RIRDC Completed Projects in 2008 - 2009 and Research in Progress as at June 2009

RIRDC Publication No. 09/098

ESSENTIAL OILS AND EXTRACTS

RIRDCInnovation for rural

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2008 - 2009 and Research in Progress as at June 2009

ESSENTIAL OILS AND PLANT EXTRACTS

September 2009 RIRDC Publication No 09/098

© 2009 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved.

ISBN 1 74151 897 0 ISSN 1440 6845

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2008 – 2009 and Research in Progress as at June 2009 - Essential Oils and Plant Extracts

Publication No 09/098

The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances.

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

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

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

RIRDC Essential Oils and Plant Extracts Research Manager Alison Saunders Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: (02) 6271 4124 Fax: (02) 6271 4199 Email: [email protected]

RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: (02) 6271 4100 Fax: (02) 6271 4199 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Electronically published by RIRDC in September 2009 Print-on-demand by Union Offset Printing, Canberra at www.rirdc.gov.au or phone 1300 634 313

ii Foreword

RIRDC produces Research in Progress summaries of continuing projects and those completed during 2008-2009. Our intention is to:

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

• to inform researchers of results to shape research directions.

The complete report on all programs is on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Essential Oils and Plant Extracts Research in Progress Report, 2009, contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 2008-2009. This program aims to provide R&D to provide the knowledge and skills base for industry to provide high, consistent and known qualities in their essential oils and plant extracts products that respond to market opportunities and enhance profitability.

There are four sub-program objectives. These are:

• Improve production systems to raise productivity and control over product qualities

• Support the demonstration of safety and effectiveness of Australian products and facilitate the satisfaction of regulatory requirements to enhance market access

• Support new ideas that provide potential for growing the market for Australian product

• Improve the industry and research capacity

This report is an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1900 research publications, which are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website: www.rirdc.gov.au. Purchases can also be made by phoning 1300 634 313.

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

iii Contents

1.4 ESSENTIAL OILS COMPLETED PROJECTS

PROJECT No PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No

Improve industry and research capacity PRJ-000020 Production of TALGA lavender Michael Basil (02) 4648 0300 Australian Lavender 1 industry newsletter Growers’ Association Inc

Improved Production Systems PRJ-000773 Growing the essential oils industry Susan Hinton 0417 038 274 Essential Oils of 2

Support new ideas for products PRJ-000464 Clinical trial of oil for Glenn Jacobson (03) 6226 2202 University of Tasmania 4 onychomycoses treatment- commercial potential

1.4 ESSENTIAL OILS RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No No

Improved Post Harvest Treatments PRJ-000021 Develop Australian standards for Ian Southwell (02) 6624 2453 Phytoquest 6 oil of Australian Lavandin cultivars

Improved Production Systems PRJ-000019 Flood irrigated tropical timber Liz Barbour (08) 9287 2913 Forest Products 7 trials in the north of Western Commission Australia

Support new ideas for products PRJ-000017 Aroma and flavour products from Robert Menary (03) 6226 2723 University of Tasmania 8 plant waste PRJ-000018 Management of postharvest Elena Lazar (02) 4348 1935 NSW Department of 9 diseases using Australian Primary Industries essential oils PRJ-000763 Using frontier technologies for the Eddie Pang (03) 9925 2283 Royal Melbourne 10 quality assurance of medicinal Institute of Technology herbs PRJ-000778 Development and economic Rowland Laurence (03) 6425 5888 Botanical Resources 11 assessment of Artemisia for Australia Pty Ltd production of anti-malarial extract PRJ-000841 Growing Xi Shu and extracting an Craig Davis (07) 3406 8611 The State Of 12 anti-cancer drug (Camptothecin) Queensland Acting Through The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation PRJ-002500 Production of high quality plant Dennis O’Brien (03) 5833 9252 The University of 13 extracts of Australian medicinal Melbourne herbs

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ESSENTIAL OILS and PLANT EXTRACTS COMPLETED PROJECTS

