiments were conducted between September and December 2000.

Table Seven outlines the treatments included in Experiments One and Two.

Table Seven: Species, treatment numbers and dry storage temperature treatments for the first and second dry storage experiments carried out in September 2000 and October 2000 respectively. Species Species Treatment Dry storage temperature Experiment One Experiment Two Number treatment September 2000 October 2000 Grevillea baileyana Athertonia diversifolia 1.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) – juvenile leaves 1.2 3 days at 3ºC 1.3 3 days at 10ºC 1.4 3 days at 20ºC Grevillea baileyana Neorites kevediana 2.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) – mature leaves 2.2 3 days at 3ºC 2.3 3 days at 10ºC 2.4 3 days at 20ºC Syzygium leuhmanii Opisthiolepsis 3.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) heterophylla 3.2 3 days at 3ºC 3.3 3 days at 10ºC 3.4 3 days at 20ºC Sarcotoechia serrata Dissiliaria surculosa 4.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) 4.2 3 days at 3ºC 4.3 3 days at 10ºC 4.4 3 days at 20ºC Lomatia fraxinifolia Lomandra hystrix 5.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) 5.2 3 days at 3ºC 5.3 3 days at 10ºC 5.4 3 days at 20ºC

Experiment One – September 2000

The foliage material was harvested for this experiment using sharp secateurs and placed immediately into water and transported in an air-conditioned car to the cold room (20°C) in Mareeba. The foliages were processed and care was taken to ensure all replications of each species were as uniform as possible.

Species were kept in dry storage for a period of 3 days at 3, 10 and 20ºC. After storage, the foliage was placed into glasses containing vase water (200g of 10ppm DICA solution) and placed alongside the control glasses. The control glasses were placed in the cold room (20ºC) when the other treatments were placed into dry storage. Each treatment consisted of 5 replications with the exception of the Sarcotoechia serrata control treatment (Number 4.1), which consisted of 4 replications. The experiment was conducted for a period of 20 days beginning on the day the material was harvested (Day 0). The cut foliage was harvested and prepared using the same procedure as was used in the base vase life experiments. When all treatments were prepared, the dry storage treatments were placed into boxes, sealed and stored in the appropriate temperatures, and then control treatments were prepared and arranged randomly in the cold room.

At Day 3 post-harvest, the dry storage treatments were removed from the boxes and an assessment was made on the appearance of the different foliages. The treatments were then transferred to glasses with vase water and placed in the cold room at 20ºC with the control treatments. Beginning at Day 4, foliage fresh weight, vase weight and water only weights were measured and recorded every weekday. Comments on the appearance of the foliage were recorded at the same time weight measurements were conducted. Vase solution was only changed at Day 10 and as the vase life of each species ended, death of material was recorded and weight measurements ceased. The average vase life from the day of

harvest was determined for each species and this data was analysed to ascertain whether any significant differences occurred between treatments.

Experiment Two – October 2000

This experiment was conducted according to the protocol described above, but was conducted over 25 days instead of 20. The five species evaluated in this experiment are listed in Table Seven.

Experiment Three - March 2001 (Eucalyptus phoenicea: base vase life, dry storage and pulsing)

Eucalyptus phoenicea flowers were collected from a single tree planted in the garden of Gary Sankowsky (IT Manager, Yuruga Nursery). The aim of the trial was to determine whether dry storage, dry storage temperature, pre- or post- storage pulsing or continuous application of sucrose influences the vase life of E. phoenicea flowers (Table Eight). The base vase life of the flowers was also evaluated (control treatment). Dry storage of the flowers was assessed at 10 and 20ºC. At each dry storage temperature, treatments received no pulse, pre-storage pulse or post-storage pulse. Separate to the dry storage and pulsing treatments were 4 treatments of continuous sucrose application that received no dry storage. The treatment numbers and descriptions are outlined in Table Eight.

Table Eight: The treatment numbers and outline of each treatment for the Eucalyptus phoenicea post- harvest trial. Treatment Treatment Description Number 1 Control (no dry storage and no pulsing) 2 Control (no dry storage with pulsing) 3 Dry storage (72 hours) at 10ºC (no pulsing) 4 Dry storage (72 hours) at 20ºC (no pulsing) 5 Dry storage (72 hours) at 10ºC (pre-storage pulse, 24 hours at 20ºC) 6 Dry storage (72 hours) at 20ºC (pre-storage pulse, 24 hours at 20ºC) 7 Dry storage (72 hours) at 10ºC (post-storage pulse) 8 Dry storage (72 hours) at 20ºC (post-storage pulse) 9 0.5% continuous sucrose 10 1.0% continuous sucrose 11 2.5% continuous sucrose 12 5.0% continuous sucrose

The Eucalyptus phoenicea flowers used in the experiment were harvested, transported to the laboratory and held at 20ºC for processing into treatments. Each treatment consisted of seven replicates with the exception of treatment one which had only six replicates. Due to a lack of E. phoenicea material, the seven replicates of each treatment were comprised of E. phoenicea buds of varying maturities. The same range of maturities was included in each treatment.

Treatments 3, 4, 7 and 8 were processed first and placed into the appropriate dry storage temperature. Following this, treatments 1, 2, 5 and 6 were processed. Treatment 1 was placed directly into 200mL of 10 ppm DICA without any pulsing or dry storage. Treatments 2, 5 and 6 were placed in a 200 mL solution of 10% sucrose and 10ppm DICA and arranged randomly in the cool room. The continuous sucrose treatments (9, 10, 11,and 12) were then prepared and place in a 200 mL solution of 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.5% or 5.0% sucrose and 10ppm DICA and arranged randomly in the cold room.

On day one post-harvest, the flowers in treatments 5 and 6 were removed from the pulsing solution and placed into the appropriate temperature in dry storage for 72 hours. On day three post-harvest, treatments 3, 4, 7 and 8 were removed from dry storage and the appearance of the flowers was recorded and photographed for each treatment. The flowers of treatments 7 and 8 were placed into vases containing

200 ml of 10% sucrose and 10 ppm DICA for a period of 24 hours at 20ºC. The flowers of treatments 3 and 4 were placed into 200ml of 10ppm DICA only (no pulse) and they were then placed in the cold room with the continuous sucrose treatments. On day four post-harvest, treatments 7 and 8 were removed from the pulsing solution and placed into 10ppm DICA solution in glasses in the cold room. At this point, all treatments were arranged in random order according to the trial design in the cold room. At the appropriate times during the process described above, vase water, vase only and plant fresh weights were recorded.

Starting on day five post-harvest, daily measurements of plant fresh weight and vase water weights were recorded. At the same time, physical form and quality of the plant material was recorded. At seven-day intervals from harvest day (day zero), the vase solution was changed and the pre- and post- solution change weights were recorded. As the vase life of each replicate and treatment ended, plant death was recorded. The average vase life of Eucalyptus phoenicea flowers was determined for each treatment and these values were statistically analysed to determine if any there were any significant differences in vase life between treatments. Continuous sucrose treatments (numbers 9 to 12) were not compared with dry storage and pulsing treatments. Analysis of the experiment was conducted using an ANOVA (Genstat, 5th Edition) on treatments 1 to 8 (control and dry storage treatments) and on treatments 1 and 9 to 12 (control and continuous sucrose).

2.6 Market Assessments of Cut Foliage

Market assessments were carried out on two occasions during the project. In both cases, the foliage was air freighted from Cairns to the respective assessors. Cut foliage was assessed in November 2001 and in July and August of 2002. As mentioned earlier in this report, the large amount of foliage produced from the trials from January to June 2002 was fully utilised to allow for an increased number of market assessments.

2.6.1 November 2001 - Airfreight ex. Cairns

The following species were sent to Collina Export (Brian Harris) in Melbourne and Lynch Flowers Sydney Wholesale (Greg Lamont) in Sydney:

1. Athertonia diversifolia 2. Callitris macleayana 3. Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana 4. Dissiliaria surculosa 5. Grevillea baileyana – juvenile leaves 6. Leptospermum wooroonooran 7. Lomatia fraxinifolia 8. Neorites kevediana 9. Placospermum coriaceum 10. Sarcotoechia serrata 11. Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ 12. Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’

No flowers or mature leaves of Grevillea baileyana, Syzygium leuhmanii and Buckinghamia celsissima were available for assessment at this time.

The procedures followed to harvest, pack and freight the boxes are outlined below:

1. Foliage was harvested before 9am using sharp secateurs and placed immediately into water.

2. Foliage was transported to the cold room in Mareeba in an air-conditioned car and stored in the cold room until ready to be processed.

3. The foliage was processed and stems/leaves were bundled together to form bunches of 5 or 10, labelled and allowed to stand in water to await boxing.

4. The flower carton was lined with a plastic liner and a layer of moistened newspaper was placed on the base and sides of the carton.

5. Individual bunches of foliage were wrapped in moistened newspaper and placed in the carton. The contents of the carton were lightly moistened occasionally during packaging.

6. The insides of the plastic liner were sprayed with water and the excess liner was folded over the top of the packed foliage, to create a humid environment in preparation for transport.

