FINAL REPORT SUMMARIES

1986 - 1990

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© 2008 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Electronically published in 2008. New ISBN number: 1 74151 699 4 Pub. No. 08/111 “Research in Progress – RIRDC Research Compendium – Final Report Summaries 1986 - 1990” This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of research, criticism or review as permitted

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SPECIFIC INDUSTRY

PROJECTS AND

PROGRAMS

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CASHEWS PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT OF CASHEW IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIA The cashew is a tropical evergreen tree native to the lower Amazon region of North-east Brazil. As a shortfall in world cashew production exists and demand is expected to continue, the tropical areas of Northern Australia offer considerable potential for commercial cashew production. Recent research has been directed towards factors associated with improving the productivity of cashew trees in the Northern Territory. Studies indicate that floral initiation and pollination are not problematic and that crops only require irrigation from flowering to harvest. Immature nut drop and the effects of root stock on drought tolerance and dwarfing is still under investigation. Because high yields are vital for an Australian cashew industry, a wide range of high yielding genotypes has been assembled but it is thought that few will produce adequate yields in plantation conditions. A current breeding program exploiting this collection is expected to achieve trees suitable for high density planting, with a high yield of large nuts and a 30% kernel recovery rate in 3-5 years. File No: Project No: CSH-8A Duration: 1/7/87-1/6/90 RESEARCHER : Dr E C Chacko ORGANISATION : CSIRO Division of Horticulture Darwin Laboratory Private Bag 44 WINNELLIE NT 0821 PHONE NO: (089) 22 1749 FAX NO: (089) 47 0052 PUBLICATIONS: Chacko, E. K., Baker, I. and Downton,J. 1990, 'Towards a sustainable cashew industry

for N. Australia', J Aust Inst Agric Sci, 3, 5, pp. 40-45. Heard, T. A., Vithanage, V. and Chacko, E,K. 1990, 'Pollination Biology of Cashew in

the Northern Territory of Australia', Aust J Agric Res, 41, pp. 1101-1114. other references cited

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DEER PROGRAM

DEER MARKETING AND PRODUCTION STUDY The Australian deer industry is currently in an unstable phase due to the shift in the major income source from breeding stock sales to venison and velvet sales. This study was commissioned to establish a clear strategic direction for the industry. It also identified research and development priorities and market development action required to realise the industry's potential. Action plans have been developed in the areas of marketing, processing and production which have been assembled into a flexible strategic Deer Industry Action Plan (DIAP). This plan will be implemented by the Deer Farmers Federation of Australia. Some of the key issues from the study are: 1) the development of a domestic marketing system is vital; 2) a formal descriptive language needs to be established for the two main deer species; 3) marketing support is required; 4) the development of markets on the emerging Pacific Rim should precede attempts to export to established markets; and 5) the on-shore added value option for velvet needs to be maximised. File No: Project No: AACM Duration: 8/91 RESEARCHER : A W Whiting ORGANISATION : Australian Agricultural Consulting and Management Company Pty Ltd 11-13 Bentham Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 PHONE NO: (08) 212 6955 FAX NO: (08) 212 6061 PUBLICATIONS: final report

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DEER FARMING SYSTEMS IN SUBTROPICAL AND TROPICAL ENVIRONMENTS The objectives of this Project were to identify production parameters for deer farmed in subtropical/tropical climates; to identify the constraints to production; to identify management strategies to raise productivity; to extend existing and new knowledge to deer farmers, and to identify research priorities. Monitoring of the Gatton College red deer herd indicated very high animal performance and low mortality. These levels were generally not achieved on commercial farms. Red deer were found to be excellent converters of high metabolisable energy feeds into venison, but utilise lower energy feeds poorly. The sub-tropical climate was not found to be a constraint to red deer production. Rusa deer were found to have complex antler and reproductive cycles which occur at any time of the year but can be endogenously synchronised within a herd. Rusa deer were found to be better able to utilise feeds of lower metabolisable energy than red deer. Chital deer studies indicate high quality feed requirements and a high reproductive performance potential. Fallow deer were found to be suitable for sub-tropical environments. The Project highlighted several farm based research priorities. File No: Project No: QAC-1A Duration: RESEARCHER : Associate Professor Keith Woodford ORGANISATION : Department of Management Studies University of Queensland, Gatton LAWES QLD 4343 PHONE NO: (074) 62 0320 FAX NO: (074) 62 3081 PUBLICATIONS:

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ESSENTIAL OILS PROGRAM ESSENTIAL OIL INDUSTRY IN THE ORD RIVER IRRIGATION AREA OF NORTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA Essential oils are used by the food, medicinal and perfume industries and the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA), with its abundant water and high temperatures, provides a unique opportunity to grow a wide range of suitable crops for oil production. The potential exists for a new Australian industry in the ORIA which would replace imports and even access the world markets which are valued in excess of $400 million. Work was carried out to determine the effect of commercial harvesting and distilling on the yield and quality of basil and lemongrass oils. In both cases the yields were above the averages reported in the literature. The two major chemical constituents found in basil oil were linalool (41.9-59.8%) and methyl chavicol (22-32.8%) and the quality of the lemongrass oil was identical to the commercial product. In other small scale trials, the yield and oil quality from other crops were also assessed. Also, the potential for tumeric, ginger and paprika oleoresin was investigated. File No: Project No: DAW-10A Duration: 1/4/88-1/8/90 RESEARCHER : J Bonnardeaux ORGANISATION : Western Australian Department of Agriculture KUNUNURRA WA 6743 PHONE NO: (091) 68 1166 FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS: Bonnardeaux, J., Robinson, C. 1988, 'The effect of different harvesting methods on the yield and quality of basil oil in the Ord River Irrigation Area', Kununurra Dry Season Report, pp 61-69. Bonnardeaux, J., Robinson, C. 1988, 'Growing sage, marjoram, tarragon, patchouli, Streptoglossa odora and Artemisia absinthium for the production of essential oils in the Ord', Kununurra Dry Season Report, pp 72-75

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THE DEVELOPMENT OF A VIABLE PEPPERMINT OIL INDUSTRY IN SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA This Project was the basis of an integrated research and development program aimed at ensuring the continuing economic viability of the emerging essential oil industry in Victoria which is based on peppermint oil production. Commercial development of an essential oils industry in Victoria is proceeding rapidly and has been driven by results obtained from this Project. It has been demonstrated that peppermint oil, complying with accepted international standards, at yields comparable to those reported in the US, can be produced at a range of locations in the north east of Victoria. Significant developments in the industry include the formation of production and marketing companies and the production of 2.4 tonnes of international standard oil in 1990/91. The industry aims to expand to an annual production of 50 tonnes by 1995/96 and to capture at least 5% of the world trade in the long term. File No: Project No: DAV-24A Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Mr F E Bienvenu ORGANISATION : Department of Agriculture Ovens Research Station PO Box 235 MYRTLEFORD VIC 3737 PHONE NO: (057) 52 1311 FAX NO: (057) 52 2702 PUBLICATIONS: None

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ESTABLISHED HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRIES PROGRAM SYSTEMS ANALYSIS IN PINEAPPLE 1. CROP SIMULATION This Project set out to produce three computer models which simulated the development of pineapple crops from planting to flower initiation, initiation to harvest and plant crop to ratoon crop harvest. The objective of these models was to improve the management of pineapple crops by enabling growers to compare the progress of their crop to the optimum development. This would allow growers to correct problems in management schedules and re-plan future production if required. It was decided to begin the construction of the models earlier than anticipated, whilst the data was still being collected. Strong grower interest in a prototype model increased the emphasis on this aspect of the Project beyond that originally intended. The package, when completed, will consist of one section to store farm operation and cost data and another which will simulate crop growth. At this stage PINEREC, the farm recording section, is being tested by growers. The collection and analysis of data is still in progress for the growth simulation model. File No: Project No: DAQ-67A Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Dr E R Sinclair ORGANISATION : Queensland Department of Primary Industries Maroochy Horticultural Research Station PO Box 5083 SCMC NAMBOUR QLD 4560 PHONE NO : (074) 41 2211 FAX NO: (074) 41 2235 PUBLICATIONS: Sinclair, E,. R. 1990,'Developing a management model for pineapple farmers', Acta Horticulturea, 276, pp267-271.

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SALINITY TOLERANCE AND MINERAL NUTRITION OF THE BLUEBERRY BUSH (Vaccinium corymbosum and V. ashei) Although blueberries have only recently been introduced to Australia as a commercial crop, large numbers of blueberry bushes have been planted. Salinity-stress and other related nutritional disorders have caused production losses in many blueberry growing areas. These problems are occurring where salinity problems have not been reported for common crop and pasture species. This indicates the extreme salt sensitivity of blueberries. When this Project commenced, no published information was available on the effects of salinity and nutritional disorders on productivity of the blueberry bush. Four blueberry cultivars were tested and were found to be differentially susceptible to salinity. Work on the application of tissue culture techniques for the selection of cellular salt tolerance in several cultivars and the use of electron probe X-ray microanalysis to determine key cells regulating Na+ and Cl- was completed. File No: D84/410 Project No: ULA-1A Duration: 3/2/86-11/2/87or14/11/88 RESEARCHER : Prof R F M Van Steveninck ORGANISATION : School of Agriculture La Trobe University BUNDOORA VIC 3083 PHONE NO: FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS:

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MACADAMIA PEST MANAGEMENT To control the pest complex of macadamias, sprays were traditionally applied to the trees regularly, without regard to whether pests were present or not. This system was costly and at times led to secondary pest outbreaks as beneficial insects were killed as well as the destructive ones. This Project was set up to test and improve the crude integrated pest management system previously devised but not trialled as a whole on a large scale. Monitoring techniques, pest thresholds and control strategies were refined, the efficacy of macadamia nutborer pheromone as a potential control and monitoring tool was investigated and alternative insecticides were screened to find efficacious selective controls for the pests. Results from the Project demonstrated the immense value of the integrated pest management system to the macadamia industry and improvements were seen in both nut yield and quality. File No: L87/1411 Project No: DAQ-35A Duration: 1/7/87-30/6/90 RESEARCHER : Mr D. Smith ORGANISATION : Queensland Department of Primary Industries PO Box 5083, SCMC NAMBOUR QLD 4560 PHONE NO: (074) 41 2211 FAX NO: (074) 41 2235 PUBLICATIONS:

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EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTROL OF HUSK SPOT OF MACADAMIA In the early 1980's the first incidence of the fungal disease, Macadamia Husk Spot, was recorded in south east Queensland. It causes serious economic loss through premature nut drop. The nuts drop about six weeks early and in severely affected areas such as the Maleny, Glasshouse and Beerwah areas up to 40% of the crop is lost. This disease also affects other plant species and may have significant implications for softwood plantation forestry in Queensland. In this Project several aspects of the biology and lifecycle of the husk spot fungus were investigated as background work to the development and refining of practical control measures compatible with Integrated Pest Management strategies. Protectant and eradicant fungicides were successfully used to control husk spot under high disease pressure in the orchard situation. Appropriate dosage rates, concentrations and application timings were determined and made available for registration purposes. Cost effective control is now available and frequently adopted. File No: L87/1418 Project No: DAQ-41A Duration: 1/7/87-30/6/90 RESEARCHER : P. E. Mayers ORGANISATION : QDPI Maroochy Horticultural Research Station Box 5083, SCMC NAMBOUR QLD 4560 PHONE NO: (074) 41 2211 FAX NO: (074) 41 2235 PUBLICATIONS: Mayers, P. E. 1991, 'Pseudocercospora husk spot of Macadamia nut in Australia: Role of

cultural control measures in an integrated disease control strategy' (in preparation). Mayers, P. E. 1991, 'Pseudocercospora husk spot of Macadamia nut in Australia:

Efficacy of strategic applications of protectorant and eradicant fungicides for field control' (in preparation).

