Wildflowers & Native Plants

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2005-2006 and Research In Progress as at June 2006

Sub-Program 1.6 WILDFLOWERS & NATIVE PLANTS

August 2006

ISNB 1 74151 330 8 ISSN 1440-6845

"RIRDC Completed Projects in 2005-06 and Research in Progress as at June 2005 -1.6 Wildflowers & Native Plants" Publication No 06/067

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.

RIRDC Wildflowers and Native Plants Research Manager Dr Roslyn Prinsley RIRDC Level 5, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: 02 6272 3207 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected]

RIRDC Publications Manager Cecile Ferguson Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 5, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: 02 6272 3186 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in August 2006 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

ii Foreword

This year RIRDC has produced Research in Progress, June 2006, which contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 2005-2006 for all of the Corporation’s program areas.

The complete report on all the programs is only available in electronic format on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au

The following report is a hardcopy extract covering Sub-Program 1.6. It contains all entries from continuing and completed Wildflowers and Native Plants research projects funded by RIRDC. This program aims to improve the profitability, productivity and sustainability of the Australian wildflower and native plant industry.

This report is the newest addition to our extensive catalogue of over 1500 research reports, videos and CD-Roms of projects supported by RIRDC. Please contact us for the latest publications catalogue or view it on our website:

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

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

iii Contents

1.6 WILDFLOWERS & NATIVE PLANTS - COMPLETED PROJECTS

PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE NO. No 2. To improve existing products and develop new ones DAV-210A Development of Leptospermum hybrids Mr Tony Slater (03) 9210 9222 Department of Primary 1 Industries (Vic) 3. To provide profitable and sustainable production systems KPW-2A Development of synthetic seeds for clonal Dr Kingsley Dixon (08) 9480 3637 Botanic Gardens and Parks 4 propagation of Australian plants Authority UWA-67A Speeding up the release of new varieties Dr Guijun Yan (08) 9380 1240 University of Western Australia 6 of Leucadendron

1.6 WILDFLOWERS & NATIVE PLANTS – RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE NO. No 1. To understand, strengthen and develop markets DAN-235A Improving Market Access for Australian Dr Jenny Ekman (02) 4348 1900 NSW Department of Primary 7 Wildflowers Industries 2. To improve existing products and develop new ones DAN-231A On-farm evaluation of grafted wildflowers Mr Jonathon Lidbetter (02) 4348 1931 NSW Department of Primary 8 for commercial cutflower production Industries DAN-234A Flannel Flowers the Year Round: a model Dr Ross Worrall (02) 4348 1900 NSW Department of Primary 9 protected cultivated system Industries DAW-107A Nutrient management of waxflower for Mr. Gerry Parlevliet (08) 9368 3219 Department of Agriculture (WA) 10 quality and yield under adequate irrigation levels DAW-111A Maximising root quality of waxflower tube Dr. Kevin Seaton (08) 9368 3244 Department of Agriculture (WA) 11 stock suitable for field planting UA-67J Development of novel eucalypt hybrids Prof Margaret Sedgley (08) 8303 7249 The University of Adelaide 12 3. To provide profitable and sustainable production systems DAQ-324A Market development and commercial Ms Joanna Srhoj (07) 4048 4651 Department of Primary 13 production of five native foliage products Industries and Fisheries (Qld)

iv WILDFLOWERS & NATIVE PLANTS COMPLETED PROJECTS

2. TO IMPROVE EXISTING PRODUCTS AND DEVELOP NEW ONES

Project Title: Developing Leptospermum for cut flowers

RIRDC Project No.: DAV-210A Researcher: Mr Tony Slater Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Victoria) Private Bag 15 Ferntree Gully DC VIC 3156 Phone: 03 9210 9222 Fax: 03 9800 3521 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To monitor and evaluate Leptospermum hybrids for vase life, novel colour forms and varying flowering times

Background Leptospermum has been identified as a wildflower cut flower crop that is very popular in Australia’s export markets, but is under supplied. The cut flowers are only available for a few weeks, but there are a number of species that are undeveloped as cut flowers, and yet have good characteristics for cultivars to be developed.

The genus Leptospermum includes a diverse group of plants. There are a range of flower colours and sizes, and between August and March a member of the group will be in flower. These are important commercial characters for a floral crop, as they allow continual supply to the market, and provide diversity within the crop.