Improve industry and research capacity

Project Title Production of TALGA lavender industry newsletter

RIRDC Project No.: PRJ-000020 Start Date: 1/07/2007 Finish Date: 30/10/2009 Researcher: Michael Basil Organisation: Australian Lavender Growers Association Inc Phone: (02) 4648 0300 Fax: (02) 4843 3334 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To provide a 4 x per annum Lavender newsletter with a more appropriate technical content that what is available at present

Research The extended Lavender Journal has been published for seven editions from August 2007 with the last edition under this funding arrangement to be published in August 2009. The Journal has been well received by the members and 40 copies of each edition have been purchased by the Lavender Growers of New Zealand. Advertising revenue has not increased significantly but some sponsorship has been attracted, part of which funds are earmarked for advertising in the Journal. The contribution of technical articles has improved, both from local contributors and permission to use articles from similar Journals in the UK and USA has been recently granted. The distribution of the Journal is still as per the mailing list supplied to RIRDC in early 2008, plus new members and the Lavender Growers of Sequim (Washington State) and the Lavender Bag Journal in the UK.

Outcomes Unfortunately TALGA membership has declined due to the drought, as farmer/growers have had to devote their time to other activities at lavender harvest time (December-February). Of the four members wiped out in the Victorian Bushfires, only one has so far said they will replant. Faced with this, the Board has this month sent a mail out to lapsed members who are still active at various levels, and the e-mail side of responses has been encouraging. The board believes that the most cost effective option for the continuation of the Journal is an e-journal, although the membership at AGMs in 2006 and 2008 favoured a hard copy. A decision on this latter item and the improvement of the web-site are topics on the board agenda for its next meeting.

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Project Title Growing the essential oils industry

RIRDC Project No.: PRJ-000773 Start Date: 1/09/2006 Finish Date: 30/05/2009 Researcher: Sam Smee Organisation: Essential Oils of Tasmania Phone: (03) 6229 4222 Fax: (03) 6229 2957 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To support the expansion and international competitiveness of the Tasmanian essential oils industry, by: • establishing an industry development team to ensure full implementation of past research knowledge on a range of crops, including peppermint, fennel, parsley, boronia and lavender; • developing and fine-tuning best practice procedures for commercial production of essential oil crops through detailed crop manuals; • developing a readily accessible crop advisory system; • conducting ongoing field trial work, where necessary, to refine data from previous research, and incorporate it into the commercial management systems; • assessing and securing of genetic resources to provide producers with germplasm with the highest potential available.

Background Essential Oils of Tasmania Pty Ltd has been growing essential oil crops for the past 20 years and is currently experiencing excellent growth opportunities. To realise this growth, the industry needs to develop more effective communication and management systems, as well as improve the returns to growers by improving the germplasm available and extending past research outcomes.

Research A series of crop production manuals were developed for peppermint, fennel, parsley, lavender and boronia, capturing all research and knowledge that has accumulated with growing these crops. Where gaps in knowledge existed, field trials were conducted and the results were incorporated into the manuals. An online crop management database was created to improve the communication between growers and field officers. Superior genetic material for lavender, fennel and peppermint was secured and assessed for its agronomic traits and oil quality and quantity.

Outcomes Crop production manuals developed for peppermint, fennel, parsley, lavender and boronia will allow for improvements in the production of these crops and ensure past and future research outcomes are extended to the industry. An online crop management database will allow for efficient communication between field service personnel and growers, as well as being an important record of crop husbandry actions. Superior genetic lines of lavender, fennel and peppermint were secured in a dedicated nursery. These will form the basis of future crop expansion.