Mayers, P. E. 1991, 'Pseudocercospora husk spot of Macadamia nut in Australia: Symptomatology, distribution and commercial yield loss caused by a new disease'. (in preparation).

Other references cited

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MINIMISING SPRAY SCHEDULES FOR CORDANA LEAF SPOT IN SUB-TROPICAL BANANAS Cordana leaf spot is one of the three major leaf diseases in sub-tropical bananas. A control regime was required which fitted into the established control practices for Cercospora Leaf Spot and Mycosphaerella Leaf Speckle. The major chemicals used commercially in fungicide control - petroleum oil, mancozeb and propiconazole - formed the basis of this study. During the Project, the greatest intensity of epidemics of Cordana leaf spot occurred between April and July. They were associated with persistent wet weather and inocula on diseased tissue from the previous season. Laboratory studies indicate that pre-season sanitation measures may be beneficial. It was found that propiconazole fungicide sprayed between January and March was highly effective. It is also compatible with existing programs for Cercospora leaf spot and Mycosphaerella leaf speckle control. A weather based disease management system has also been developed. It forecasts significant early infection so that spray schedules can be minimised. File No: D86/789 Project No: DAN-7A Duration: 1/7/86-30/6/89 RESEARCHER : R N Allen ORGANISATION : NSW Agriculture North Coast Agricultural Institute WOLLONGBAR NSW 2480 PHONE NO: (066) 24 0243 FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS: Allen, R. N., Dettman, E. B, Johns, G. G. and Turner, D. W. 1988, 'Estimation of leaf

emergence rates of bananas', Aust J Agric Res, 39, pp. 53-62. Allen, R. N. and Dettman, E. B. (in press), 'Production of conidia and appressoria by

Cordana johnstonii', Mycological Research. Priest, M. J. (in press), 'The distribution of Cordana sp. on Musa in Australia',

Mycological Research.

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ALLEVIATING PHYSIOLOGICAL DISORDERS RELATED TO CALCIUM NUTRITION OF VEGETABLE CROPS The environmental mechanisms underlying the effect of calcium nutrition on the storage life of vegetables destined for export by sea and their significance were determined during this Project. This has become an issue as sea freight involves long storage times. In lettuce, variation in the climatic environment was associated with nearly 100% variation in storage life (28 to 50+ days) of field grown plants. Calcium (Ca) concentration in heart leaves varied with climate. Calcium concentration was closely related to the incidence and severity of tipburn, which reduces marketability, but Ca was not closely related to storage life. Under controlled conditions, Ca concentration in heart leaves and susceptibility to tipburn were closely related to night time humidity. Short periods of high humidity at night favoured high Ca concentrations. In broccoli, preharvest management and environment both influenced tissue Ca concentrations and storage life. In particular, high day time humidity halved Ca concentration and reduced storage life from around 70 to 35 days. Growers of lettuce and broccoli for export can now be advised on climatic conditions likely to result in produce with low storage life which should not be exported by sea. A knowledge of mechanisms underlying short storage life suggests means of alleviating the problem; one possibility for broccoli is Ca infiltration, an option now under study. File No: Project No: DAN-30A Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Dr P S Cornish ORGANISATION : NSW Agriculture Horticultural Research and Advisory Station PO Box 581 GOSFORD NSW 2250 PHONE NO: (043) 28 0326 FAX NO: (043) 28 0310 PUBLICATIONS: Cornish, P S and Morris, S C 1990, 'Preharvest factors affecting the quality of broccoli

after storage', Aust Inst Agric Sci, Occasional Publication 46, pp 48-51.

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PLATFORM PICKER TO AID THE EFFICIENT HARVESTING OF MANGO TREES A new fruit picking machine has been developed which increases the efficiency of the harvesting of larger tree crops. This machine is a vast improvement on the conventional cherry picker type of appliance which has been used for harvesting crops such as mangos to date. The conventional machines require frequent unloading when large-sized fruit are being harvested due to their small capacity. A feature of the new machine is a large platform which increases its capacity. Another advantage of the new picker is that a pallet or bin may be placed on the platform reducing the need for double handling. The machine is also hydraulically operated from the picking platform and is self propelled. Another feature is a wing on the platform which folds around half the tree so that the picker can be moved in a straight line down the row. This reduces manouvering time. The other half is picked later, when the picker moves down the other side of the tree. This new picker will enable growers to extend the picking season by using selective picking rather than strip picking methods. File No: L88/1743 Project No: NQT-1A Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/89 RESEARCHER : Lazo Krkobabic ORGANISATION : Granite Engineering & Manufacturing Nth Qld Tobacco Growers Coop Assoc Ltd PO Box 171 MAREEBA QLD 4880 PHONE NO: FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS:

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CAULIFLOWER SELECTION FOR FREEZING AND FOR EXPORT TO SOUTH EAST ASIA The objective of this Project was to determine cauliflower cultivars suitable for export and local fresh markets to replace the current industry cultivars Y66 and Westralia. The traditional cauliflower cultivars grown during autumn, winter, and spring had several disadvantages. Y66 tended to produce 'fluffy' heads and were susceptible to tipburn. Westralia produced 'fluffy' heads during hot conditions in spring. Both cultivars had long maturity times and a long spread of harvest. Sixty cultivars were evaluated for curd weight, diameter, exposed diameter, colour, soluble solids, smoothness, days to transplant and spread of harvest in trials in the Adelaide Plains and Adelaide Hills. Three cultivars - Allrounder, Forte and First Light - proved superior to the two current industry cultivars. Their advantages include shorter maturity times and harvest spans. A series of field days where growers and seedling suppliers observed the performance of the cultivars has aided in their adoption. They now represent about 60% of SA cauliflower production. File No: L88/1726 Project No: DAS-11A Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/89 RESEARCHER : Mr Ian Rogers ORGANISATION : SA Department of Primary Industries GPO Box 1671 ADELAIDE SA 5001 PHONE NO: (08) FAX NO: (08) PUBLICATIONS:

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IN-OVULO EMBRYO CULTURE OF TABLE GRAPES: A RESCUE PROCEDURE FOR ABORTIVE EMBRYOS OF EARLY RIPENING AND SEEDLESS VARIETIES The current objectives in table grape breeding are crosses within early ripening varieties and between seedless varieties to achieve a wider range of both early and seedless grapes. These crosses cannot be achieved by conventional breeding. This Project aimed to develop and modify current in-ovulo embryo culture methods as a rescue procedure for embryos of crosses of interest. The residual effect of a hormone incorporated in the growth media was found to cause low survival rates of excised embryos to seedlings. It was found that embryos and ovules could be successfully grown in hormone free media. The genotype of the female parent was also found to affect embryo survival. A new standard procedure for embryo rescue of seedless x seedless table grape crosses was established. This method relies on the direct germination of ovules which eliminates the labour intensive excision of microscopic embryos and has a comparable success rate to procedures which are based on embryo excision. The Project's benefits will begin to be realised in 1991 when the hybrids produced by the new procedure fruit and are evaluated. File No: L87/1370 Project No: CSH-12A Duration: 1/11/87-31/10/89 RESEARCHER : ORGANISATION : CSIRO Merbein PHONE NO: FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS: Barlass, M., Ramming, D. W. and Davis, H. P. 1988, 'In -ovulo embryo culture: a

breeding technique to rescue seedless x seedless table grape crosses', Aust Grapegrower and Winemaker, No 272, pp 123-5.

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EFFECT OF CULTIVAR, AGRONOMIC MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENT ON PROCESSING QUALITY OF POTATOES. The objectives of this Project were to determine the effect of cultivar, nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation on the yield and quality of potatos grown for processing into crisps in NSW. Several new potato cultivars, particularly Atlantic, were found to be more suitable for crisping than the existing cultivars, Kennebec and Sebago. Atlantic's yield is similar and quality is superior to the two existing cultivars. It was found that the crisping quality of Atlantic and Sebago potatoes was optimised by minimising water stress during growth. The dry matter content of both cultivars was found to be reduced as the nitrogen fertilizer rate was increased. This, however, was not considered to be of economic importance as the lowest level of dry matter content was still acceptable for processing. The sugar content and hence crisp colour of Atlantic was found to be unaffected by the rate of nitrogen fertilizer application. File No: D85/350 Project No: DAN-2A Duration: 7/86-6/88 RESEARCHER : B J Logan ORGANISATION : NSW Agriculture Agricultural Institute YANCO NSW 2703 PHONE NO: FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS: Logan, B. J. 1988, 'Potato irrigation research in New South Wales', Australian Potato

Improvement Workshop, Gatton Agricultural College, Queensland. Logan, B. J. 1988, 'Potato nutrition research in New South Wales', Australian Potato

Improvement Workshop, Gatton Agricultural College, Queensland.

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DETECTION OF EXOCORTIS AND OTHER VIROIDS IN CITRUS The aim of this Project was to improve the reliability and rapidity of methods to detect citrus exocortis viroid (CEV) and other viroids in citrus to enable routine indexing in the NSW Budwood Multiplication Scheme. To improve the detection of CEV, two procedures which optimised the extraction of nucleic acids from citrus were developed. The most suitable tissue for these procedures was found to be leaf tissue harvested during the summer months. An assemblage of viriods unrelated to CEV were found to produce mild or moderate reactions on biological indicators. Observations indicated that both CEV and other viroids were involved with graft-transmissible dwarfing bark scaling of Australian Citrus. The biological and biochemical re-indexing of trees for CEV in the mother tree blocks of the NSW Budwood Multiplication Scheme proceeded during the Project. File No: D86/78 Project No: DAN-8A Duration: 1/7/86-12/89 RESEARCHER : Mrs Patricia Barkley (nee Broadbent) ORGANISATION : NSW Agriculture Biology Branch Biological and Chemical Research Institute RYDALMERE NSW 2116 PHONE NO: FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS: Gillings, M. R., Broadbent, P. and GollNow, B. I. 1988a, 'Biochemical indexing for citrus

exocortis viroid', Proc 10th Conf IOCV, pp. 178-187. Broadbent, P., GollNow, B. I., Gillings, M. R., and Bevington, K. B. 1988a, 'Root grafting

and mechanical transmission of citrus exocortis viroid within a citrus budwood multiplication block', Proc 10th Conf IOCV, pp. 197-203.