7. The box was sealed, and Australian Air Express was advised of the consignment.

At Collina Export, initial assessments were made and all foliages were allowed to stand in water at ambient air temperature for 10 days. After 10 days, the surviving foliage was reassessed and taken to two leading Melbourne floral designers. At Lynch Flowers Sydney, five expert assessors made assessment of the foliage. Assessment was completed within one to two days of the arrival of the foliage at the agent’s warehouse. A description of each assessor’s specialty is presented in Table Nine.

Table Nine: Specialty of each domestic market assessor. Assessor Specialty 1 Mass marketing specialist 2 Florist predominantly working on corporate arrangements 3 Florist involved in arrangement production and corporate work 4 Florist in mass marketing bouquet and arrangement production 5 Florist with expertise in all aspects of bouquet and corporate work

2.6.2 July/August 2002 - Airfreight ex. Cairns

Cut foliage was harvested on three separate occasions from the project field trial sites in July and August 2002. On each occasion, cut foliage was sent to two export or wholesale companies based in Melbourne or Sydney. Altogether, six companies were contacted and agreed to participate in the market assessment survey. Table Ten outlines the details of each shipment. A questionnaire (Appendix Two) was included for each species in each shipment for the nominated personnel to complete. The questionnaire asked the assessors to rate the foliage on a scale of one to five, where:

1 = this product would be in high demand and therefore has excellent market potential; and,

5 = there would be no demand for this product and therefore has no market potential.

The assessors were also asked the following: whether they had seen the product before; which existing products the foliage would have to compete with; whether the perceived demand would be in the domestic or export market; and whether the product had any outstanding features. Each assessor was also asked to list the five most important factors they considered to be essential for the success of cut foliage products in the export market.

Table Ten: Participating exporters/wholesalers and species assessed in July/August 2002. Contact Name, Company and Shipment Date Bruce Patrick Brian Harris Greg Lamont Andrew Landy Adrian Cameron O’Keefe Collina Lynch Flowers The Australian Parsons Austwinds Floratrade Export (30/07/02) Flower WAFEX International International (30/07/02) Company (20/08/02) Pty Ltd Pty Ltd (20/08/02) (26/07/02) (26/07/02) Callitris Callitris Stenocarpus Athertonia Athertonia Athertonia macleyana macleyana ‘Forest Gem’ diversifolia diversifolia diversifolia Carnarvonia Carnarvonia Stenocarpus Buckinghamia Banksia Banksia araliifolia var araliifolia var ‘Forest Lace’ celsissima plagiocarpa plagiocarpa montana montana Leptospermum Leptospermum Callitris Buckinghamia Buckinghamia wooroonooran wooroonooran macleayana celsissima celsissima Lomandra Lomandra Carnarvonia Callitris Callitris hystrix hystrix araliifolia var macleayana macleayana montan Lomatia Lomatia Grevillea Carnarvonia Carnarvonia fraxinifolia fraxinifolia baileyana – araliifolia var araliifolia var mature leaves montan montan Neorites Neorites Leptospermum Dissiliaria Dissiliaria kevediana kevediana wooroonooran surculosa surculosa Placospermum Stenocarpus Lomandra Grevillea Grevillea coriaceum ‘Forest Gem’ hystrix baileyana – baileyana – mature leaves mature leaves Stenocarpus Stenocarpus Lomatia Grevillea Grevillea ‘Forest Gem’ ‘Forest Lace’ fraxinifolia baileyana - baileyana - stems stems Stenocarpus Neorites Leptospermum Leptospermum ‘Forest Lace’ kevediana wooroonooran wooroonooran Placospermum Lomandra Lomandra coriaceum hystrix hystrix Sarcotoechia Lomatia Lomatia serrata fraxinifolia fraxinifolia Stenocarpus Neorites Neorites ‘Forest Gem’ kevediana kevediana Stenocarpus Placospermum Placospermum ‘Forest Lace’ coriaceum coriaceum Stenocarpus Stenocarpus sp Tully River sp.Tully River Stenocarpus Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ ‘Forest Gem’ Stenocarpus Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ ‘Forest Lace’

Flowering species were not included in these market trials, as the flowering species cultivated in the field trials, at Yuruga Nursery or in any accessible private gardens in the Mareeba/Atherton area were not in flower at this time. Exporters were contacted to gauge their interest in participating in the market assessments. Sample foliage and the questionnaire followed. Lynch Flowers Sydney (Greg Lamont) and Collina Export (Brian Harris) were particularly interested in participating after their involvement in the 2001 market assessments. From his experience in 2001, Brian Harris was only interested in receiving Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ and ‘Forest Lace’. His intention was to send bunches of both

Stenocarpus forms for assessment in overseas markets. The other people involved in these market assessments were aware of the project either through previous communications with the project leader or through the RIRDC Wildflower Committee.

2.6.3 Personal Visits

In August 2000, the project officer visited Collina Export, Flora Trade International and Austwinds International Pty Ltd in Melbourne. These agents had expressed a willingness to participate in the market assessment of foliage products, and the visit was to re-introduce the project and gauge the continued interest in participation.

2.7 Plant Profiles

Information was collected throughout the life of the project, in order to develop profiles of the plant species being assessed. Observations were noted and information was complied with respect to plant vigour, growth rates, pests and diseases, base vase life, ability to survive dry storage and preferred growing conditions.

2.8 Extension

2.8.1 Written materials, meetings, field days and telephone enquiries

Extension activities have been carried out throughout the project and have comprised of media releases and newspaper/magazine articles, dissemination of information at FGATNQ meetings, newsletters, regular phone enquiries, regular and impromptu trial site visits and field days. A description and schedule of extension activities carried out throughout the life of the project is given below.

1. February 2000 – articles in ‘The Atherton Tablelander’ and ‘The Tablelands Advertiser’ to introduce the project and the field trials.

2. May 2000 – article in ‘Australian Horticulture’ resulting from QDPI media release.

3. July 2000 – article in ‘Australasian Flowers’ entitled ‘Trials of promising rainforest foliage begin’ by Siận Thomas.

4. Bi-monthly participation in FGATNQ meetings starting in February 2000 and continuing until December 2001 – project information disseminated and questions answered.

5. April 2001 – visits to project trial sites by all three co-operators and the project leader to observe differences in plant growth related to climatic conditions at the sites.

6. Numerous impromptu visits to trial sites by project leader and interested industry personnel.

7. June 2001 – Project summary newsletter (January 2000 to June 2001) distributed to financial contributors to the project (Michael Robinson, Kathryn Saunders and Athol Durre).

8. October 2001 – Project summary newsletter (January 2000 to October 2001) distributed to all FGATNQ members (approximately 27 individuals), interested industry personnel and members of the public.

9. October 2001 – article in ‘The Cairns Post’ entitled “New hope for market takes root” by Duncan Paterson.

10. November 2001 – Visit to Malanda site for interested industry personnel.

11. June 2002 – article in ‘Australian Horticulture’ titled ‘Far north plants under trial’ by Julie Lake.

12. October 2002 – Native Foliage and Flower Field Day – whole of industry field day at project completion.

13. Various newspaper articles relating to the Native Foliage and Flower Field Day.

14. Regular telephone enquiries were taken by the project leader throughout the life of the project.

2.8.2 Flower Growers Association of Tropical North Queensland (FGATNQ)

The previous project leader made a commitment early in the project to contribute to the FGATNQ and was the elected secretary from January 2000 to December 2001. This commitment represented a significant contribution by Ms Kaylene Bransgrove to the local cut flower and foliage industry. The benefits of this local industry involvement to the RIRDC project cannot be measured or recorded; however, there is little doubt that the project has benefited from the exposure to FGATNQ members over a two-year period. Ms Bransgrove organised farm visits and facilitated interaction between members. The benefits to the local industry were reciprocated to the project leader in the form of enhanced knowledge and experience relating to commercial cut flower and foliage production systems and regular opportunities for networking.

2.8.3 Native Foliage and Flower Field Day, October 2002

On the 29th October 2002, a native flower and foliage field day was held in conjunction with Yuruga Nursery. The aim of the field day was to visit all three trial sites established as part of the project. Prior to the field day, classified advertisements were placed in ‘The Tablelands Advertiser’, ‘The Atherton Tablelander’ and ‘The Cairns Post’ papers (Appendix Three). In addition to this, the principal investigator prepared a media release, which was distributed by Andrea Corby, the QDPI media officer for north Queensland (Appendix Four). In both the media release and the advertisements, people intending to participate in the field day were asked to register for catering and printing purposes. By the 25th October, 50 people had registered their interest in attending the day, which was very encouraging.

The field day was organised in close consultation with Peter and Ann Radke from Yuruga Nursery. The principal investigator compiled a field day booklet for field day participants giving essential information on each of the species included in the field trials. The field day started at Trevor and Maureen Pearce’s property at Upper Barron, where participants were given background information about the project in a seminar session prior to inspecting the plants. Seating, catering and registration forms were prepared and the seminar went very well. After the introductory session, the participants moved out into the trial site to inspect the plants. Trevor and Maureen Pearce had the plot looking sensational and the impression given to participants was that of absolute professionalism. Richard Hudson (ABC Radio, Cairns) interviewed Joanna Arthy during this time.