Implications A more sustainable and competitive essential oil industry able to exploit the opportunities for current crop expansion. Improved yields and returns to growers through improved crop management systems, incorporating ‘best practice’ crop production manuals, a record- keeping database and communication systems between field service personnel and growers. Full utilisation of all past research work and a framework created to structure

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future research activity and dissemination of results. Improved yields from improved genetic material of lavender and peppermint

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Project Title Clinical trial of kunzea oil for onychomycoses treatment- commercial potential

RIRDC Project No.: PRJ-000464 Start Date: 1/09/2006 Finish Date: 30/03/2009 Researcher: Glenn Jacobson Organisation: University of Tasmania Phone: (03) 6226 2202 Fax: (03) 6226 2870 Email: [email protected]

Objectives This study will compare the effectiveness and tolerability of kunzea oil with amorolfine nail lacquer, in the treatment of Onychomycosis. Our hypothesis is that due its potent antifungal activity and high penetration of the nail bed, kunzea oil is a better treatment for onychomycosis than amorolfine. The proposed trial of the oil will result in the clinical validation of the oil for the treatment onychomycosis. Clinical proof of efficacy can then be used in the marketing of the oil as a therapeutic agent. Industry and commercial partners will facilitate commercialisation of this product should clinical efficacy be demonstrated.

Background Kunzea oil is an essential oil obtained from Kunzea ambigua (Smith) Druce 1917. Kunzea oil is produced commercially in north eastern Tasmania and contains as major components α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, bicyclogermacrene, δ-cadinene, citronellol, calamenene, ledol, globulol, viridiflorol and spathulenol. The oil is active against dermatophytes and yeast fungi; it is also highly active against Staphylococcus aureus (unpublished results). Ducane kunzea oil has been listed as a therapeutic substance by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia for topical application for the treatment of various dermatological ailments (AUSTL 72143; 1996). Onychomycosis, a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or moulds, is the most common disease of the nails, accounting for 18-40% of all nail diseases. Anecdotal reports vouch for the efficacy of kunzea oil in the treatment of this condition. Approved treatment options are limited: systemic administration of fungicides is costly and there are potentially severe side effects; topical preparations have a high cost and limited effectiveness.

Research This single centre, open-labelled, randomised, parallel group study was designed to assess and compare the efficacy and tolerability of topical application of 100% kunzea oil vs amorolfine 5% nail lacquer for the management of toenail onychomycosis. A total of 130 clinically diagnosed (86 men and 44 women) patients were screened (from a pool of 220 enthusiastic participants who were suspected to have onychomycosis) for the mycological confirmation (mycological culture) of fungal infection in their target great toenails. Ninety-three patients were enrolled in the trial of 40±2 weeks, a total of 71 patients completed the study.

Outcomes Both treatment groups, kunzea and amorolfine showed significant improvement in diseased nail area (p<0.001). In the kunzea group, diseased toenail areas decreased 38% from a mean (± SD) value of 2.00 ± 0.99 cm2 to 1.24 ± 0.83 cm2 (p<0.0001). The response in the amorolfine control group revealed a similar pattern, the diseased toenail area was reduced 36% from a mean (± SD) value of 1.81 ± 0.86 cm2 to 1.16 ± 0.57 cm2. In terms of diseased area reduction at completion, there was no difference in efficacy between kunzea and amorolfine groups (p>0.05). After completion of the study period (week 40±2), both kunzea and amorolfine medications showed no improvement in their respective clinical scores and there was no difference in efficacy. Mycological

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cure (absence of fungal infection) was found in 41% of kunzea cases. In the kunzea group, 11 (34.4%) patients showed marked improvement in their condition (> 50% improvement in diseased toenail area), 12 (37.5%) patients were found to have slight improvement in their fungal infected great toenails (>20% improvement in diseased toenail area), 6 (18.8%) patients were observed to have no change or to have experienced a worsening of their onychomycosis. The kunzea treatment was well tolerated with only two cases withdrawing due to local sensitisation to the treatment. Based on the mycology results of this work, it is evident that the existing TGA listed kunzea oil has a potential role as a topical anti-fungal therapeutic agent, given it’s in vitro antifungal activity, clinical efficacy and tolerability in onychomycosis. The onychomycosis market worldwide is large and penetration into a small part of that market would be of considerable value to local producers. Given the potential of the oil, further research is warranted into enhancing delivery of the oil to the nail bed.