Broadbent, P., Gillings, M. R., and GollNow, B. I. 1988b, 'Graft transmissible dwarfing in Australian Citrus', Proc 10th Conf IOCV, pp. 219-225.

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AVOCADO ROOT GROWTH STUDY A total tree management package is necessary if productivity is to be maintained in avocado orchards. This Project was designed to provide information on root systems for such a package. When two non-grafted, cloned avocado cultivars were grown, low root temperatures were found to reduce root and shoot growth. To study the growth patterns related to tree phenology under field conditions, trees were planted on two sides of ten underground chambers with viewing windows (rhizotrons). Several rootstocks were evaluated and all were grafted onto 'Hass'. Although systems to process the data being collected are still being developed, observations already show that root growth of trees on cv. G775A is less than all other cultivars tested. The 'Velvick' rootstock has the highest compatibility with 'Hass'. Several vegetatively propagated rootstocks imported from the Californian program are undergoing evaluation under field conditions. File No: D86/764 Project No: DAQ-26A Duration: 1/7/86-30/6/89 RESEARCHER : Mr A W Whiley ORGANISATION : Queensland Department of Primary Industries PO Box 5083 SCMC NAMBOUR QLD 4560 PHONE NO: (074) 41 2211 FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS: Whiley, A. W., Kohne, J. S., Arpaia, M. L. and Bender, G. S. 1990, ' Future prospects with

new avocado cultivars and elite rootstocks', Suid-Afrikaanse Avokadokwekersvereniging Jaarboek, Vol 13, pp. 16-20.

Whiley, A. W., Wolstenholme, B. N., Saranah, J. B. and Anderson, P. A. 1990, 'Effect of root temperatures on root growth of two avocado rootstock cultivars', Acta Horticulturae, 275, pp. 153-160

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GOAT FIBRES PROGRAM ANTI-PARASITIC DRUGS WITH PROLONGED ACTION IN GOATS Closantel is a narrow spectrum anthelminc commonly used to treat sheep infected with the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus, and to protect them from reinfection for up to a month. Although closantel is also widely used to treat goats infected with the same parasite, little is known about its distribuion in tissues and its persistence in goats. This Project was designed to compare the distribution of closantel in sheep and goats, and to provide basic information which would allow recommendations to be made for the safe and effective use of closantel in goats. The concentration of the drug in plasma following a single theraputic dose of closantel was found to be similar in sheep and goats, but the persistence was considerably less in goats. The disposition of closantel was similar in kids and adult goats and the drug was not transferred in goats milk. File No: Project No: US-12A Duration: RESEARCHER : Dr G H Collins ORGANISATION : Department of Veterinary Pathology University of Sydney SYDNEY NSW 2006 PHONE NO: (02) 692 3102 FAX NO: (02) 692 3056 PUBLICATIONS: Hennessy, D. R., Sangster, N. C., Steel, J. W. and Collins, G. H. 'Comparative

pharmacokinetic disposition of closantel in sheep and goats', in preparation.

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RICE PROGRAM A RAPID REVIEW OF OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE ON COLD TOLERANCE OF RICE Professor C J Pearson attended the International Rice Research Conference in Korea in August 1990 to review the current thinking and opportunities for research breakthroughs on cold tolerance of rice. It was found that although the priorities for rice research in Australia are shared by many overseas countries, the importance of cold tolerance is peculiar to Australia, Korea, Japan and California. The international perspective for research into cold tolerance was found to be weak with little systematic research in the development and biochemistry of the rice plant, but instead isolated attempts to confer cold tolerance or avoidance at particular points of growth. In contrast, recent collaboration between Vegara and Pearson has produced a framework within which the importance of various impacts of cold tolerance can be discussed. The recent overseas research does not approach improved cold tolerance at flowering stage nor the importance of roots in the maintenance of plants during cold periods and the initiation or resumption of growth after cold stress. File No: Project No: RRC-1A Duration: August 1990 RESEARCHER : Prof C J Pearson ORGANISATION : School of Crop Sciences University of Sydney SYDNEY NSW 2006 PHONE NO: (02) 692 3289 FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS:

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ADVANCED FARMING SYSTEMS FOR RICE GROWERS Traditional rice cropping rotations have been limited to pasture or wheat. However, with restrictions on land where ricegrowing is permitted, rice rotations have become more intensive which has increased the amount of nitrogenous fertiliser required. The value of short term pastures to the following rice crop in short rotations was assessed. Higher yields were the result of rotations with pasture. It was also found that yields on continuously rice-cropped plots could only be maintained by increasingly higher rates of nitrogenous fertilizer resulting in a significant decrease in soil pH. A double cropped permanent bed cropping sequence between ricegrowing was successfully undertaken to demonstrate the potential for a high yielding system. File No: Project No: DAN-15A Duration: 1/10/87-1/4/91 RESEARCHER : Mr H G Beecher ORGANISATION : NSW Agriculture Yanco Agricultural Institute YANCO NSW 2703 PHONE NO: (069) 53 0325 FAX NO: (069) 53 0268 PUBLICATIONS: None

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DEVELOPMENT OF IMPROVED WEED CONTROL STRATEGIES IN AERIAL SOWN RICE Aerial sowing is the predominant method of crop establishment in NSW rice production. The aquatic weeds have been controlled with the only available herbicide, MCPA, which has some inherent problems including spray drift and phytotoxicity. The objectives of the research Project were to screen and trial compounds which offer improved weed control; to determine the optimal application method, rate and timing of such compounds; to convey the results to the industry and the chemical company; to assist with registration; and to develop a suitable method of constructing field-plot barriers to confine experimental plots. One of the candidate compounds, bensulfuron, showed promise in preliminary tests. Further investigation showed that it was effective at low application rates and safe to the crop. These findings assisted with its registration and commercial release and is now used on approximately 90% of aerial sown rice in NSW. New aluminium ring-plots were used for experimental plots of rice in this Project. This technique permits flexibility in siting and is economical but provides only a small datum area. File No: D86/780 Project No: DAN-6A Duration: 1/7/86-30/6/89 RESEARCHER : Donald Pollock ORGANISATION : NSW Agriculture and Fisheries Agricultural Institute Private Mail Bag YANCO NSW 2703 PHONE NO: (069) 53 0211 FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS: None available

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SPICES, HERBS AND TEAS PROGRAM SPICE PRODUCTION FOR IMPORT REPACEMENT AND EXPORT The aims of this Project were to screen a range of introduced germplasm of nine spices (Ajwain, Aniseed, Caraway, Coriander, Cumin, Dill, Fennel, Fenugreek and Indian Mustard) to identify locally adapted cultivars and to develop appropriate agronomic technology. Improved accessions of Coriander and Fenugreek, suitable for dryland and irrigated production, have been identified. Suitable accessions of Aniseed, Caraway, Cumin, Dill and Fennel have been isolated for production under irrigation. Accessions of Indian mustard for dryland production are also available. The selected accessions are being further tested and the identification of suitable accessions of Cumin and Fennel for dryland production is continuing. Suitable herbicides for Coriander, Cumin, Fennel and Dill have been recommended and pre-emergent and grass control herbicides have been tested for the remainder. The agronomic requirements have been researched and documented for all but four of the spices. File No: Project No: UA-10A Duration: 1/7/89-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Professor D R Marshal ORGANISATION : Waite Agricultural Research Institute University of Adelaide GLEN OSMOND SA 5064 PHONE NO: (08) 372 2301 FAX NO: (08) 372 1757 PUBLICATIONS: None

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TEA TREE OIL PROGRAM LOW AND HIGH FIELD NMR SPECTROSCOPY FOR TEA TREE OIL ANALYSIS Low field NMR as a rapid, in situ method for quantitative analysis of volatile oil in tea tree was under investigation in this Project. Preliminary results obtained by this NMR technique correlate well with results obtained by the traditional and much slower exhaustive steam distillation method. High field NMR data has been recorded for the principal components of tea tree oil. This data is now being used to assess tea tree oil quality and results thus obtained will be compared with traditional GC analytical data. File No: Project No: HAC-5A Duration: 1/9/90-31/8/91 RESEARCHER : Dr D N Leach ORGANISATION : Department of Science University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury Bourke Street RICHMOND NSW 2753 PHONE NO: (045) 70 1435 FAX NO: (045) 78 3979 PUBLICATIONS:

25

VIABLE PLANTATION PRODUCTION OF OIL OF MELALEUCA Australia currently leads the world production of tea tree oil but this situation will only remain if the local industry is able to keep costs below those of potential competitors. This Project was initiated to determine scientific information to increase the yield of Tea Tree Oil from plantations. Vegetative propagation of Melaleuca species is presently under investigation. To assist the breeding programme, the optimal proportion of components of Melaleuca oil for the highest possible antimicrobial activity are being determined. The optimal time for harvesting has been determined and it has been found that Melaleuca species produce the most biomass and oil when they are well watered. Efficient methods for mechanical harvesting have been developed but the throughput of the steam distillation unit still limits harvest efficiency. Increases in throughput are possible if the woody parts, which do not contain oil, are removed. If the material is dried first this is possible. More detailed experiments are required to evaluate the cost effectiveness as the rate of oil production is slower and yield is lower from dried material as compared to fresh. File No: Project No: UMA-4A Duration: : 1/7/90-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Dr Lyall Williams ORGANISATION : School of Chemistry Macquarie University SYDNEY NSW 2109 PHONE NO: (02) 805 8303 FAX NO: (02) 805 8313 PUBLICATIONS: Williams, L and Home,V 1988, 'Plantation Production of Oil of Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil)

- A revitalized Australian Essential Oil Industry', Search, vol 19, No 5/6, pp 294-297. Williams, L., Home,V., Xiaolan Zhang and Stevenson, I 1988, 'The composition and

bacterial activity of oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil)', Journal of Aromatherapy, vol 1, No 3, pp 15-17.

Brophy, J., Davies, N., Southwell, I., Stiff, I and Williams, L. 1989, 'Gas chromatographic quality control for oil of Melaleuca - Terpinen - 4 ol Type (Australian Tea Tree)', Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry', 37, pp 1330-1335.