After inspecting the plants the group moved back to the shed for a questions session. During this session the project management team introduced the concept of forming a group or association of interested growers with commercial intentions to grow the species included in the project. The benefits of forming an association were conveyed to the group and the need to form a group was obvious. To the delight of the project management team, over 20 people registered their interest in growing the plants commercially and also their desire to be involved in the formation of an association. Lunch was served at the Upper Barron site before the group moved on to Chris Monks and Vagn Terp’s site at Malanda. At this site Vagn spoke to the group about how the trial had been managed and people spent time walking through the plot. The project management team and trial site holders were available to answer questions the whole time. Some participants left the group at this point, as they did not see the value in seeing the Mareeba site given that the climatic conditions are so different to the conditions on their own properties. By 4 p.m., most of the group had reached the Mareeba site belonging to Neil and Debbie

Sweedman. Only a couple of participants visited the Mareeba site, as they had properties around Cooktown and so the Upper Tablelands sites were of no relevance. The Mareeba site was spectacular also and was very well presented by the site holders, as was the Malanda site. The two species Eucalyptus phoenicia and Xanthostemon youngii were the main attractions at this site. The project management team was also delighted that most of the participants chose to visit the Mareeba site despite the fact they had been to the two previous sites.

The overall feeling of the day was of absolute success and professionalism. Peter and Ann Radke and Joanna Arthy were thrilled with the way the day was received by all. A follow-up meeting with Peter and Ann Radke, Sue Fairley (Rural Partnerships Unit, QDPI, Kairi) and Joanna Arthy was planned for Tuesday 5th November. All trial site holders were also invited to this meeting and the group planned the actions to be taken as follow-up from the field day. In the absence of the current project leader, Sue Fairley has offered to take over the role of facilitator for the formation of an association. This work will be taken over by the current project leader and principal investigator from the 2nd of January 2003.

Andrea Corby compiled a second media release after the field day (Appendix Five).

3. Results and Discussion

3.1 Pictorial Survey and Selection of Species

The comments that were provided from assessors as a result of the pictorial survey allowed the project team to initially select appropriate species for further assessment and to exclude others. The pictorial survey therefore proved a useful tool for the project. The project team acknowledge the limitations of the survey, regarding the difficulty for an exporter to gauge the true potential of an unknown product. Considering only very limited quantities of these foliages were available at the commencement of the project, it was impossible to provide each agent with foliage or flowers to assess. A greater level of response and a more extensive range of comments from agents would have added even further to the value of the pictorial survey.

3.2 Propagation

Yuruga Nursery has provided this propagation report. Staff of Yuruga Nursery conducted all propagation trials for this project.

None of the species trialed in this project proved particularly difficult to propagate by standard conventional nursery techniques using seeds or cuttings, and as a result it was not necessary to conduct specialized propagation trials, or to trial propagation by tissue culture.

A summary of the propagation methods used is presented in Table Eleven.

Table Eleven: Species and propagation method. The primary method used to propagate the species planted in the trial plots is indicated by an asterisk (*). Species Seed Cuttings Athertonia diversifolia !* ! Banksia plagiocarpa !* ! Buckinghamia celsissima !* ! Callitris macleayana !* ! Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana !* ! Dissiliaria surculosa !* Eucalyptus phoenicea !* Evodiella muelleri !* ! Grevillea baileyana !* ! Lomandra hystrix !* Lomatia fraxinifolia !* ! Leptospermum wooroonooran !* Neorites kevediana ! !* Placospermum coriaceum !* ! Sarcotoechia serrata !* ! Stenocarpus sp Tully River !* ! Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ !* Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ !* Syzygium luehmannii !* ! Xanthostemon chrysanthus !* ! Xanthostemon youngii ! !*

The following list outlines some general propagation guidelines and observations that were relevant to the propagation for the purposes of the project:

1. In any batch of seed-grown plants there is always some variation between individuals, and so it is important to select only the strongest and most vigorous individuals. Runts should not be planted out since this will compromise the commercial potential of the plot. Careful selection of seedlings of even size and vigour should be carried out in order to ensure as much uniformity as possible in the plot.

2. North Queensland native flora is notorious for its general unreliability and unpredictability in seeding (especially rainforest species). Some years there may be “bumper” crops of seed available, and other years there may be absolutely none. For many of the species in the trial, seed cannot be stored since it loses viability rapidly. It is therefore unwise to rely entirely on availability of seed for propagation purposes. Most species that are traditionally propagated from seed proved to also respond well to cutting propagation.

3. Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ and ‘Forest Gem’ are selected varieties protected under Plant Breeder’s Rights (PBR). Being selected varieties, propagation is only from cuttings. Being protected by PBR, propagation rights are owned by the breeder, Yuruga Nursery, and propagation is restricted to Yuruga Nursery or to nurseries licensed by Yuruga Nursery.

3.4 Field Trial Management

3.4.1 Monitoring and Observations

In general, the plants common to all sites were more vigorous at the Upper Barron and Malanda sites, in comparison with the Mareeba site. This can be attributed to the climate and soil differences, with the Mareeba site being in a hot, dry climate on very sandy soil while Upper Barron and Malanda are a cooler, wetter climate and are on red volcanic soils. Comments for individual species are included in the Plant Profiles section of this report.

All species responded quite well to pruning, with no real climatic site differences observed with respect to pruning. Flower species such as Xanthostemon chrysanthus responded very well to tip pruning, producing multiple shoots over the entire plant.

Particular species such as Leptospermum wooroonooran and Callitris macleayana, which were only planted at Upper Barron and Malanda, were vigorous and healthy at the Upper Barron site, while growth was quite poor at Malanda. This was again attributable to site and climatic differences. Both species, and in particular Leptospermum wooroonooran, are endemic to high altitude areas and are adapted to cool, humid conditions. L. wooroonooran was collected from the summit of Mt. Bellenden Ker, one of the highest mountains in Queensland. Upper Barron is considerably higher in elevation than Malanda and proportionately cooler, and is often under low cloud cover.

3.4.2 Irrigation

Irrigation at the Malanda and Mareeba sites was adequate. These systems provided irrigation output that covered 2.5m2 and 2.0 m2 respectively. The sprinkler heads chosen at the Upper Barron site, however, were not effective because the fine mist they produced was easily blown around by the regular and strong winds experienced at that site. The mist from the sprinklers did not therefore cover the required area around the base of the tree and root growth is likely to have been inhibited.

Length of time of irrigation per week differed between sites, as the Upper Barron site experienced higher rainfall than the Malanda site and much higher rainfall than the Mareeba site. Soil type also influenced the amount of irrigation applied.

Assuming the chosen sprinkler type covered the 2.0 – 2.5m2 around the base of the plant, a similar micro-irrigation system to that used in these trials would be recommended. This area is large enough to

ensure the entire root system received water throughout the entire establishment phase, and an adequate proportion of the root system thereafter. The management team also consider it important that irrigation should not touch potentially saleable foliage in order to avoid the possibility of unnecessary marking of the foliage. The irrigation type used in these trials also satisfies this requirement.

3.4.3 Pruning

Pruning across the three sites illustrated that the species respond well to pruning and produce multiple shoots and lateral growth. This is an important characteristic since most of the species included in the trial are rainforest species, where the effects of apical dominance are usually relatively strong. While rainforest plants are known to naturally branch more frequently and be smaller in height if grown out of rainforest conditions, the management team doubted that the natural increase in branching would maximise stem production from the plants. Therefore, it was considered imperative to determine the ability of the trial species to produce lateral growth and stems.

For all species, selective pruning from the time the plants were established allowed the formation of a good, branching structure as a base for the remainder of the growth and stem production. A number of the species branched readily, but produced the shoots very close to the stem (e.g. Athertonia diversifolia and Lomatia fraxinifolia). These shoots may require selection and thinning.

Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ also branched readily, but the uppermost lateral buds were particularly vigorous after pruning and production of branching and stems from the lower lateral buds was increased if the upper buds were removed. Lomatia fraxinifolia also exhibited this phenomenon.

During the trials it became clear that Placospernum coriaceum can survive hard pruning if the plant is well established and is old enough to be producing secondary stem growth. Hard pruning significantly slowed the growth of a small proportion of the Athertonia diversifolia replicates. It may be that this species also prefers to be more established before pruning occurs.

Individual comments regarding responses to pruning are included in the Plant Profiles section of this report.

3.5 Postharvest Evaluation

3.5.1 Basic Vase Life

Experiment 1, 2 and Stenocarpus sp. Tully R (‘Forest Gem’), Sarcotoechia serrata and Syzygium leuhmanii.

The average vase life of all mature foliage specimens except Sarcotoechia serrata was longer than two weeks (Table Twelve). The vase life of the majority of species was longer than three weeks and for five species, longer than four weeks. All mature Proteaceae foliages showed a vase life of over 3 weeks. In every species re-evaluated in Experiment 2, the vase life of mature foliage was longer than for less mature foliage. This factor will influence the production time for saleable stems, and so the point after which specimen maturity does not influence vase life is a characteristic that should be determined for each species.

The results suggest that the trial species may have potential as new cut foliage species, with respect to the length of the vase life. However, the ability of these species to survive dry storage and maintain an acceptable vase life post-storage is also fundamental to market success. This factor was also investigated and the results are discussed later in this report.

Table Twelve: Average vase life (in days) of rainforest foliage in Experiments 1 and 2 and for Stenocarpus sp. Tully R (‘Forest Gem’), Sarcotoechia serrata and Syzygium leuhmanii.