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ESSENTIAL OILS and PLANT EXTRACTS RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

Improved Post Harvest Treatments

Project Title Develop Australian standards for oil of Australian Lavandin cultivars

RIRDC Project No.: PRJ-000021 Start Date: 1/07/2007 Finish Date: 31/08/2010 Researcher: Ian Southwell Organisation: Phytoquest Phone: (02) 6624 2453 Email: [email protected]

Objectives 1. Collect and analyse lavandin oils from Australian lavandin oil producers and collate the data for the purpose of developing new Australian Standards to suit the range of lavandin oil cultivars which are currently grown and for which no Standard(s) exist. 2. Use the collected data to determine if the present Australian Standard AS 5028-2002 for Lavandin GROSSO oil satisfactorily accommodates the typical GROSSO oils derived from Australian grown , and to recommend revisions if it does not.

Current Progress Thirteen samples of lavandin oil were submitted to the Wollongbar Agricultural Institute, the previously agreed collection point for samples. These samples were then distributed to the following locations for the specified analysis: 1. Wollongbar Agricultural Institute Essential Oil Laboratory (Mike Russell), Australian Botanical Products analytical laboratory (Charles Cornwall)and Southern Cross University’s Centre for Phytochemistry & Pharmacology research laboratory (Ashley Dowell) for Gas Chromatographic analysis & physical constant (optical rotation, specific gravity, refractive index, and solubility in alcohol) measurement. 2. Oil Check Pty. Limited (W. Gunning) for Closed Cup Pensky Martens Flash Point analysis. 3. Highlight Creations (John Lambeth) for odour evaluation. Following some initial inconsistencies (that were resolved), analytical data from the labs were in good agreement. Owing to the volumes required for Flash Point analysis, only six mixed samples were submitted. These gave good but varied results from 64 to 72 degrees (mean 69 degrees) falling above the ISO Standard for Spike Lavender but below the values typical of other lavender type oils.

The results of the perfumery evaluation were significant in terms of the project goal, Some the oils had good potential but lacked the heavier notes possibly due to short distillation times. The oils in their present state were not considered commercial. The project awaits the submission of further samples and a more thorough analysis of the procured data.

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Improved Production Systems

Project Title Flood irrigated tropical timber trials in the north of Western Australia

RIRDC Project No.: PRJ-002676 Start Date: 27/11/2007 Finish Date: 30/05/2011 Researcher: Liz Barbour Organisation: Forest Products Commission Phone: (08) 9287 2913 Fax: (08) 9287 2854 Email: [email protected]

Objectives The 16 trials selected will be able to present scientific information to the public on 5 aspects: A. Tropical sandalwood growth rates, heartwood, oil production and product definition. B. African Mahogany growth rates. C. Tectona grandis growth rates. D. Pongamia pinnata growth rate, seed production and seed oil quality. E. Identify other tropical species that could either be used as a long-term host for sandalwood or as a Tropical timber project for the north F. Bark compounds and their insecticide-like compounds. Bark collected from the destructive harvest of S.album will be compared with S.spicatum bark from the rangelands and wheatbelt

Current Progress The analysis of the 16 trials was split into two groups, those with a design where basic statistical tools can be used, and those that had no design where spatial relationships are being investigated. Progress has been made on the destructive harvest system with a test run of 30 eight year old trees undertaken. The first model of tree shape and heartwood within a Tropical sandalwood tree is being developed. A second harvest of 12 fifteen year old trees that had a variety of heartwood induction treatments has been completed and samples are undergoing oil analysis. During these destructive harvests, the presence of a fungal disease was observed. An electronic system to investigate root system interaction underground is about to be tested. This will open a new layer of understanding of host-sandalwood root relationships. In review of project progress, it was noted that more information was needed on the wood quality of the high value timbers. Whilst growth rates and form have been assessed, the deciding factor will be wood quality. Furthermore, sandalwood measurements are indicating host structure in relation to sandalwood growth. Indications are that light in particular is important for oil production and measurement of this parameter is being investigated.