26

ASSESSMENT OF THE SKIN SENSITIVITY AND IRRITATION POTENTIAL OF TEA TREE OIL Tea tree oil has been used for more than 60 years in non-prescription pharmaceutical products but no skin sensitivity or irritation potential tests appear to have been published. Such information is required to support the use of pharmaceutical products containing tea tree oil. According to an international protocol, creams containing a range of concentrations of tea tree oil were formulated in a non-irritating base and stability tested and applied daily to volunteers over a period of 28 days. Tea tree oil was not found to produce any significant skin sensitivity or irritation even at the higher concentrations. File No: Project No: PHA-3 Dur 1990-1991 RESEARCHER : Dr S Freeman ORGANISATION : c/- Pharmco Pty Ltd Level 5 71 Archer St CHATSWOOD NSW 2067 PHONE NO: (02) 413 4760 FAX NO: (02) 413 4860 PUBLICATIONS:

27

TRITICALE PROGRAM

IMPROVED TRITICALE CULTIVARS Triticale has the potential as an alternative cereal crop for rotation and problem soils. Currently, only a few generally adapted cultivars are available. Other cultivars are required to provide better adaptation to specific areas and provide a greater genetic base for disease resistance. The aim of this Project was to continue the preparation of advanced generation triticales for release. These triticales originated from crosses between primary triticales from the Waite Institute and high yielding imported material. Superior lines were selected and by 1990 the F9 generation was ready for final assessment, purification and seed multiplication prior to registration. Throughout the Project, observation and yield data collection of the F9 generation took place in trials in South Australia and interstate. Follow up trials of the F10 generation were organised. Seed purification was undertaken for some lines and a purified line underwent seed multiplication and will be released as a brown-chaffed cultivar adapted to cooler, wetter areas. File No: Project No: UA-22A Duration: 1/7/90-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Professor D R Marshall ORGANISATION : Department of Plant Science Waite Campus The University of Adelaide GLENN OSMOND SA 5064 PHONE NO: (08) 372 2279 FAX NO: (08) 379 0851 PUBLICATIONS: None

28

WILDFLOWERS AND NATIVE PLANTS STUDIES ON THE CONTROL OF GALL FORMING WASPS ON GERALTON WAX Geraldton Wax is a native of Western Australia and is grown in Australia (mainly in WA and Queensland), California and Israel as a floral filler and garden plant. Galls on the leaves and stems of export material from Queensland has resulted in flowers being rejected by quarantine and this Project was designed to investigate this problem. It was found that the galls were the response of the plant to feeding by larvae of the wasp Aprostocetus. Post-harvest disinfestation and field applications of foliar insecticide were found to be unsuitable as control options. Gall-free Geraldton Wax can be produced by growing resistant varieties. Commercial trialling on some interspecific crosses, which are completely or relatively gall free, has commenced. The galls are also a severe problem in California. Work on the control of the wasps has commenced there and is being aided by this work. File No: Project No: DAQ-45A Duration: 1/7/87-31/12/90 RESEARCHER : Dr N Gough ORGANISATION : Entomology Branch Queenland Department of Primary Industries Agricultural Research Laboratories 80 Meiers Road INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068 PHONE NO: FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS:

29

STURT'S DESERT PEA FOR CUT FLOWER PRODUCTION During this Project, methods for the clonal propagation of Clianthus (Sturt's Desert Pea) for the mass production of cultivars for the cut flower industry were developed. A major limitation to the commercial cultivation of Clianthus for the cut flower industry is the lack of genetic diversity of seedlings, both in agronomic and floristic characteristics. Cuttings made from suitable material root readily under normal propagation conditions but adequate supplies of cutting material are difficult to produce due to the limited number of vegetative growing points on individual stock plants. A stock plant management strategy has been developed to overcome this problem. Micropropagation protocols are also being developed. Both regeneration via callus and multiplication from nodal explants have been achieved but culture vigour declines after a few subcultures. File No: Project No: UNE-15A Duration: 1/7/89-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Dr R R Williams ORGANISATION : Department of Agronomy and Soil Science University of New England ARMIDALE NSW 2351 PHONE NO: (067) 73 2869 FAX NO: (067) 72 3262 PUBLICATIONS: Williams, R. R. 1989, 'Propagation of Clianthus and Ptilotus', Proceedings of Production

and Marketing of Australian Flora, University of WA, Perth 1989, pp 1-4. Williams, R. R. and Taji, A. M. 1991, 'Stock plant management for Clianthus cuttings

production', Acta Horticulturae, in press.

30

DEVELOPMENT OF Pimelea, Hypocalymma and Chamelaucium AS FLOWERING POT PLANTS The aim of this Project was to develop propagation, production and flowering protocols for species of Pimelea, Hypocalymma and Chamelaucium so that they can be used as flowering pot plants in Australia and overseas. The protocol for producing compact, heavily flowering plants of Pimelea ciliata has been established, and is now being evaluated commercially. Similar production protocols are being tested for ten other species of Pimelea and also for Hypocalymma robustum. A production protocol has also been established for a large tetraploid Chamelaucium uncinatum, 'Polycracker'. Plant breeding is continuing with Pimelea and Chamelaucium species to produce compact heavily flowering hybrids which do not need growth regulator. The products and the protocols are being commercialised and a trial shipment of plant material has been made to selected nurseries in Europe and America, who are using the protocols developed on the plants. File No: Project No: DAV-26A Duration: 1/7/88-1/7/91 RESEARCHER : A T Slater ORGANISATION : Institute of Plant Sciences, KNoxfield PO Box 174 FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3121 PHONE NO: (03) 881 9222 FAX NO: (03) 800 3521 PUBLICATIONS: Hanger, B., Slater, T., and Wilkinson, I. 1991,'Flowering pot plants and hydroponics;

creating new and better products', Australian Horticulture, 89, 7, pp36-39. Slater, A. T. and Beardsell, D. V. 1991, 'Secondary pollen presentation in the

Chamelaucium alliance of the Myrtaceae: A compact substigmatic ring in Chamelaucium', Australian Journal of Botany, 39, 3 (in press).

Slater, A. T. 1991, 'Pimelea as flowering pot plants', Australian Plants (in manuscript)

31

DEVELOPMENT OF IMPROVED BANKSIA CULTIVARS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR THE CUT FLOWER INDUSTRY The aim of the Project was to conduct research into the breeding and selection of banksias to develop improved cultivars for reliable production, and to develop appropriate management techniques for maximum cropping. Selection criteria have been developed for the identification of banksia genotypes which have characteristics suitable for high quality cut flower production. Superior genotypes of Banksia coccinea, B. menziesii, B. prioNotes and B. hookeriana have been identified and one cultivar has been registered for Plant Variety Rights. Research into the banksia breeding system has resulted in the development of hand pollination methods. These are now available to cross superior genotypes with characters important for the cut flower industry. Vegetative propagation methods via rooted cuttings have been developed for two species but the success rate is low, rooting is slow, and considerable variability exists between plants. Research into management techniques has resulted in guidelines for the efficient pruning of bushes of B. coccinea and B. menziesii. File No: Project No: UA-6A Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Dr Margaret Sedgley ORGANISATION : Department of Horticulture, Viticulture and OeNology Waite Agricultural Research Institute The University of Adelaide GLEN OSMOND SA 5064 PHONE NO: FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS: Sedgley, M., Sharman, K. V. and Fuss, A. M. 1989, 'An overview of research into

banksias, native daisies, eucalypts and acacias at the Waite Agricultural Research Institute', Proceedings of the Conference on the Production and Marketing of the Australian Flora, Perth, July 1989.

Fuss, A. M. and Sedgley, M. 1991, 'The development of hybridization techniques for Banksia menziesii for cut flower production', Journal of Horticultural Science, 66, pp. 357-365.

Sedgley, M., Wirthensohn, M. and Fuss, A. M. 1991, 'Selection and breeding of banksias', Proceedings of the International Protea Association Conference, Perth.

Sedgely, M. 1991, 'Banksia (Banksia hookeriana hybrid)', Plant Varieties Journal, 4 (2), pp.9-11.

32

EVALUATION OF THE 'MYRTLE' GROUP AS EXPORT CUT FLOWERS The aim of this Project was to determine the suitability of plants in the group known as 'myrtles' (eg Thryptomene, Baeckea and Scholtzia) for export cut flower production, potted plants and amenity horticulture. After discussion with exporters and the checking of reference species, field trips were made throughout Western Australia to collect the range of species required. Over 61 species have been collected and planted in a shadehouse at Medina Intensive Industries Research Station. The plants have been monitored since late 1990 for plant form, stem length, flowering time, flower colour and yield and flower vase life. Assessment will continue to allow for variations due to transplanting time and seasonal variability. A number of species show considerable promise and will be released to industry. Research has also been done on the propagation and nutritional requirements of selected species. File No: L88/1720 Project No: DAW-11A Dur 5/10/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Mrs J A Pegrum ORGANISATION : Mr M G Webb Department of Agriculture Division of Horticulture Baron-Hay Court SOUTH PERTH WA 6151 PHONE NO: (09) 368 3215 FAX NO: (09) 367 2625 PUBLICATIONS: Gourley, S. 1991, 'A tourists guide to WA myrtles' 1991 DAWA Horticultural Research

and Extension Update, pp 27-31.

33

NEW ANIMAL PRODUCTS TOXICITY OF HORSEMEAT DUE TO CONTAMINATION BY Indigofera TOXINS An unusual outbreak of fatal hepatotoxicity in dogs in Alice Springs prompted this research Project. It was found that all the affected dogs had diets high in horsemeat and many of the horses from which the meat had been obtained, had been eating a small leguminous herb, Indigofera linnaei, which is native to arid country in northern and central Australia. The amino acid, indospicine, had been identified in I. linnaei and was known to be hepatotoxic at high dose rates in laboratory species. It was also known that I. linnaei was toxic to horses. Concern was raised as the horsemeat export market was worth around $A6 million annually in 1984 and the local market was even larger. Much of this meat was derived from feral horses from land where I. linnaei is endemic. This research indicates that meat from horses which have grazed moderately heavily on I. linnaei several weeks prior to slaughter is likely to cause liver damage and possibly death in dogs if horsemeat is a major proportion of their diet. This toxicity is due to the indospicine content of the meat. File No: D86/786 Project No: UQ-3A Duration: 10/11/86-30/6/90 RESEARCHER : Dr W R Kelly ORGANISATION : Department of Veterinary Pathology University of Queensland BRISBANE QLD 4072 PHONE NO: (07) 365 2565 FAX NO: (07) 365 1355 PUBLICATIONS: 1989 4th US-Australian Poisonous Plants Congress (in press)

34

PRODUCTION AND HARVESTING OF SHEEP MILK FOR EXPORT CHEESE MANUFACTURE This Project was designed to provide a technical base for the establishment of an Australian sheep milk industry. Milking interval and frequency have been defined and modifications to milking machinery have been suggested but teat cup design remains problematic. It is unlikely that there are any breeds in Australia which are superior milk producers but several high yielding ewes have been identified as a genetic resource. Milk production is likely to increase significantly when imported Awassi dairy genes are incorporated into the stock. Lamb and ewe management systems are dependent on the suckling lamb trade which has been poor recently. This problem should no longer arise as a new abattoir opened recently. This industry seems to have great potential as some traditional exporting countries are becoming importers, production is possible year round, the products are relatively 'disease free', the domestic market is substantial and the traditional sheep and cropping enterprises are declining in profitability. File No: L87/1382 Project No: DAN-23A Duration: 1/7/87-29/6/90 RESEARCHER : Mr Stan Dawe ORGANISATION : Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Yanco Agricultural Institute YANCO NSW 2703 PHONE NO: (069) 53 0211 FAX NO: (069) 53 0268 PUBLICATIONS: Dawe, S. T. 1990, 'Intensive Systems' in Sheep and Wool Production and Management,

ed D. J. Cottle, Inkata Press, Melbourne. Dawe, S. T. 1990, 'The Sheep Dairying Industry', Postgraduate Refresher Course on

Sheep Medicine, July 1990, Postgraduate Committee in Veterinary Science, University of Sydney.