Experiment Experiment ‘Experiment’ Species Family 1 2 3 & 4

Athertonia Proteaceae 29.60bc 23.40fg diversifolia Opisthiolepsis Proteaceae 16.70a 28.70gh heterophylla Lomatia Proteaceae 28.70bc 33.80h fraxinifolia Lomandra Xanthorrhoeaceae 30.70bc hystrix Grevillea baileyana – Proteaceae 23.60ab juvenile leaves Placospermum Proteaceae 24.81ab coriaceum Neorites Proteaceae 36.00 c 31.2 h kevediana Callitris Cupressaceae 51.5d macleayana Carnarvonia Proteaceae 18.20a 8.40e montana Dissiliaria Euphorbiaceae 18.90f surculosa Grevillea baileyana – Proteaceae 33.60h mature leaves Stenocarpus sp. Tully River Proteaceae 27* (medium leaf form) Syzygium Myrtaceae 15.0i leuhmanii Sarcotoechia Sapindaceae 11.75i serrata Values within column followed by same letter not significantly different at p≤ 0.05 *Experiment 3 was terminated at 27 days post-harvest.

3.5.2 Dry Storage and Transport Simulation

Experiment One

In dry storage Experiment One, dry storage affected the vase life for the majority of the species and treatments, compared to the controls where no dry storage was used. Grevillea baileyana, Sarcotoechia serrata and Lomatia fraxinifolia dry storage vase life was longest at 10°C (Table Thirteen). Syzygium leuhmanii had a similar vase life after dry storage at 3 or 10°C but had reduced vase life after 20°C dry storage.

Table Thirteen: Average vase life (days) at 20 days post harvest – dry storage Experiment 1 Species Treatment Dry storage (3 days) Average vase life Number temperature treatment (days) 1.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) 20.0 Grevillea baileyana 1.2 3ºC 3.4 – juvenile leaves 1.3 10ºC 14.6 1.4 20ºC 10.2 2.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) 18.2 Grevillea baileyana 2.2 3ºC 4.0 – mature leaves 2.3 10ºC 10.4 2.4 20ºC 4.0 3.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) 15.0 3.2 3ºC 8.4 Syzygium leuhmanii 3.3 10ºC 8.2 3.4 20ºC 3.0 4.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) 11.75 4.2 3ºC 3.0 Sarcotoechia serrata 4.3 10ºC 11.6 4.4 20ºC 3.0 5.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) 20.0 5.2 3ºC 3.0 Lomatia fraxinifolia 5.3 10ºC 20.0 5.4 20ºC 3.0

Experiment Two

Vase life of the species investigated in the second dry storage experiment was not significantly affected by any interaction between species and treatment (Tables Fourteen and Fifteen). It is likely that the lack of significant interaction was due to a lack of effect of storage and temperature on the vase life of one of the species, Lomandra hystrix, which affected the overall analysis results. Vase life was significantly affected by species at p<0.05 (Table Fourteen), ranging from less than one week to up to two and a half weeks, but not by the temperature of storage. However, at p<0.10, the vase life of the control treatment was significantly longer than that of samples stored at any temperature (Table Fifteen).

While not significant or presented, the pattern of vase life of Athertonia diversifolia, Neorites kevediana and Opisthiolepsis heterophylla after storage in the second dry storage experiment was similar to that in dry storage experiment 1. For these species, vase life was longest after storage at 10°C (excluding the control). Temperature or storage did not affect the vase life of Lomandra hystrix, while Dissiliaria surculosa did not survive storage at any temperature. While not statistically significant, the extra days vase life in most of the 10°C storage treatments may be of interest to the industry, and reinforces the pattern noted in Experiment 1.

In a preliminary investigation with Stenocarpus sp. Tully River ‘Forest Gem’, all five replicates from 3, 10 and 20°C dry storage were indistinguishable in appearance from control replicates after 27 days. This observation warrants further investigation to establish the vase life of this variety after dry storage.

Table Fourteen: Average vase life (days) for various plant species. Species No. Species Average vase life (days) 1 Athertonia diversifolia 14.08abc 2 Neorites kevediana 13.26abc 3 Opisthiolepsis heterophylla 17.89ac 4 Dissiliaria 6.33b 5 Lomandra hystrix 18.96c Values followed by same letter not significantly different at p≤ 0.05

Table Fifteen: Average vase life after dry storage at various temperatures and after no dry storage (control). Treatment Temperature Vase life 1 Control – no dry storage 20.39a 2 3°C 11.91b 3 10°C 13.72b 4 20°C 10.39b Values followed by same letter not significantly different at p≤ 0.10

Experiment Three

Due to the range of ages of Eucalyptus phoenicea material provided, not all buds opened during the experiment. Continuous sucrose at 2.5% and 5.0% significantly lengthened the vase life of E. phoenicea flowers (all replicates), in comparison with no sucrose, 0.5% or 1.0% sucrose (p<0.05) (Table Sixteen). However, the percentage of continuous sucrose had no effect on vase life when only the replicates that opened were analysed (data not presented).

Table Sixteen: Effect of sucrose concentration on the vase life of Eucalyptus phoenicea flowers. Data represents all samples, including buds that did and did not open during the experiment. Treatment Treatment description Average Vase number Life (days) 1 Control (no dry storage and no pulsing) 10 a 9 0.5% continuous sucrose (No storage) 12.5 a 10 1.0% continuous sucrose (No storage) 11.25 a 11 2.5% continuous sucrose (No storage) 16.5 b 12 5.0% continuous sucrose (No storage) 17 b Values followed by same letter not significantly different at p≤ 0.05

Dry storage and storage temperature did affect the vase life of the species (all replicates) (p<0.05) (Table Seventeen). The vase life was longest in Treatment 5 (dry storage for 72 hours at 10ºC, pre-storage pulse for 24 hours at 20ºC) and was significantly longer than all treatments except for Treatment 2 (no dry storage plus pulsing for 24 hours). However, in a separate analysis of the replicates with buds that opened during the experiment, dry storage and storage temperature had no effect on vase life (data not presented).

Table Seventeen: The effect of dry storage and pulsing on the vase life of Eucalyptus phoenicea flowers. Data represents all samples, including buds that did and did not open during the experiment. Description Treatment Average Days Number Vase Life Dry storage (72 hours) at 20ºC (no pulsing) 4 10a Control (no dry storage and no pulsing) 1 10.64ab Dry storage (72 hours) at 20ºC (pre-storage pulse 11.0ab 6 – 24hours at 20ºC) Dry storage (72 hours) at 10ºC (post-storage 11.17ab 7 pulse) Dry storage (72 hours) at 10ºC (no pulsing) 3 11.17ab Dry storage (72 hours) at 20ºC (post storage 11.67ab 8 pulse) Control (no dry storage with pulsing) 2 12.50bc Dry storage (72 hours) at 10ºC (pre-storage pulse 14.17c 5 for 24 hours at 20ºC) Values followed by same letter not significantly different at p≤ 0.05

The results indicated that dry storage and transport at 10°C would be appropriate for many of the species, that a couple of species are tolerant of storage in the 3 to10°C range and others in the 10 to 20°C range, and that one species was not tolerant of dry storage at any temperature. Many other tropical flower and foliage species respond best to storage in the 8 to 13°C range, so it was not surprising that 10°C was the treatment that, overall, had the least effect on vase life post-storage. The ability of the species to maintain vase life after storage at particular temperatures will impact on their viability as new cut flower species, particularly in areas where transport services may not be available at the optimal temperature. If a variety of species were to be transported to market, it would seem that transport at approximately 10°C would be the temperature that would maintain the longest post-storage vase life for the greatest number of species.

The ability of a species with known market potential to maintain vase life equivalent to the control treatment after storage at any temperature would be a clear advantage. The preliminary observations made with regard to the dry storage of Stenocarpus sp. Tully River ‘Forest Gem’, demand further investigation.

While the stems were hydrated before storage and the contents of the boxes misted in the preparation of the dry storage experiments, the boxes were not full and the moisture and relative humidity in the storage boxes were probably less than is found in commercial practice. These dry storage trials were, therefore, quite rigorous and the vase life values may be minimal figures. This may be particularly relevant for the species that displayed a lowered vase life after storage.

3.6 Market Assessments

3.6.1 November 2001 - Airfreight ex. Cairns

Assessment by export market agent (Collina Export)

All species survived overnight airfreight and arrived at the destination in excellent condition.

Initial feedback indicated the Stenocarpus varieties (‘Forest Gem’ and ‘Forest Lace’) were of the greatest interest to the export market. The form of both varieties was considered interesting and ‘Forest Gem’ was thought to have potential on its own merit and as a replacement product for Persoonia species.

Initial comments also indicated that Lomatia fraxinifolia, Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana and Sarcotoechia serrata were also of interest. The agent was familiar with Athertonia diversifolia, Neorites kevediana, Opisthiolepsis heterophylla and Grevillea baileyana and reported that there was a small demand for these products. If good quality quantities of Athertonia diversifolia were available, the agent indicated there they would foresee a moderate demand for the species. The agent was initially unsure of the potential of Leptospermum wooroonooran, although it arrived in excellent condition.

After the products had been standing in water in the agent’s warehouse in ambient conditions for approximately 10 days, they were re-evaluated for their potential. Dissiliaria surculosa, Leptospermum wooroonooran, Sarcotoechia serrata and Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana did not survive this period.

The remaining foliage was shown to two Melbourne floral designers. Again, both Stenocarpus forms were the foliages that attracted the greatest attention. The first designer showed no interest in the remainder of the foliages and the second showed marginal interest in Placospermum coriaceum, Athertonia diversifolia and Grevillea baileyana. Neither designer showed interest in Callitris macleayana.

Assessment by domestic market agent (Lynch Flowers, Sydney)

Results indicated that Stenocarpus varieties, Lomatia fraxinifolia, Neorites kevediana, Athertonia diversifolia, Grevillea baileyana (juvenile form) and Leptospermum wooroonooran were well received. Little interest in Dissiliaria surculosa, Placospermum coriaceum, Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana, Callitris macleayana and Sarcotoechia serrata was demonstrated. The full comments by the five assessors at Lynch Flowers are presented below in Table Eighteen.

Table Eighteen: Results of market assessment by domestic market agent assessors. Species Assessor 1 Assessor 2 Assessor 3 Assessor 4 Assessor 5 Stenocarpus sp. Would have to Tully medium Good for bouquets Not liked Not liked compete with emu- Good for bouquets ‘Forest Gem’ grass from WA

Could be good for Stenocarpus sp. bouquets but must Tully Fine ‘Forest Good for bouquets Ordinary Not liked not have a soft tip Good for bouquets Lace’ and must be

uniform Dissiliaria surculosa Too short for Not liked Not liked Not liked Not liked bouquet

Assessor 3 ‘s Excellent for Lomatia Great for favourite choice bouquets if stems Excellent for fraxinifolia arrangements; Not liked for arrangements; were uniform and arrangements all appealing, dark loved the dark, 50cm long; great year round shiny leaves glossy look glossy look Placospermum Interesting and Too short for coriaceum Bronze tips look a Needs more colour good for short bouquets, okay for Undecided bit pale in the tips bouquets and table arrangements arrangements Neorites kevediana Good for Too much like Great for Excellent for Not liked arrangements other foliage arrangements arrangements

Could be good for bouquets for Athertonia Christmas with its Excellent for Excellent for diversifolia Very good for Very good for reindeer-like arrangements; arrangements all table arrangements arrangements leaves; must be strong year round blemish-free (one leaf had a large brown dead spot) Grevillea Good for Excellent for Great for table Terrific for boxed Good for baileyana – arrangements; too arrangements all arrangements arrangements arrangements juvenile short for bouquets year round

Species Assessor 1 Assessor 2 Assessor 3 Assessor 4 Assessor 5

Carnarvonia montana Not liked Okay Not liked Not liked Not liked

Great for Stenocarpus sp. Very short but arrangements and Beautiful for Great for Tully River – fine great for also for bouquets if arrangements arrangements arrangements available at 55cm length Great for Leptospermum Great colour Looks like a arrangements all wooroonooran combination for Too short McDonalds hedge Not liked year round and bouquets; will the plant especially at red growth droop? Christmas Too short but if Great for Callitris longer will look If 50-55cm would arrangements all Looks like a macleayana good in Christmas Looks like diosma be good for year round and common hedge bouquets bouquets especially at Christmas Loved it for Sarcotoechia bouquets but must serrata Too much an 80’s Not liked Not liked come in uniform Not liked look lengths (50-55cm

minimum)

3.6.2 July/August 2002 - Airfreight ex. Cairns

Of the five exporters and one domestic agent (Lynch Flowers Sydney), all agents except for Floratrade International P/L returned the questionnaire that accompanied the foliage (Appendix 2). Table Nineteen summarises the results of the questionnaire.

Table Nineteen: Results of market assessment questionnaire received from three export companies based in New South Wales and Victoria. Ratings represent the preference for the products, where: 1 = this product would be in high demand and therefore has excellent market potential; and 5 = there would be no demand for this product and therefore has no market potential. Average Perceived Rating from 3 Perceived Outstanding Demand Species exporters competitors for Features (Domestic or (number of foliage product Listed Export) responses) Athertonia Xanadu, Camelia, Large, oak-shaped 3 (2) - diversifolia Umbrella Fern leaf Banksia Banksia Domestic and 3 (1) hadheriana, some - plagiocarpa Export proteas, Coccines Buckinghamia 4.5 (2) - Domestic - celsissima Callitris Export and 4.3 (3) Cypress - macleayana Domestic Carnarvonia Stem colour and araliifolia var 3.8 (3) - Export branch structure montana Dissiliaria 4 (1) Beech Domestic - surculosa Dark, glossy leaves Grevillea Domestic and 2.5 (2) Leather fern that contrast well baileyana Export with gold underside Domestic and Lomandra hystrix 2.75 (2) Steel grass - Export

Average Perceived Rating from 3 Perceived Outstanding Demand Species exporters competitors for Features (Domestic or (number of foliage product Listed Export) responses) Domestic, Lomatia Attractive, shiny 2.6 (3) Byfeld fern, Ruscus Domestic and fraxinifolia leaves Export Strong, small-leafed foliage; nice red Leptospermum Export and 3.5 (3) - foliage; glossy; wooroonooran Domestic good overall colour and appearance Neorites Domestic and 3.2 (3) - - kevediana Export Placospermum Leather fern, 4 (3) - - coriaceum Dracena Stenocarpus sp Export and Good, clean- 3 (2) Ruscus Tully River Domestic looking foliage Stenocarpus Persoonia Export and 3.6 (3) - ‘Forest Gem’ longifolia Domestic Fine and delicate; Stenocarpus Grevillea ivanhoe, long thin stems; 2.5 (3) Export ‘Forest Lace’ Cyprus highly pinnate leaves; shiny

On request, the exporters listed the most important factors considered to be essential for the success of cut foliage products in the export markets. The following factors were highlighted as important: vase- life (minimum of 21 days); uniqueness; price; packaging; versatility; marketing (i.e. showing how a foliage can be used); quality; and consistent availability.

Table Twenty outlines the comments from Lynch Flowers and relates only to the potential market demand of the foliages in the domestic market. Various clients of the company, including corporate florists who cater for weddings, functions and hotels and large supermarkets, assessed the foliages sent to Lynch Flowers.

Table Twenty: Results of market assessment questionnaire received from Lynch Flowers Sydney (domestic agent). Ratings represent the preference for the products, where: 1 = this product would be in high demand and therefore has excellent market potential; and 5 = there would be no demand for this product and therefore has no market potential. Has the Outstanding features Species Rating product been

seen before? Large, lobed leaves makes it Athertonia diversifolia 1 Yes more cost effective to use Buckinghamia 2 Yes - celsissima Callitris macleayana 1 No - 1 – florists Carnarvonia 5 – supermarket No Glossy look araliifolia var montana division Grevillea baileyana 1 No - Dark, glossy foliage; Lomatia fraxinifolia 1 No versatile Leptospermum 5 Yes - wooroonooran Neorites kevediana 1 Yes - Placospermum 2 No - coriaceum

Has the Outstanding features Species Rating product been

seen before? Sarcotoechia serrata 5 No - Stenocarpus Symmetrical leaf 1 Yes ‘Forest Gem’ arrangement Stenocarpus 1 Yes Appealing, fine foliage ‘Forest Lace’

3.7 Plant Profiles

3.7.1 Flowering Species

Banksia plagiocarpa

Natural Distribution – Hinchinbrook Island and the Kirrama Range behind Cardwell

Primary Propagation Method – From seed of cultivated plants at Yuruga Nursery

PBR Status – None

Comments – This species has grown very well at the Upper Barron and Malanda trial sites, however the species could be considered for cultivation in a range of climates. The plants respond very well to tip pruning and probably require selective thinning of shoots. Plants for commercial production should always be terminal flowering in order to achieve the desired stem length of 60 to100cms. To ensure plants are terminal flowering, cuttings from mature, terminal flowering plants can be taken and used for propagation. The juvenile foliage is susceptible to seasonal pests, such as swarming leaf beetles (Rhyparida discopunctulata). Market assessments have been encouraging and some exporters are already dealing with this product.

Eucalyptus phoenicea

Natural Distribution – In Queensland, restricted to the Hopevale to Laura region; more common in the Northern Territory and is always found growing on sandstone or sand

Primary Propagation Method – From seed collected from trees outside Cooktown

PBR Status – None

Comments – In the field trials, this species was only planted at the Mareeba site, which has very sandy soil. The species prefers a hot, dry climate on sandy soil. The plants at this site grew vigorously and responded well to tip pruning, carried out to manipulate canopy shape. The plants at the site have not flowered as yet and pruning has been ceased at this stage to encourage flowering and maturity of the foliage. There have been no pests or diseases to report. Market assessments for this species in this project have been based on pictures only, as flowers have not been available.

Evodiella muelleri

Natural Distribution – Atherton Tablelands to Cooktown, and the McIllwraith Range on Cape York Peninsula

Primary Propagation Method – Seed from wild plants

PBR Status – None

Comments – The plant has grown very well at both the Upper Barron and Malanda trial sites, although at Mareeba the growth was not as vigorous due to nutrient deficiencies in the soil. Flowering has occurred at the Mareeba site; however, it has been very poor. The vase life of this species has not been tested and market assessments have been based on pictures only. The flowers of this species develop on the woody stems of the plant and are hot pink in colour. There have been no pests or diseases to report. Whether the plants will withstand constant harvesting of the woody stems is unknown at this stage.

Xanthostemon chrysanthus

Natural Distribution – From Ingham to Cape York Peninsula on streams and creeks flowing to the east

Primary Propagation Method – Vegetative cuttings from plants at Yuruga Nursery that were originally propagated from wild seed

PBR Status – None

Comments – This plant has shown vigorous and varied individual plant growth at all three sites. There appears to be significant genetic differences between individual plants, which affect growth rates, leaf colour and flowering. The plants respond very well to tip pruning and produce many shoots to form a rounded growth habit suitable for commercial production, which also maximises the number of flower heads possible. During cold weather, the leaves can become blotchy with pink/burgundy spots. There have been no pests or diseases to report. The vase life of the flowers is estimated to be approximately 10 days and buds will open after being cut and placed in a vase. During vase life, the stamens desiccate, turn brown in colour and abscise.

Xanthostemon youngii

Natural Distribution – Restricted to sand dunes on eastern Cape York Peninsula

Primary Propagation Method – From cuttings off a cultivated plant at Yuruga Nursery

PBR status – None

Comments – This species has been extremely slow to establish. In the short term, it does not demonstrate characteristics suitable for commercial production, since the juvenile plants are inconsistent in growth and form and produce long branches that lie on or close to the ground. No plants have flowered yet at the Mareeba site and there have been no pests or diseases to report. No vase life trials have been conducted; however, Peter and Ann Radke believe the flowers will withstand transport without water and will also re-hydrate to original condition after transportation. The striking red, multi- stamen flowers presented in pictorial format were of interest to exporters and wholesalers.

3.7.2 Foliage Species

Athertonia diversifolia

Natural Distribution – Cape Tribulation to southern Atherton Tablelands, very wet rainforest, low to high altitude

Primary Propagation Method – Propagated from seed sourced from wild stands

PBR status – None

Comments – This species has displayed medium to high vigour at both the Upper Barron and Malanda trial sites. The plants cannot tolerate windy conditions, the leaves becoming torn and blemished. Physical damage to the leaves results in blackening of the damaged leaf tissue (this can also be seen in vase life trials after handling). Stressed plants are susceptible to Macadamia twig curler (Xylorycta luteotactella). Exporters are extremely keen on the product and there has also been direct interest from the Japanese market. Plants respond well to pruning and produce multiple shoots. Mature leaves have an average vase life of 23 to 29 days. The upper most tips of immature material lose turgor and collapse rapidly during the vase life. This area turns black and the necrosis spreads down the leaf to the stem area. Some mature Athertonia diversifolia material can also turn black during the vase life, while other leaf specimens will remain green for several weeks. Saprophytic fungi quickly colonise the surface of blackened leaves.

Buckinghamia celsissima

Natural Distribution – Rainforests on the coastal ranges from Cooktown to Paluma Range

Primary Propagation Method – From seeds collected off a cultivated plant at Yuruga Nursery

PBR status – None

Comments – This species is vigorous growing and has grown well at both Upper Barron and Malanda. There are no pests or diseases to report and the juvenile foliage is very attractive; however, it does not maintain quality after harvesting. Market assessments of the foliage have not been positive. Despite the attractiveness of the foliage, the foliage is inconsistent in form and colour.

Callitris macleayana

Natural Distribution – Rainforests of North Queensland (high altitude) and south to central New South Wales

Primary Propagation Method – From seed collected from plants on the Windsor Tableland

PBR status – None

Comments – This species prefers the high altitude and climatic conditions at the Upper Barron trial site and is performing poorly at the Malanda site. There have been no incidences of pests or diseases. The species does not shoot readily from cut stems and market comments have not been positive, indicating that the foliage is too similar to other products already available. The vase life is extremely long at an average of 51 days. Towards the end of the vase life, some specimens drop segments of their ‘pine-like’ leaves. Very little desiccation is evident after storage at any temperature.

Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana

Natural Distribution – Windsor Tableland to Kirrima Range (south of Ravenshoe)

Primary Propagation Method – Grown from seed collected from wild plants

PBR Status – None

Comments – This species has shown medium vigour at both Upper Barron and Malanda. The plants produce multiple shoots after pruning and require thinning to select strong shoots. Mature leaves discolour rapidly and the ability of the plant to produce suitable mature leaves for harvest is questionable. Market assessments have revealed mixed results. Juvenile foliage is susceptible to insect attack. The average vase life of mature leaves is 18 days. Juvenile material also discolours quickly post- harvest. Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana discolours to a grey brown or nearly black colour from the tips of the youngest foliage down towards the more mature foliage. If the specimen is immature, or the tips are very immature, the foliage discolours and wilts very quickly.

Dissiliaria surculosa

Natural Distribution – Cape Melville National Park and the Rocky River east of Coen on Cape York Peninsula

Primary Propagation Method – Vegetative cuttings from plants at Yuruga Nursery

PBR status – None

Comments – This species has been extremely slow to establish at all three sites and has been slowest at the Mareeba site. At the time of writing of this report, plants are growing very well at the Malanda site and seem to prefer the climatic conditions at this site. Market comments have not been positive as the foliage has no exotic or unusual features, and is also inconsistent in length and form. Juvenile foliage is susceptible to seasonal grub attack. The average vase life is estimated at 18 days. Vase life tests showed that the foliage desiccates and the leaves abscise. After storage at any temperature, Dissiliaria surculosa foliage showed signs of desiccation.

Grevillea baileyana

Natural Distribution – Widespread in North Queensland rainforests at low to mid altitudes. There are two forms of this species, the North Queensland form and the Cape York form, the latter having narrower and hardier leaves.

Primary Propagation Method – Seed from cultivated plants at Yuruga Nursery

PBR Status – None

Comments – Of the three trial sites included in the project, the species is growing best at the Mareeba and Malanda sites. The plants of this species are very poor at the Upper Barron site, where they display a distorted leaf shape that becomes very evident during the winter months. At the Malanda site, the plants are thriving and produce long stems over 70 centimetres in length; however, the undersides of the leaves seem to lack the intense colour of the plants at the Mareeba site. The plants at the Mareeba site are flourishing and produce an intense gold/bronze colour on the undersides of the leaves. The plants at the Malanda site are expected to produce the same leaf colouring as they mature. Market comments are very encouraging, as the golden colour is exotic and unusual. This species is susceptible to fungal diseases after pruning, so measures should be taken to protect the cut branches from infection.

The average vase life of mature leaves is estimated at 33 days. The mature foliage usually maintains the dark green and bronze/gold colouring of the leaves throughout the vase life. Occasionally, chlorosis of the veins on the upper side of the leaves was observed. Usually the overall form of the stem was held for the duration of vase life, although on occasion the upper leaves curled and bent downwards.

Juvenile foliage retained good condition and the original green colouring for several weeks before degrading. During degradation, the tips of each lobe usually became necrotic and progressed down each lobe. The necrotic areas reached a length of approximately 2 centimetres. Accompanying the necrotic tips was a loss of green pigmentation, with inter-veinal areas becoming a dark grey-brown colour. This was usually seen in the stem and all lobes of the leaf.

Leptospermum wooroonooran

Natural Distribution – The main coast range behind Mossman and on Bellenden Ker, on the most extreme, exposed areas; very high altitude and very high rainfall

Primary Propagation Method – Vegetative cuttings from cultivated plants at Yuruga Nursery

PBR Status – None

Comments – This species has performed exceptionally well at the Upper Barron site; however, the attractive red and green foliage is only produced during the winter months when the plants are exposed to the constant moisture and windy conditions at the site. As the seasons change and the moisture levels fall, the foliage becomes quite drab and unattractive. The plants at the Malanda site never produced the attractive juvenile red foliage seen at the Upper Barron site. Market assessments of the winter foliage have indicated that the red juvenile foliage would be in demand at Christmas time. Unfortunately, the

plants do not shoot readily from cut branches and are also a host to a nest-building caterpillar that binds the foliage together and defoliates the plants. The vase life of this species has not been tested due to unavailability of material at the required time. Feedback from Collina Export indicates that the young, red growth of this species wilts during vase life.

Lomandra hystrix

Natural Distribution – Widespread in coastal Queensland

Primary Propagation Method – Propagated from seed collected from the wild

PBR status – None

Comments – This species has grown very well at the Upper Barron and Malanda sites and the plants have readily produced long, thin strands of foliage in large quantity. Market assessments have produced mixed results for this species, some wholesalers having commented on the exotic form of the foliage. The leaf ends tend to breakdown and fray, making it difficult to find intact leaves in the field. There have been no incidences of pests or diseases to report with this species. The foliage is very tough and strong and has an average vase life of 30 days. During vase life, the appearance of this species undergoes little change. Tip necrosis (frequently already present from the paddock) extends down the leaf towards the leaf base and the upper leaf becomes chlorotic. After storage at any temperature, the leaves are usually curled. Provided they are allowed to stand in water, the leaves of this species will hydrate and resume a flattened shape.

Lomatia fraxinifolia

Natural Distribution – Widespread in north Queensland rainforests at mid to high altitude

Primary Propagation Method – Propagated from seed collected from the wild

PBR Status – None

Comments – The plants of this species have grown extremely vigorously at both the Upper Barron and Malanda sites, and are producing large numbers of attractive, glossy, dark-green leaves. The plants respond very well to pruning, producing multiple shoots that require thinning to select the strongest shoots. This is one of the species showing the greatest potential. Market assessments have been very positive, provided the leaf length is 60 centimetres or more. There have been no incidences of pests or diseases to report with this species. The average vase life of the leaves is estimated at 28 to 33 days. Harvested leaves survive in dry storage and remain un-blemished for long periods (more than 12 days), provided they are misted regularly. During vase life, little change in the physical appearance was noted. Necrotic spots form on the back of leaves, which may be associated with spots of mechanical damage prior to or at harvest. Chlorosis on the upper side of the leaves became apparent during vase life. After storage, some blackening of the veins was noted in a couple of the replicates.

Neorites kevediana

Natural Distribution – In rainforests, north of the Clohesy River to Cooktown

Primary Propagation Method – From vegetative cuttings from cultivated plants at Yuruga Nursery

PBR Status – None

Comments – This species has grown very well at both the Upper Barron and Malanda sites and produces attractive, glossy, dark-green foliage. The plants are not as vigorous as the Lomatia fraxinifolia plants; however, they also produce multiple stems after pruning and require thinning to select strong stems. The market comments on this species have been encouraging and again emphasise

the importance of leaf length. As with Grevillea baileyana, this species appears to be susceptible to fungal disease after pruning, especially if rain follows pruning. Therefore, measures must be taken to protect pruned surfaces from fungal spores, for example the application of a copper and paint mix. Three plants of this species were lost at the Upper Barron site following pruning that took place in August 2002. The vase life is estimated at 36 days.

Placospermum coriaceum

Natural Distribution – In rainforests between Cooktown and Kuranda

Primary Propagation Method – Propagated from seed collected from wild plants

PBR Status – None

Comments – This species has performed very well at the Malanda site. Young plants do not tolerate heavy pruning, with pruning only proving moderately successful for the production of multiple stems. When the plants are young, tip pruning only is recommended. Once plants are established, they appear to be able to tolerate heavy pruning, which results in shoots along the length of the stem. Market comments received have not been positive, despite the attractive blush that can be seen on the semi- mature foliage. Market assessments have also revealed that the short leaf length is not suitable and that there would be very little use for this type of product. The leaves of individual plants can vary in form and be single or multi-lobed. There have been no incidences of pests or diseases to report and the estimated vase life of mature foliage is 24 days. The very young tips of this species wilt quickly. Little change in appearance is noted in mature specimens and towards the end of vase life, inter-veinal chlorosis and occasionally stem necrosis tends to develop.

Sarcotoechia serrata

Natural Distribution – Gadgarra to Ravenshoe, always found growing under the canopy of much larger trees

Primary Propagation Method – grown from seed collected from the wild

PBR status – None

Comments – This species has been slow growing at both the Malanda and Upper Barron sites. The plants are healthier and bigger at the Malanda site and are not suited at all to the climatic conditions experienced at the Upper Barron site. Unfortunately, there has been very little material to send away for market assessments and no indication of potential demand is available for this species. Plants respond well to tip pruning and produce multiple stems. There have been no pests or diseases recorded for this species. The foliage does not cope well with dry storage at 3°C or 20°C and has an average vase life of 11 days (with or without storage at 10°C). There is potential to carry out post-harvest treatments on this species to enhance the vase life. At 3°C or 20°C, Sarcotoechia serrata was completely desiccated post- storage, and leaves became a dark grey-green colour and abscised. Toward the end of vase life, leaves also desiccated and abscised.

Stenocarpus sp. Tully River

Natural Distribution – Hinchinbrook Island and the headwaters of the Tully River

Primary Propagation Method – Grown from seed

PBR Status – None

Comments – Unfortunately, the growth of this species has been unexpectedly poor at all three field trial sites, and there appears to be no climatic/soil type preference for this species. Plants at all three sites have responded well to recent fertiliser applications and are producing brilliant new foliage. Market assessments have been positive; however, it is doubtful as to whether the species establishes quickly enough to be a viable commercial species. Stressed plants are susceptible to stem borer attack and the new foliage is very susceptible to beetle attack. Leaves also sunburn easily if over-exposed to intense sunlight and this effect is exacerbated on stressed or weak plants. This species is one of the parent plants of Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ and the Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’.

Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’

Natural Distribution – This plant does not occur naturally; it has been bred by Yuruga Nursery and as a result is protected by Plant Breeder’s Rights.

Primary Propagation Method – From cuttings only

PBR Status – Granted to Yuruga Nursery

Comments – These plants can only be propagated by Yuruga Nursery as stipulated under the Plant Breeder’s Rights guidelines. This plant appears to be able to grow in a wide range of climates and soil types, and has grown very well at all three trial sites. The plants established very well and show excellent vigour. Once harvested, the stems cope easily with dry storage and have lengthy vase lives (more than 27 days). Exporters have commented on the suitability of the variety for export markets and believe the demand is significant. Very long stem lengths of 70 centimetres or more are possible, which makes the variety very desirable for floristry. The plants are a host to swarming leaf beetles, seasonal pests that feed on the soft, juvenile foliage. Scale insects also attack this plant and produce an unsightly white exudate, which tarnishes the foliage. Weak plants are also susceptible to stem borer attack. The plants respond very well to pruning by producing multiple shoots close to the cut surface. No affects of vase life or storage were noted for this species; all replicates remained identical to the control.

Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’

Natural Distribution - This plant does not occur naturally; it has been bred by Yuruga Nursery and as a result is protected by Plant Breeder’s Rights.

Primary Propagation Method – From cuttings only

PBR Status – Granted to Yuruga Nursery

Comments – These plants can only be propagated by Yuruga Nursery as stipulated under the Plant Breeder’s Rights guidelines. This plant appears to be able to grow in a wide range of climates and soil types and has grown very well at all three trial sites. The plants produce multiple very long stems over 70 centimetres in length, with very attractive foliage. The characteristics of the foliage and the hardiness of the harvested stems make this variety one of the most desirable. The exporters were more keen about this variety than any other in the field trials. The plants are a host to scale insects that produce an unsightly white exudate, and weak plants are susceptible to stem borer. Vase life information has not been recorded for this variety of Stenocarpus, although from experience with the product, mature foliage is expected to hold and survive dry- storage with few detrimental effects.

Syzygium leuhmanii

Natural Distribution – From the Great Dividing Range and east, from Cape York through to South of Sydney

Primary Propagation Method – Seed

PBR Status – None

Comments – This plant has grown across the entire range of field sites in the trial, though establishment and growth has been slow at each site. Due to the slow growth, little pruning has been conducted. If established and growing vigorously, good branching and shoot production can be expected. Young growth is an attractive, red colour and contrasts well with the dark green mature foliage. The young growth moves from red to pink to green as it matures. The red and pink growth does not maintain quality post-harvest, and particular post-harvest techniques would be required to attain a reasonable vase life for the species. After dry storage, the young growth is wilted and somewhat shrivelled and does not recover turgor. Very slow establishment and lack of vase life after storage has made Syzygium leuhmanii one of the less promising species.

4. Implications and Recommendations

As a result of this project, ten cut foliage species will be available to the Australian domestic and export markets, expanding both the range of products and the length of the season in which Australian foliage products are available. This will impact positively on the regional economy of north Queensland and give exporters an increased range of Australian product to offer in overseas markets.

Vase life investigations have suggested that while most of the species do have a long vase life, dry storage does generally compromise post-storage vase life. The investigations have also shown that 10°C is the best average storage temperature to maximise post-storage vase life. Foliage producers will therefore need to maintain rigorous post-harvest care practices and may need to investigate alternate storage and transport arrangements.

Prospective producers, particularly those from other regions, will need to investigate the suitability of the species to their sites and climates. While the project team would expect acceptable growth of these species in any region with a comparable climate to north Queensland, site differences always occur and need to be taken into account.

The successful selection of new species from the original range of rainforest flora evaluated in this project indicates that many more northern Queensland species may be suitable with respect to market appeal, post-harvest life and cultivation.

Further development is required for the small number of species recommended as having high market potential. Significant interest exists in these species and in expanding the flower and foliage industry in north Queensland, but to aid the successful adoption of these species, more detailed information regarding their production and market success is required.

This project has successfully selected species based on demonstrated market potential, production potential, and dry storage and vase life characteristics. In-depth evaluation of characteristics including yield per plant, frequency of harvest, season of harvest, average stem lengths, timing of pruning, irrigation and fertilisation requirements, post-harvest trials for maximising dry storage and vase life, and economic market returns should be undertaken for each selected species.

RIRDC has agreed to fund a two-year project from November 2002 to 2004 to address these parameters, to aid the commercialisation of the species and further promote the industry in north Queensland.

Appendix One

Pictorial Survey

Orange Flowered Bloodwood Eucalyptus phoenicia Red Penda Bright orange flowers. Xanthostemon youngii Stem length: 30-40 cm. Fluffy, bright orange-red flower, 10 cm across. Stem length: 20-50 cm.

Paperbark Satinash Syzygium papyraceum Cluster of fluffy, pastel mauve flowers, 5-8 cm across. Glossy, fluorescent purple fruit, 3cm in diameter. Stem length: 20-50 cm.

Little Evodia Blush Silky Oak Evodiella muelleri Opisthiolepis heterophylla Pastel pink to bright lolly pink flowers in 5-8 Bright green upper side, shiny gold underside. cm clusters along stem. Variation between Total length: 15-40 cm. cultivars. Stem length: 20-40 cm.

Hill’s Silky Oak Grevillea hiliana Green upper side, silver sheen on underside. Total length: 20-60 cm.

Brown Silky Oak White Oak Darlingia darlingiana Grevillea baileyana Matt green leaf. Immature leaf is deeply lobed. Total length: 15-30 cm. Mature leaf has green upper side, shiny gold underside. Total length: 30-60 cm.

Tully River Oak Stenocarpus sp. Tully River Red Silky Oak Cultivar 1: Darkish green leaves, tipped with copper. Can be Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana used as individual sections or a whole stem. Cultivar 2: Bright green leaves, with fine leaflets. Sharply serrated leaflets, with rusty Total length: 15-50 cm. brown new growth. Total length: 15-30 cm.

Fern Leaf Tamarind Atherton Oak Sarcotoechia serrata Athertonia diversifolia Dainty serrated leaves, green Variable leaf shape, semi-glossy surface, to pastel pink. quilted texture. Total length: 20-50 cm. Total length: 15-40 cm.

Rose Silky Oak Placospernum coriaceum Matt grey-green to pink-tinged leaves. Considerable variability in leaf shape. Total length: 15-40 cm.

Cardwell Banksia Back-Scratcher Ginger Banksia plagiocarpa Tapeinochilos ananassae Mauve-grey flowers, 15 cm in Glossy, bright red flower, 10-15 cm in length, on long stems. diameter. Stem length: 30-40 cm. Stem length: 15-30 cm.

Cardwell Tea Tree (flowers) Leptospernum sp. ‘Cardwell’ Pink Silky Oak 1 cm white flowers, massed along Alloxylon wickhamii Whorl of pinkish-red flowers, 15 cm across, stem. within cluster of leaves. Total length: 20-50 cm. Stem length: 20-50 cm.

Dissiliaria Mountain Cypress Tree Waratah Dissiliaria surculosa Callitris macleayana Alloxylon flalleum Small, finely serrated leaflets, Bright green, pine-like Semi-glossy, grey-green varying from green to bronze. leaves. leaves. Total length: 20-50 cm. Total length: 20-50 cm Total length: 15-30cm

Ivory Curl Tree Buckinghamia celsissima Small Leaf Lilly-Pilly Green leaves with pink tips. Syzygium luehmanii Leaf length up to 30cm. Glossy leaf. Immature leaves Total length: 20-60cm. range from pastel pink to bright lolly-pink. Mature leaves are green. Total length: 20-60 cm

Mat Rush Cape Ironwood Lomandra longifolia/hystrix Austromyrtus floribunda Rigid glossy leaves. Small, glossy, pink-tinged Can be rolled and sculptured. leaves. Total length: 20-100 cm Total length: 20-60 cm

Cardwell Tea Tree (foliage) Mt Lewis Ironwood/Red Ironwood Leptospernum ‘Cardwell’ Austromyrtus sp. ‘Mt Lewis’ Fine, pale green leaf. Glossy green to red leaves. Total length: 20-50 cm. Total length: 20-50 cm.

Appendix Two

North Queensland Foliage Species Questionnaire

SPECIES –

1. Was the product in good/saleable condition on arrival? Yes/No

2. Have you seen this product before? Yes/No

3. How would you rate the market potential/demand for this product on a scale of 1-5 where:

1=this product would be in high demand and therefore has excellent market potential

5=there would be no demand for this product and therefore has no market potential

RATING 1 2 3 4 5

4. Do you have any suggestions on ways in which this product can be improved to enhance its market potential? ______

5. Which existing products would provide the most competition for this product? ______

6. In your opinion, would the demand for this product (if there is any perceived demand) lie in the domestic market, export market or both?______

7. Does this product have any outstanding features? If yes, what are they? ______

Appendix Three

Field Day Advertisement

Native Foliage and Flower Field Day

Tuesday 29th October

Visit field trials sites at Upper Barron, Malanda and Paddy’s Green associated with a project funded by RIRDC and Yuruga Nursery Pty Ltd. Observe the growth and characteristics of 21 native north QLD plants being considered for commercial cut foliage and flowers.

For catering purposes, a program and directions please register with Joanna Arthy, Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Mareeba on (07) 4048 4600.

Appendix Four

Media Release Number 1

North Queensland Native Foliage and Flower Field Day A field day to highlight new foliage and cut flower species native to north Queensland will be held on the Atherton Tablelands on the 29th October.

Department of Primary Industries horticulturist Joanna Arthy, Mareeba said the aim of the field day is to give interested parties the opportunity to visit three trial sites on the Atherton Tablelands where selected species are being grown, before the project is completed in November.

Field day participants will tour three trial sites as the 21 species involved have performed differently at each site due to differing climatic conditions. “As well two of the species are only present at the Mareeba site (Paddys Green) as they prefer sandy soil. Of the 21 species in the trials, five are being considered for cut flowers and the remainder for cut foliage. During the field day there will be discussion on any pest and disease problems that have been significant during the course of the trials.” Ms Arthy said.

Ms Arthy said the DPI’s amenity horticulture sub-program, as part of the research project, aims to identify and evaluate the commercial potential for new cut foliage and flower species native to north Queensland.

Ms Arthy said the project is a Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) funded project with in kind and financial contributions from the commercial project partner, Yuruga Nursery Pty Ltd. The owners and managers of Yuruga, Peter and Ann Radke and their staff are experts in propagation of native Australian plants.

“Yuruga Nursery is accredited under the Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia (NIASA) and is well known nationally and internationally for their collection and knowledge of native plants. They are strategically placed to be able to easily source propagation material of north Queensland species and have supplied all the plants used in the field trials.”

“Plants at all three sites have been in the ground for 18 months to two years and field day participants will be able to observe and gain an understanding of plants being considered for commercial production of cut foliage or flowers.” Ms Arthy said.

She said market assessments conducted as part of the project had indicated both wholesaler and exporter demand for the products. Some products appear to be suitable for the domestic market only, whereas others have significant potential for export if the products remain at very high quality.

Ms Arthy said the field day provided a unique opportunity to see plants being considered for commercial production before the project is completed following which many of the plants may be re-located or removed. She said it is hoped a follow on project concentrating on the commercialisation of several selected species will receive RIRDC funding and will begin in December 2002.

For catering purposes, a program and directions to the first trial site, participants are asked to register with Joanna Arthy, DPI Mareeba on 40484600 no later than the 25th October.

Mark Dawson Media Officer Ph 07 5430 4951 mob 0407 756 859

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit PO Box 5165 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre 4560 Ph 07 5430 4911, fax 07 5430 4994 DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)

Appendix Five

Media Release Number 2

21 May 2003

Native flowers and foliage set to steal hearts as Tablelands industry develops

“SAY it with flowers” is the marketing slogan – but soon, would-be romeos and other flora fans may be able to replace traditional blooms with a bunch of exotic and lush stems from the heart of Wet Tropics rainforests.

The Department of Primary Industries, in conjunction with Far North Queensland nursery Yuruga Native Plants and a handful of innovative landholders, has been running trials to identify native flowers and foliage that could be suitable for commercial production. The trials have been funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.

All of the species planted in the first stage of the trial are native to north Queensland. Some are trees and shrubs that can be found along creek banks, rivers and streams, while others have been developed by Yuruga Native Plants as hybrids of native rainforest species.

Of the species trialled, 11 will now be researched in-depth for their suitability to be grown on a commercial scale if a proposed follow on project attracts funding from RIRDC. Most of these species have already had a favourable response from markets and they will definitely catch the eye of the consumer.

“When people think native Australian flowers, they think banksias, wattles and kangaroo paw, but there is a whole range of flowers and foliage that have the potential to be developed into a commercial industry,” DPI horticulturalist Joanna Arthy said.

“Some of the species we are looking at include trees with beautiful lacy foliage that would marry well with traditional flower arrangements and others that have multi-coloured foliage that ranges from a dark glossy green to fiery red.”

Ann Radke, from Yuruga Native Plants, also believes that some of the species trialled are definitely exhibiting the “wow” factor.

“Personally I think that this industry has great potential and as demonstrated at field days held at the trial sites, a lot of these plants really do have the wow factor that wholesalers are looking for,” Ann said.

“But the big thing now is to start looking at how viable the species are for commercial production, not only their performance in the ground but to look at things like vase life and transportability.”

“The other really important thing to consider is that the industry needs to be able to carry the capacity that exporters and wholesalers are looking for, which means growers will need quite a large-scale operation, rather than something like a hobby farm.”

At a recent field day conducted by Joanna Arthy DPI Mareeba, and Yuruga Native Plants, the three Atherton Tableland trial sites were toured by over 35 potential growers.

The native flower and foliage industry is part of the rapidly-growing primary industry known as Amenity Horticulture. Amenity Horticulture, which also includes turf and nursery production, is the third largest primary industry in Queensland, generating more than a billion dollars annually.

Further information: Ann Radke Yuruga Nursery Ph 40 933 826 Andrea Corby Media Officer Ph 47222 648

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit GPO Box 46 Brisbane Q 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380 DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)