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Support new ideas for products

Project Title Aroma and flavour products from plant waste

RIRDC Project No.: PRJ-000017 Start Date: 10/06/2007 Finish Date: 30/07/2010 Researcher: Robert Menary Organisation: University of Tasmania Phone: (03) 6226 2723 Fax: (03) 6226 7609 Email: [email protected]

Objectives A series of experiments and trials will be conducted in order to obtain an increased yield of extract by processing waste boronia flowers, following the primary extraction. This process, and the associated methods developed as part of the project, will be a model for future development in other industries. Preliminary investigations will be conducted with regard to the potential for application of these technologies to peppermint and fennel.

Current Progress Increased yields of extract from boronia were obtained through processing marc and steaming water condensate. These increases were achieved through the following mechanisms: (i) conversion of glycosides to flavour and aroma compounds, (ii) variations of solvent polarity and (iii) extraction of compounds not efficiently extracted in the primary extraction of flowers. Hydrolysis of glycosides was achieved through incubation with either endogenous fungi or a commercially available pectinase.

Differences in the levels of extract components were apparent, based on each biotchenological process. Relatively higher levels of C-13 norisoprenoids and monoterpenols were apparent in the extract obtained from processed steaming water. The processing method which used endogenous fungi resulted in relatively higher levels of larger molecular weight aroma compounds including esters and cinnamates.

The extracts obtained had desirable organoleptic characteristics which were similar to the original boronia absolute. The flavour and aroma characteristics included floral and berry fruit notes. Several known compounds with a floral character were found in the extracts including linalool and 2-phenyl ethanol. Identification of the compounds which contribute most strongly to the floral and berry fruit characters will guide further optimisation of the processing methods both in terms of yield and improvements of the flavour and aroma.

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Research in Progress - EOI-Support new ideas for products

Project Title Management of postharvest diseases using Australian essential oils

RIRDC Project No.: PRJ-000018 Start Date: 1/1/2008 Finish Date: 1/1/2009 Researcher: Elena Lazar Organisation: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries for and on behalf of the State of NSW Phone: (02) 4348 1935 Email: [email protected]

Objectives The objectives of the project are: • To compare the antifungal properties of lemon myrtle oil against citral and aniseed myrtle oil against trans-anethole on selected horticultural postharvest pathogens in vitro. • To evaluate the optimal application methods for the selected oils/components in vivo against inoculated and noninoculated products. • To establish the efficacy of the oils/components in vivo - treatments necessary to achieve at least 50% reduction in postharvest disease. • To trial whether treatment with the selected oils/components under these conditions taints the taste of the product. • To submit for publication results of this work in peer-reviewed plant pathology/postharvest journals.

Current Progress In vitro and in vivo laboratory trials to evaluate the antifungal activity of Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), Aniseed myrtle (Anetholea anisata) and Tea tree (Meleluca alternifolia) essential oils and two standards , citral and trans- anethole against postharvest pathogens such as: Botrytis cinerea, Monilinia fructicola, Fusarium spp. and Geotrichum candidum have been successfully completed. Statistical analyses has also been finalized. In vitro trials have shown that each of the tested pathogens exhibited a different level of sensitivity to each essential oil/standard with preliminary results suggesting that the essential oils/standards provide excellent control of some pathogens on mycelium growth and spore germination at very low concentrations, whereas for other pathogens higher concentrations that would be economically viable, are needed to reduce significant mycelium growth and spore germination. All tested volatiles oils reduced mycelium growth significantly. The most effective treatments were evaluated further in in vivo trials for their antifungal activity via fumigation using inoculated nectarines and tomatoes. In vivo trials showed that the oil and the standard exhibited antifungal activity, to some extent, with some difference in activity between oil’s concentrations against tested fungal pathogens. An assessment of the cost effectiveness of the various essential oils treatments used during the project is currently underway.

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Project Title Using frontier technologies for the quality assurance of medicinal herbs

RIRDC Project No.: PRJ-000763 Start Date: 1/07/2006 Finish Date: 30/11/2009 Researcher: Eddie Pang Organisation: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Phone: 03 9925 7137 Email: [email protected]

Objectives 1. Refine the prototype DNA fingerprinting microarray developed for Chinese medicinal herbs, expanding its functionality to include other herbs important to the Australian herbal industry, e.g. Ayurvedic, Western and Pan-American herbs, 2. Develop a database of DNA fingerprints for economically important species and chemotypes of medicinal herbs.

Current Progress A new hybridization protocol was developed to overcome the hindrances in species differentiation using the old protocol. The old protocol showed high background and inconsistent signals in different regions of the same array. The new protocol altered the post-hybridisation washing steps and streptavidin-Cy3 detection procedure. The Asterid array was later used to screen species from different orders in the Asterid clade. Statistical analysis revealed that all the species tested could be differentiated from each other. The species of the Asterids where DNA fingerprints have been produced, include: Coffea arabica, Achillea millefolium, Ilex paraguariensis, Withania somnifera, Vitex agnus-castus, Leonurus cardiaca, Sambuscus nigra, Angelica archangelica, Scrophularia nodosa, and Camellia sinensis. More species are in progress. The Salvia array was completed at the beginning of 2009, and after resolution of inconsistent hybridisation problems, has been employed successfully to fingerprint ten species of Salvia. The array was also used successfully to generate discriminatory DNA fingerprints for six of the main chemotypes of S. miltiorrhiza, i.e. S. miltiorrhiza var – alba, and chemotyes from the Shandong, Shanxi, Henan, Hebei, and Zhejiang provinces. The array is being constructed by an Honours student, Vincent Corneille, and should be completed by August. The student will generate a set of fingerprints for at least 6-8 important medicinal Rosids by the conclusion of the project.

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Project Title Development and economic assessment of Artemisia for production of anti-malarial extract

RIRDC Project No.: PRJ-000778 Start Date: 1/01/2006 Finish Date: 31/12/2009 Researcher: Rowland Laurence Organisation: Botanical Resources Australia Pty Ltd Phone: (03) 6425 5888 Fax: (03) 6425 4468 Email: [email protected] To develop commercially viable techniques for the production of marketable Objectives extracts of artemisia through the investigation of ways to maximise the yield of artemisinin the anti-malarial compound present in Artemisia annua L.

Current Progress Improving mechanical harvesting techniques and assessing recovery of actives from a pilot extraction process has been the focus of current work. Poor seasonal conditions in March and April 2008 resulted in the mechanical harvest of a low yield of plant material from the 2007-8 semi-commercial trial. This material underwent a pilot extraction process which resulted in a very low yield of refined artemisinin. The 2008-9 semi-commercial trial, sown in April 2008, was harvested in March 2009, after windrowing in February, with a specialised commercial windrower. While some blockages in the windrowing operation eventuated from the tall crop, drying conditions were an improvement on the previous season. The harvesting of the dried crop with a commercial machine provided in excess of one tonne of extractable material, although yield was less than estimated from small, hand-harvested quadrats. The product now is undergoing pilot extraction and the yield and quality of refined artemisinin will dictate the approach to market investigation and future work. A further semi- commercial trial was sown in April 2009, but heavy rain greatly reduced a good initial plant emergence. The trial has been re-sown.

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Project Title Growing Xi Shu and extracting an anti-cancer drug (Camptothecin)

RIRDC Project No.: PRJ-000841 Start Date: 6/4/2007 Finish Date: 5/1/2010 11 Researcher: Craig Davis Organisation: The State Of Queensland Acting Through The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation Phone: (07) 3406 8611 Fax: (07) 3406 8677 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To propoagate and grow a plot of Chinese happy trees (Xi shu or Camptotheca acuminata) To devise methods for the regular harvesting of the young growth To develop a process for the extraction of camptothecin from the plant material

Current Progress A highly productive system for clonal propagation of Chinese happy trees has been established. Chinese happy trees have proven very amenable to propagation by cuttings, with greater than 90% of cuttings forming roots under mist irrigation. Seed germination and embro initiation into tissue culture were both difficult due to the low viablilty of seeds obtained from seed sources.

We have propagated 29 clones of Chinese hapopy tree using the cuttings system. For each clone, we have maintained 3 stock plants (for propagation of cuttings), and 5 untrimmed pharmaceutical plants and 5 trimmed pharmaceutical plants (for extraciton and quantification of camptothecin). These pharmaceutical plants will be harvested later in 2009.

We have reached the stage where we could rapidly produce of thousands of Chinese happy trees, with the prospect of producing millions of trees commercially should the need arise. Results show that Chinese happy trees could be propagated very easily by cuttings in Australian commercial nurseries. There appears no need to use more expensive systems such as tissue culture. In addition, seed supply in Australia is almost non-existent, and seed viability of commercially-sourced seeds from overseas has been very low.

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Project Title Production of high quality plant extracts of Australian medicinal herbs

RIRDC Project No.: PRJ-002500 Start Date: 7/08/2008 Finish Date: 30/10/2011 Researcher: Dennis O'Brien Organisation: The University of Melbourne Phone: (03)-58339252 Fax: (03)-58339201 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To research identified herbs. Support the identification of potentially useful genetic variability within the identified herbs. Undertake selection for yield and market desired characteristics under different production conditions and provide the basis for producing to market specifications. Support the examination of alternative herbicides for essential oils and plant extracts to increase range and effectiveness. Evaluate and establish treatments to improve yield, quality and constituent levels with targeted herbs.

Current Progress Laboratory tests have been conducted to assess germination techniques currently used by the industry for each herb. These practices were replicated within the laboratory to identify whether they were appropriate and could be conducted outside of the laboratory within a field environment.

Results for Filipendula ulmaria, included: • Germination was slow (at least three months) • The observed germination rate was low. • Putting the seed at freezing temperatures does not speed up the break in dormancy. Normal refrigeration gave the best results. • Darkness is not a requirement for germination and may be a germination inhibitor. • Less than 3 months in the fridge is not an option.

Possible actions to improve germination percentages of Filipendula ulmaria will be investigated, including: • Effect of longer times in the refrigerator on germination rates • Determination of the ideal germination temperature. • Effect of Chlorine treatment of seed before they go in the refrigerator on germination rates. • Determination of whether mould is essential to germination. • Effect of moisture in the refrigerator and in the germination dish.

A second series of germination trials on Meadowsweet is about to commence.

Informal field trials were commenced at Kyabram, including plantings of Goats Rue and Meadow Sweet. Results indicate • Positive impact of organic fertilizers • Weeds impaired growth and yield • Irrigation played a vital part in the growth and health of the plant.

The first year plantings and initial harvest had greater yield than the second harvest or harvests of second year plants.

The experimental design for the formal field trials will be refined in light of these findings and trials will be established by mid July.

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ESSENTIAL OILS AND PLANT EXTRACTS

RIRDC Publication No. 09/098

Essential Oils and Plant Extracts ResearchRIRDC in Progress Publication Report, No. INSERT• Support PUB NO. new HERE ideas that provide potential for growing the 2009, contains short summaries of continuing projects as well market for Australian product as those that were completed during 2008-2009. This program aims to provide R&D to provide the knowledge and skills base • Improve the industry and research capacity. for industry to provide high, consistent and known qualities in their essential oils and plant extracts products that respond to The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation market opportunities and enhance profitability. (RIRDC) manages and funds priority research and translates results into practical outcomes for industry. There are four sub-program objectives. These are: Our business is about developing a more profitable, dynamic • Improve production systems to raise productivity and and sustainable rural sector. Most of the information we control over product qualities produce can be downloaded for free or purchased from our website: www.rirdc.gov.au, or by phoning 1300 634 313 (local • Support the demonstration of safety and effectiveness call charge applies). of Australian products and facilitate the satisfaction of r egulatory requirements to enhance market access

Contact RIRDC: Level 2 Most RIRDC books can be freely downloaded or 15 National Circuit purchased from www.rirdc.gov.au or by phoning Barton ACT 2600 1300 634 313 (local call charge applies). PO Box 4776 Kingston ACT 2604

www.rirdc.gov.au Ph: 02 6271 4100 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: [email protected] web: www.rirdc.gov.au

RIRDCInnovation for rural Australia