Other references cited

35

FRESH AUSTRALIAN SNAIL INTELLIGENCE REPORT The objective of this research Project was to determine the optimum micro-climate (air temperature and relative humidity) required for the most rapid growth in snails bred outdoors, and finished and harvested in an intensive controlled atmosphere shed in a commercial snail farm. The Project also set out to determine whether snails could be kept out of hibernation so that continuous production is possible. Air temperatures between 12 and 27oC and a relative humidity of 75-100% were found to provide the optimum micro-climate for snails to remain active. Although it was found that Helix aspera could be raised to marketable size within 5 months in an atmosphere-controlled shed in containers with soil, the low stocking rates necessary made this system commercially unviable. In their natural state snails take up to 24 months to reach marketable size but it was found that snails could be raised outdoors with a dormancy period and finishing in atmosphere-controlled sheds in 10 months when ideal outside "climatic conditions" were created. File No: L88/1742 Project No: BEG-1A Duration: 1/7/88-1/6/89 RESEARCHER : Sonia Begg ORGANISATION : Fresh Gourmet Snails PO Box 119 GUNNEDAH NSW 2380 PHONE NO: (067) 42 3431 FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS: None

36

POTENTIAL FOR AN AUSTRALIAN LLAMA INDUSTRY The llama genus, which originates from South America, comprises the llama, alpaca, guanaco and vicuna of which the llama and alpaca are commercially important. Llama and alpaca produce a speciality fibre which is soft, warm, lightweight, strong and in a number of natural colours. The Llama genus, particularly alpacas, is gaining ground in Australia. Although much technical and husbandry information has been available, little was known about the industry's economics and opportunities. This study aimed to fill that void. The economics of alpaca and llama wool production in Australia were not found to be attractive. The economics of an industry based on the sale of breeding stock were found to be more viable. Another focus for an Australian industry is the supply of alpacas and llamas as companion animals. Australia has already supplied some of the 24,000 kept as pets in the US. A lama industry with this focus offers the highest return. However, the returns hinge on having access to world markets, particularly US markets, and developing a domestic market. File No: L89/1023 Project No: EE-1A Duration: 1/7/89-30/10/89 RESEARCHER : Greg Martin ORGANISATION : ACIL Australia Pty Ltd 103-105 Northbourne Ave TURNER ACT 2601 PHONE NO: (06) 249 8055 FAX NO: (06) 257 4170 PUBLICATIONS: final report

37

REPORT ON THE GOOSE INDUSTRIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, EUROPE AND THAILAND The Australian goose industry is based on two types: a large framed slow growing bird with reasonable meat which lays few eggs; and a small framed bird with insufficient meat which lays many eggs. The objectives of this Project were to study the goose industries in France and Thailand to gain information which could aid the Australian industry, and assess the suitability of geese from Northern Ireland and Denmark for Australian conditions. It was found that several adjustments need to be made for the infant Australian industry to grow and prosper: * exports need to be directed towards Asia and the south Pacific; * the domestic market needs to be expanded; * the cost of gosling production needs to be reduced; and * a breeding and distribution enterprise needs to be estabished. It was found that to enhance the industry's growth and prosperity: * new bloodlines need to be imported (the best source was found to be the principal Scandinavian breeder); * the Australian industry needs to communicate with the international goose industry; and * a poultry meat advisory officer needs to be trained . File No: D86/1024 Project No: DAN-13A Duration: 1/7/86-30/6/87 RESEARCHER : Ian Embury ORGANISATION : NSW Agriculture PHONE NO: FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS: None avilable

38

NEW GRAIN LEGUMES

THE DEVELOPMENT OF PREMIUM QUALITY LENTILS ADAPTED TO AUSTRALIAN ENVIRONMENTS AND TECHNOLOGY Although the lentil is one of the oldest food crops, it is new to Australia and the area currently sown to lentil is less than 1000 ha. The major constraint to the development of this industry is the lack of high yielding, premium quality varieties adapted to the cereal zone of southern Australia which can be harvested with conventional machinery. This Project filled this void. During the Project, 535 crossbred lines (imported from the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas - ICARDA) were assessed for yield and adaption. Of these, 200 were field trialled, and two red lentil lines, ILL 5750 and ILL 5588, have been selected for commercial release. These lines are of premium quality and significantly out-yielded all currently available varieties. Both lines are suitable for southern cereal zones with an annual rainfall of 400mm. Commercialisation of these lines could lead to the development of a premium quality lentil industry which is competitive in the world market. File No: Project No: DAS-9A Duration: 1/9/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Dr S M Ali ORGANISATION : Northfield Research Laboratories SA Department of Primary Industries GPO Box 1671 ADELAIDE SA 5001 PHONE NO: (08) 266 8353 FAX NO: (08) 261 4688 PUBLICATIONS: An information sheet has been prepared for ILL 5750 providing information on cultural

practices, soil type, seeding rate and other management practices.

39

NEW PLANT PRODUCTS

ERADICATION OF PARLATORIA SCALE FROM DATE PALMS IN CENTRAL AUSTRALIA The viability of a prospective industry in Central Australia, the date industry, may be affected by a serious pest of the date-growing regions of the world. Parlatoria scale, Parlatoria blanchardi (Targ.), has existed in Australia for many years and could seriusly affect the industry. The scale is spread by the introduction of infested palm material into plantings. This Project investigated suitable methods of destroying the pest in infested material so that, with procedures preventing reintroduction, control and eradication of the scale from Central Australia was possible. It was found that immature palms treated with high volume chemical cover sprays and mature palms injected with a systemic insecticide was effective at destroying the pest. As residual chemicals were found in fruit from the mature palms, less toxic systemic insecticides will be tested. If successful, the fruit of treated palms will not need to be destroyed. Results indicate that it is possible that Parlatoria scale can be eradicated from the tested area and Central Australia. File No: Project No: DNT-7A Duration: 1/6/90-30/9/91 RESEARCHER : Mr E S C Smith ORGANISATION : Entomology Section Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries PO Box 79 BERRIMAH NT 0828 PHONE NO: (089) 22 1256 FAX NO: (089) 47 1265 PUBLICATIONS: Smith, E. S. C. and McEllister, F. V. 1991, 'Progress on the control of Parlatoria scale on

date palms in Central Australia', paper presented to the 5th workshop of Tropical Entomologists, Townsville, Queensland, 1-5 July 1991.

40

DEVELOPMENT OF A WITLOF (CHICORY) EXPORT INDUSTRY IN VICTORIA The objective of this Project was to establish the viability of a chicory export industry in Victoria, which initially is to be based in modern commercial tobacco kilns modified for hydroponically forcing chicory roots. Seventeen commercial European varieties were evaluated on several sites in the river valleys of NE Victoria. Acceptable roots were produced by fifteen varieties on all sites. Roots from all varieties were screened in a small modified tobacco curing unit. Testing on four varieties continued: Bea, Flash (early), Daliva and Conrad (late). These varieties were grown in bulk demonstration blocks and roots forced in a modified commercial tobacco kiln. Although the size, colour and taste were found to be acceptable, the quantity of high quality roots produced was low as they tended to blow ie the heads were loose. Research is now directed towards defining the requirements for successful hydroponic forcing. The resulting chicory roots will be evaluated on domestic and Japanese markets. File No: Project No: DAV-22A Duration: 1/10/88 - 1/10/91 RESEARCHER : Mr J C Nieuwenhuis ORGANISATION : Department of Agriculture Ovens Research Station PO Box 235 MYRTLEFORD VIC 3737 PHONE NO: (057) 52 1311 FAX NO: (057) 52 2702 PUBLICATIONS:

41

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) IN HOPS This Project aimed to develop a practical IPM system to control the two-spotted mite in hops with minimal use of pesticides. In the major hop-producing districts of Australia, naturally occuring predators could not prevent the mites causing economic damage. In the absence of spraying with acarides, yields were significantly reduced. The mite problem appears to be exacerbated by spraying too early in the season. When spraying was delayed until flowering, predation reduced the surviving mite population to very low levels resulting in very low mite populations at the beginning of the next season. It was found that in the glasshouse predators can achieve economic levels of control without the use of pesticides when released appropriately. Other work suggests that the crop can tolerate some mite damage early in the season. File No: Project No: CSE-20A Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Dr J L Readshaw ORGANISATION : CSIRO, Division of Entomology GPO Box 1700 CANBERRA ACT 2601 PHONE NO: (06) 246 4048 FAX NO: (06) 246 4000 PUBLICATIONS: Readshaw, J. L., Leggett, G. and Williams, M. A. 1990, 'Integrated pest management in

Australian hops', Proc 21st Convention of the Institute of Brewing (Australian and NZ Section), Auckland, March 1990, pp 112-116.

42

NEW TROPICAL FRUITS

NATIONAL NON-ASTRINGENT PERSIMMON INDUSTRY WORKSHOP, 12-14 OCTOBER 1989 Persimmons originated in China and have undergone development in Japan. Non-astringent varieties have been developed from astringent ones which can be transported and handled more easily. The non-astringent persimmon industry in Australia is a new industry and extends from Queensland to NSW, Victoria, SA and WA. This workshop was run to develop a strategic plan for the industry. Six priority areas for action were identified: 1) to determine an appropriate national industry structure; 2) to establish effective communication channels; 3) to devise a national marketing strategy; 4) to establish an industry based research program; 5) to develop and adopt a quality assurance program; and 6) to investigate processing possibilities for the fruit. Since the workshop, significant progress has been made. A draft constitution for the National Industry Organisation has been written. Effective communication channels are developing. A draft national marketing strategy has been completed. Quality assurance standards for export have been developed. File No: Project No: QAC-4A Duration: 1/5/89-5/1/90 RESEARCHER : Ray J Collins ORGANISATION : University of Queensland Gatton College Department of Management Studies LAWES QLD 4343 PHONE NO: (074) 62 0328 FAX NO: (074) 62 3081 PUBLICATIONS: Australia's Non-Astringent Persimmon Industry - Charting the Future, ed R. J. Collins,

1990, University of Queensland.