During earlier work, the Australian species of Leptospermum with potential for use as cut flowers were assessed for their suitability as cut flowers (Slater et al. 2001). We identified the better forms of each species, and we investigated the postharvest behaviour of the cut flowers, methods to extend the vase life, and looked at the reproductive biology to establish a breeding program.

The breeding of Leptospermum targeted the production of superior cut flower forms, by using the best available cut flower forms as parents. The breeding program was extensive with close to 2500 hybrids planted at the field site in East Gippsland 200 km east of Melbourne. The development of superior hybrids with good vase life and a range of colours can only increase the market demand for leptospermums.

Research The hybrid seedlings were monitored at the field site over the two flowering seasons of the project. Due to the juvenility period of the seedlings, no plants flower in the first year after planting and few in the second year. Generally the plants needed to be grown for at least 18 months in the field and be over 50 cm tall for flowering to occur. The flowering response desirable for cut flower use occurs in the third and fourth flowering season in the field.

1 When the hybrids flowered, the flowering times were noted and the flowering display and flowers were described. Material was collected for postharvest assessment of each hybrid. The vase life was monitored and the postharvest behaviour described. All the hybrids that had an acceptable vase life, exhibited the ability for mature buds to continue to develop and open after harvest. This will enable these hybrids to be harvested when they are just starting to flower to maximise vase life.

From the field and postharvest observations, 22 different Hybrid Styles were described. These Hybrid Styles can be easily distinguished on petal colour, size and other floral characters. A number of cut flower and landscape cultivars should be obtainable from each of the Hybrid Styles.

Outcomes A commercialisation strategy has been developed for the Leptospermum cultivars emanating from the breeding program to expedite the release of quality Leptospermum cultivars for a range of market uses both domestically and internationally.

In recognition of Longford Flowers investment in the breeding and development of the selections, Longford Flowers has first right to commercial exploitation of the cultivars for a period of 4 years. After this time these cultivars will be made widely available to industry.

In recognition of the market opportunities that lie outside the commercial operation of Longford Flowers, the stakeholders also aim to identify advanced selections that have other market opportunities. These advanced selections will be of plant types that are only suitable for pot plant or landscape use, or cut flower styles not required by Longford Flowers.

It is envisaged that there will be a strategy to release a number of cultivars each year. This will result in a staggered release of the total pool of cut flower cultivars, rather than a flooding of the market that would result if they were all released at the same time.

Implications Twenty-two different hybrid styles have been described, and can be easily distinguished on petal colour, size and other floral characters. These hybrid styles need to still be assessed for the best commercial cultivars, and commercial partners identified to commercialise these cultivars.

A large number of hybrids are too young at this stage and are yet to flower for the first time. As these are combinations of parents that have not flowered to date, further hybrid styles and commercial cultivars are likely to arise from these plants.

Wildflower growers interested in producing Leptospermum should seek out the superior forms to determine their performance under their growing conditions. The range of species and cultivars flower between late August and early January. This range of flowering times will allow Leptospermum to be marketed over an extended season, and growers have the opportunity to supply the market over this extended season by growing a range of species and cultivars.

2 This project has built on the work and knowledge established in two earlier projects, and has shown the benefit of strategic research that builds on a good foundation.

3. TO PROVIDE PROFITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Development of somatic embryogenesis as a precursor Project Title: to synthetic seeds for clonal propagation of Australian plants.

RIRDC Project No.: KPW-2A Researcher: Dr M Panaia Organisation: Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority Phone: 9480 3622 Fax: 9480 3641 Email: [email protected]

Objectives The objective of the project is to develop a process for the large-scale production of somatic embryos for Australian native species to be used as synthetic seed analogues for the rehabilitation of disturbed landscapes and for horticultural utilisation.

Background Many desirable Australian plants produce poor quality seeds or seeds that are deeply dormant. Successful plant establishment can often be difficult, and sometimes impossible. Research into new propagation technology is essential for meeting the present and future demands for land restoration and horticultural utilisation. Somatic embryogenesis represents a major technology for the rapid, large-scale production of plant species that respond poorly to conventional methods of propagation. It has the potential to produce up to 60,000 plants from one gram of parent tissue. It is a process by which non-sexual cells undergo a developmental sequence, similar to that seen in zygotic embryos, without the need for sexual reproduction. This is achieved by the exogenous application of plant growth regulators and manipulation of environmental conditions. The term “synthetic” or “artificial seed” is used to describe somatic embryos either in a hydrated or desiccated form, with or without encapsulation. The production of synthetic seed has enormous potential in the agricultural, horticultural and mining industries and the basis for synthetic seed technology is the phenomenon of somatic embryogenesis.

Research The project examined the following stages in the development of somatic embryos for Baloskion tetraphyllum (Koala Fern), Macropidia fuliginosa (Black Kangaroo Paw), Stirlingia latifolia and Lepidosperma squamatum (1) initiation of somatic embryos from primary explants (2) proliferation of embryogenic cultures (3) conversion of somatic embryos into functioning plantlets and (4) desiccation of primary somatic embryos. Plant growth regulators that were investigated included 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, thidiazuron and zeatin. Tissue sources included shoot explants, basal portions and zygotic embryos.

Outcomes Somatic embryogenesis was successfully achieved for B. tetraphyllum, M. fuliginosa, S. latifolia, and L. squamatum to varying degrees. This study has demonstrated that it is possible to produce thousands of somatic embryos in 6 weeks for these species. It is estimated that up to 75,000 somatic embryos could be produced for B. tetraphyllum and 26,000 somatic embryos for M. fuliginosa after 6 weeks incubation using this technique. In addition, the cost of production is estimated at 10 to 50 cents per plant,

4 compared to $1-$5 using the usual micropropagation methods. Conversion of somatic embryos into functioning plantlets was successful for M. fuliginosa, S. latifolia and B. tetraphyllum with plants being transferred to soil (70-100% survival) without the addition of plant growth regulators and minimum acclimatization (1-2 weeks in the glasshouse). As is the case with all species investigated, the stimulation of somatic embryos appears to be closely linked to the age of the explant and the younger the material used as the explant, the more successful the process became. Desiccation of somatic embryos for L. squamatum and B. tetraphyllum demonstrated encouraging results. A small number of somatic embryos displayed germination events (after being dried for 2-3 hours) including re-hydration and the production of root hairs. These preliminary results clearly demonstrate that drying (desiccation) of somatic embryos is possible and optimization of this protocol requires further research.

Implications The use of somatic embryogenesis as a technique to deliver a superior, mass propagation method for these native plant taxa will effectively reduce the cost of production, reduce loss of biodiversity, increase the efficiency of rehabilitation programmes and boost the supply of these species to the horticultural industry.

Publications “Somatic embryogenesis as an efficient method for the clonal propagation of Koala Fern, Black Kangaroo Paw and Blue Boy – Important species for rehabilitation of disturbed habitats and horticultural utilisation.” Authors: Maggie Panaia, Eric Bunn and Kingsley Dixon. Poster and abstract presented at the Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology Conference, 21-24 September 2005, Perth, Western Australia.

Speeding up the release of new varieties of Project Title: Leucadendron

RIRDC Project No.: UWA 67A Researcher: Dr Guijun Yan & Dr Ralph Sedgley Organisation: School of Plant Biology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Western Australia Phone: +61 8 6488 1240 Fax: +61 8 6488 1108 Email: [email protected]

Objectives The objective is to develop a stream of new varieties for the industry, and by so doing increase the confidence and competitiveness of the Australian wildflower industry in the world market. In addition, we expect information on important aspects of the research to enter the public domain via publication.

Background The first phase of the Australian Leucadendron breeding program UWA46A achieved outstanding progress (Yan et al. 2001). Time is of the essence, for growers who have invested in this project and are looking for an early return on their considerable investment, and for the industry at large, which urgently needs new varieties to invigorate its offerings to the world market. Hence the need for methods for making early selections and for techniques to rapidly multiply them and so hasten their evaluation and distribution for planting out.

Research In order to develop an early selection system, both molecular markers associated with sex determination and morphological markers correlated between seedling traits and adult traits were studied. Efficient propagation technologies using cuttings and in vitro methods were also attempted.

Outcomes A total of more than 23,000 hybrid seeds were produced by the project. Altogether, 5,319 plants representing most successful cross combinations have been trialled on the farms of contributing growers and so far 251 selections have been made, 10 of which have been fast-tracked among the contributing growers and three of them have been PBR’ed. Our research into the development of molecular and morphological markers and the establishment of a rapid propagation system were highly successful. So far 8 scientific papers have been published or accepted for publication in refereed journals. Armed with the scientific outcome and the bank of about 17,000 hybrid seeds and more than 200 elite selections, the project has the potential to release new Leucadendron varieties for many years to come.