43

CONTROL OF FRUIT SET AND RETENTION IN LYCHEE Poor and irregular bearing is the major constraint on lychee production in Australia. The objective of this Project was to understand the environmental and genetic constraints on, and thus find ways to enhance, fruit set and retention in lychee. It was found that early-flowering trees (particularly of the Tai So variety) failed to produce fruit as a result of sterile flowers early in flowering. Flowers were found to become non-functional on wetting. The optimum fertilisation temperature and duration of receptivity was measured. It was found that more female flowers were produced than could develop into fruit and the flowers had unequal chances of producing fruit. Pollen was found to be long lived and its source affected the fruit number and quality. It was found that fruit set and retention in lychee are limited by the tree's resources. A model which describes the relationship between photosynthesis, light intensity, vapour pressure deficit and leaf temperature in several cultivars was developed. Differences in maximal stomatal conductance between cultivars was observed and work on soil water deficit was carried out. File No: Project No: CSH-18A Duration: 1/7/88-31/7/91 RESEARCHER : Dr C A McConchie ORGANISATION : CSIRO, Division of Horticulture 306 Carmody Rd ST LUCIA QLD 4067 PHONE NO : (07) 377 0248 FAX NO: (07) 371 3946 PUBLICATIONS: McConchie, C. A. and Batten, D. J., in press, 'Friut set in lychee (Litchi chinensis

Sonn.). Variation between flowers, pannicles and trees', Aust J Plant Physiol. McConchie, C. A., Batten, D. J. and Vithanage, V., submitted, 'Friut set in lychee (Litchi

chinensis Sonn.). The effects of temperature on pollen tube growth', Aust J Plant Physiol.

Batten, D. J., Lloyd, J. and McConchie, C. A., in prep. 'Stomalal responses in Lychee', Aust J Plant Physiol.

44

OTHERS - SUGAR, LEGUMES, PEANUTS, ETC INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY, STABILITY OF YIELD AND MARKETABILITY OF CHICKPEAS BY GENETIC MEANS The high prices paid for chickpeas, particularly the large kabuli type, attracted farmer interest to this new industry in south eastern Australia. However, neither of the two cultivars grown in Australia at the commencement of the Project were well suited to southern Australia. Thus to realise the high prices, cultivars suited to the growing region with high productivity, stable production and high premium quality grain were required. This Project aimed to develop premium grain quality chickpea genotypes with improved yield potential and stability. The results of this Project include the development of a superior kabuli line which has been registered as the cultivar 'Kaniva' and been established as the preferred type among growers and in the trade. A new improved desi genotype has also been identified. More recently, three desi lines with kabuli-sized grain have been developed which will ensure that chickpeas of premium quality can be grown consistently even in low rainfall early maturing regions. File No: D86/775 Project No: DAV-9A Duration: 1/7/86-30/6/89 RESEARCHER : Dr J B Brouwer ORGANISATION : Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Victorian Crops Research Institute HORSHAM VIC 3400 PHONE NO: (053) 82 5533 FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS: AgNote, Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, February 1989, Order No. 3861/88, Kaniva - a new chickpea variety.

45

AUSTRALIAN SUGAR INDUSTRY POLICIES: THEIR ORIGINS, NATURE AND IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY The objectives of this Project were to assess the outlook for the world sugar market, to estimate the benefits and costs of domestic industry regulations and to determine what policy changes might allow the industry to obtain greater benefit from the world market. A model of the world sugar market developed during the Project enabled the examination of the benefits to Australia from a new International Sugar Agreement and the impact of protectionist policies on world prices. An expanded version of the model was used to examine Australia's influence on world market prices following an expansion in domestic production. A paper outlining policies enabling Australia to obtain greater benefits from the world market was written based on this. Research was carried out to estimate the costs which industry regulations imposed on the milling, harvesting and canegrowing sectors. It was found that several changes in industry regulations and industry stucture could significantly affect the industry's profitability and development. File No: L87/1453 Project No: BAE-2A Duration: 1/3/87-1/5/89 RESEARCHER : Peter Connell ORGANISATION : Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Edmund Barton Building Blackall Street BARTON ACT 2602 PHONE NO: (06) 246 9111 FAX NO: (06) 246 9699 PUBLICATIONS: Borrell, B., Wong, G. and Sturgiss, R. 1989, 'Growth in world sugar consumption' paper

presented to National Agricultural Outlook Conference, Canberra, January. Connell, P. 1989a, 'Effects of the new domestic sugar marketing arrangements',

Agriculture and Resources Quarterly, 1(1) pp. 59-70.

46

LOW COST SOLAR ASSISTED DRYING OF NAVY BEANS TO MINIMISE DAMAGE Navy beans are grown in central Queensland for processing into canned baked beans. Bean quality is important as discoloured or damaged beans are not suitable for canning. Mechanical damage (splits and cracks) occurs during harvesting or drying. The effect of drying air temperature and relative humidity on drying rate and amount of damage to navy beans was investigated. A thin layer drying apparatus was developed and used for drying beans from an initial moisture content of around 25% to a final moisture content of 14% w.b. at between 32 and 62oC and relative humidities between 7.5-45%. It was found that grain could be dried quickly without damage when air temperatures of around 60oC with a relative humidity of above 25% were used for drying. The cost of drying from this high moisture content needs to be kept low by using low cost drying systems and energy. This part of the investigation aimed to formulate a detailed optimisation computer model which accounted for all factors affecting the overall economics of solar assisted grain drying. The important factors affecting the economics of solar assisted grain drying were identified. File No: D86/757 Project No: DAQ-19A Duration: 1/7/86-30/6/87 RESEARCHER : Dr Radajewski ORGANISATION : Queensland Department of Primary Industries Agricultural Engineering Section PO Box 102 TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350 PHONE NO: FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS: None available

47

MULTI-INDUSTRY

PROJECTS AND

PROGRAMS

48

AGRO-FORESTRY AND FARM TREES ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF TREES ON FARMS This preliminary study commenced the development of a computer model to estimate the private and social rates of return from tree planting, regeneration and clearing on farms in various geographical situations in South-East Australia, through a cost-benefit study. This led to a second Project in which the computer model was further developed. File No: L87/1384 Project No: DAV-13A Duration: 11/1/88-10/1/90 RESEARCHER : Mr Peter Sutherland ORGANISATION : Department of Agriculture Resource Protection & Development PO Box 500 EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002 PHONE NO: (03) 651 7366 FAX NO: (03) 651 7216 PUBLICATIONS:

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FARM TREE MODEL A user friendly computer farm tree simulation model and associated databases were produced in this Project for use in extension and planning work. Its function is in the estimation of the growth and economic returns from farm trees in southern Australia. This model has been been tested and revised and a manual has been prepared and is available in a printed form and is incorporated into the computer files. FARMTREE has already been valuable in the evaluation of a number of 'real world' commercial tree planting proposals in Victoria. File No: L90/221 Project No: DAV-53A Duration: 11/1/90-30/6/90 RESEARCHER : Mr B Loane ORGANISATION : Resource Protection & Development Department of Agriculture & Rural Affairs PO Box 500 EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002 PHONE NO: (03) 651 7011 FAX NO: (03) 651 7216 PUBLICATIONS:

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PROPAGATION OF Phytophthora RESISTANT JARRAH TREES Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Sm.) is an economically important timber species in Western Australia but its susceptibility to "dieback" caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi limits its use in reafforestation of diseased sites and rehabilitation of bauxite mine sites. The aim of this Project was to select seedlings of Jarrah resistant to P. cinnamomi, to clone them and then test for resistance and to identify resistance mechanisms. Seedlings selected for resistance or susceptibility were taken into tissue culture and cloned. These clones were planted in field trials on sites infested with P. cinnamomi. The results show that clones from resistant seedling families maintain resistance in the field, while those from susceptible families remain susceptible. The changes in the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia lyase and its products were found to be part of the resistance response of Eucalyptus spp. These changes could be used as markers of resistance in both clonal and native jarrah. File No: Project No: UMU-2A Duration: 1/7/88-1/7/91 RESEARCHER : Assoc Prof J A McComb ORGANISATION : School of Biological and Environmental Sciences Murdoch University MURDOCH WA 6150 PHONE NO: (09) 360 2336 FAX NO: (09) 310 3505 PUBLICATIONS:

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EXTENSION MORE THAN ACCOUNTABILITY: EVALUATING AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROGRAMS This study was prompted by the trend of Australian governments, as part of their overall cost cutting measures, to reduce public investment in agricultural extension. Few attempts have been made in Australia to assess the returns to extension programs. As such evaluation is difficult, little information is available on the short and long term impact of them and governments are cutting back extension services in a state of partial ignorance. As part of this Project, relevant literature was reviewed for methods to evaluate social intervention programs and the traditional model for evaluating such programs was examined and expanded upon. Methods for the assessment of the performance and impacts of extension programs have been described and a case study was used to test them. File No: L88/1713 Project No: UNE-8A Duration: 1/7/88-1/7/89 RESEARCHER : J W Lees ORGANISATION : The Rural Development Centre University of New England ARMIDALE NSW 2351 PHONE NO: (067) 73 2220 FAX NO: (067) 73 3245 PUBLICATIONS:

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FARMING SYSTEMS COMPENTENCY PROFILE FOR FARM FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT The purpose of this Project was to foster improved farm financial management by determining the competencies (knowledge, skills and attitudes) required for effective farm management and promote the use of these competencies in the development of farm financial management courses. Five farmer groups from a range of industries and locations went through processes based on the DACUM and Nominal Group Techniques to identify these competencies. A notable feature of the resulting competency profile was the emphasis on strategic management within the farm management process. Similar work completed in 1980 showed no such emphasis. This change is thought to reflect the changes which occurred in the operational environment of farms in the 1980s. The competency profile has been used by the NSW Department of Agriculture in the revision of farm management Home Study Programs. The profile is also being used in the development of national competency standards for the Rural Training Council of Australia. File No: Project No: UNE-13A Duration: 1/8/89-30/6/90 RESEARCHER : Mr J W Lees ORGANISATION : Rural Development Centre University of New England ARMIDALE NSW 2351 PHONE NO: (067) 73 2220 FAX NO: (067) 73 3245 PUBLICATIONS: A final Project report separate from this final report which contains the competency

profiles????

53

AN ASSESSMENT OF CROPPING POTENTIAL FOR LAND MARGINAL TO THE ATHERTON TABLELANDS OF NORTH QUEENSLAND Dryland cropping has extended from established to marginal agricultural areas on the Atherton Tablelands in North Queensland. The objectives of this project were to assess the potential for profitable production of maize, sorghum and peanuts on this marginal land and management alternatives to increase this potential. Historical weather data and validated crop simulation models were used to assess the production potential of maize, sorghum and peanuts for sixteen sites in the region. Based on simulated yields, the economic potential of cropping was assessed using enterprise gross margins and whole farm economic models. Results indicate that a sharp decline in profitability existed as cropping moved west off the Tablelands. Optimum management strategies also shifted to lower inputs ie lower plant populations and nitrogen fertilizer inputs. The economic penalties of non-optimal management decisions (e.g. delayed crop planting) were also greater for the more marginal lands. File No: Project No: CSC-16A Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Dr R L McCown and Dr P S Carberry ORGANISATION : CSIRO Division of Tropical Crops and Pastures, and Land Management Research Branch of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries 306 Carmody Road ST LUCIA QLD 4067 PHONE NO: (073) 31 4200 FAX NO: (076) 33 2678 PUBLICATIONS: Cogle, A. L., Carberry, P. S. and McCrown 1990, 'Cropping potential assessment of land

marginal to the Atherton Tablelands, North Queensland, Australia' in R. C. Muchow and J. A. Bellamy (eds) Climatic risk crop production: Models and managemant in the semi-arid tropics and subtropics. Poster papers from the International Symposium, 2-6 July, 1990, Brisbane. CSIRO. Australia, p 6-7.

Carberry, P. S. and Albrecht, D. G. 1991, 'Tailoring crop models to the semi-arid tropics' in R. C. Muchow and J. A. Bellamy (eds) Climatic risk crop production: Models and management in the semi-arid tropics and subtropics, CAB International, Wallingford, p 157-182.

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ESTIMATING PASTURE BIOMASS AND CONDITION BY REMOTE SENSING Techniques to monitor pasture status across large areas of agricultural lands were developed during this Project. Reflectance values obtained from satellite sensors were used to assess pasture status. The "vector classifier" technique, developed during the 1980s and successfully used to estimate the density of woody vegetation cover, was tested for pasture. It was found to be a good estimator of vegetation characteristics, such as green leaf area and green biomass for both erectophile and planophile vegetation. These techniques can now be used for satellite response data to estimate pasture parameters in agricultural and pastoral environments. For example, in a plant community of scattered woody vegetation it is now possible to obtain separate estimates of woody cover and pasture cover. File No: Project No: DAN 10A Duration: 1/11/86-30/6/90 RESEARCHER : K R McCloy ORGANISATION : NSW Agriculture Division of Plant Industries PO Box K220 HAYMARKET NSW 2000 PHONE NO: (02) 217 5076 FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS:

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9TH AUSTRALIAN WEEDS CONFERENCE The level of registration for this Australian Weeds Conference far exceeded that of any previous one. The topics presented included weeds in agronomic crops, weeds in national parks, herbicide resistance in weeds, herbicide technology, weeds of pastures and rangelands, biology and ecology of weeds, biological control of weeds, weeds in forestry, horticulture and aquatic situations, efficient use of herbicides, future directions for weed control in pastures, extension, regulation and research techniques. The participation and interest in the herbicide resistance symposium was high and succeeded in the objectives to raise the level of education, awareness and discussion on herbicide resistance. The invited speakers were a key catalyst for this. File No: L89/1033 Project No: CAW-1A Duration: 1/7/89-30/6/90 RESEARCHER : J W Heap ORGANISATION : 9th Australian Weed Conference SA Department of Primary Industries Northfield Research Lab, GPO Box 1671 ADELAIDE SA 5001 PHONE NO: FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS:

56

THE DEVELOPMENT OF BROADACRE CROPPING THROUGH THE USE OF GREEN MANURE CROPS The aim of this Project was to assess the value of grain legumes, turned in as green manure crops, in broadacre cropping. In 1988, field peas were grown either by themselves, or in conjunction with oats and then turned under in the spring. These treatments were compared with conventionally prepared fallows. In April 1989, the green manure and fallow treated sites were found to contain similar amounts of available water but the green manure treated sites contained more nitrate nitrogen. At harvest, in December 1989, wheat yields ranged from 3.93 t/ha for wheat grown on fallow, to 4.93 t/ha for wheat grown after the green manure crop. The yield difference can be explained by broadleaf weeds being less of a problem after the green manure crop. File No: Project No: PRA-1A Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Mr P E Ridge, Consultant AgroNomist Mr Calvin Muller, Organic Grain Grower ORGANISATION : Peter E Ridge and Associates PO Box 134 DONALD VIC 3480 PHONE NO: (054) 97 1122 FAX NO: (054) 97 1895

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INFORMATION SYSTEMS WORKSHOP ON THE USE OF REMOTE SENSING IN AGRICULTURAL LAND MANAGEMENT Remote sensing has many potential uses in agricultural production and land management, but adoption of the technology by the rural sector has been slow. BRS (formerly BRR) undertook studies on the use of remote sensing in land degradation studies, agricultural production and forest management and co-ordinated this workshop to draw together the end-users of remote sensing information. Farmers, rural advisors and land management agencies came together and the ways in which remote sensing can meet their needs was assessed. Three recommendations were made during the workshop: • Pilot Projects should be established to demonstrate the use of remote sensing in a

range of agricultural applications; • Remote sensing should be part of the tertiary rural science and natural resource

management curricula, and in-service training should be run by land management agencies;

• R&D funding is required to support basic research, development of products and extension/marketing.

File No: L90/1292 Project No: DPI-8A Duration: 1/8/90-16/7/91 RESEARCHER : Dr R M Johnston ORGANISATION : Bureau of Resource Sciences PO Box E11 QUEEN VICTORIA TCE ACT 2600 PHONE NO: (06) 272 4901 FAX NO: (06) 272 4896 PUBLICATIONS: Johnston, R M 1991, Report of a workshop on the use of remote sensing in agricultural

land management', Bureau of Rural Resources Report No: R/3/91, AGPS, Canberra, 41pp.

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THE AUSTRALIAN RURAL RESEARCH-IN-PROGRESS (ARRIP) DATABASE The objectives of this ongoing Project are to update and expand the ARRIP database to include all Australian publicly-funded rural research, encourage its use on-line via AUSTRALIS, or by CD-ROM, encourage the electronic transfer of input data, provide information for clientele and produce publications. ARRIP records have been redesigned to include more information. The number of requests for input data have been reduced and the efficiency of the data collection process has been improved. Some data is already being provided via electronic transfer. The retaining period after completion has been reduced to ensure that the information is up-to-date. Older records are still accessible through the CSIRO Data Production Group. It is anticipated that ARRIP will be included on an International Agricultural Research-in-Progress CD-ROM by mid 1992. The publication capabilities of ARRIP have been utilised and more printouts of specific topics of research have been requested. File No: Project No: DPI-1A Duration: 6/82- RESEARCHER : Dr David White ORGANISATION : Commonwealth Department of Primary Industries & Energy Bureau of Resource Sciences PO Box E11 QUEEN VICTORIA TCE ACT 2600 PHONE NO: (06) 272 4741 FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS:

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INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT FOR AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES AND ITS EFFICIENCY

COST PENALTIES ON RURAL EXPORTS THROUGH AUSTRALIAN PORTS : AN ANALYSIS OF PORT COSTS AND PORT PRICING POLICIES Rural exporters, like most other shippers have paid over and above what is known as the 'user pays' cost of efficiently provided port services and facilities. The objective of this Project was to examine both conceptually and empirically the over-payment of port costs by rural exporters. Cost penalties to rural exporters arise due to a combination of pricing and operational inefficiencies. The Project findings confirm that the main pricing inefficiencies are due to the methodological difficulties, vested interests and biases in the allocation of ports' shared costs among their users. A new pricing framework and a cost allocation procedure (pricing model) have resulted from the Centre's research. The Centre has empirically tested the pricing model which is based on the application of a set of simple cost allocation principles or axioms. The empirical results suggest that the prices paid by rural exporters until now were very much in excess of what they actually ought to pay. The Project findings also show that there are substantial gains to rural exporters from productivity improvements. The cost of allocation methodology developed by the Centre can be used here to estimate the appropriate share of productivity gains that ought to be passed on to rural exporters. File No: Project No: UWO-1A Duration: 1/1/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Dr Ross Robinson ORGANISATION : Centre for Transport Policy Analysis University of Wollongong PO Box 1144 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500 PHONE NO: (042) 21 3683 FAX NO: (042) 26 4257 PUBLICATIONS: 10 Working Papers and a set of 7 Seminar Papers for the 'New Thinking on Port Pricing'

(Sydney and Melbourne, June 1991)

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AGRICULTURAL POLICY ANALYSIS AND FORMULATION This Project included a critical study of policy statements which questioned the future economic importance of agriculture, recommended a shift of research resources away from the primary industries, and held out prospects of eliminating our trade deficit through an expansion of processing ('value-added') and 'sunrise-high tech' manufacturing. Other parts of the Project included studies into returns to rural research, Australian policies related to international agricultural research and the direct and indirect benefits flowing to Australian agriculture and the economy from Government expenditure on overseas agricultural research to assist developing countries. File No Project No: Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/90 RESEARCHER : Prof D E Tribe ORGANISATION : Crawford Fund for International Agricultural Research 1 Leonard Street Parkville VIC 3052 PHONE NO: : (03) 348 8328 FAX NO: : (03) 347 3224 RESEARCHER : Professor A G Lloyd Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry University of Melbourne PARKVILLE VIC 3052 PHONE NO: (03) 348 5006 FAX NO: (03) 344 5537 PUBLICATIONS: Lloyd, A G 1990, 'Value Added fo Food Products', Proceedings of the National Science

and Industry Forum, Australian Academy of Science, Melbourne. Tribe, D E 1990, 'How high are the returns to applied agricultural research', J A I A S,

Mar 1990, pp 32-39. Tribe, D E 1991, 'Doing well by doing good - Agricultural Research : Feeding and

Greening the World', Pluto Press, Sydney.