Implications This project has shown that a good combination of genetic science and breeding technology can greatly increase the breeding efficiency and can deliver breeding outcomes to industry in the most efficient way.

Publications So far eight papers have been published or accepted for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. For details, see the full report.

WILDFLOWERS & NATIVE PLANTS RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

1. TO UNDERSTAND, STRENGTHEN AND DEVELOP MARKETS

Project Title: Improving Market Access for Australian Wildflowers

RIRDC Project No.: DAN-235A Start Date: 01/09/2004 Finish Date: 30/11/2006 Researcher: Dr Jenny Ekman Organisation: NSW Department of Primary Industries Phone: (02) 4348 1900 Fax: (02) 4348 1910 Email: [email protected] Objectives The objective of this project is to improve the economic viability of the Australian wildflower industry by reducing the costs associated with export. We aim to do this by developing and testing methods of shipping wildflowers by sea. Current Progress • The original project plan involved only static trials. However, in September 2005 Maersk Sealand offered to provide free freight for a 6m reefer from Brisbane to Japan (value approx $4,337). This made it possible to conduct a live trial. The shipment was conducted in November 2005. A wide range of flowers and foliages were included and several different packaging methods were trialled. • NSW DPI staff attended the quarantine inspection at Port Yokohama and conducted a quality evaluation of all products at the importers’ facility at Narita. Both events were filmed so the results could be shown to the industry. The project identified a number of critical failures in the native flower supply chain in relation to preparation of the phytosanitary certificate, Japanese market requirements and feedback of accurate information to growers in a timely manner. NSW Christmas Bush, Tasmanian rice flower and Backhousia were still in good condition at outturn. Kangaroo paw quality varied between cultivars and was improved by wet storage in Proconas. Products which were not in good condition initially deteriorated further during shipping • Sea freight was calculated to be 61% of the cost of airfreight for a 6m container. Costs could potentially be reduced to 35% if a 12m container was used, a saving which would add directly to growers’ returns. • The results have been presented to the industry at workshops in NSW and Qld, and a report on the shipment circulated to key exporters.

2. TO IMPROVE EXISTING PRODUCTS AND DEVELOP NEW ONES

Project Title: On-farm evaluation of grafted wildflowers for commercial cutflower production

RIRDC Project No.: DAN-231A Start Date: 01/09/2004 Finish Date: 30/05/2009 Researcher: Mr Jonathon Lidbetter Organisation: NSW Department of Primary Industries Phone: (02) 4348 1931 Fax: (02) 4348 1910 Email: [email protected] Objectives • Prove the benefits of grafted plants in the wildflower industry though valid on- farm financial data on the establishment of grafted perennial crops and potential cost/ benefit. • Foster the production of new product lines on farm in a profitable and sustainable manner. • Improve the viability of some currently difficult to grow or low yielding product lines and expand their suitability to a greater area within Australia. • Improve the efficiency of Australian flower growers by creating greater yield certainty and avoiding plant losses or costly repeat applications of fungicides to control root diseases. • Evaluate new graft combinations at a number of sites around Australia. Current Progress Over 2000 grafted plants from 35 different graft combinations from 10 genera have been planted at 12 sites in NSW, Victoria and WA. Assessment over such a wide range of sites has facilitated the fast-tracking of the selection process.

Commercially harvestable stem lengths are being picked from some species within 12-18 months of planting with some plants showing clear economic returns at this early stage. Flowering stems have already been harvested or will be harvested in coming weeks from plants in the genera Eucalyptus (Corymbia), Banksia, Geleznowia, Boronia and Pimelea. Considerable differences in results are being observed between sites leading to re-evaluation of rootstock selection for some sites. A significant number of new varieties and even species are becoming available and are progressively being added to the selection available for growers in the project.

Some new disease/ rootstock interactions have been observed acting as the basis for future rootstock selection. Furthermore field testing has highlighted the deficiencies of some varieties which have been identified as uneconomic or inappropriate to particular sites. New rootstock lines continue to be selected to fill identified gaps or overcome problems as they occur. One current major gap is the lack of clonal rootstocks for Corymbia.

Project Title: Flannel Flowers the Year Round: a model protected cultivated system

RIRDC Project No.: DAN-234A Start Date: 01/09/2004 Finish Date: 30/05/2007 Researcher: Dr Ross Worrall Organisation: NSW Department of Primary Industries Phone: (02) 4348 1900 Fax: (02) 4348 1910 Email: [email protected] Objectives To promote the development of the Australian native flower industry by providing cultural and post harvest information and new varieties that will enable flannel flowers and other Australian native cut flowers to be grown in protected cultivation. The overall aim is the development of a model production system for the protected cultivation of flannel flower and to assess other potential crops for production under a similar system. Current Progress Experimental crops of a year round flowering clone of flannel flower have been grown in purpose built greenhouses for approximately two years. Production has been expanded with an additional 10,000 plants being distributed to growers in the last year. Flowers are now continually being marketed both domestically and in Japan. Yields and prices have been consistently good to excellent. Plant losses have been variable, but usually less than 5%. Most losses have been due to the root rot diseases, Pythium and Fusarium, especially when they occur together. Currently 30 fungal isolates are being tested for pathogenicity to flannel flowers. Trials examining the flannel flower’s nutrient requirements are also underway. It has been established that the plants are extremely responsive to nitrogen fertiliser and relatively high levels of phosphorus fertilisers are not toxic, unlike the situation for many native plants. It has also been established that light shade and the growth regulator GA increases both yield and flower quality. Other clones of flannel flower have been successfully tissue-cultured and are currently being deflasked for greenhouse trials. In addition to flannel flowers a range of other native flowers is being tested for financial viability under protected cultivation.

Project Title: Nutrient management of waxflower for quality and yield under adequate irrigation levels

RIRDC Project No.: DAW-107A Start Date: 01/09/2003 Finish Date: 30/08/2006 Researcher: Dr Kevin Seaton & Mr Gerry Parlevliet Organisation: Department of Agriculture (WA) Phone: (08) 9368 3219 Fax: (08) 9368 3946 Email: [email protected] Objectives To develop a strategy for managing nutrient and irrigation levels in waxflowers with some emphasis on new hybrids to maximise growth and flower quality through: • Increased knowledge of nutrient need of waxflower grown for yield and quality. • Increased knowledge of nutrient deficiency and toxicity symptoms of waxflower. • Increased information available to waxflower producers through seminars, field days, self guided research and information notes and newsletters • Increased knowledge of salinity tolerance of waxflower. Current Progress Maximising yield of hybrid wax flowers is critical to the profitability of the export cut flower industry.

A series of nutrition trials have been completed in the glasshouse and in the field. These have determined the best nutrient levels and nutrient ratios for optimising growth and flowering in wax flower hybrids. Also nutrient deficiency trials have identified critical nutrient levels in leaves and symptoms of leaf deficiency.

Fertiliser programs specifically for hybrid wax flowers have been developed and implemented on farm These have been used in conjunction with better nutrient delivery systems, and effective irrigation management using tensiometers. Using tissue analysis and leaf deficiency symptoms, farmers can manage their nutrient and watering programs to ensure plant nutrient levels are optimised.

Yield increase of 30% has been measured as a result of this implementing nutrition programs. A number of workshops have been held in WA, SA, NSW and Qld, presenting results and training growers in the interpretation of nutrient deficiencies, tissue sampling and fertiliser calculations.

Using better nutrition and irrigation management new wax flower hybrids have become more profitable.

Seaton, K. S, and Calder, T. (2003). Fertilisers for wax flower production. Department of Agriculture Western Australia. Farmnote. No. 59/2003. Seaton, K. S. & Parlevliet, G. (2005). Maximising production of wax flower through better nutrient management. The 7th Australian Native Flower Conference, Brisbane, 25th May to 28th May 2005.

Project Title: Maximising root quality of waxflower tube stock suitable for field planting

RIRDC Project No.: DAW-111A Start Date: 01/10/2003 Finish Date: 30/09/2006 Researcher: Dr. Kevin Seaton Organisation: Department of Agriculture (WA) Phone: (08) 9368 3244 Fax: (08) 9367 2625 Email: [email protected] Objectives To develop a method for propagating waxflower plants including new hybrids to eliminate root spiralling and consequent root failure following planting out in the field through: • Determine the characteristics of a propagation tube to prevent root spiralling. • Changes in nursery practice to better manage tube stock during propagation • Developing protocols for better management of plants pre planting out • Developing protocol for field establishment • Developing information products Current Progress Loss of wax flower plants through failure of root systems can be as high as 50%. This failure appears to be caused by a knotting of main roots, which prevents full development of the root system.

A series of trials comparing different types of propagation cells, including round, square, punnets and various cell trays, etc have shown that square tubes with root trainer fins reduce the amount of twisting of the root system. Plants produced using different propagation cells and of different ages, are being assessed in a long term field trial.

Propagation cells with square walls, ribs and air slots are less prone to root spiralling. Also the time plants are held in propagation cells is critical to the occurrence of spiralling. Tube stock survives and grows best if planted young compared to old large plants.

Best management strategies are being developed to optimise tube stock production, planting and field management. These strategies will insure losses in the field are minimised and that plants come into production quickly and their productive life is maximised. A field day was held at trial site in Nov 2005 and several workshops in propagation cell management held in WA, with other workshops planned for eastern states early next year.

Seaton, K. S and Jack, B, G. (2006). Containers and planting techniques for wax flower. Poster at Wax flower Conference 2006. Technology Park Western Australia. 16th to 17th March 2006

Project Title: Development of novel eucalypt hybrids

RIRDC Project No.: UA-67J Start Date: 01/10/2004 Finish Date: 30/05/2007 Researcher: Prof Margaret Sedgley Organisation: The University of Adelaide Phone: (08) 8303 7249 Fax: (08) 8303 7116 Email: [email protected] Objectives To develop novel eucalypt cultivars for the cut bud and flower markets. Current Progress Grafting trials of the selected varieties (from RIRDC Project UA-52A) have continued, with mixed success. Evidence of medium-term graft incompatibility between variety scions and rootstock species has led to a re- assessment of the suitability of the species being used, and testing of other species is now underway. Selected varieties were coppiced in February to encourage juvenile shoots that will be used as scions and as cuttage material in ongoing trials. Two final grafting trials will be conducted in Winter - Spring 06. Evidence of a genotypic and phenotypic effect on grafting success has resulted in the removal of some selected varieties from the grafting trials. Cuttings will be taken from the coppiced plants as available.

Hybrids produced during the breeding program continue to reach reproductive maturity and become available for selection. In November 2005, the industry partners visited the field site and on-site selection of new varieties was undertaken. Eight new plants were selected for further development. These varieties have been coppiced and will be testing for grafting viability in the Winter-Spring 06 grafting trials.

Communication with IP Australia and the PBR office has been established to further develop the PBR guidelines for Eucalyptus.

3. TO PROVIDE PROFITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Market development and commercial production of five native Project Title: foliage products

RIRDC Project No.: DAQ-324A Start Date: 01/12/2004 Finish Date: 30/11/2006 Researcher: Ms Joanna Srhoj Organisation: Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld) Phone: (07) 4048 4651 Fax: (07) 4092 3593 Email: [email protected] Objectives • Increased awareness of the following five foliage products in the domestic market: Stenocarpus Forest Lace, Stenocarpus Forest Gem, Lomatia fraxinifilia, Athertonia diversifolia and Grevillea baileyana. It is anticipated that increased awareness of the products will lead to increased sales. • Development of product specifications. This will assist industry to supply product that meets market requirements. • Improved and more detailed agronomic, market and economic information available to industry relevant to tropical and subtropical growing areas. • This information will increase grower confidence and subsequently attract investment in the industry from potential growers. • Increased industry size and capability both regionally intrastate. • Assessment of the susceptibility/resistance of the five foliage species to root knot nematodes and Phytophthora spp. These assessments will provide the industry with important information from which strategies can be developed to overcome disease susceptibility issues. • Emphasis on grower education and industry collaboration. Education of growers and industry collaboration is essential for the sustainable development of this industry. Current Progress The project is progressing well despite losing foliage during Cyclone Larry at the Yungaburra trial site. The most damage was to Lomatia fraxinifolia and Athertonia diversifolia leaves which were ready to harvest and send off for market evaluations. These leaves are now too damaged to use for market evaluations. Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ and Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem foliage incurred minimal damage as a result of the strong winds. Grevillea baileyana foliage at both Yungaburra and Southedge trial sites had some damage. There were no losses of plants of any species at the trial sites which was extremely fortunate. Measurements and observations at all three trial sites are progressing as per normal.

Samples of foliage will be sent to florists in major capital cities in the following months for evaluations. Nematode resistance trials have been completed and results will be published in the final report. Phytophthora resistance trials have been postponed until later (Oct. 2006) in the project to enable the germination of Shepard avocadoes which will be used as a control. Industry plantings of Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ and Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ have been delayed as a result of the late wet season. Yuruga Nursery has large numbers of plants for distribution to growers.