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PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL

STRATEGIES FOR REPLACEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS The objectives of this Project were to: 1) fomulate a listing and description of a range of agricultural practices which could replace agricultural chemicals known or suspected to cause problems with produce quality or environmental degradation; 2) assess the technical feasibility of the wider adoption of these practices; and 3) assess the barriers to, and incentives for, the wider adoption of technically feasible practices. The listing and description of alternative practices has been formulated. However, as it was found that these practices could not be applied in isolation, but rather had to be part of a production system, it was not feasible to carry out the assessment as planned. Consequently, the only way to assess the feasibility and likely adoption of these practices, was to detail a production system using these chemical replacement practices and assess the system as a whole. This introduced a significant additional step and it was only possible to develop and assess production systems for wheat and . . . . File No: Project No: UNE-14A Duration: 1/8/89-30/6/90? RESEARCHER : J W Lees ORGANISATION : The Rural Development Centre University of New England ARMIDALE NSW 2351 PHONE NO: (067) 73 2220 FAX NO : (067) 73 3245 PUBLICATIONS:

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DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF A COMMERCIAL ELISA TESTING SERVICE The aim of this Project was to develop a range of testing services for pathogens affecting plants in Australia. This involved the development of recognised testing services for pathogens through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and other systems. The secondary aim of this Project was to promote the use of these services to improve the efficiency of plant production industries. Test systems have been developed for more than seventy plant pathogens which affect a wide range of temperate crops. Descriptions of test protocols have been put into a manual and accreditation is being sought. Interpretation of test results was facilitated by the development of standardised ELISA plate layout and absorbance readings were passaged to a P/C screen and depicted graphically. The services have been promoted through a range of industry magazines, at field days, growers' meetings and in the mass media. The commercial TASAG ELISA and pathogen testing laboratory established at the New Town Research Laboratories is expected to be self-supporting in 1991-92. File No: Project No: DAT-10A Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Dr G R Johnstone and Mr D Munro ORGANISATION : Department of Primary Industry GPO Box 192B HOBART TAS 7001 PHONE NO: FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS:

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MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS AND MODELLING OF ALLELOPATHY The aim of this Project was to construct mathematical models to simulate the effects of allelopathy, the biochemical interactions between plants. Model 1 interprets characteristic responses to allelochemicals. Allelopathy was examined as a defence system of plants. Relationships between allelopathy and the periodic production of allelochemicals were considered in the context of allelopathy and competition. Model 2 simulates allelopathic phenomena caused by decomposing residues of one plant species on another under various environmental conditions. Model 3 simulates allelochemical production in situations of limited and non-limited resources, and their effect in the environment. This model, in theory, confirms the periodic production of allelochemicals and the periodic dynamics of these substances in the environment. By combining models 1 and 3, the periodic production of allelochemicals is linked with their defence function. File No: Project No: UNE-5A Duration: 15/2/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Dr J R Johnston ORGANISATION : Department of Agronomy and Soil Science University of New England ARMIDALE NSW 2351 PHONE NO: (067) 73 3075 FAX NO: (067) 72 3262 PUBLICATIONS: An. Min., 1991, 'Mathematical Modelling of Allelopathy' M. Ru. Sci. Thesis, UNE,

submitted.

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FRUIT-PIERCING MOTH AND LEAF-EATING BEETLE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES The objective of this study was to improve management systems of fruitpiercing moths and leaf-eating beetles. To do this existing and potential control methods for fruitpiercing moths and leaf eating beetles were investigated. A pheromfone produced by female fruitpiercing moths was found to have potential as a control tool. Physical barriers, such as netting, and light deterrent systems minimised damage, but had drawbacks. Damage to fruit on trees in outer rows as more severe than that from inner rows indicating the importance of orchard design. The moths were found to be attracted by some general 'fruity' esters produced by fruit. The effectiveness of these as attractants is determined by the presence of other chemical volatiles. Damage to avocado flowers by the red-shouldered leaf beetle was not found to reduce fruit-set. Recurring damage to young lychee trees by black swarming leaf beetle was found to delay growth. It was found that insecticides could be used more efficiently in the management of red-shouldered leaf beetle. Studies showed that the activity of black swarming leaf beetle was predictable and some synthetic pyrethroids provided more efficient control. File No: Project No: DAQ-47 Duration: 1/7/86-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Dr H A C Fay ORGANISATION : Entomology Branch Queensland Department of Primary Industries MAREEBA QLD 4880 PHONE NO: (070) 92 1555 FAX NO: (070) 92 3593 PUBLICATIONS: Fay, H. A. C. and Halfpapp, K. H. 1989, 'Potential methods for the control of fruit-

piercing moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in tropical Australia', Proc First Asia-Pacific Conf Entomol, ChaingMai, Thailand, 8-13 Nov 1989.

Fay, H. A. C. and DeFaveri, S. G. 1990, 'Invasion of flowering avocado trees by Monolepta australis (Jocoby) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its impact of fruit-set in North Queensland', Crop Protection, 9, pp 392-394.

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SURVEY FOR RESISTANCE TO ORGANOPHOSPHORUS INSECTICIDES IN THE BANANA WEEVIL BORER (Cosmopolites sordidus) IN SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND The banana weevil borer has long been a serious pest of bananas. The larvae tunnel through the rhizomes and disrupt the flow of nutrients and water. The result is lower quality and quantity of fruit, plants blown over more frequently and more likely to be affected by disease. Dieldrin dramatically reduced the damage caused by the weevil when it was widely used between the 1950's and 1980. When resistance to dieldrin occurred, growers turned to organophosphorous insecticides (OPs), the most important being pirimiphos-ethyl, prothiofos and chlorpyrifos and to a lesser extent ethoprophos. Less than 10 years later, widespread failure of OPs is being reported which has led to this investigation of resistance as a possible cause. A serious problem of resistance was found to exist in Queensland and appears to be incipient in NSW. As ready replacements are not available, the banana industry needs to implement resistance management and support research into non-insecticidal control. A simple discriminating dose technique was devised as part of this Project for use in resistance management programs. File No: L88/1751 Project No: DAQ-63A Duration: 6/1/87-30/12/89 RESEARCHER : Mr P J Collins ORGANISATION : Entomology Branch Department of Primary Industries 80 Meiers Road INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068 PHONE NO: (07) 377 9433 FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS:

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NEW INSECTICIDES BASED ON MODIFIED SPIDER VENOM COMPONENTS The aims of this Project were to determine the structures of insecticidal toxins in spider venoms and to synthesize them. These toxins are lethal by injection in larvae of the cotton boll-worm, Heliothis armigera. H. armigera is destructive of a wide range of crops in Australia and overseas. The complete amino acid sequences of 5 toxins from the venoms of funnel web spider species of the genera Atrax and Hadronyche were determined. These sequences showed considerable homology to each other. One of the toxins synthesized demonstrated the full biological activity of the native toxin. The toxins were also lethal to species of blowfly, locust and beetle. File No: Project No: UD-1A Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Prof M E H Howden and Dr R K Atkinson ORGANISATION : Department of Biological Sciences Deakin University GEELONG VIC 3217 School of Applied Science University College of Southern Queensland Darling Heights TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350 PHONE NO: (052) 47 1217 FAX NO: (052) 47 2001 PUBLICATIONS: Vonarx, E J, Atkinson, R K, Wright, L G and Howden, M E H 1991, 'Toxins', application

for Application for Australian patent.

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PROCESSING, PACKAGING, HANDLING AND DISTRIBUTION

TRANSIM: COMPUTER SIMULATION OF PRODUCE DAMAGE DURING TRANSPORT Damage during transport contributes to deterioration in the quality of fresh fruit and vegetables. The aim of this Project was to develop a computer model to simulate the damage caused during transport so that the deterioration can be managed through the judicious choice of transport parameters. A model of the road-vehicle-load system has been developed. The elements of the system are road profile, the tyres, suspension and chassis of the vehicle and the product, packaging and cushioning of the load. The model uses a force-characteristic description of the vehicle and load elements to calculate the energy absorbed by the produce. From this the physical damage to the produce is calculated. An initial parametric study has indicated that the model has the potential to predict damage during actual transport. Verification of the model under a wide range of conditions is in progress in a joint program with researchers at the University of Georgia, USA. When completed, the model will be available commercially. File No: Project No: DAQ-64A Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Dr D Schoorl ORGANISATION : Queensland Department of Primary Industries Horticulture Branch GPO Box 46 BRISBANE QLD 4001 PHONE NO: (07) 239 3053 FAX NO: (07) 221 4302 PUBLICATIONS: Jones, C. S. 1991, 'Transim II: an investigative midel for the prediction of damage to

horticultural products during transport', M. Eng. Sci. Thesis, The University of Queensland.

Jones, C. S., Holt, J. E., Schoorl, D. 1991, 'A model to predict damage to horticultural produce during transportation' J Agric Eng Res (in press).

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CROP DRYING FACILITIES Research and development Projects to establish a range of new crops and products are in progress in Tasmania. Many of these crops require additional drying for various reasons, eg rendering them safe for storage and transport, sanitation, colour retention, etc. Some of these crops were in need of evaluation in a semi-commercial situation. A number of crop driers already exist but were unsuitable for various reasons so funding was obtained to increase the capacity of and upgrade an existing drier. Semi-commercial samples of potential new crops or crop products were successfully dried. The industry which has benefited from this Project most is buckwheat which has reached commercial stage. Medicinal and health foods, lucerne and pasture hay, pasture grasses and legumes and dried herbs also benefited and the drier is also available for "proving" private developments prior to full capital commitment being justified. File No: L88/1729 Project No: DAT-11A Duration: 7/1/88-31/7/89 RESEARCHER : M A Hart ORGANISATION : Pastures & Field Crops Branch Department of Primary Industry GPO Box 192B HOBART TAS 7001 PHONE NO : FAX NO: PUBLICATIONS:

69

DEVELOPMENT OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CHIPS A substantial market for vacuum fried fruit and vegetable chips is emerging in Australia. Products such as strawberry chips that contain no added flavours, colours or sugar are spearheading the new wave of healthy snack foods. The aim of this Project is to develop the technology of the vacuum frying process and develop equipment which can be scaled up to a commercial operation. Successful trials have been completed using a bench scale vacuum fryer. A large pilot scale vacuum frier has been constructed which, if successful, will be scaled up for the commercial operations and will be used to produce marketing samples and for the collection of processing data. Discussions are to be held with a large Australian food manufacturer on funding the commercialization of the equipment and process. File No: Project No: DAQ-86A Duration: 1/7/89-30/6/91 RESEARCHER : Mr P M Britnell ORGANISATION : International Food Institute of Queensland Queensland Department of Primary Industries GPO Box 46 BRISBANE QLD 4001 PHONE NO: (07) 268 8555 FAX NO: (07) 868 1853 PUBLICATIONS: None available

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STRUCTURAL ARRANGEMENTS AND CHANGE IN PRIMARY INDUSTRIES/COMMUNITIES

THE FUTURE OF THE FAMILY FARM Small family owned farms are dominant in Australian agriculture. Considerable concern has been expressed in recent years about whether family farms will remain viable. This Project was initiated to gain a better understanding why the family farm is superior at present and to investigate the factors which may make other forms of organisation more efficient in the future. This research identified many factors which have been favourable to the family farm rather than the corporate alternative up to the early 1980's. This has been reflected in the continued predominance of this mode of farm organisation. However, a number of these factors have turned around since the early '80s and will probably cause an increase in the role of corporate agriculture. However, the advantages of family farms - their efficiency in labour use and monitoring - suggest that they will remain dominant in most sectors of Australian agriculture for the foreseeable future. File no: L88/1714 Project no: US-8A Duration: 1/7/88-30/6/89 RESEARCHER : John Quiggin ORGANISATION : Centre for International Economics GPO Box 2203 CANBERRA ACT 2601 PHONE NO: (06) 248 6699 FAX NO: (06) 247 7484 PUBLICATIONS: