North Queensland Native Foliage for the Flower Industry

A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation by Joanna Srhoj February 2005

RIRDC Publication No 05/010 RIRDC Project No DAQ-299A

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© 2005 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 1 74151 109 7 ISSN 1440-6845 North Queensland Native Foliage for the Flower Industry Publication No. 05/010 Project No. DAQ-299A The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable industries. The information should not be relied upon for the purpose of a particular matter. Specialist and/or appropriate legal advice should be obtained before any action or decision is taken on the basis of any material in this document. The Commonwealth of Australia, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, the authors or contributors do not assume liability of any kind whatsoever resulting from any person's use or reliance upon the content of this document. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. Researcher Contact Details Joanna Srhoj Horticulture and Forestry Science Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 28 Peters Street MAREEBA QLD 4880 PO Box 1054 MAREEBA QLD 4880 Phone: 07 4048 4651 Fax: 07 40923593 Email: joanna.srhoj@dpi.qld.gov.au

In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form. RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 4819 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.au Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Published in February 2005 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

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Foreword The aim of this project is to assist industry to further develop and commercialise five north Queensland native foliage species. Previous RIRDC funded research (DAQ-262A) resulted in the identification of five native foliage species for further development and commercialisation. These five species include: Grevillea baileyana, Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ , Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ , Lomatia fraxinifolla and Athertonia diversifolia. These five species were selected based on their ability to grow vigorously in a range of climates on the Cairns Highlands, positive market assessments carried out during the project and their long post harvest life. This publication reports the results of a number of different project activities that have been undertaken. These activities include: field trials, market research, post harvest experiments, and grower education and training. The results of these activities will assist industry to achieve commercialisation of the above-mentioned species. This research forms part of RIRDC’s Wildflowers and Native Plants subprogram. This project was funded from RIRDC Core Funds which are provided by the Australian Government. This report, an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1,200 research publications, forms part of our Wildflowers and Native Plants R&D program, which aims to improve existing products and develop new products. Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website: • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/fullreports/index.html • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop Tony Byrne Acting Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

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Acknowledgments The ongoing financial support, cooperation and enthusiasm of Peter and Ann Radke, owners and managers of Yuruga Nursery Pty Ltd has been essential for the success of this project. The willingness and generosity of Stewart Evans, (Burraview Native Flowers and Plants) to host and manage a project trial site is gratefully acknowledged. The advice and assistance provided by the following wholesalers has been extremely valuable in helping industry to produce the desired product: Adrian Parsons (WAFEX), Brian Harris (formerly of Collina Export), Craig Scott (Eastcoast Wildflowers) and Greg Lamont and Leo Lynch (Lynch Flowers). The technical assistance and advice provided by the following DPI&F employees based in Mareeba: Kathy Grice (Plant Pathologist), Bruno Pinese (Senior Entomologist), Ross Storey (Entomologist) and Alison Larard (Farm Financial Counsellor). The technical assistance and advice provided by John Armour (Senior Soil Scientist, NRM&E, Mareeba). The skills and analysis provided by Bob Mayer (Senior Biometrician, Townsville). The ongoing support of CRF&F native foliage growers is also gratefully acknowledged.

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Abbreviations ANOVA Analysis of Variance B Boron Ca Calcium CP3 Chrysal Professional 3 CREDC Cairns Region Economic Development Corporation CRF&F Cairns Region Flowers and Foliage DAQ-262A 1st phase RIRDC project titled ‘Identify and evaluate the commercial potential for new

foliage and cut flower species from north Queensland’ DAQ-299A 2nd phase RIRDC project titled ‘Development of north Queensland native foliage

species and industry’. DAQ-324A 3rd phase RIRDC project titled ‘Market development and commercial production of

five native foliage species’. DPI&F Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Queensland Government) Fe Iron ID Identity K Potassium MDIA Mareeba Dimbulah Irrigation Area Mg Magnesium N Nitrogen NRM&E Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (Queensland Government) P Phosphorous S Sulphur Zn Zinc

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Contents Foreword iii Acknowledgments iv Abbreviations v List of Tables vii List of Figures viii Executive Summary ix 1. Introduction 1

1.1 Outcomes and deliverables 1 1.2 Background to project 1 1.3 Origin of species and species profiles 1 1.4 North Queensland native cut flower and foliage industry 2

2. Objectives 5 3. Methodology 6

3.1 Economic analysis 6 3.2 Field trials 6 3.3 Post harvest research 23 3.4 Market research 26 3.5 Grower education and extension 27 3.6 Media and promotion 28

4. Results 29 4.1 Economic analysis 29 4.2 Field trial results 30 4.3 Post harvest research 45 4.4 Market research 48 4.5 Grower education and extension 51 4.6 Media and promotion 52 4.7 Industry statistics 53 4.8 Yuruga Nursery propagation report 54

5. Discussion of Results 56 5.1 Project contributions to the commercialisation of S. ‘Forest Lace’, S. ‘Forest Gem’,

L. fraxinifolia, A. diversifolia and G. baileyana 56 5.2 Industry capacity building 57 5.3 Expansion of the north Queensland native cut foliage industry 57 5.4 Facilitation of a collaborative industry effort 57

6. Implications 58 7. Recommendations 59 8. Appendices 60

8.1 Appendix one – Media release – 03/08/03 60 8.2 Appendix two – Media release – 03/11/03 61

9. References 62

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List of Tables Table 1. Elevation (m), Australian soil classification, annual rainfall (mm) and average temperature range (°C) at

all three trial sites. ............................................................................................................................................. 7 Table 2. Plant spacings (m) used for each species at each trial site................................................................................. 10 Table 3. Date, weeks after planting and pruning height for the pruning events applied to P1 plants of each species

at the Yungaburra trial site. ............................................................................................................................. 12 Table 4. Date, weeks after planting and pruning height for the single pruning event applied to P2 plants of each

species at the Yungaburra trial site.................................................................................................................. 12 Table 5. Soil analysis results from the Yungaburra trial site and recommendations based on the nutritional

requirements of traditional horticultural crops. ............................................................................................... 13 Table 6. Details of fertiliser applications applied to F1 and F2 plants of all species at the Yungaburra trial site. .......... 13 Table 7. Rate of application (kg/ha) of all major elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) for F1 and F2 plants at the

Yungaburra trial site........................................................................................................................................ 14 Table8. Date, weeks after planting and pruning height for the pruning events applied to P1 plants of each species

at Southedge trial site. ..................................................................................................................................... 16 Table 9. Date, weeks after planting and pruning height for the single pruning event applied to P2 plants of each

species at Southedge trial site.......................................................................................................................... 16 Table 10. Soil analysis results from the Southedge trial site, and recommendations based on the nutritional

requirements of traditional horticultural crops. ............................................................................................... 17 Table 11. Details of fertiliser applications applied to F1 and F2 plants of all species at the Southedge trial site. .......... 17 Table 12. Rate of application (kg/ha) of all major elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) applied to F1 and F2 plants of all

species at the Southedge trial site.................................................................................................................... 18 Table13. Details of fertiliser applications applied to all species at the Southedge extension site. ................................. 19 Table 14. Rate of application (kg/ha) of all major elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) applied to S. ‘Forest Lace’ and S.

‘Forest Gem’ at the Southedge extension site. ................................................................................................ 19 Table 15. Soil analysis results from the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) trial site, and comments based on the

nutritional requirements of traditional horticultural crops............................................................................... 22 Table 16. Details of fertiliser applications applied to all species (A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia) at the Yuruga

Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site. ............................................................................................................. 22 Table 17. Rate of application (kg/ha) of all major elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) applied to A. diversifolia and L.

fraxinifolia’ at the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site. .................................................................. 22 Table 18. Gross margins calculations for years one, two and three of S. ‘Forest Lace’ and S. ‘Forest Gem’ grown under

an intensive system based on the tobacco production system.............................................................................. 29 Table 19. Average health ratings for all species at the Yungaburra trial site from August 2003 to September 2004.

For each date, averages followed by the same letter superscript are not significantly different at the P<0.05 level. ................................................................................................................................................... 30

Table 20. Average height measurements (cm) for all six species (except L. fraxinifolia) from 21/08/03 to 07/11/03 at the Yungaburra trial site. Averages followed by the same letter superscript are not significantly different at the P<0.05 level. ........................................................................................................................... 31

Table 21. Average growth rates (cm/week) of all species, for three recording periods over the life of the Yungaburra trial. ............................................................................................................................................. 32

Table 22. Average yield per plant (stems/leaves) and the range of stem lengths produced for P1 plants of S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes, S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos, S. ‘Forest Lace’ and A. diversifolia at the Yungaburra trial site. .................................................................................................................................................................. 33

Table 23. Average health ratings for all species at the Southedge trial site from May 2003 to August 2003. For each date, averages followed by the same letter superscript are not significantly different at the P<0.05 level................................................................................................................................................................. 36

Table 24. Average height measurements (cm) for all four species from 24/07/03 to 04/11/03 at the Southedge trial site. For each date, averages followed by the same letter superscript are not significantly different at the P<0.05 level. ................................................................................................................................................... 37

Table 25. Average yield (stems) per plant and the range of stem lengths produced for P1 plants of S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes, S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos, and S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the Southedge trial site....................................................................... 38

Table 26. Average vase life (days) for interactions between re-cutting and dry storage treatments. Averages followed by the same letter superscript are not significantly different at the P<0.05 level............................. 46

Table 27. Average vase life (days) for all treatments. Averages followed by the same superscript are not significantly different at the P<0.05 level. ...................................................................................................... 47

Table 28. Industry plant numbers for each species on two dates (November 2002 and 2004) and for the future. Figures are for number of plants in the ground at each date. Approximate plant number for the future relate to plants on order from Yuruga Nursery as at November 2004......................................................................................................... 53

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List of Figures Figure 1. Cairns regional map showing geographic location of all three trial sites. The location of Southedge

research station, Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) and Yungaburra sites are marked in blue font. ........................ 7 Figure 2. Monthly rainfall (mm) during the trial period at the Yungaburra site............................................................. 11 Figure 3. Monthly irrigation (hours) during the trial period at the Yungaburra site. ...................................................... 11 Figure 4. Monthly rainfall (mm) during the trial period at the Southedge site. .............................................................. 15 Figure 5. Monthly irrigation (hours) during the trial period at the Southedge site. ........................................................ 15 Figure 6. Monthly rainfall (mm) during the trial period at the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site............... 21 Figure 7. Looper (unknown ID) feeding on S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the Yungaburra trial site. ............................................. 34 Figure 8. Hairy caterpillar (unknown ID) feeding on S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the Yungaburra trial site. .............................. 34 Figure 9. A. diversifolia at the Yungaburra trial site – 20/11/04. ...................................................................................... 34 Figure 10. S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the Yungaburra trial site – 20/11/04..................................................................................... 34 Figure 11. S. ‘Forest Gem’ at the Yungaburra trial site – 20/11/04..................................................................................... 35 Figure 12. G. baileyana at the Yungaburra trial site – 20/11/04. ..................................................................................... 35 Figure 13. L. fraxinifolia at the Yungaburra trial site – 20/11/04........................................................................................ 35 Figure 14. Sunburn on leaves of L. fraxinifolia at the Yungaburra trial site – 20/11/04...................................................... 35 Figure 15. Coccus longulus (long soft scale) on the underside of a G. baileyana leaf........................................................... 38 Figure 16. Looper (unknown ID) feeding on S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the Southedge trial site. ..................................................... 38 Figure 17. S. ‘Forest Gem’ at the Southedge trial site showing response to iron chelate foliar spray – older leaves

bleached in appearance due to iron deficiency and younger leaves display improved colour. ....................... 39 Figure 18. S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the Southedge trial site – 20/11/04. ................................................................................... 39 Figure 19. S. ‘Forest Gem’ at the Southedge trial site – 20/11/04. ................................................................................... 39 Figure 20. G. baileyana at the Southedge trial site – 20/11/04......................................................................................... 40 Figure 21. View of whole trial at DPI&F Southedge research station – 24/11/04............................................................ 40 Figure 22. S. ‘Forest Gem’ showing severe deformity of new shoots creasing a ‘witches broom’ effect as a result of

herbicide toxicity at the Southedge extension site. ......................................................................................... 41 Figure 23. S. ‘Forest Gem’ showing burnt and yellow tips of new foliage as a result of herbicide toxicity at the

Southedge extension site. ................................................................................................................................ 41 Figure 24. S. ‘Forest Gem’ at the Southedge extension site – 20/11/04. ............................................................................. 42 Figure 25. S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the Southedge extension site – 20/11/04. ............................................................................. 42 Figure 26. Average health ratings for A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia at the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin)

shadehouse site................................................................................................................................................ 42 Figure 27. Average height measurements for A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia at the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin)

shadehouse site................................................................................................................................................ 43 Figure 28. L. fraxinifolia plants at the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site – 20/11/04.................................... 44 Figure 29. A. diversifolia plants at the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site – 20/11/04. .................................. 44 Figure 30. Potted plants at DPI&F Mareeba – 23/11/04................................................................................................... 45 Figure 31. Potted L. fraxinifolia plants at DPI&F Mareeba – 23/11/04............................................................................ 45 Figure 32. L. fraxinifolia (foreground) and A. diversifolia leaves (background) being tested in deionised water and

CP3 solution with and without oasis floral foam – 23/11/04. ......................................................................... 48 Figure 33. Typical symptom marking the end of vase life of an A. diversifolia leaf...................................................... 48 Figure 34. Mature S. ‘Forest Gem’ stems on arrival in Melbourne – 15/12/03. ............................................................... 50 Figure 35. Immature S. ‘Forest Gem’ stems on arrival in Melbourne – 15/12/03. ........................................................... 50 Figure 36. Mature S. ‘Forest Lace’ stems on arrival in Melbourne – 15/12/03. ............................................................... 50 Figure 37. Immature S. ‘Forest Lace’ stems on arrival in Melbourne – 15/12/03. ........................................................... 50 Figure 38. Temperature (°C) in the box of foliage during the transport period from 11/12/03-15/12/03..................................... 50

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Executive Summary The primary aim of this project was to facilitate the commercialisation of the following five native foliage species: S. ‘Forest Lace’, S. ‘Forest Gem’, L. fraxinifolia, A. diversifolia and G. baileyana. This project has followed on from a first phase project titled – ‘Identify and evaluate the commercial potential for new foliage and cut flower species from north Queensland’ – RIRDC project number – DAQ-262A. These five species were selected based on the results of DAQ-262A. A number of research activities were carried out as part of the project to assist industry to commercialise these products. The research activities covered a range of topics to ensure that all important aspects relating to new product development were addressed at the same time. The research activities included: 3 field trials across different climates on the Cairns Highlands, post harvest and market research, gross margin analyses and grower education and extension. Field trials were used to determine; the agronomic requirements of the plants, the viability of S. ‘Forest Gem’ explants and to test different fertiliser and pruning treatments. Information has been collected on plant health, pests and diseases, irrigation requirements, growth rates, survival percentages and yield for all five species. These field trials are also included in the third phase project titled – ‘Market development and commercial production of five native foliage products’ – RIRDC project number DAQ-324A beginning in December 2004. This will enable the collection of another two years of data from these trials. Post harvest trials were carried out to test the vase life of A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia under a range of conditions. These species were assessed in deionised water, Chrysal Professional 3 cut flower vase solution both with and without oasis floral foam. In addition to this, leaves of these two species were included in a transport trial designed to test the vase life of the leaves after 4 days transport. In all experiments conducted, both species demonstrated acceptable vase life. Bruising during transport is an issue with both species and can significantly reduce vase life post transport. Market research activities carried out were designed to obtain information on potential grower returns, grading and product quality. During the project, test samples of foliages were sent to wholesalers in Australia for evaluations on the parameters listed above. Price indications obtained have been used to generate gross margin analyses for S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’. Responses from wholesalers have indicated that quality and grading of the products has been accepted. These quality standards and grading protocols will be included in product specifications developed as part of DAQ-324A. During the project, gross margin analyses were carried out for the production of S. ‘Forest Lace’ and S. ‘Forest Gem’ under an intensive system similar to the production of tobacco. The gross margin analyses have revealed encouraging figures for this type of production system. Establishment costs under an intensive system with 8400 plants per hectare are estimated at $26700 and $23490 per hectare for manual and mechanical planting respectively. Extension of project results and grower education has occurred on numerous occasions during the project through workshops, field days, newsletters, meetings and field walks. A strong emphasis has been placed on the timely delivery of project results to industry in the Cairns region. This has enabled growers to capitalise on the research outcomes well before the completion of the project. The success of this project has relied heavily on the high level of collaboration between the principal investigator and Yuruga Nursery. Peter and Ann Radke of Yuruga Nursery have contributed significantly to the success of this project as have the growers themselves. The growers involved in the industry are progressive and innovative which will assist the industry in the future to reach its full potential.

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1. Introduction 1.1 Outcomes and deliverables The major outcomes and deliverables of this project are; of expansion of the north Queensland native cut foliage industry, publication of information kits for existing and prospective growers for each species, provision of training and education to growers to increase capabilities and provision of necessary agronomic, post harvest and marketing information. 1.2 Background to project The first phase of this research was carried out in 2001 and 2002 with DAQ-262A – ‘Identify and Evaluate the Commercial Potential for New Foliage and Cut Flower Species from North Queensland’. This project involved collaboration between Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, RIRDC and Yuruga Nursery Pty Ltd. The outcome of this project was the selection of the following 11 species for further commercialisation; Athertonia diversifolia (foliage), Banksia plagiocarpa (flower), Eucalyptus phoenicia (foliage), Evodiella muelleri (flower), Grevillea baileyana (foliage), Lomatia fraxinifolia (foliage), Neorites kevediana (foliage), Sarcotoechia serrata (foliage), Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ (foliage), Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ (foliage) and Xanthostemon chrysanthus (flower). These species were selected based on their market acceptance, post harvest life, and their ability to grow in the range of climates on the Cairns Highlands. Further revision of the proposed second phase project in January 2003 resulted in the elimination of 6 of these species as it was deemed to be too difficult to obtain adequate information given the allocated project resources and project time frame. The focus was shifted to only concentrate on foliage species with the intention to progress the flower species in a separate project. The final outcome was the inclusion of the following five foliage species in DAQ-299A; Athertonia diversifolia, Lomatia fraxinifolia, Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’, Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ and Grevillea baileyana. DAQ-299A focussed on providing information to facilitate the commercial development of these five species. Data obtained from field trials, market assessments, post harvest trials and economic analysis will be used to assist industry to commercialise the species. 1.3 Origin of species and species profiles The small pockets of ancient Gondwanan rainforest remaining in north Queensland are home to a number of unique Proteaceae species that are endemic to the region. The species being developed through this project all belong to the Proteaceae family and are found in relatively small pockets of rainforest in the region at varying altitudes. 1.3.1 Athertonia diversifolia The natural distribution of this species is from Cape Tribulation to the southern Cairns Highlands in very wet rainforest at low to high altitudes. Propagation of this plant in the nursery is carried out using seed sourced from wild stands. This species requires a site protected from winds with high humidity. The mature leaves are deeply lobed, glossy and range in colour from pale to dark green. Immature leaves are not suitable for sale. In floristry these leaves are suitable for backing greenery in box or table arrangements as feature foliage.

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1.3.2 Grevillea baileyana This species is found growing widespread in north Queensland rainforests at low to mid altitudes. Propagation of this species is carried out by using seed collected from cultivated plants at Yuruga Nursery. This species grows well over a wide range of climatic conditions however it suffers during cold winters on the upper Cairns Highlands. The mature leaves display a rusty, gold pubescence on the under side of the leaves. This makes this product very unique in the market place. Immature leaves do not display strong colour, are deeply lobed and are not suitable for sale. In floristry this foliage can be used as filler or a feature. Individual leaves can be curled to display the green topside and rusty gold underside to create an exciting dimension to arrangements or bouquets. 1.3.3 Lomatia fraxinifolia This species is found growing widespread in north Queensland rainforests at mid to high altitudes. Propagation of this plant in the nursery is carried out using seed sourced from wild stands. This species requires a site protected from winds with high humidity. The mature leaves are bipinnate, glossy, and dark green in colour. Immature leaves are not suitable for sale. The leaves are striking when used in table or box arrangements as feature foliage. 1.3.4 Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ This variety does not occur naturally. It is a selection carried out by Yuruga Nursery Pty Ltd and is protected by Plant Breeder’s rights. This plant is propagated using vegetative cuttings. Plants of this species grow well in a wide range of climates on the Cairns Highlands and in south east Queensland. In contrast to L. fraxinifolia, A. diversifolia and G. baileyana this foliage is immature foliage produced by the plants. It is very versatile and can be used in a whole range of floristry designs. The product is sold as a full stem containing a number of leaves. 1.3.5 Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ This variety does not occur naturally. It is a selection carried out by Yuruga Nursery Pty Ltd and is protected by Plant Breeder’s rights. This plant is propagated using vegetative cuttings. Plants of this species grow well in a wide range of climates on the Cairns Highlands and in south east Queensland. In contrast to L. fraxinifolia, A. diversifolia and G. baileyana this foliage is immature foliage produced by the plants. It is very versatile and can be used in a whole range of floristry designs. The product is sold as a full stem containing a number of leaves. The individual leaves are highly detailed and lacy in appearance, which makes this product unique in the market place. 1.4 North Queensland native cut flower and foliage industry The north Queensland cut flower and foliage industry contributed over $3.6 million to the regional economy in the 1998/1999 financial year (Noller, 2000). Native flowers and foliages contribute approximately 2% of the total value of the industry. Prior to DAQ-262A, the main native flowers/wildflowers and foliages produced were: Geraldton wax flower, Banksia plagiocarpa, Proteas, kangaroo paw, leucadendron, leucospermum and Eucalyptus foliage. The increased awareness created through DAQ-262A has facilitated the development of a small number of native foliage producers in the region. DAQ-262A also created increased interest in production of Banksia plagiocarpa. Geraldton waxflower, proteas, leucadendrons, kangaroo paw and leucospermums are not native to north Queensland. As a result, these species commonly succumb to fungal pathogens such as Phytopthora and Fusarium, which are endemic to soils in this region. Phytopthora root rot partially contributed to the demise of the Geraldton waxflower industry in north Queensland which occurred approximately 4-5 years ago. With this history in mind, researchers and native plant experts turned their attention to our own native flora and discovered the potential for the five species under development. It is hoped that with responsible industry development and business-focussed research,

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the north Queensland native foliage industry will grow to eventually have the capacity to export foliages from the port of Cairns. It is a well-known fact that the cut flower and foliage retail industry is essentially a fashion industry in which new designs, colours and styles are constantly in demand. New colours, styles and designs means the industry has a constant requirement for new products to bring excitement and uniqueness. The five species being developed as part of this project are all relatively new to the market place. Lomatia fraxinifolia, Athertonia diversifolia and Grevillea baileyana are supplied in very small volumes at present from a farm at Coffs Harbour. These three products are therefore largely unknown to the market and have therefore not reached their full potential in terms of sales. Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ and Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ are completely new products to the market. Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ is very unique in appearance while Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ is thought to resemble other foliages currently available. At present, Australian domestic and export native foliage sales rely heavily on bush-picked foliages sourced from crown and private land in QLD, NSW, VIC and WA. In each state, pickers are required to hold current licences for the harvest of native foliages for commercial sale and licensees must demonstrate the foliages are being sourced in a sustainable manner. (WA Department of Conservation and Land Management, 2004). Some would argue that the removal of any native flora from a natural ecosystem is not sustainable. In southeast Queensland, the practice of bush picking will eventually be phased out under the South East Queensland Forests Agreement (Australian Rainforest Conservation Society, 2004). If this trend is followed by other states, it is highly likely that there will eventually be a shortage of cut foliages in the Australian industry. This will result in the need for commercial production. The research reported in this publication will assist the industry to be prepared for this situation should it occur in the future. There is a slow move to cultivate a number of bush picked foliages however at the time of writing this report, success has only been achieved with Eucalyptus, Beaufortia, Adenanthos, Doryanthes and Regelia. It is understood that this research is the first of its kind in terms of commercial development of native cut foliages. The five species being developed through this project, will provide alternatives for a range of floristry uses. Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ and Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ are very versatile filler foliages with a very long vase life. These products can be used as stems, or individual leaves in bouquets, table arrangements and corporate work. Athertonia diversifolia and Lomatia fraxinifolia are feature foliages that make an excellent backing or feature to any type of arrangement. The glossy green leaves are spectacular under lights and both products exhibit long vase life. Grevillea baileyana foliage is also very versatile and can be used as a filler or feature foliage. In particular, the gold pubescence on the underside of the leaves is very striking and imparts a unique dimension to table arrangements, corporate designs and bouquets. At this stage, Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ and Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ are the leading foliages and are therefore most likely to be the first commercial products that emerge from this research. Research into the other foliages is considerably slower given the longer lead time before harvest and the requirement for high humidity and wind protection for L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia. Primary producers on the Cairns Highlands have experienced a number of years of decline in the viability of their industries. In particular, the tobacco, dairy and sugar industries have been affected by a whole range of issues, which has led to the exit of growers from these industries. The current situation is one in which there are a large number of ex-tobacco growers in the Mareeba-Dimbulah irrigation area that are searching for new products to grow. The most important factor is that the new products being considered are financially viable for growers to produce. Recent economic analysis carried out on the commercial production of Stenocarpus Forest Lace and Stenocarpus Forest Gem under an intensive system has revealed encouraging potential gross margins. In an effort to embrace the existing infrastructure in the region and reduce capital costs for new growers, S. FG and S. FL are being included in trials to test whether they can be produced using ex-tobacco machinery. Preliminary results of this initiative are reported later in this publication.

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In 2003, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) and the Cairns Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) worked together to facilitate the formation of Cairns Region Flowers and Foliage (CRF&F). CRF&F is a newly formed industry cluster being fostered by QDPI and CREDC. Members of the cluster are predominantly flower and foliage growers that have embraced the concept of collaboration to enhance regional competitiveness. CRF&F aims to avoid being another growers group; instead the group is aiming towards being in touch with their supply chain and the requirements of consumers. All growers in the Cairns region, of the five species of native foliages included in this project are members of CRF&F. New growers are encouraged to join CRF&F in an attempt to ensure industry members learn the benefits of industry collaboration for the benefit of all concerned. Recently the native foliage growers of CRF&F met and decided to develop a strategic plan for their industry. Project extension activities and workshops have been held in conjunction with CRF&F native foliage growers meetings. This publication presents the results of one full year of research into the development of the five native foliage species listed above. The publication presents the results of a number of different project activities including: field trials, market research, post harvest trials, grower education and extension.

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2. Objectives 1. To assist industry to further develop and commercialise the following five native foliage species;

Grevillea baileyana, Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’, Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’, Lomatia fraxinifolla and Athertonia diversifolia.

2. To facilitate the expansion of the north Queensland native cut foliage industry 3. To enhance the capability and expertise of north Queensland native foliage growers 4. To evaluate the economic viability of production of each of the species 5. To facilitate communication between members of the supply chain 6. To provide agronomic information needed by industry to successfully produce the native foliages 7. To encourage the formation of a collaborative supply arrangement amongst north Queensland growers. 9. To assess the post harvest life of Lomatia fraxinifolia and Athertonia diversifolia in Oasis and Chrysal. 10. To determine the viability of S. ‘Forest Gem’ explants.

6

3. Methodology 3.1 Economic analysis Economic analysis has focussed on gross margin analyses for production of S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ using the ex-tobacco system under investigation at the Southedge extension trial. At this stage, both Stenocarpus varieties are much closer to large-scale commercial production than the other three species. There are a number of reasons for this; Stenocarpus varieties are quicker to produce stems and therefore yield data from this project has been used to calculate gross receipts per hectare, there is a current lack of yield data for the other three species, costs of production have been easier to calculate as the tobacco system has been the subject of gross margin analyses in the past, and costs of production are more difficult to obtain at this stage for the other three species as they are largely unknown. Gross margin analyses are completed for S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ grown in an intensive production system of approximately 8400 plants per hectare using ex-tobacco irrigation, spray machinery and picking machinery. The gross margin analyses was completed by the project leader and assessed by the DPI&F farm financial counsellor based in Mareeba to ensure the quality of the analyses. The next step in this process will be the preparation of yearly cash flow projections and the incorporation of fixed costs to determine the total costs of production. Gross margin analyses focus on variable costs only and incorporation of fixed costs is an important part of the decision making process. 3.2 Field trials 3.2.1 Geographic location and climatic variation of sites The project management team decided that two field trial sites were necessary to represent the range of growing conditions on the Cairns Highlands. Unlike DAQ-262A one field trial site was established on a DPI&F research station at Southedge west of Mareeba. It was important to have one of the trial sites on the DPI&F research station to enable continual access to the plant material. The grower collaborator selected was Stewart Evans, of Burraview Native Flowers and Foliage at Yungaburra on the upper Cairns Highlands. Burraview Native Flowers and Foliage were asked to participate in the project based on a history of growing native foliages, and the enthusiasm of the owner. Stewart Evans accepted the offer to participate in the project and was subsequently formally included in the project through a 3rd party collaborative agreement. In addition to these two trial sites, a demonstration site was also established at Yuruga Nursery Pty Ltd. The purpose of this demonstration site was to make preliminary evaluations of L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia grown under shadehouse conditions. The results of DAQ-262A indicated that these two foliages would need to be grown under a protected system to enable the production of high quality foliage. It was important to start investigations of this system in this project to enable growers to evaluate the difference in the quality of product possible. The following table outlines the variation in climate at the three trial sites.

7

Table 1. Elevation (m), Australian soil classification, annual rainfall (mm) and average temperature range (°C) at all three trial sites.

Average Temperature

Range (°C) Trial Site Location Elevation (m)

Australian Soil Classification

Annual Rainfall

(mm) January July Burraview Native Flowers and Foliage Yungaburra 790 Mesotrophic Red

Dermosol 1400 17-28 5-22

DPI&F research station

Southedge – 10km west of Mareeba

457 Brown Kandosol 903 22-34 10-25

Yuruga Nursery shadehouse Walkamin 590 Grey Vertosol 1008 18-30 8-25

Figure 1. Cairns regional map showing geographic location of all three trial sites. The location

of Southedge research station, Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) and Yungaburra sites are marked in blue font.

3.2.2 Trial design, layout and species Yungaburra trial site The location of the Yungaburra trial site is at Burraview Native Flowers and Foliage on Beech St, Yungaburra approximately 500m from the centre of the town. The trial utilised an existing double row of approximately 100m in length and a width of 2.5m, therefore the total area of the trial is 250m². All five species were included in the design for this site and Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ was

Southedge

Walkamin

Yungaburra

8

included in two explant sizes; forestry tubes and hykos. The aim of using the two explant sizes was to determine whether plants in hykos would be a viable proposition for growers. L. fraxinifolia, G. baileyana and A. diversifolia are unable to be produced in hykos because the seed is too large. For the purposes of this report, the Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ in hykos will be treated as a separate species. Therefore the species planted at the Yungaburra site were: A. diversifolia, L. fraxinifolia, G.baileyana, S. ‘Forest Lace’, S. ‘Forest Gem’ forestry tubes and S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos. The grower collaborator was consulted during the trial establishment process with the aim to incorporate practical management issues into the trial design. As a result, each species was included in the trial as a separate experiment; this allowed all plants of the same species to be planted in one block. The treatments applied to each species were F1 – moderate fertiliser rate, F2 – low fertiliser rate, P1 – early pruning, and P2 – late pruning. Within each species, the four treatment combinations (F1P1, F1P2, F2P1, F2P2) were arranged in a randomised complete block design with seven reps of each treatment. A total of 28 (4 treatment combinations X 7 repetitions) plants were included in the trial for each species. This design has enabled all data collected from the site to be statistically analysed. Guard plants have been included in the trial as part of the statistical design as a buffer between species only. Outside guard rows were not included in this trial. Southedge trial site The Southedge trial site is located at the DPI&F Southedge research station 10km west of Mareeba. In contrast to the Yungaburra site, this site was designed based on 4 single rows of approximately 110m in length and a width of 0.8m with laneways of 2.2m. Therefore the total area of the trial is 1650m². As is indicated in the climatic variation table, the climate at Southedge is vastly different to the climate at Yungaburra and does not suit production of L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia. Therefore the Southedge trial site includes G. baileyana, S. ‘Forest Lace’, S. ‘Forest Gem’ forestry tubes and S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos. For the purposes of this report, the S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos will be treated as a separate species. Once again, the aim of using the two explant sizes, was to determine whether plants in hykos would be a viable proposition for growers. In contrast to the Yungaburra site, this trial was designed as a split – split plot experiment with main plots (species), subplots (pruning rates) and sub-sub plots (fertiliser rates). The treatments applied to each species were F1 – moderate fertiliser rate, F2 – low fertiliser rate, P1 – early pruning, and P2 – late pruning. The four treatment combinations were arranged in three repetitions for each species. A total of 12 (4 treatment combinations X 3 repetitions) datum plants were included in the trial for each species. Guard plants were used as a buffer between treatments and species. The Southedge trial site design included two outside rows of Acmena smithii which act as guard rows for the trial and an effective windbreak for the datum plants. The design applied to this trial has enabled all data collected from the site to be statistically analysed. Southedge trial extension A few months into the project, the project leader recognised the importance of tailoring the field trials to the existing infrastructure available in the MDIA. In particular the tricrop sprayer and picking machine previously used in the production of tobacco. To enable this to occur, an extension to the Southedge trial site was designed using the same row spacing as was used in tobacco production. The extension site design included three rows of S. ‘Forest Lace’, three rows of S. ‘Forest Gem’ and two rows of G. baileyana of approximately 30m in length. The S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ rows were set up on 1.25m centres to fit in with the ex-tobacco machinery. The G. baileyana rows were set up on 2.5m centres, as this species will not fit in with ex-tobacco machinery. The total area of the trial is 450m². No fertiliser or pruning treatments were applied to the extension site however enough plants were included to enable statistical designs and treatments to be implemented at a later date if required.

9

Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site The project leader also felt it would be extremely useful to carry out preliminary evaluations of L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia production under shadehouse conditions. This was discussed with Yuruga Nursery staff in depth. Potted A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia at the nursery were able to produce very high quality leaves under shadehouse conditions. These observations coupled with previous observations indicating that low yields of these species would be experienced in full sun conditions led to the decision to set up a small shadehouse demonstration site at Yuruga Nursery at Walkamin. Walkamin is located 10km south of Mareeba on the Kennedy Highway. Yuruga Nursery established the shadehouse site on a small area of unused land on their property. 50% shadecloth was used over a total area of 51.3m². The height of the shadehouse is 2.8m. The site was not large enough to enable replications of any treatments and therefore no statistical design was applied to this site. The aim of the site was to use minimal resources to make preliminary evaluations on the quality and yield of L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia under these conditions. This information could then be analysed and used for further research if necessary. A total of ten L. fraxinifolia plants and ten A. diversifolia plants were included in two separate blocks. L. fraxinifolia were planted from six inch pots and A. diversifolia were planted from forestry tubes. 3.2.3 Site preparation and planting Yungaburra site As mentioned above, the double row used at the Yungaburra site had been formed months earlier by the grower collaborator. The rows were mounded to a height of approximately 50cm. Prior to planting herbicide was applied to the area to eliminate existing and potential weeds. The irrigation equipment was sourced and laid down well before planting was to occur. On consultation with the grower collaborator, dripper irrigation was selected and 2L/hr drippers were installed. The site received 12 hours of irrigation prior to planting to ensure adequate soil moisture at planting. Planting of all species with the exception of L. fraxinifolia occurred on 14/05/03. L. fraxinifolia was not ready for planting on 14/05/03; and was planted on 07/11/03. A composite soil sample was taken from the site on 29/04/03 and the soil analysis was used to determine the fertiliser applications. No basal fertiliser was applied prior to planting. The entire trial site was mulched with grass hay soon after planting and a second mulch application was applied in November 2003. A third application of grass hay mulch is scheduled for November 2004. Southedge site The area used at Southedge for the trial had been fallow for a number of years prior to establishment of the trial. This meant that significant tractor work was required to prepare the land for planting. Herbicide was applied to the site to eliminate existing and potential weeds approximately 6 weeks prior to planting. The site was left undisturbed for two weeks after herbicide application and following this; the land was worked up using discs, a ripper and a rotary hoe until the soil was friable and suitable for planting. The single rows were formed using a bed former that mounded the rows to a height of approximately 50cm. The laneways between rows were 2.2m. On consultation with the research station manager, overhead solid set irrigation equipment was set up on the site. This irrigation system was selected primarily based on the fact that there is an abundance of this equipment lying idle on farms in the MDIA, as a result of the demise of the tobacco industry. This equipment was also readily available at Southedge research station. The irrigation equipment was set up well before planting and the site received 12 hours of irrigation to ensure adequate soil moisture before planting. Planting of the site occurred on 29/04/03. A composite soil sample was taken from the site on 04/04/03 and the soil analysis was used to determine fertiliser applications. No basal fertiliser was applied prior to planting. The entire site was mulched with grass hay soon after planting and a second mulch application was applied in July 2003. A third application of mulch (sugar cane mulch) was applied on 17/11/04.

10

Southedge trial extension This extension site was prepared with the same procedure as the initial Southedge trial site using herbicide application followed by tractor operations using discs, ripper and rotary hoe. The rows however were arranged in blocks of three single rows on 1.25m centres mounded to a height of 50cm. A total of 8 rows were prepared. Solid set irrigation was extended from the initial trial to incorporate this extension and the site received 12 hours of irrigation prior to planting to ensure adequate soil moisture before planting. Planting of S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest lace’ occurred on 25/11/03. G. baileyana was planted on 08/06/04. The soil was deemed to be of the same fertility as the initial site Southedge site and no basal fertiliser was applied prior to planting. The entire site was mulched with grass hay soon after planting and a second application (sugar cane mulch) was applied on 17/11/04. Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site Yuruga Nursery staff prepared this site using herbicide application followed by the use of a rotary hoe to work the ground. Rows were not mounded, instead plants were planted at soil level. Under tree sprinkler irrigation was installed prior to planting and the site received a total of 10 hours irrigation to ensure adequate soil moisture at planting. Planting of the site occurred on 03/07/03. A composite soil sample was taken from the site on 26/06/03 and the soil analysis was used to determine fertiliser applications. No basal fertiliser was applied prior to planting. The entire site was mulched with peanut shell soon after planting. A second mulch application has not been necessary at this stage. Table 2. Plant spacings (m) used for each species at each trial site.

Species Yungaburra Southedge Southedge extension

Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin)

A. diversifolia 1.2 N/A N/A 1.0 G. baileyana 1.5 3.0 N/A N/A L. fraxinifolia 1.2 N/A N/A 1.0

S. ‘Forest Lace’ 1.2 0.7 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0 N/A

S. ‘Forest Gem’ forestry tubes 1.2 0.7 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0 N/A

S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos 1.2 0.7 N/A N/A 3.2.5 Field trial management Yungaburra site The project leader and grower collaborator have jointly managed the Yungaburra site. The grower collaborator has been responsible for: pesticide applications to control insects, diseases and weeds, irrigation and irrigation maintenance, and general overseeing of the trial. The project leader has been responsible for the application of mulch, implementation of pruning and fertiliser treatments, identification of pests and diseases and agronomic management of the plants. During the project, growth measurements and health ratings have been taken at six to eight week intervals. Early yield data has also been collected from the site. The results of the data collections will be reported in the results chapter of this report. A description of the pruning, fertiliser, irrigation and pesticides applied to the trial is given below. For the first three months after planting, the site received an average of 1½ hours of irrigation per week (3L water per plant based on 2L/hour drippers) and a total rainfall of 127mm. The following graphs show the monthly irrigation hours and rainfall during the trial. The volume of irrigation water applied has been consistent across all six species. In terms of irrigation, the site has received an average of 22.3 hours of irrigation per month, which equals an average of 44.6 litres of water per plant per month.

11

Figure 2. Monthly rainfall (mm) during the trial period at the Yungaburra site.

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Figure 3. Monthly irrigation (hours) during the trial period at the Yungaburra site.

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12

Pruning treatments were applied at different times to the different species in the trial. P1 plants were pruned significantly earlier than P2 plants of each species. Both P1 and P2 treatments were carried out using sharp secateurs and a measuring stick to ensure all plants of the same species were pruned to the same height. Pruning involved cutting back the centre leader and any prominent lateral shoots. Grafting compound was applied to the pruning wounds of G. baileyana and A. diversifolia plants after pruning to prevent fungal pathogens from entering the pruning wound. Results from DAQ-262A indicated that G. baileyana is particularly susceptible to this type of infection. The Stenocarpus varieties have not shown susceptibility to the same diseases in the past. P2 plants (see Table four) have been pruned once since planting as the initial pruning event occurred significantly later than for P1 plants. Table 3. Date, weeks after planting and pruning height for the pruning events applied to P1

plants of each species at the Yungaburra trial site.

Species Date of

first pruning

Number of weeks after

planting

Height after first pruning

(m)

Date of second

pruning

Number of weeks after

planting

Height after second

pruning A. diversifolia* 23/03/04 45 0.5 - - - G. baileyana 11/11/03 26 0.6 07/07/04 60 1.3 L. fraxinifolia** - - - - - - S. ‘Forest Lace’ 11/11/03 26 0.4 08/06/04 55 0.7 S. ‘Forest Gem’ forestry tubes 11/11/03 26 0.4 13/09/04 69 0.5

S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos 11/11/03 26 0.4 13/09/04 69 0.5

* A. diversifolia had not grown to an adequate height for a second pruning to occur. ** L. fraxinifolia was planted later than the other species and had not reached an adequate height for

pruning before submission of this publication. Table 4. Date, weeks after planting and pruning height for the single pruning event applied to

P2 plants of each species at the Yungaburra trial site.

Species Date of first pruning

Number of weeks after planting

Height after first pruning (m)

A. diversifolia 13/09/04 69 0.8 G. baileyana 23/03/04 45 0.75 *L. fraxinifolia - - - S. ‘Forest Lace’ 09/03/04 44 0.4 S. ‘Forest Gem’ forestry tubes 09/03/04 44 0.4 S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos 09/03/04 44 0.4 * L. fraxinifolia was planted later than the other species and had not reached an adequate height for

pruning. Fertiliser treatments were applied to each species throughout the trial. F1 plants received a moderate rate of fertiliser while F2 plants received a low rate of fertiliser. Moderate and low fertiliser rates were determined in consultation with the senior soil chemist based in Mareeba, and experienced native growers in the region. Consideration was given to the soil analysis results obtained and the existing knowledge of the nutritional requirements of Proteaceae. The results of the Yungaburra site soil analysis with comments relevant to the trial are included in the following table. The comments reflect the opinions NRM&E soil scientists based in Mareeba and are based on a background in vegetable and fruit crops. These particular natives may have higher or lower requirements for each of the nutrients.

13

Table 5. Soil analysis results from the Yungaburra trial site and recommendations based on

the nutritional requirements of traditional horticultural crops.

Parameter/Nutrient Units of Measurement Level Comments

pH - 5.6 Acidic Electrical Conductivity mS/cm 0.09 Low Chloride mg/kg 7 Low

Nitrate Nitrogen, aqueous mg/kg 39 Moderate - High – indicates recent influx of organic material

Phosphorous, Colwell mg/kg 13 Low Organic Carbon % 2.33 High Sulfate Sulfur mg/kg 18 Moderate – indicates a history of sulphur fertiliser Calcium, pH 7 meq/100g 3.7 Moderate Magnesium, pH 7 meq/100g 1.5 Moderate Sodium, pH 7 meq/100g 0.08 Low Potassium, pH 7 meq/100g 0.50 Moderate Copper, extractable mg/kg 2.4 Moderate Zinc, extractable mg/kg 0.66 Low Manganese, extractable mg/kg 71.0 Moderate Iron, extractable mg/kg 35.0 Moderate Boron mg/kg 0.7 Moderate Total Nitrogen % 0.220 Moderate The soil analysis revealed the Yungaburra site to have a very fertile soil with low salts. The only nutrient considered to be at a marginal level was zinc. Phosphorous was low which suited the plants. The first fertiliser applications were applied 34 weeks after planting because this soil had adequate reserves of all nutrients particularly nitrogen and potassium to sustain the plants until this time. Both F1 and F2 treatments were applied using the casing of a 20ml disposable syringe. The appropriate weights of fertiliser for each treatment were marked on the casing to enable standardisation during field application. The detailed schedule of fertiliser applications for F1 and F2 treatments is outlined in the following table. Table 6. Details of fertiliser applications applied to F1 and F2 plants of all species at the

Yungaburra trial site.

Rate (g/plant) Rate (kg/ha)*** Species Date of

Application Fertiliser Applied

Weeks after

planting F1 F2 F1 F2

08/01/04 Nitram* 34 4.25 1.4 170 56

17/02/04 Nitrophoska Blue Special** 41 12.5 4.15 500 166

A. diversifolia, G. baileyana, S. ‘Forest Lace’, S. ‘Forest Gem’ forestry tubes and S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos 16/09/04 Nitrophoska

Blue Special** 68 12.5 4.15 500 166

L. fraxinifolia 16/09/04 Nitrophoska Blue Special** 43 12.5 4.15 500 166

* Nitram – 34% N ** Nitrophoska Blue Special – 12%N, 5.2%P, 14.1%K, 6.0%S, 4.3%Ca, 1.2%Mg, 0.01%Zn,

0.02%B, 0.05%Fe. *** 1 plant occupies 0.25m²

14

It is important to consider fertiliser applications in terms of the rate of each nutrient supplied. This enables growers to select different fertilisers to those used in this trial, which provide the plants with the same amount of nutrient. The following table outlines the rate of application of the major nutrients required for plant growth based on the fertiliser applications in the above table.

Table 7. Rate of application (kg/ha) of all major elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) for F1 and F2 plants at the Yungaburra trial site.

Rate (g/plant) Rate (kg/ha)* Species Element F1 F2 F1 F2 Nitrogen 4.44 1.47 177.6 58.8 Phosphorous 1.30 0.43 52.0 17.2 Potassium 3.52 1.17 140.8 46.8 Sulphur 1.50 0.49 60.0 19.6 Calcium 1.07 0.35 42.8 14.0

A. diversifolia, G. baileyana, S. ‘Forest Lace’, S. ‘Forest Gem’ forestry tubes and S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos

Magnesium 0.30 0.09 12.0 3.6 Nitrogen 1.5 0.49 60.0 19.6 Phosphorous 0.65 0.21 26.0 8.4 Potassium 1.76 0.58 70.4 23.2 Sulphur 0.75 0.24 30.0 9.6 Calcium 0.53 0.17 21.2 6.8

L. fraxinifolia

Magnesium 0.15 0.045 6.0 1.8 * 1 plant occupies 0.25m²

Comments on the effectiveness of this fertiliser regime are included in the results section of this report.

During the trial, a number of pesticides were applied. To control grasses and broadleaf weeds, the grower used Fusilade (60mL/100L) and RoundUp (1L/100L). These herbicides have been applied twice during the trial. Baycor Garden Fungicide (170mL/100L) and Kocide (300g/100L) have been used to control fungal leaf diseases. Bulldock Duo (30mL/100L) has been used to control insect pests. Fungicides and insecticides were applied twice a year during the trial.

During the trial, health ratings, growth measurements and observations have been recorded at 6-8 week intervals. The health of the plants was rated on a scale of 1 – 5 where 1 = dying/dead and 5 = vigorous/healthy. Preliminary yield data has also been collected and will be presented as an average across all treatments within each species. The results of measurements and observations are included in the results chapter of this report.

Southedge site

Management of the Southedge trial site has been a joint effort between the project leader and the DPI&F Southedge research station manager and farm staff. The project leader and manager have been responsible for directing the farm staff to perform the appropriate operations when required. Farm staff have been responsible for irrigation, application of pesticides and foliar sprays, and trimming of guard rows. The project leader has been responsible for the application of mulch, implementation of pruning and fertiliser treatments, identification of pest, disease and nutrient disorders and agronomic management of the plants. During the project, growth measurements, health ratings and observations have been taken at six to eight week intervals. Early yield data has also been collected from the site. A description of the pruning, fertiliser, irrigation and pesticide applications to the trial is given in the following paragraphs.

For the first three months after planting, the site received an average of 6 hours of irrigation per week. Overhead solid set sprays (No. 7 size with approximate output of 8.7L/minute) were used to irrigate the site. This type of irrigation equipment is readily available to growers in the Cairns Highlands; as the same equipment was previously used for tobacoo production. The volume of water applied has been consistent across all four species. In terms of irrigation, the site has received an average of 16.9 hours of irrigation per month during the trial.

15

Figure 4. Monthly rainfall (mm) during the trial period at the Southedge site.

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Figure 5. Monthly irrigation (hours) during the trial period at the Southedge site.

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Pruning treatments were applied at different times to the different species in the trial. P1 plants were pruned significantly earlier than P2 plants of each species. Both P1 and P2 treatments were carried out using sharp secateurs and a measuring stick to ensure all plants of the same species were pruned to the same height. Pruning involved cutting back the centre leader and any prominent lateral shoots. Grafting compound was applied to the pruning wounds of G. baileyana after pruning to prevent fungal pathogens from entering the pruning wound. Results from DAQ-262A indicated that G. baileyana is susceptible to this type of infection. The Stenocarpus varieties have not shown susceptibility to the same diseases. Table8. Date, weeks after planting and pruning height for the pruning events applied to P1

plants of each species at Southedge trial site.

Species Date of

1st pruning

Number of weeks

after planting

Height after 1st pruning

(m)

Date of 2nd

pruning

Number of weeks

after planting

Height after 2nd pruning

(m)

Date of 3rd

pruning

Number of weeks

after planting

Height after 2nd pruning

(m) G. baileyana* 04/11/03 27 0.60 29/07/04 64 1.2 - - -

S. ‘Forest Lace’ 04/11/03 27 0.45 29/07/04 64 0.65 01/11/04 77 0.70

S. ‘Forest Gem’ forestry tubes

04/11/03 27 0.45 29/07/04 64 0.65 01/11/04 77 0.70

S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos 04/11/03 27 0.45 29/07/04 64 0.65 01/11/04 77 0.70

* G. baileyana – P1 plants have not been pruned for a third time. Table 9. Date, weeks after planting and pruning height for the single pruning event applied to

P2 plants of each species at Southedge trial site.

Species Date of

first pruning

Number of weeks after

planting

Height after first

pruning (m)

Date of second

pruning

Number of weeks after

planting

Height after second

pruning (m) G. baileyana* 17/02/04 42 0.80 - - - S. ‘Forest Lace’ 17/02/04 42 0.60 15/09/04 72 0.65 S. ‘Forest Gem’ forestry tubes 17/02/04 42 0.60 15/09/04 72 0.65

S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos 17/02/04 42 0.60 15/09/04 72 0.65

* G. baileyana – P2 plants have not been pruned for a second time. Fertiliser treatments were applied to each species throughout the trial. F1 plants received a moderate rate of fertiliser while F2 plants received a low rate of fertiliser. Moderate and low fertiliser rates were determined in consultation with the senior coil chemist based in Mareeba and experienced native growers in the region. Consideration was given to the soil analysis results obtained and the existing general knowledge of the fertiliser requirements of native Australian Proteaceae. The results of the Southedge site soil analysis with comments relevant to the trial are included in the following table. The comments reflect the opinions of NRM&E staff based in Mareeba and are based on a background in vegetable and fruit crops. These particular natives may have higher or lower requirements for each of the nutrients.

17

Table 10. Soil analysis results from the Southedge trial site, and recommendations based on the nutritional requirements of traditional horticultural crops.

Parameter/Nutrient Units of Measurement Level Comments

pH - 6.2 Neutral Electrical Conductivity mS/cm 0.04 Low Chloride mg/kg 10.4 Low Nitrate Nitrogen, aqueous mg/kg 4.0 Very low Phosphorous, Colwell mg/kg 28.0 Moderate Calcium, pH 7 meq/100g 2.3 Moderate Magnesium, pH 7 meq/100g 0.58 Moderate Sodium, pH 7 meq/100g 0.14 Moderate Potassium, pH 7 meq/100g 0.42 Moderate The soil analysis revealed the Southedge site to have reasonably fertile soil with low salts. All major plant nutrients were in adequate levels with the exception of nitrogen, which was very low. The reasonably high phosphorous level indicates a history of phosphorous fertiliser and the assumption was made that sulphur would also be at an adequate level given that most phosphorous based fertilisers include sulphur. There was an obvious need to apply nitrogen to the plants soon after establishment to boost the soil nitrogen levels. Both F1 and F2 treatments were applied using the casing of a 20mL disposable syringe. The appropriate weights of fertiliser for each treatment were marked on the casing to enable standardisation during field application. The detailed schedule of fertiliser applications for F1 and F2 treatments is outlined in the following table. Table 11. Details of fertiliser applications applied to F1 and F2 plants of all species at the

Southedge trial site.

Rate (g/plant) Rate (kg/ha)*** Date of Application

Fertiliser Applied Weeks after Planting F1 F2 F1 F2

19/06/03 Nitram* 7 4.25 1.4 170 56 14/10/03 Nitram* 24 4.25 1.4 170 56 08/01/04 Nitram* 37 4.25 1.4 170 56 11/02/04 Nitrophoska Blue** 42 12.5 4.25 500 166 28/04/04 Nitram* 52 4.25 1.4 170 56 03/06/04 Nitrophoska Blue** 57 25.0 8.5 1000 332 12/11/04 Nitrophoska Blue** 80 25.0 8.5 1000 332

* Nitram – 34% N ** Nitrophoska Blue Special – 12%N, 5.2%P, 14.1%K, 6.0%S, 4.3%Ca, 1.2%Mg, 0.01%Zn,

0.02%B, 0.05%Fe. *** 1 plant occupies 0.25m²

It is important to consider fertiliser applications in terms of the rate of each nutrient applied. This enables growers to select different fertilisers to those used in this trial, which provide the plants with the same amount of nutrient. The following table outlines the rate of application of the major nutrients required for plant growth based on the fertiliser applications in the above table.

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Table 12. Rate of application (kg/ha) of all major elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) applied to F1 and F2 plants of all species at the Southedge trial site.

Rate (g/plant) Rate (kg/ha)* Element F1 F2 F1 F2

Nitrogen 13.3 4.45 532 178 Phosphorous 3.25 1.54 130 62 Potassium 8.81 2.99 352 120 Sulphur 3.75 1.27 150 51 Calcium 2.68 0.91 107 36 Magnesium 0.75 0.25 30 10 * 1 plant occupies 0.25m²

Comments on the effectiveness of this fertiliser regime are included in the results section of this report. In addition to the fertiliser treatments applied to F1 and F2 plants, both boron and iron have been applied to all plants during the trial. In early 2004, both S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ demonstrated nutrient deficiency symptoms indicating a deficiency in both boron and iron. These symptoms included short internodes and burning of tips (boron) and bleaching of new foliage (iron). To correct these deficiencies, foliar applications of Solubor (21% B – 2g/L) and iron chelate (2g/L) were applied to all plants. Iron chelate was applied twice, in March and April 2004, and Solubor was applied once in May 2004. The application of iron chelate corrected the deficiency symptoms in the affected plants. The application of Solubor did not correct the other symptoms including short internodes and burning of tips. During the trial, a number of pesticides were applied. To control grasses and broadleaf weeds, Weedmaster Duo (1L/100L) was applied on 3 occasions during the trial: October 2003, March 2004 and July 2004. A combination of Biopest spray oil (1.5L/100L) and Supracide 400 (0.125L/100L) has been used across all species to control scale insects. Biopest spray oil was applied on a monthly basis from March 2004 to November 2004. Supracide 400 was applied on two occasions; March 2004 and September 2004 primarily to control Pink wax scale on the guard plants (Acmena smithii). Control of broadleaf weeds and grasses using of Weedmaster Duo was ceased in July 2004. Symptoms originally thought to be boron deficiency, were identified as herbicide toxicity caused by spray drift during application of Weedmaster Duo. A comprehensive account of the herbicide toxicity, which occurred at the Southedge trial site, will be given in the results chapter of this report. During the trial, health ratings, growth measurements and observations have been recorded at 6-8 week intervals. The health of the plants was rated on a scale of 1 – 5 where 1 = dying/dead and 5 = vigorous/healthy. Height measurements and health ratings were suspended from June 2004 to November 2004 as a result of the herbicide toxicity problem. Preliminary yield data has also been collected and will be presented as an average across all treatments within each species. The results of all measurements and observations are included in the results chapter of this report. Southedge trial extension Management of the extension to the Southedge trial site has been a joint effort between the project leader and the DPI&F Southedge research station manager and farm staff. The project leader and manager have been responsible for directing the farm staff to perform the appropriate operations when required. Farm staff have been required to irrigate, apply pesticides and foliar sprays, and hedge guard rows. The project leader has been responsible for the application of mulch, implementation of pruning and fertiliser treatments, identification of pests, diseases and nutrient disorders and agronomic management of the plants. This site has not been assigned pruning and fertiliser treatments. The purpose of the extension site was to enable the testing of nutrient disorders and to provide material for market assessments.

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From the time of planting on 25th November 2003, the extension site has received the same irrigation as the Southedge trial site. Plants in the extension, were scheduled to be pruned in March 2004 however it was at this time that plants started showing signs of herbicide toxicity and therefore pruning was postponed. Pruning occurred after a number of treatments were applied to determine the cause of the symptoms being displayed by the plants. Herbicide toxicity was determined as the cause after the following treatments were applied on 12th August 2004; T1 – Calcium nitrate (5g/L), T2 – deliberate drift of Weedmaster Duo, T3 – Copper Sulphate (1.5g/L) + Mancozeb (2g/L) + Solubor (1.25g/L), T4 – combination of T1 and T3, T5 – control and T6 – Solubor only (1.25g/L). There were 3 replications included for each treatment and all treatments were applied with the inclusion of Agral wetting agent. Observations were taken at 2, 4, 6 and 8-week intervals after the application of treatments on 12/08/04. Treatments T1 and T2 were re-applied on 15/09/04 to confirm the results of the first application. The remaining treatments were not re-applied. It was obvious after a period of time that the cause of the suspected nutrient deficiency symptoms was in fact the herbicide (glyphosate) toxicity. Following this result, application of Weedmaster Duo was immediately suspended to limit any further damage to the plants. The plants in the extension trial suffered considerably more than the plants in the Southedge trial site as these plants were much smaller at the time the herbicide was applied. The occurrence of herbicide toxicity at the Southedge trial site and Southedge trial extension has enabled the publication of a fact sheet for growers outlining the range of symptoms caused by herbicide toxicity in S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’. G. baileyana plants have been unaffected by the herbicide applications. Pruning of S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ plants occurred on 07/10/04. G. baileyana plants have not been pruned as yet. Fertiliser has been applied to the extension trial plants on a number of occasions during the trial. The following table outlines the details of these fertiliser applications; this data does not include the nutrients applied as part of the herbicide toxicity treatments outlined above. Table13. Details of fertiliser applications applied to all species at the Southedge extension site.

Species Date of Application

Fertiliser Applied

Weeks after Planting

Rate (g/plant)

Rate (kg/ha)#

11/02/04 Nitrophoska Blue** 12 7.0 280 28/04/04 Nitram* 23 12.0 480 03/06/04 Nitrophoska Blue** 28 22.0 880

S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’

11/10/04 Nitram* 46 12.0 480 G. baileyana*** - - - - - # 1 plant occupies 0.25m²

* Nitram – 34% N ** Nitrophoska Blue Special – 12%N, 5.2%P, 14.1%K, 6.0%S, 4.3%Ca, 1.2%Mg, 0.01%Zn,

0.02%B, 0.05%Fe.85 *** G. baileyana – this species was planted later and has not been fertilised as yet. Table 14. Rate of application (kg/ha) of all major elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) applied to S.

‘Forest Lace’ and S. ‘Forest Gem’ at the Southedge extension site.

Element Rate (g/plant) Rate (kg/ha)* Nitrogen 11.6 464 Phosphorous 1.5 60 Potassium 4.1 164 Sulphur 1.74 70 Calcium 1.25 50 Magnesium 0.35 14 * 1 plant occupies 0.25m²

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It has been difficult to assess the effectiveness of the fertiliser applications due to the herbicide toxicity symptoms. In addition to the fertiliser applications outlined in Tables 13 and 14, both boron and iron have been applied to the plants during the trial. In early 2004, S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ demonstrated nutrient deficiency symptoms indicating a deficiency in both boron and iron. These symptoms included short internodes and burning of tips (boron) and bleaching of new foliage (iron). To correct these deficiencies, foliar applications of Solubor (21%B – 2g/L) and iron chelate (2g/L) were applied to all plants. Iron chelate was applied twice, in March and April 2004, and Solubor was applied once in May 2004. Plants did not respond to either of these applications and it was discovered at a later date that all symptoms were a result of the herbicide toxicity described earlier. During the trial, a number of pesticides were applied. To control grasses and broadleaf weeds, Weedmaster Duo (1L/100L) was applied on two occasions during the trial; March 2004 and July 2004. A combination of Biopest spray oil (1.5L/100L) and Supracide 400 (0.125L/100L) has been used across all species to control scale insects. Biopest spray oil was applied on a monthly basis from March 2004 to November 2004. Supracide 400 was applied on two occasions; March 2004 and September 2004. Control of broadleaf weeds and grasses using Weedmaster Duo was ceased in July 2004. Symptoms originally thought to be nutritional deficiencies, were identified as herbicide toxicity caused by spray drift during application of Weedmaster Duo. A comprehensive account of the herbicide toxicity, which occurred at the Southedge extension site, will be given in the results chapter of this report. Health ratings and observations were recorded prior to, during and after the application of the treatments listed on page 19, to determine the cause of the suspected nutritional deficiency symptoms. Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site Management of the Yuruga Nursery shadehouse site at Walkamin has been a joint effort between the project leader and Peter and Ann Radke of Yuruga Nursery. Nursery staff have been responsible for application of mulch and irrigation throughout the trial. The project leader has been responsible for the implementation of pruning and fertiliser treatments, identification of pests and diseases and agronomic management of the plants. As mentioned in section 3.2.2, this site was established for demonstration purposes and was not large enough to allow implementation of fertiliser and pruning treatments. The pruning, fertiliser and irrigation regimes applied to the A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia plants in the demonstration site are outlined in the following paragraphs. The site has received an average of 3 hours of irrigation per week during the trial. The following graph shows the monthly rainfall received over the trial period.

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Figure 6. Monthly rainfall (mm) during the trial period at the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site.

0

50

100

150

200

250

Jul-03

Aug-03

Sep-03

Oct-03

Nov-03

Dec-03

Jan-04

Feb-04

Mar-04

Apr-04

May-04

Jun-04

Jul-04

Aug-04

Sep-04

Oct-04

Date

Rai

nfal

l (m

m)

The graph shows the complete absence of rain at this site from July 2003 to October 2003 and again from June 2004 to October 2004. L. fraxinifolia plants were pruned to a height of 0.6m on 13/09/04 (62 weeks after planting). After pruning grafting and wounding compound was applied to the pruning cut to prevent fungal pathogens from infecting the cut surface. At the time of writing, A. diversifolia plants had not reached a sufficient height for pruning. Fertiliser has been applied on several occasions during the trial. The following table outlines the details of the fertiliser applications. Fertiliser rates were determined in consultation with the senior coil chemist based in Mareeba and experienced native growers in the region. Consideration was given to the soil analysis results obtained and the existing general knowledge of the fertiliser requirements of native Australian Proteaceae. The results of the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) site soil analysis with comments relevant to the trial are included in the following table. The comments reflect the opinions of NRM&E staff based in Mareeba and are based on a background in vegetable and fruit crops. These particular natives may have higher or lower requirements for each of the nutrients.

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Table 15. Soil analysis results from the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) trial site, and comments based on the nutritional requirements of traditional horticultural crops.

Parameter/Nutrient Units of Measurement Level Comments pH - 6.4 Neutral Electrical Conductivity mS/cm 0.06 Very low - good Chloride mg/kg 23.9 Low Nitrate Nitrogen, aqueous mg/kg <0.65 Extremely low Phosphorous, Colwell mg/kg 17 Moderate Calcium, pH 7 meq/100g 5.1 Moderate Magnesium, pH 7 meq/100g 5.3 Moderate Sodium, pH 7 meq/100g 0.17 Moderate Potassium, pH 7 meq/100g 0.40 Moderate The soil analysis revealed the Yuruga Nursery site to have marginally fertile soil with low salts. All major plant nutrients were in adequate levels with the exception of nitrogen, which was extremely low. There was an obvious need to apply nitrogen to the plants soon after establishment to boost the soil nitrogen levels. Fertiliser treatments were applied using the casing of a 20mL disposable syringe. The appropriate weights of fertiliser for each treatment were marked on the casing to enable standardisation during field application. The detailed schedule of fertiliser applications is outlined in the following table. Table 16. Details of fertiliser applications applied to all species (A. diversifolia and L.

fraxinifolia) at the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site.

Date of Application

Fertiliser Applied

Weeks after Planting

Rate g/plant)

Rate (kg/ha)#

20/11/03 Nitram* 19 2.13 21.3 08/01/04 Nitram* 27 4.25 42.5 17/02/04 Nitrophoska Blue** 33 12.5 125.0 27/05/04 Nitram* 47 12.0 120.0 16/09/04 Nitrophoska Blue** 63 12.5 125.0 16/09/04 Nitram* 63 4.25 42.5

# 1 plant occupies 1m²

* Nitram – 34% N ** Nitrophoska Blue Special – 12%N, 5.2%P, 14.1%K, 6.0%S, 4.3%Ca, 1.2%Mg, 0.01%Zn,

0.02%B, 0.05%Fe. Table 17. Rate of application (kg/ha) of all major elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) applied to A.

diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia’ at the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site.

Element Rate (g/plant) Rate (kg/ha)* Nitrogen 10.6 1060 Phosphorous 1.3 130 Potassium 3.5 350 Sulphur 1.5 150 Calcium 1.1 110 Magnesium 0.3 30 * 1 plant occupies 1m²

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There has been no need to apply insecticide or fungicide to the trial plants and peanut shell mulch has eliminated the need for herbicide. Throughout the trial, health ratings, height measurements (m) and observations have been taken at regular intervals. The health of the plants was rated on a scale of 1 – 5 where 1 = dying/dead and 5 = vigorous/healthy. The yield data was recorded after the first pruning of L. fraxinifolia. Potted plants – Mareeba DPI&F In June 2004, a number of plants were potted into 25cm (10-inch) pots and placed under shadecloth at the DPI&F facilities in Mareeba. The purpose of these potted plants were to enable easy testing of nutrient deficiencies and identification of pests and diseases. Having the potted plants at the same site as where the project leader is based allows for daily observations and monitoring. The irrigation is by overhead misting which creates an environment suitable for L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia. The potted plants include: 6 x L. fraxinifolia, 9 x A. diversifolia, 7 x S. ‘Forest Gem’ and 5 x S. ‘Forest Lace’. 3.3 Post harvest research Three post harvest trials have been conducted throughout the project. The focus of these trials has been to test the effectiveness of Chrysal cut flower preservative on the vase life of A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia, to test the vase life of A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia following transport, and to test the vase life of both A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia in oasis floral foam. Postharvest trials have focussed on A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia for a the following reasons; both species have demonstrated leaf blackening in the past and bruise easily in transport, these two species demonstrated the shortest vase life of all five species in previous experiments (DAQ-262A), and there was adequate material for vase life experiments that could be sourced from the trial site holders involved in DAQ-262A. Testing the vase life of A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia following transport was carried out in collaboration with Dr Kate Delaporte of the University of Adelaide. 3.3.1 Testing the effect of dry storage, stem re-cutting and vase solution on the

vase life of A. diversifolia – October 2003 Based on previous research carried out by Cannon and McConchie in 2001, Williamson et al. in 2002, and Bransgrove 2002, the following post harvest trial was designed to test the effect of the following treatments on the vase life of A. diversifolia. The trial design was a factorial combination of treatments in a randomised block design with ten replications (a single leaf) of 8 treatments. T1 – Recut stems - deionised water vase solution T2 – Recut stems in dry storage (3 days) then in deionised water vase solution T3 – No recut stems - deionised water vase solution T4 – No recut stems in dry storage (3 days) then in deionised water vase solution T5 – Recut stems – Chrysal Professional 3 vase solution T6 – Recut stems then in dry storage (3 days) then in Chrysal Professional 3 vase solution T7 – No recut stems – Chrysal Professional 3 vase solution T8 – No recut stems then in dry storage (3 days) then in Chrysal Professional 3 vase solution The following paragraphs outline the protocol used. On Day 1 pre - harvest, all buckets and vases used for the experiment were washed in a 6% bleach solution. Empty vases were weighed and labelled. On Day 0, the A. diversifolia leaves were harvested from a property in Malanda at approximately 7am in the morning. A total of 8 leaves each were collected from 10 plants using sharp secateurs. Foliage was placed directly into deionised water in buckets in the field. The foliage was then transported in an air-conditioned car to the Mareeba DPI&F office and placed in the laboratory in air conditioning. The processing of foliage and preparation of the treatments started immediately,

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each treatment had 10 replications made up of a single leaf. To minimise variation between treatments, one leaf from each plant was included in each treatment. Treatments T1, T3, T5 and T7 were prepared directly into vases. Treatments T2, T4, T6 and T8 were prepared and placed in dry storage for 3 days. Each replication was weighed on Day 0. The Chrysal Professional 3 solution (5g/500mL) was prepared, and 140mL of solution was added to the appropriate vases. Deionised water treatments were prepared using 140mL of deionised water per vase. Recutting of stems for T3 and T5 was carried out under water, using sharp secateurs to remove the bottom 3-5mm of stem. Once prepared, T1, T3, T5 and T7 were placed directly in the coldroom at 13°C. Dry storage treatments were placed into a flower carton with plastic separating the individual replications. The leaves and plastic were misted generously with deionised water before the box was sealed and placed in the coldroom at 13°C. On Day 3, the dry storage phase for T2, T4, T6 and T8 was complete and these treatments were prepared in the same way as T1, T3, T5 and T7. The stems of T2 and T6 were recut under deionised water using sharp secateurs and 140mL of either Chrysal solution or deionised water was added to the vases. Throughout the trial, T1, T2, T5 and T6 were recut on Days 8, 11 and 14 post harvest by removing the bottom 3-5mm of the stem. Vase solutions for all treatments were changed on days 14, 28 and 86. Leaf weight and vase solution weight was measured daily for the first seven days and approximately every second day from Day 7 to Day 20. From Day 20 to Day 86 vase solution and leaf weights were recorded on 5 occasions after which time, weight measurements ceased. The end of vase life for each replicate was recorded throughout the experiment when >20% of the leaf was discoloured or broken down. At the same time replicates were weighed, observations were recorded on the appearance of leaf blemishes and possible association between blemishes and physical damage to the leaf prior to harvest. The presence of stem infection was recorded at the end of vase life for each replicate. Photos were taken of the different symptoms exhibited at the end of vase life. 3.3.2 Testing the vase life of A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia following 4 days

refrigerated road transport – June 2004 This post harvest experiment was conducted in collaboration with Dr Kate Delaporte at the University of Adelaide in June 2004. In previous market research activities, both A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia have suffered from considerable bruising during transport. In order to determine whether the method of packaging the leaves had any impact on the level of bruising and the vase life of both species after four days transport, the following experiment was designed. The project leader in Mareeba carried out the trial design, harvesting and packaging of the leaves, and the bruising and vase life evaluations were carried out by Dr Kate Delaporte in Adelaide. The trial design was a factorial combination of treatments in a randomised block design with ten replications of six treatments. The following treatments with 10 replications (a single leaf) of each treatment were included as part of the experiment: T1 – A. diversifolia – No plastic bag in transport – Chrysal Professional 3 vase solution T2 – A. diversifolia – No plastic bag in transport – Deionised water vase solution T3 – A. diversifolia – Transported in plastic bag – Chrysal Professional 3 vase solution T4 – L. fraxinifolia – No plastic bag in transport – Chrysal Professional 3 vase solution T5 – L. fraxinifolia – No plastic bag in transport – Deionised water vase solution T6 – L. fraxinifolia – Transported in plastic bag – Chrysal Professional 3 vase solution On Day 0, the A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia leaves were harvested from a property in Malanda at approximately 7am in the morning. A total of 10 leaves each were collected from 3 plants of each

25

species using sharp secateurs. Foliage was placed directly into deionised water in buckets in the field. The foliage was then transported in an air-conditioned car to the Mareeba DPI&F office and placed into the coldroom at 13°C. On Day 1, the treatments were prepared into the correct packaging ready (see treatment details above) for refrigerated road transport to Adelaide via CLC Produce in Mareeba. All treatments were misted prior to transport. Observations were taken and existing blemishes or abnormalities were recorded prior to transport. The box of foliage was delivered to CLC Produce on Friday 11th June and left Mareeba at 12 noon on the same day. On Day 5, the box of foliage arrived in Adelaide and was stored in a coldroom at GT Produce prior to being picked up by Dr Delaporte. The box of foliage was received at 9.30am and treatments were prepared and placed into the coldroom at 22°C by 11am on the same day at the University of Adelaide. The bottom 5-10mm of stem was removed before placing the leaves into the appropriate solution (see treatment details above). Visual assessments of the leaves were taken on Days 0, 5, 6, 8, 11,13, 15, 18 and 20. Photos depicting the range of end of vase life symptoms were taken on a number of occasions throughout the trial and the vase life was recorded. 3.3.3 Testing the effect of Oasis floral foam and vase solution on the vase life of

A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia – October 2004 During a visit to a number of key personnel in September 2003, it was suggested that the vase life of the foliages be tested in Oasis floral foam, as this is an important medium in floristry work. In response to that request, the following experiment was prepared to test the vase life of L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia in Oasis floral foam at 22°C. The trial design was a factorial combination of treatments in a randomised block design with seven replications of 8 treatments. The description of each treatment is as follows. T1 – L. fraxinifolia leaves in deionised water vase solution – no oasis floral foam T2 – L. fraxinifolia leaves in Chrysal Professional 3 solution – no oasis floral foam T3 – L. fraxinifolia leaves embedded in oasis floral foam and soaked in deionised water T4 – L. fraxinifolia leaves embedded in oasis floral foam and soaked in Chrysal Profesional 3 vase solution T5 – A. diversifolia leaves in deionised water vase solution – no oasis floral foam T6 – A. diversifolia leave in Chrysal Professional 3 vase solution – no oasis floral foam T7 – A. diversifolia leaves embedded in oasis floral foam and soaked in deionised water T8 – A. diversifolia leaves embedded in oasis floral foam and soaked in Chrysal Profesional 3 vase solution The following paragraphs outline the protocol used. On Day 0, A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia leaves were harvested from a property in Malanda at approximately 10am in the morning. A total of 4 leaves were collected from seven plants of each species using sharp secateurs to ensure the variation between treatments was limited. Foliage was placed directly into deionised water in buckets in the field. The foliage was then transported in an air-conditioned car to the Mareeba DPI&F office and placed directly into the cold room at 13°C. The leaves remained in the cold room until the next day (Day 1 post harvest) when the treatments were prepared. Each replication consisted of a single leaf in a single glass with or without oasis floral foam. Both CP3 and deionised water solutions were prepared using 140mL of solution in each glass. The oasis used in treatments T3, T4, T7 and T8 was placed into glasses and soaked in the appropriate solution for a period of 1 hour to ensure the oasis was completely saturated. Once all treatments were prepared, glasses were placed into the cold room at 22°C. Visual assessments of the leaves were taken approximately every second day from Day 1 onwards. At the time of writing this report, the experiment was not completed. The long vase life of A. diversifolia leaves in particular means that this experiment may continue for another four weeks. On Days 2, 6, 12 and 24 post harvest, the solution in oasis treatments was topped up to original levels. The solution

26

in other treatments was topped up on Days 8 and 16, post harvest. The vase life of the leaves is being recorded during the trial and at the completion of the trial, this data will be statistically analysed for reporting in the first milestone report of the 3rd phase project (WNP04-11) Preliminary results of this trial are presented in section ? 3.4 Market research As outlined in the annual progress report in November 2003, market research activities were carried out late in the project. A lack of material in the field trials and a reluctance of DAQ-262A trial site holders to contribute material without financial compensation meant that insufficient volume of material was available in the first year of the project. In the second year, market research activities have concentrated on gaining information on potential prices, volumes and grading standards. The businesses that pledged support to the third phase project (WNP04-11) were included in market assessment activities in 2004. 3.4.1 Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ In May 2004, a sample box containing 5 bunches of S. ‘Forest Lace’ was sent to WAFEX in Melbourne for evaluation. A second sample box containing another 3 bunches of S. ‘Forest Lace’ was sent in September 2004. On both occasions, stems were graded into 5 stem bunches of 60cm in length secured using rubber bands and sleeved with clear perforated sleeves. WAFEX was asked to provide an indication of potential price and comments on the quality of the foliage received. Recently, digital photos of S. ‘Forest Lace’ were provided to Lynch Flowers for comment on the potential volume consumed by the company and the expected returns to growers. 3.4.2 Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ In May 2004, a sample box containing 5 bunches of S. ‘Forest Gem’ was sent to WAFEX in Melbourne for evaluation. A second sample box containing another 2 bunches of S. ‘Forest Gem’ was sent to WAFEX in September 2004. Both sample boxes were sent by overnight airfreight using Australian Air Express services. In August 2004, a sample box of S. ‘Forest Gem’ was sent by overnight airfreight to Eastcoast Wildflowers in Sydney. The bunches sent to WAFEX were 5 stem bunches of 60cm in length, secured using rubber bands and sleeved with clear perforated sleeves. The bunches sent to Eastcoast Wildflowers varied in length from 30cm to 60cm in 5 stem bunches and were packaged in the same way. Craig Scott of Eastcoast Wildflowers was asked to comment on the stem lengths provided and the quality of the foliage. Recently, digital photos of S. ‘Forest Gem’ were provided to Lynch Flowers for comment on the potential volume consumed by the company and the expected returns to growers. 3.4.3 G. baileyana, L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia There has been a significant lack of material throughout the project to carry out market research activities with these three species. Material available has been used in post harvest trials instead. During the project however information has been gathered in relation to expected returns to growers, stem lengths, bunch size and quality expectations for all three species. A number of key industry personnel were asked to provide information on these species including: Andrew Landy – TAFC, Brian Harris – previously of Collina Export, Greg Lamont – Lynch Flowers and Craig Scott – Eastcoast Wildflowers. In the third phase project, these species will be included in sample boxes sent to potential customers for feedback, as there will be adequate material in field trials to allow this to occur.

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3.4.4 Effect of road freight and tip maturity on quality of S. ‘Forest Lace’ and S. ‘Forest Gem’

In December 2003, a small shipment of S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ bunches at different stages of maturity (tips) were sent by road freight from Mareeba to Melbourne for an assessment of foliage quality on arrival in Melbourne. The project leader carried out this evaluation and was responsible for evaluations of the foliage before leaving Mareeba and on arrival in Melbourne. The shipment left Mareeba at 12noon on Friday and arrived in Melbourne early on Monday morning. The project leader prepared the shipment in Mareeba, and then travelled to Melbourne to perform the post transport evaluations. The evaluations in Melbourne were carried out at the Collina Export warehouse at the National Flower Centre. Temperature loggers were included in the shipment to gain an understanding of the temperatures experienced during transport. A summary of the evaluations and temperature readings is presented in the results section of this report. 3.5 Grower education and extension 3.5.1 Project workshops and field walks Workshops have been held on four occasions (20/12/03, 15/03/04, 17/07/04 and 18/09/04) throughout the project and have been held in conjunction with field walks. Workshops have covered a number of topics including; tip maturity at harvest, packing and grading demonstrations, recommendations to industry and presentation of results from post harvest trials and market research. The field walks held after the workshops on the above dates have been at Burraview Native Flowers and Foliage (Yungaburra), DPI&F Southedge research station (west of Mareeba), and Rainforest Gems (Malanda). All workshops have been well attended by growers. 3.5.2 CRF&F native foliage growers meetings During the project, the CRF&F native foliage growers’ subgroup has held a number of meetings. Meetings occur approximately every two months and these meetings have been used as an opportunity to disseminate the latest project information. A strong emphasis has been placed on communication with industry and the extension of project results in a timely fashion. This has been particularly important with the new products included in the research. All serious growers of the native foliages are also members of CRF&F. This provides a vehicle for the industry to share information and will also provide the basis to enforce quality standards in the future. 3.5.3 Field day – August 2003 On the 14th August 2003, a native cut foliage production field day was held for prospective and existing growers. The field day was well attended with a total of 35 registrations comprising 8 existing growers and 6 support staff (DPI&F and Yuruga Nursery). Field day participants were provided with a field day booklet detailing the background and history of the project, the current research activities and technical descriptions of the field trial sites. The field day started at DPI&F Southedge research station, with an information session conducted by the project leader. This information session covered a number of topics including; the role of the partner organisations (DPI&F, RIRDC and Yuruga Nursery), description of the Australian cut foliage market, description of project activities, obstacles to industry development and indications of grower returns. Following the information session, field day participants inspected the field trial site at Southedge. The project leader and Yuruga Nursery staff were available to answer questions throughout the day. After visiting the DPI&F Southedge site, the participants travelled to Yuruga Nursery at Walkamin where they inspected the shadehouse demonstration site. Peter and Ann Radke, gave a thorough explanation of the rationale for the shadehouse site and technical information regarding the site.

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Lunch was held at Yuruga Nursery. Following this, participants moved on to the Yungaburra trial site. At the Yungaburra site, participants were able to observe all the species in the project as well as more mature plants of S. ‘Forest Lace’ and S. ‘Forest Gem’. A second field trial was scheduled for November 2004 however based on the past field trials; it was decided to forgo this event. Previous field trials have not been successful in attracting potential growers with a background in horticulture. There are a number of reasons for this including the fact that commercial growers in this region will generally not attend a field day that is advertised to the general public. In response to this, prospective new growers are being introduced to the industry through developed networks. Over the past six to eight months 3 new growers have entered the industry through networks and all 3 growers have ordered plants and are now planning the establishment of production systems. 3.5.4 Grower visits Throughout the project, a number of visits have been carried out to inspect plants on grower’s properties. These visits have always been at the request of the grower. On each occasion, the visit has been used as an opportunity to communicate project results and provide advice and recommendations to the grower. 3.5.5 Information kits As an important part of grower education and extension of project results, information kits have been developed for all five species. The topics covered in the information kits include; economic analysis, climate, soils, land preparation, production systems, sourcing plants, suitability of species to different climates, planting time, fertilising and nutrition, pruning, pests and diseases, irrigation requirements, harvesting and post harvest treatment, packaging, freight, marketing, and key industry personnel. At this stage, there is significantly more information available for the commercial production of S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’. Not all of the above topics have been addressed with G. baileyana, A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia and therefore the information kits for these species are not as comprehensive. The information kits will be produced in a format that can be easily updated as new information comes available. At the end of the third phase project in November 2006, these information kits will be reprinted where necessary. 3.6 Media and promotion Throughout the project there have been numerous media events including newspaper articles, radio interviews, television coverage and public speaking opportunities. A comprehensive list of these events is included in the results section of this report. Most of the media coverage occurred in the first year of the project and in the second year media coverage has been reduced in an effort to attract the right people to the industry.

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4. Results 4.1 Economic analysis As mentioned in section 3.1, economic analysis has focussed on gross margin analyses for production of S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ using the ex-tobacco system under investigation at the Southedge extension trial. Current data available for production of A. diversifolia, G. baileyana and L. fraxinifolia is not considered to be accurate enough to include in this publication and is only very preliminary at this stage. During the third phase project, more accurate information will be collected on yields and costs of production for these three species. 4.1.1 Establishment costs for S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ – 8400 plants

per hectare Establishment costs for this system have been determined for both manual and mechanical planting. Establishment costs include; land preparation (tractor operations, implements, labour, herbicide, weedmat and soil analysis), planting (plants, labour and tractor operations) and fixed costs. On a per hectare basis, establishment costs for manual and mechanical planting are $26700 and $23490 respectively. Fixed costs include; coldroom, secateurs, buckets, modification to packing shed, modifications to picking machine and labour. Total fixed costs (not dependent on area planted) are estimated at $11810 keeping in mind that the assumption is made that all machinery is already purchased. The list of machinery required includes; tractor, discs, ripper, rotary hoe, planting machine, tricrop spray machine and tobacco picking machine. 4.1.2 Gross margin analyses Gross margin analyseis has been carried out on the first three years of production. Potential yields beyond 3 years is unknown at this stage therefore to keep calculations accurate, gross margins after the third year have not been calculated. The gross margin analyses including gross receipts and a breakdown of variable costs for the first three years of production is presented in the following table. Gross receipts are based on a return of 40¢/stem to the grower. A sensitivity analysis will be done to determine the break-even point as some information suggests that the foliages may end up at 30¢/stem. Table 18. Gross margins calculations for years one, two and three of S. ‘Forest Lace’ and S. ‘Forest

Gem’ grown under an intensive system based on the tobacco production system.

Cost/Receipt Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Gross Receipts 4800 31920 181440 less plantation management costs 6833 7753 10113 less harvesting costs 1200 2400 3600 less cooling costs 120 120 600 less grading and packaging costs 1861 12299 55914 less marketing costs 1142 7361 41477 Equals Gross Margin -6356 1984 69734

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4.2 Field trial results 4.2.1 Yungaburra trial site Plant health ratings Plant health ratings were recorded on 11 different occasions from August 2003 to September 2004. Data has been statistically analysed by two-way ANOVA – GenStat – Release 6.1. Analysis included testing of significance between species, fertiliser treatments and pruning treatments. The analysis revealed significant differences between species and no significant differences between pruning treatments and fertiliser treatments or interactions. Analysis of data has been carried out for each of the 11 recording dates. The following table presents the average health ratings for all six species during the trial. Planting date was 14/05/04. Table 19. Average health ratings for all species at the Yungaburra trial site from August 2003 to

September 2004. For each date, averages followed by the same letter superscript are not significantly different at the P<0.05 level.

Species

Date A. diversifolia

S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos

S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes

S. ‘Forest Lace’

G. baileyana

L. fraxinifolia

21/08/2003 4.78bc 3.67a 4.98c 4.78bc 4.58b N/A 30/09/2003 4.75b 4.17a 4.96b 4.92b 4.85b N/A 22/10/2003 4.82ab 4.49a 4.96b 4.94b 5.00b N/A 07/11/2003 4.62a 4.96b 5.00b 4.85b 5.00b 4.60a 04/12/2003 5.00b 4.91b 4.85b 4.69b 5.00b 3.87a 07/01/2004 5.00b 4.93b 5.00b 4.78b 5.00b 2.76a 10/02/2004 4.95a 5.00a 5.00a 4.68a 5.00a 4.56a 09/03/2004 4.91a 4.94a 5.00a 4.90a 4.60a 4.49a 28/05/2004 4.88b 4.74b 4.84b 4.90b 4.39a 4.64ab 07/07/2004 4.84a 4.96a 4.93a 4.87a 4.71a 4.99a 13/09/2004 4.48ab 5.00c 5.00c 4.90c 4.26a 4.75bc The analysis of this data proves a number of differences between and within species. In particular, this data reflects the findings at the Southedge trial site for the difference in health ratings between S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos and S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes. For the first three recording dates, the health of S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos plants was significantly worse than for the S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes plants. After the first three recording dates for these three species, there are no significant differences in health. This indicates that S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos took significantly longer to establish than S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes. The trend in health ratings over time for A. diversifolia and G. baileyana indicate that these species prefer the climatic conditions during the summer months. The health ratings recorded during the summer months are higher than for the winter months for both species. This trend is confirmed by observations taken during the trial indicating that A. diversifolia suffers from a lack of humidity during wintertime at this site. The observations recorded include; blackening of leaf tips, lack of lustre and poor growth rates. Observations taken for G. baileyana include; burning of new shoots in winter time due to frost and distortion of leaves due to cold temperatures. In summary, A. diversifolia suffers from a lack of humidity during winter and G. baileyana is unable to cope with cold temperatures experienced during winter at this site.

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The health ratings for S. ‘Forest Lace’ and S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes have remained reasonably constant over time and on all recording dates there was no significant difference in health of the plants of these two varieties. This indicates that both varieties exhibit the same level of health under climatic conditions experienced at this site. L. fraxinifolia plants suffered heavy losses during the first three months after planting which is indicated by the significantly lower health ratings for this species. After the establishment period (Nov 2003 – Feb 2004), the health of this species has improved significantly. Recent observations taken in November 2004 indicate that both L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia will suffer from sunburn during the October/November months under these conditions. Sunburn of this species has not occurred at the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site. This strongly suggests that commercial production of L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia will only be viable under shadehouse conditions. The analysis revealed no significant differences in health ratings between fertiliser and pruning treatments. This indicates that at this trial site, low and moderate fertiliser rates have not affected the health of the plants. Pruning treatments have also had no effect on the health of the plants. Plant height measurements and growth rates Height measurements were recorded on 11 occasions throughout the trial. Data was analysed at each recording date using ANOVA. Analysis included testing of significance between species, fertiliser treatments and pruning treatments. The analysis revealed significant differences between species and no significant differences between pruning treatments and fertiliser treatments or interactions. Up until the first pruning treatment was applied on the 11/11/03, it is appropriate to compare the height measurements across all pruning treatments for all species. Table 20. Average height measurements (cm) for all six species (except L. fraxinifolia) from

21/08/03 to 07/11/03 at the Yungaburra trial site. Averages followed by the same letter superscript are not significantly different at the P<0.05 level.

Species

Date A. diversifolia

S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos

S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes

S. ‘Forest Lace’

G. baileyana

L. fraxinifolia

21/08/2003 43.18c 20.39a 34.43b 45.04c 49.07c N/A 30/09/2003 49.32b 28.55a 49.04b 55.98b 65.64c N/A 22/10/2003 55.65b 35.85a 57.07b 62.90b 81.14c N/A 07/11/2003 61.18b 43.50a 64.32b 76.43c 95.41d N/A The analysis of this data proves a number of differences between and within species. At all four recording dates, the height of S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos was significantly lower than S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes. This indicates the plants are smaller at planting and take longer to reach the same height as S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes. S. ‘Forest Lace’ heights were significantly higher than S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes at recording dates 1 and 4. This height data is reflected in the higher growth rates achieved by S. ‘Forest Lace’ plants at this trial site. As with the Southedge trial site data, G. baileyana demonstrates significantly greater heights than all other species and the difference in heights increases over time. While considering a comparison between species is important, it is more important to assess the growth rate within a species over time. It is this information that is most relevant to industry and gives an indication of expected growth rates under these conditions. Growth rates over time will help growers to determine the time it will take for plants to produce harvestable stems. The following table shows the average growth rates of all species at the Yungaburra trial site over the recording period (21/08/03 – 13/09/04).

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Table 21. Average growth rates (cm/week) of all species, for three recording periods over the life

of the Yungaburra trial.

Recording Period Dates Species 21/08/04 – 07/11/04 04/12/04 – 09/03/04 28/05/04-13/09/04 S. ‘Forest Gem’ Tubes 2.7 3.2 2.1 S. ‘Forest Gem’ Hykos 2.1 3.0 2.0 S. ‘Forest Lace’ 2.8 4.2 2.9 A. diversifolia 1.6 2.2 0.9 G. baileyana 4.2 8.5 3.0 L. fraxinifolia N/A 0.9 1.2 The table clearly demonstrates a number of trends that occur over time in terms of the growth rates. In all species, growth rates are higher in summer (04/12/03-09/03/04) than in winter (28/05/04-13/09/04). This is to be expected however this is the first data, which proves the growth rates are much higher in summer. During summer, S. ‘Forest Lace’ demonstrated a higher growth rate than S. ‘Forest Gem’. L. fraxinifolia growth rate was lower than all other species in the middle recording period as these plants were still establishing at this stage. This data gives an indication of the time it will take for these foliages to produce stems of harvest length. Based on this data, S. ‘Forest Gem’, and S. ‘Forest Lace’ are capable of producing 60cm stems approximately every 24 weeks. Stems may grow to the correct length in 24 weeks, but may not be mature enough in the tips to harvest at the same time. With correct management, growers will be able to harvest twice in a year. The fertiliser treatments and pruning treatments have had no effect on growth rates during the trial period for this trial site. Survival The number of plants that survived establishment for each species is an important variable to measure, as commercial growers cannot risk large losses during the establishment period. The data collected on species survival was analysed and it was revealed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the survival percentage for each species. The survival percentages for each species were as follows; A. diversifolia – 96.4%, S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes – 96.4%, S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos – 85.7%, S. ‘Forest Lace’ – 92.9%, G. baileyana – 100% and L. fraxinifolia – 60.7%. The LSD for least significance between means was 0.1151. The survival percentage for L. fraxinifolia was significantly less than for all other species. S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos survival percentage was significantly different to G. baileyana but not significantly different from A. diversifolia, S. ‘Forest Lace’ and S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes. In terms of commercial production, the survival percentage for S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos is not considered acceptable. This would mean a loss of 1202 plants per hectare if the total plants per hectare were 8400 at a cost to the grower of $3305 per hectare. The L. fraxinifolia survival percentage is very low as a result of the planting time. This species was planted in November 2003 during a very hot, dry time. This result indicates the importance of planting time on survival of plants. Based on other L. fraxinifolia plantings, survival percentages are approximately 95% if planted at the correct time of the year. Yield data The yield data obtained is preliminary at this stage and the data presented here only relates to the yield in year one (therefore only P1 plants) which is from planting date to 12 months post planting. Year two data is incomplete and presentation of this data would give a distorted impression of yields in year two in relation to the fertiliser and pruning treatments. For the Yungaburra trial site, yield data is not available for L. fraxinifolia or G. baileyana. As mentioned earlier in this report,

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L. fraxinifolia has not been pruned as this species was planted 6 months later than the other five species. Foliage cut from G. baileyana plants during pruning in the first year is juvenile foliage, which is not saleable. It is anticipated that the first mature foliage able to be cut off G. baileyana plants will occur in year 3 post planting. Table 22. Average yield per plant (stems/leaves) and the range of stem lengths produced for P1

plants of S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes, S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos, S. ‘Forest Lace’ and A. diversifolia at the Yungaburra trial site.

Species Average yield in first year Range of stem/leaf lengths (cm)

S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes 2.1 stems 30-70 S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos 2.7 stems 30-80 S. ‘Forest Lace’ 2.8 stems 30-70 A. diversifolia 5.2 leaves 30-50 This yield data has been used to calculate potential returns in the first year for prospective growers. For simplicity a yield of 2 stems per year is expected from the Stenocarpus varieties and it is obvious from the results, that the earlier pruning occurs in the first year, the earlier, the grower will be able to cut the first stems and generate cash flow. The later pruning treatment (P2) did not yield any stems in the first year. Based on these results, it is recommended that growers allow enough time for the plants to establish (approximately 3-4 months) and then carry out the first pruning soon afterwards. This data also reveals the range of stem/leaf lengths produced by each species, which has important implications for industry. Ideally growers need to be able to sell a very high percentage of their total yield, which means that industry will need to develop a range of markets to accommodate the range of stem lengths. It is also important to note that under the conditions at this trial site, 60-70% of S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ was of saleable quality however none of the A. diversifolia leaves were of saleable quality. Successful commercial production will require a higher percentage of saleable stems from the Stenocarpus varieties. The absence of saleable material from A. diversifolia supports the recommendation that this species cannot be produced successfully in open conditions. Pests, diseases and disorders At the Yungaburra trial site, there have been a number of pests found hosting on the native foliage species. The following list outlines the pests identified to date and the species affected. There are a number of pests that have not been identified as yet. For successful identification of insect species, the adult form is required. In most cases, it is the larval stage that feeds on the foliages and in some cases the larvae have not successfully been grown into adults. In the case of aphids, it is the winged adults that are required for successful identification and obtaining winged adults has proved quite difficult. G. baileyana Coccus longulus – long soft scale Xylorycta luteotactella – Macadamia twig curler Black aphids – ID not known S. ‘Forest Gem’ Nil identified S. ‘Forest Lace’ Hairy black caterpillar – ID not known Looper – ID not known A. diversifolia Nil identified L. fraxinifolia Nil identified During the trial there have been no records of disease or growing disorders.

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The following two photos depict two species that are yet to be identified. Figure 7. Looper (unknown ID) feeding

on S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the Yungaburra trial site.

Figure 8. Hairy caterpillar (unknown ID) feeding on S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the Yungaburra trial site.

Digital images A number of images were taken recently (20/11/04) for inclusion in this report to give readers a pictorial view of the species at the Yungaburra trial site. The following five images depict the five species represented at the Yungaburra trial site. Figure 9. A. diversifolia at the Yungaburra

trial site – 20/11/04. Figure 10. S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the

Yungaburra trial site – 20/11/04.

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Figure 11. S. ‘Forest Gem’ at the Yungaburra trial site – 20/11/04.

Figure 12. G. baileyana at the Yungaburra trial site – 20/11/04.

Figure 13. L. fraxinifolia at the Yungaburra

trial site – 20/11/04. Figure 14. Sunburn on leaves of

L. fraxinifolia at the Yungaburra trial site – 20/11/04.

4.2.2 Southedge trial site Plant health ratings Plant health ratings were recorded on 21 different occasions from May 2003 to October 2004. Data has been statistically analysed by two-way ANOVA – GenStat – Release 6.1. Analysis included testing of significance between species, fertiliser treatments and pruning treatments. The analysis revealed significant differences between species but not between fertiliser treatments or pruning treatments.

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Analysis of data has been carried out for each of the 21 recording dates. For simplicity, presentation of data in this report focuses on the establishment period (from planting to four months). During this time, the analysis revealed a significant difference between the health ratings of the different species. The following table presents the average health ratings for all four species during the first four months after planting. Planting date was 29/04/03. For the following 11 recording dates after the 25/08/04 there was no significant difference in health of the different species. All species from the 25/08/04 onwards have shown excellent health ratings with only slight variations due to insect damage or iron deficiency symptoms that have occurred in S. ‘Forest Lace’ and S. ‘Forest Gem’. Table 23. Average health ratings for all species at the Southedge trial site from May 2003 to

August 2003. For each date, averages followed by the same letter superscript are not significantly different at the P<0.05 level.

Species

Date S. ‘Forest Gem’ Tubes

S. ‘Forest Gem’ Hykos

S. ‘Forest Lace’ Tubes

Grevillea baileyana

07/05/03 3.58bc 2.66a 3.29b 3.91c

14/05/03 3.66b 3.00a 3.37ab 3.33ab

30/05/03 3.75b 2.75a 3.70b 3.91b

12/06/03 3.58b 2.79a 3.54b 4.00b

19/06/03 4.66b 2.83a 4.00b 4.41b

30/06/03 4.85b 3.17a 4.17ab 4.42b

11/07/03 4.77a 3.58a 4.42a 4.58a

17/07/03 4.89a 4.04a 4.33a 4.12a

24/07/03 4.44a 4.87a 4.39a 3.96a

25/08/03 5.00a 4.73a 5.00a 4.66a

At all recording dates from 07/05/03 to the 30/06/03, plants in the S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes treatment were significantly healthier than the plants in the S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos treatment. This suggests that plants in hykos struggle to establish in the first two to three months after planting. After this time, S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos were not significantly more or less healthy than all other species. With the exception of the first recording date, there is no significant difference in health between S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes, S. ‘Forest Lace’ and G. baileyana. The analysis included testing of the interactions between species, fertiliser treatments and pruning treatments. Fertiliser x species interactions and fertiliser x pruning interactions were significant at irregular dates during the trial. As this result wasn’t found to be consistent across recording dates, the interactions are not considered important at this stage. The statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in health ratings between pruning and fertiliser treatments. Therefore it can be concluded that the fertiliser and pruning treatments have had no effect on health ratings during the trial period for this trial site. Plant height measurements and growth rates Height measurements were recorded on 12 occasions throughout the trial. Data was analysed at each recording date using ANOVA. Up until when the first pruning treatment was applied on the 04/11/03, it is appropriate to compare the height measurements across all pruning treatments for all species. The analysis revealed significant differences between species but no significant difference between fertiliser or pruning treatments.

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Table 24. Average height measurements (cm) for all four species from 24/07/03 to 04/11/03 at the Southedge trial site. For each date, averages followed by the same letter superscript are not significantly different at the P<0.05 level.

Species

Date S. ‘Forest Gem’ Tubes

S. ‘Forest Gem’ Hykos

S. ‘Forest Lace’ Tubes

Grevillea baileyana

24/07/03 31.8ab 23.2a 35.5b 50.1c

25/09/03 50.9a 37.3a 54.5a 75.1b

14/10/03 62.3b 44.7a 63.2b 99.3c

04/11/03 71.7a 59.6a 73.4a 118.0b

The results in this table clearly demonstrate the significantly greater height and growth rate achieved by G. baileyana plants when compared to the other three species over this period of time. On the 14/10/04 height measurements taken revealed S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos plants were significantly shorter than S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes and S. ‘Forest Lace’. Statistical analysis was carried out for species, fertiliser and pruning interactions. No significant difference in height was found for any interactions over this time period. On the 04/11/03 the first pruning of P1 treatments was carried out. After this time, the height measurements for P1 and P2 treatments differed for each species as P1 treatments were producing new shoots. It is expected that height measurements will differ between P1 and P2 treatments after this time. To improve the relevance of this data, the growth rates have been calculated for all species during the recording period. While considering a comparison between species is important, it is more important to assess the growth rate within a species over time. It is this information that is most relevant to industry and gives an indication of expected growth rates under these conditions. Growth rates over time will help growers to determine the time it will take for plants to produce harvestable stems. Height measurements ceased on the 24/06/04 for a period of 5 months to allow plants to recover from herbicide toxicity. Height measurements taken during this time would not be a true reflection of the normal growth of these species. Data from the Yungaburra trial site will be used to assess growth of the species from 24/06/04 to 01/11/04. During the recording period (24/07/03 to 24/06/04) G. baileyana, S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos, S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes and S. Forest Lace grew at an average growth rate of 4.4cm/week, 2.2cm/week, 2.2cm/week, and 3.0cm/week respectively. The growth rate of all Stenocarpus varieties slowed from March 2004 to June 2004 as a result of herbicide toxicity. For comparison, in the 19/11/03 to 09/02/04 period, S. ‘Forest Lace’ grew at an average of 4.3cm/week. Survival The number of plants that survived establishment for each species is an important variable to measure, as commercial grower cannot risk large losses during the establishment period. The data collected on species survival was analysed and it was revealed that there were no significant differences in the survival percentage for each species. The survival percentages for S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes, S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos, S. ‘Forest Lace’ and G. baileyana was 91.6%, 83.3%, 91.6% and 100% respectively. In terms of commercial production, the survival percentage for S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos is not considered acceptable. This would mean a loss of 1403 plants per hectare if the total plants per hectare were 8400 at a cost to the grower of $3585 per hectare. Yield data As with the Yungaburra site yield data, the data presented here is preliminary at this stage and only relates to the yield of P1 treatments in the first year of the trial. P2 treatments did not yield stems in the first year, as the first pruning did not occur until the second year. Year two data is incomplete and presentation of this data would give a distorted impression of yields in year two in relation to the fertiliser and pruning treatments. For the Southedge trial site, yield data is not available for G. baileyana as foliage cut from G. baileyana plants in the first year is juvenile foliage, which is not saleable. It is anticipated that the first mature foliage able to be cut off G. baileyana plants will occur in year 3 post planting.

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Table 25. Average yield (stems) per plant and the range of stem lengths produced for P1 plants of S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes, S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos, and S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the Southedge trial site.

Species Average yield per plant Range of stem/leaf lengths (cm)

S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes 2.2 30-80 S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos 2.3 30-80 S. ‘Forest Lace’ 2.5 30-70 Based on this information, prospective growers should easily achieve a yield of two stems per plant in the first year, provided pruning is carried out shortly after plants have established (approximately 3 – 4 months). The yield is slightly lower than at the Yungaburra trial site however this is not significant. Of the material harvested for the Stenocarpus varieties approximately 60% was saleable. Further research into improving the productivity of these varieties is required. Pests, diseases and disorders There have been a number of pests found feeding on the native foliage species. Some of these pests have been identified while others have not. As outlined in section 4.1.1, pest identification has proven difficult in some cases due to the need for adult specimens. The following list outlines the pests identified to date and the species affected. Grevillea baileyana Coccus longulus – Long soft scale (See Figure 1) Xylorycta luteotactella – Macadamia twig curler Leaf miner – ID not known Black scale – ID not known S. ‘Forest Gem’ Nil identified S. ‘Forest Lace’ Looper – ID not known (See Figure 3) During the trial, there have been no records of disease. The following two images depict two insects that have been found feeding on the native foliage species. Figure 15. Coccus longulus (long soft scale)

on the underside of a G. baileyana leaf.

Figure 16. Looper (unknown ID) feeding on S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the Southedge trial site.

At the Southedge trial site, there have been incidences of nutrient deficiency, and growing disorders due to herbicide toxicity. As outlined in section 3.2.5, what was thought to be nutrient deficiency

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proved to be the effects of herbicide toxicity caused by spray drift. Plants have recovered from the herbicide toxicity and returned to normal growth. The main nutrient deficiency that has occurred is iron deficiency, which causes a bleaching of young leaves. This can be corrected readily by use of iron chelate foliar spray. Figure 17. S. ‘Forest Gem’ at the Southedge trial site showing response to iron chelate foliar

spray – older leaves bleached in appearance due to iron deficiency and younger leaves display improved colour.

Digital images A number of images were taken recently (20/11/04) for inclusion in this report to give readers a pictorial view of the species at the Southedge trial site. The following four images depict the three species represented at the Southedge trial site. Figure 18. S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the

Southedge trial site – 20/11/04. Figure 19. S. ‘Forest Gem’ at the

Southedge trial site – 20/11/04.

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Figure 20. G. baileyana at the Southedge trial site – 20/11/04.

Figure 21. View of whole trial at DPI&F Southedge research station – 24/11/04.

4.2.3 Southedge trial extension Effect of herbicide toxicity As outlined in section 3.2.5, the smaller S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ planted in the Southedge trial extension were suffered considerable damage as a result of the spray drift that had occurred causing glyphosate toxicity. The plants suffered a range of symptoms that appeared to be in response to different levels of spray drift. In the most severe cases, plants produced severely distorted new shoots resembling a ‘witches broom’ in appearance. In less severe cases, plants displayed short internodes and/or yellow and burnt tips on new shoots. The herbicide toxicity resulted in eventual death of 23% of S. ‘Forest Gem’ and 31% of S. ‘Forest Lace’ plants. All other plants have now recovered and replacement plants will be planted in January 2005. Figures 22 and 23 demonstrate some of the symptoms displayed by the plants.

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Figure 22. S. ‘Forest Gem’ showing severe deformity of new shoots creasing a ‘witches broom’ effect as a result of herbicide toxicity at the Southedge extension site.

Figure 23. S. ‘Forest Gem’ showing burnt and yellow tips of new foliage as a result of herbicide toxicity at the Southedge extension site.

Effectiveness of treatments applied to determine the cause of symptoms In order to determine the cause of the growing problems experienced at the Southedge trial site and extension trial site, a number of treatments were applied to the extension trial site. These treatments were; T1 – Calcium nitrate (5g/L), T2 – deliberate drift of Weedmaster Duo, T3 – Copper Sulphate (1.5g/L) + Mancozeb (2g/L) + Solubor (1.25g/L), T4 – combination of T1 and T3, T5 – control and T6 – Solubor only (1.25g/L). There were 3 replications included for each treatment and all treatments were applied with the inclusion of Agral wetting agent. It was clear 14 days after application of the treatments that herbicide spray drift inducing glyphosate toxicity induced the same symptoms observed previously on the plants. These symptoms included yellowing and burnt new tips. Observations taken eight weeks after application revealed the production of distorted new shoots in T2 treatment plants. This led to the conclusion that the range of symptoms demonstrated by the plants earlier was related to the stage of growth the plants were in at the time the herbicide spray drift had occurred. There was no obvious change in symptoms as a result of the other five treatments however T1 and T4 plants showed a marked improvement in foliage colour, which was likely to be due to the calcium nitrate applied. After it was obvious that induced herbicide spray drift caused glyphosate toxicity, which in turn was the cause of the growing disorder, the plants were pruned and fertilised to encourage new growth. The majority of affected plants that weren’t killed by the herbicide toxicity have recovered and are growing on as normal. It is anticipated that those that have sub-lethal levels of herbicide toxicity will take longer to recover. Digital images A number of images were taken recently (20/11/04) for inclusion in this report to give readers a pictorial view of the species at the Southedge extension site. The following two images depict the two Stenocarpus varieties planted in this site.

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Figure 24. S. ‘Forest Gem’ at the Southedge extension site – 20/11/04.

Figure 25. S. ‘Forest Lace’ at the Southedge extension site – 20/11/04.

4.2.4 Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site Plant health ratings Health ratings were recorded on eight occasions from November 2003 to October 2004. During this time, there was little change in the health ratings of the two species (A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia). Data has been statistically analysed by one-way ANOVA – GenStat Release 6.1. The following graph depicts the change in health ratings over time for both species. The analysis revealed no significant difference (P<0.05) in health ratings between the two species. Figure 26. Average health ratings for A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia at the Yuruga Nursery

(Walkamin) shadehouse site.

0

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The graph clearly demonstrates that both species have maintained good health over time under these conditions. The reduction in health of A. diversifolia plants that has occurred from July 2004 onwards is mostly due to the inability of this species to cope with the humidity level inside the shadehouse. A. diversifolia plants are now showing blackened tips of leaves which indicates the humidity is too low for this species. L. fraxinifolia however is obviously less sensitive to low humidity than A. diversifolia and is growing very well. In an attempt to increase the humidity, the irrigation system will be changed at this site to an overhead misting system. Plant height measurements Height measurements were taken on eight occasions from November 2003 to September 2004. A one-way ANOVA was used to analyse the data. This analysis revealed that height measurements were significantly different (P<0.05) at each measurement date. Figure 27. Average height measurements for A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia at the Yuruga

Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site.

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L. fraxinifolia

At all dates, L. fraxinifolia plants were significantly higher than L. fraxinifolia plants. This is to be expected in the early stages due to the fact that L. fraxinifolia plants were better established at planting. The interesting result depicted in this graph is the significantly higher growth rate displayed by L. fraxinifolia when compared to A. diversifolia. A. diversifolia has demonstrated a steady and constant growth rate over the whole trial period with a slight decrease in growth rate towards the end of the period. L. fraxinifolia however demonstrated a significant increase in growth rate from Jan-04 to July-04 and virtually no growth from July-04 to Sept-04. The lack of growth from July-04 to Sept-04 is almost entirely due to the very cold winter experienced in 2004. Survival There has been a 100% survival rate for the plants included in the shadehouse site.

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Yield data As yet there is no data available from the A. diversifolia plants at this site; this species was planted out from forestry tubes and therefore has taken longer to establish than the L. fraxinifolia plants that were planted out from six-inch pots. Yield data is available for L. fraxinifolia. In the first year post planting, L. fraxinifolia yielded an average of 15.4 leaves per plant ranging in length from 20cm to 50cm. Of this total yield, 31% were considered to be of saleable quality and acceptable to market. Pests, diseases and disorders There has been no incidence of pests or diseases recorded during the trial from this site. L. fraxinifolia demonstrated spotting of leaflets during wintertime. This spotting is due to production of an anti-freeze compound in the leaves and was in response to the extremely cold winter experienced in 2004 in the Mareeba district. (Pers. Comm. – Ann Radke) Digital images A number of images were taken recently (20/11/04) for inclusion in this report to give readers a pictorial view of the species at the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site. The following five images depict the two species represented at this site. Figure 28. L. fraxinifolia plants at the

Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site – 20/11/04.

Figure 29. A. diversifolia plants at the Yuruga Nursery (Walkamin) shadehouse site – 20/11/04.

4.2.5 Potted plants – Mareeba DPI&F The potted plants at Mareeba DPI&F have been used to observe and correct nutritional deficiencies in the species. Since establishment of these potted plants in June 2004, both A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia have demonstrated nutritional deficiency symptoms. A. diversifolia leaves started to curl at the ends which suggested either calcium or boron deficiency. This is yet to be tested. L. fraxinifolia demonstrated interveinal chlorosis in older leaves, which was suspected to be magnesium deficiency. In response to this, two foliar applications of magnesium sulphate (2g/L) have been applied with positive results. This has allowed the identification of magnesium deficiency symptoms in L. fraxinifolia. The following two images depict the potted plants located at Mareeba DPI&F.

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Figure 30. Potted plants at DPI&F Mareeba – 23/11/04.

Figure 31. Potted L. fraxinifolia plants at DPI&F Mareeba – 23/11/04.

4.3 Post harvest research 4.3.1 Testing the effect of dry storage, re-cutting of stems and vase solution on

the vase life of A. diversifolia – October 2003 The average vase life (days) for all treatments was statistically analysed by ANOVA – GenStat Release 6.1. The average vase life (days) of the A. diversifolia leaves across all eight treatments was 106.3 days at a storage temperature of 13°C. Therefore it can be concluded that at this temperature, A. diversifolia exhibits satisfactory vase life for use in floristry. The average vase life (days) for deionised water vase solution and Chrysal Professional 3 vase solution were 55.6 and 157.0 days respectively. These averages were found to be significantly different (P<0.05) at both levels of dry storage and both levels of re-cutting (LSD – 13.98). This indicates that Chrysal Professional 3 cut flower preservative is highly effective at increasing the vase life of A. diversifolia leaves when compared to deionised water alone. In relation to this result, the end of vase life for leaves in the deionised water treatments was almost always associated with blackening of the base of the stem. This indicates that bacterial infection causing stem blockage may have been the primary cause of dessication in these treatments. The average vase life (days) for no re-cutting of stems and re-cutting of stems were 106.4 and 106.2 respectively. The ANOVA analysis revealed no significant differences (P<0.05) between re-cutting treatments which indicates that re-cutting stems under these conditions has no effect on vase life. The average vase life (days) for no dry storage and dry storage treatments were 108.7 and 103.8 respectively. The ANOVA analysis revealed no significant differences (P<0.05) between dry storage treatments which indicates that dry storage conditions under these conditions has no effect on vase life. This is an important finding considering that foliage produced in north Queensland will always need to travel reasonably long distances, in dry storage conditions, over a period of 3 to 4 days, to reach market.

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The interactions between solution, re-cutting and dry storage treatments were also analysed. The analysis revealed that the interaction between solutions and re-cutting was not significant (P<0.05) nor was the interaction between solution and dry storage. The interaction between recutting and dry storage was revealed to be significant (P<0.05) with an LSD of 19.77. The following table presents the averages from this analysis. Table 26. Average vase life (days) for interactions between re-cutting and dry storage

treatments. Averages followed by the same letter superscript are not significantly different at the P<0.05 level.

Treatment No Dry Storage Dry Storage

No Re-cutting of Stems 117.2a 95.6b

Re-cutting of Stems 100.2ab 112.1ab

The no re-cutting stems x no dry storage treatments had significantly (P<0.05) longer vase life than the no-recutting x dry storage treatments. All other treatment combinations in the above table were not significantly different from each other at the p<0.05 level. This indicates that the combination of no re-cutting stems and dry storage significantly decreases vase life when compared with the combination of no re-cutting stems and no dry storage. The decrease in vase life is not entirely due to the dry storage or the absence of re-cutting, as these two treatments are not significantly different to the alternative across the whole trial. This suggests that the dry storage combined with the no re-cutting of stems results in a compounding effect causing a significant decrease in vase life. Based on other post harvest research, this phenomenon may be due to the fact that leaves have a reduced ability to take up water after periods of dry storage if the stems are not re-cut. This has important implications for industry as this data proves that vase life is significantly compromised if leaves exposed to dry storage conditions are not re-cut on arrival at market. Observations of leaf blemishes taken before and during the trial revealed that damage to leaves pre-harvest such as sunburn, abrasion, tears and insect damage is exacerbated post harvest. This finding also has implications for growers and means that damaged foliage will not exhibit satisfactory vase life. 4.3.2 Testing the vase life of A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia following 4 days

refrigerated road transport – June 2004 Vase life The average vase life (days) for all treatments was statistically analysed by ANOVA – GenStat Release 6.1. The following table shows the average vase life (days) for all six treatments. A. diversifolia treatments and L. fraxinifolia treatments have been analysed separately. The experiment was ended on Day 15 post transport, which was Day 20 post harvest. Those replications that had not desiccated by Day 15 post transport were estimated to last 18 days for the purposes of having the data statistically analysed. In reality, these leaves may have lasted quite a lot longer than this based on the results from the post harvest trial described in 4.3.1.

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Table 27. Average vase life (days) for all treatments. Averages followed by the same superscript are not significantly different at the P<0.05 level.

Treatment Athertonia diversifolia Lomatia fraxinifolia

No plastic bag in transport – Chrysal Professional 3 vase solution (T1) 18.0b 11.3 a

No plastic bag in transport – Deionised water vase solution (T2) 13.2a 8.2 a

Transported in plastic bag – Chrysal Professional 3 vase solution (T3) 18.0 b 13.8 a

The results reveal that the no plastic bag in transport – deionised water vase solution treatment had significantly shorter vase life than the other two treatments for A. diversifolia. This is likely to be due to the increased abrasion recorded on leaves transported without a plastic bag. There was no significant difference in treatments for L. fraxinifolia. The results indicate that the vase life of the L. fraxinafolia leaves post transport is shorter than for A. diversifolia under these conditions. The vase life of T2 – L. fraxinifolia is considered marginal for use in floristry. Level of bruising On arrival in Adelaide, visual assessments were taken of the appearance of the leaves. Bruising was most prevalent in the treatments transported without a plastic bag; 70% of T1 and 90% of T2 A. diversifolia leaves displayed some level of bruising on arrival. T3 A. diversifolia leaves were virtually unmarked on arrival. Bruising that occurred during transport did not appear to affect the vase life of the A. diversifolia leaves. For L. fraxinifolia treatments, 100% of both T1 and T2 leaves were marked/bruised on arrival and T3 leaves were unmarked. Bruising that occurred during transport may have affected the vase life of the L. fraxinifolia leaves. These results suggest that the use of a plastic bag to protect leaves in transport may be warranted for these two species. 4.3.3 Testing the effect of Oasis floral foam and vase solution on the vase life of

A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia – October 2004 At the time of writing this report, this experiment was not complete. The results of this experiment will be presented in the annual progress report of the third phase project – DAQ-324A. Even though results have not been analysed, preliminary results reveal that once again, A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia leaves have a longer vase life in Chrysal Professional 3 cut flower preservative when compared with deionised water. L. fraxinifolia has shown a shorter vase life than A. diversifolia under the conditions of this experiment for both vase solutions and oasis floral foam. The results to date reveal that the vase life (day) for A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia in Oasis floral foam in Chrysal Professional 3 cut flower preservative is approximately 25 days and >30 days respectively at 22°C.

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Figure 32. L. fraxinifolia (foreground) and A. diversifolia leaves (background) being tested in deionised water and CP3 solution with and without oasis floral foam – 23/11/04.

Figure 33. Typical symptom marking the end of vase life of an A. diversifolia leaf.

4.4 Market research 4.4.1 Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ and Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ S. ‘Forest Lace’ has always been very well received in the market due to its unique, lacy and highly detailed foliage that displays very long vase life. Market research carried out as part of DAQ-262A indicated that this product had significant potential for further development. The market research activities carried out as part of DAQ-299A and feedback from florists in the local area confirms this finding. An important part of developing this foliage is determining what price customers will pay. WAFEX and Lynch Flowers have been asked throughout the project to give indications on where market prices will stabilise for this product. The comments received from WAFEX indicate a price of 30-40 cents per stem landed Melbourne. It has been suggested that this pricing structure will enable S. ‘Forest Lace’ to be competitive and carve a niche against other foliages. The response received from Lynch Flowers was based on prices the company currently pays for other foliages. From this perspective, S. Forest Lace would be worth in the order of 20-25 cents per stem if it were supplied directly to Lynch Flowers. S. ‘Forest Gem’, has also been well received in the market however, it does not attract the same attention as S. ‘Forest Lace’ as it is not as unique in appearance. A number of wholesalers and retailers have commented that S. ‘Forest Gem’ is similar in appearance to Barker Bush (Persoonia longifolia): a very common foliage currently, bush-picked from Western Australia. Being similar in appearance to Barker Bush is both positive and negative for this product. On the positive side, it is anticipated that this product will be readily accepted in both domestic and international markets as it will be seen as a substitute for Barker Bush. On the negative side, S. ‘Forest Gem’ may not reach its potential in terms of

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price if customers see it as an alternative to Barker Bush. S. ‘Forest Gem’ ideally needs to be marketed and promoted as a high quality, plantation-grown native foliage that can be used instead of Barker Bush. This will ensure that the foliage attracts the price it deserves in the market place. In practice, it will be very difficult to achieve this unless wholesalers are willing to promote the product in the way industry would like. Alternatively, industry can also contribute to the promotional effort by producing flyers and information cards to inform customers about what S. ‘Forest Gem’ really is. The following dot points summarise the comments received from wholesalers based on the test samples sent of S. ‘Forest Gem’: • 30cm stems will be too short • there may be a possibility to develop a market for 40-50cm stems • soft tips will be a problem – they do not last • S. ‘Forest Gem’ will compete directly with Barker Bush • unsure whether this product is a 5 stem product or a 8-10 stem product • price indications of returns to growers are between $1.50 and $3 per bunch of five stems; $3.60 for

8-10 stem bunches. S. ‘Forest Gem’ produces very attractive, red, new foliage during periods of flush. Exporters have indicated that they are interested to test the longevity of the immature foliage as they feel that this makes S. ‘Forest Gem’ very unique. In the future, it may be viable to test the treatment of immature foliage post harvest to enable a longer post harvest life. 4.4.3 G. baileyana, A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia As mentioned in section 3.4.3, these three species have not been included in market research activities due mainly to a lack of good quality material in field trials. Despite this, some information has been gathered on the potential returns to growers for these three products. This information is based on what is currently being offered for these foliages. All three foliages are currently supplied in very small volumes to wholesalers in Sydney and Melbourne from a farm outside Coffs Harbour. L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia leaves pay $3.00 per bunch of 10 leaves of 40+cm back to the grower. G. baileyana stems pay $3.50 - $4.00 per bunch of 5 stems of 60cm length. As these three foliages are considered feature foliages, the leaves must be totally free of any abrasion or insect damage. As part of DAQ-324A, a number of sample boxes will be sent to florists and wholesalers of all five foliages. It is therefore anticipated that more accurate prices and product specifications will be developed over the next two years for these three products. 4.4.4 Effect of road freight and tip maturity on quality of S. ‘Forest Lace’ and

S. ‘Forest Gem’ In December 2003, a small shipment of S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ bunches at different stages of maturity (tips) were sent by road freight from Mareeba to Melbourne for an assessment of foliage quality on arrival in Melbourne. The following paragraph and images outline the results of this activity. On arrival of the box of foliage in Melbourne, the project leader opened and inspected the box. All foliage with mature tips arrived in excellent condition with plenty of moisture inside the plastic liner used to line the box. Foliage that was sent with immature tips was not of acceptable quality for sale. The following photos depict the differences in appearance on arrival in Melbourne resulting from differences in tip maturity.

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Figure 34. Mature S. ‘Forest Gem’ stems on arrival in Melbourne – 15/12/03.

Figure 35. Immature S. ‘Forest Gem’ stems on arrival in Melbourne – 15/12/03.

Figure 36. Mature S. ‘Forest Lace’ stems

on arrival in Melbourne – 15/12/03.

Figure 37. Immature S. ‘Forest Lace’ stems on arrival in Melbourne – 15/12/03.

A datalogger was placed in the box during transport from Mareeba to Melbourne in an effort to gain an understanding of the changes in temperature experienced during transit. The following graph demonstrates the temperature recorded. Figure 38. Temperature (°C) in the box of foliage during the transport period from 11/12/03-15/12/03.

9/12 09:59 10/12 11/12 12/12 13/12 14/12 15/12

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The temperature recorded from 9/12 to the 11/12 is not during the transit period for the box of foliage so this information is not relevant to the experiment. The recorded temperature between the 11/12 and the 15/12 is the temperature during transit from Mareeba to Melbourne. The sharp drop in temperature (9.8°C) on the 11/12 occurred from 12 noon to 2.44pm during when the foliage was placed in a coldroom at 4°C to reduce the temperature prior to transport. During transport, the temperature fluctuated between 16.8°C and 18°C, which is a suitable temperature for the foliages. The temperature rise to 25.4°C on 14/12 followed by a drop to 16.8°C later on the same day suggests the box was removed from the original truck and placed outside of a coldroom for a period of approximately 12 hours. This trial highlights the temperature fluctuations that can occur during transport. Growers need to be aware that there will be times when the product is exposed to high temperatures which may cause a reduction in quality. In the future, post harvest experiments need to include temperature fluctuations similar to what is shown on this graph. This way, the impact of the temperature fluctuation can be determined in relation to vase life. 4.5 Grower education and extension 4.5.1 Project workshops, field walks and field days All project workshops, field walks, and field days have been very well attended by growers. At most events, participants have been provided with an information booklet summarising the topics of discussion. The project leader has placed emphasis on the provision of information for participants to take home and read over after the event. The information booklets also serve as a record of the discussions held. During workshops and field walks, participants have been in an environment, which facilitates learning from each other. All workshops have been held on grower’s properties with the exception of one that was held at DPI&F’s Southedge research station. In most cases, growers feel more comfortable when events are held in either a shed or out in the open. Workshops have been used to demonstrate symptoms of nutrient deficiencies and herbicide toxicity, which allows growers to have a ‘minds eye view’ of the appearance of the symptoms. Experienced growers have also had the opportunity to demonstrate their own grading and packaging methods to new growers. During field walks, growers have been able to observe the growth and appearance of plants in different climatic areas on the Cairns Highlands. Workshops and field walks held throughout the project have typically been held over a 3-4 hour period. During the workshop held on 17/07/04, Ann and Peter Radke (owners/managers Yuruga Nursery) took the opportunity to take growers through the process of propagation of the plants. Those growers who attended the workshop were able to gain valuable insight into the nature of the operation. This helped the growers to understand the different parts of the supply chain. Growers are encouraged at these events to look outside ‘the farm gate’ to understand their supply chain better. 4.5.2 Grower visits There have been approximately 12 grower visits during the project where the project leader has visited individual growers properties to provide advice or recommendations. In addition to providing advice and recommendations grower visits are used as a means to observe the growth of plants under different conditions. This strengthens the knowledge of the project and allows comparison of plant growth across a range of soil types, nutrient levels and climatic conditions. All growers are encouraged to have soil analyses carried out prior to planting. The results of these soil analyses have been compiled to form a database of information which over time will allow determination of the upper and lower limits of tolerance to soil parameters such as pH, EC and nutrient levels.

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4.5.3 Cairns Region Flowers and Foliage meetings CRF&F is made up of growers of native, tropical and traditional flowers and foliages and supporting industry firms. The CRF&F cluster is a conduit for information exchange between the different subgroups representing traditional, native and tropical flower and foliage growers. There are a number of projects, the cluster is working on as a whole, such as development of a CRF&F website and development of a database of products and product seasonality. The project leader is also the coordinator of CRF&F, which provides an excellent linkage between DPI&F and industry. As coordinator of CRF&F, the project leader writes a quarterly newsletter, which is distributed, to all members. This newsletter is also a vehicle for dissemination of project information. The subgroups that exist underneath the umbrella of CRF&F concentrate on issues relevant to specific crops/products. This structure ensures that members are not wasting valuable time at meetings that concentrate on products other than their own. The natives’ subgroup is the most active of all the subgroups and has in recent times initiated the development of a draft strategic plan. CRF&F native foliage growers meetings are used as a vehicle to disseminate project results. It has been very important throughout the project to communicate project results in a timely fashion, which allows industry to capitalise on the findings immediately. This prevents growers from making mistakes that could have been avoided through effective communication of project results. 4.5.4 Information kits The information kits developed as part of this project have been written for existing and prospective growers. These information kits are seen as the most valuable outcome of the research as they present data on all aspects of growing in a context that is relevant to a commercial operation. The results from this report have been converted into facts and figures that are meaningful to industry. The focus of the information kits is on running a commercial business, which means many pieces of information are related back to costs and returns, or potential financial gain. The information kits also outline the risks involved with establishing a plantation by clearly defining the information that is not available as yet. The ultimate aim of the information kits is to provide a decision making tool for growers. 4.6 Media and promotion All media events outlined in this section have been derived from DPI&F media releases that have always included due credit to the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. Examples of the media releases are included in the Appendices section of this report. 4.6.1 Published articles The following dot points list the published articles in chronological order: • ‘NQ to grab share of foliage market’ – North Queensland Register, 17th April 2003, page 7 • ‘Wow flowers’ – A Queensland Table, Autumn 2003, page 3 • ‘Flower power!’ – Centre Connect (Periodical by the Centre for Tropical Agriculture, Mareeba) –

June 2003, page 3 • ‘Foliage new industry’ – Tablelands Advertiser, 13th August 2003, page 13 • ‘New foliage and cut flower species from north Queensland’ – Australian Flower Industry,

September 2003, page 16 • ‘Growth industry’ – The Cairns Post, 5th November 2003, page 7 • ‘Plants take the world by storm’ – The Cairns Post, 5th November 2003, page 5 • ‘New plants for market’ – Tablelander, 18th November 2003, page 13 • ‘New rainforest cut foliage in Australia’ – Floraculture International, January 2004, page 5

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• ‘Rainforest plants in a vase’ – Australian Horticulture, February 2004, page 8 • ‘Rainforest plants for the vase’ – Australasian Flowers, Autumn 2004, page 5 • ‘Tropical rainforest foliages’ – RIRDC publication, The New Crop Industries Handbook, pages 469-475. 4.6.2 Television coverage There have been two occasions when the native foliage project has featured on television programs. On the 25/04/03, Gardening Australia presented a segment titled ‘Australian Cut Flowers’. During this segment, there was footage of Brian Harris (formerly Collina Export) showing bunches of S. ‘Forest Lace’. On the 10/11/03 Channel Ten broadcast a documentary titled ‘Future Farming’ which included a section on development of north Queensland native foliages. The project leader and owner of Burraview Native Flowers and Foliage featured on this program. 4.6.3 Public speaking and displays A public display of the project work was prepared for the NQ Rotary Field Days held in June 2003. The display comprised a poster and handouts and samples of the native foliages and was included as part of the DPI&F tent. In April 2004, the project leader attended the International Protea Association conference with financial assistance from RIRDC. The conference was held from the 3rd – 7th April in Melbourne in conjunction with the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. During the conference the project leader gave a presentation titled, ‘Native cut foliage production using Proteaceae species’. This conference presented an excellent opportunity to promote the organisations involvement of RIRDC, DPI&F and Yuruga Nursery Pty Ltd in the research project to an international audience. In October 2004, the project leader was asked to attend a Mareeba Chamber of Commerce luncheon as a guest speaker. The title of the presentation was ‘Developing the north Queensland native foliage industry – challenges and pathways to success’. 4.7 Industry statistics The growth of the Queensland native foliage industry (including central and southeast Queensland) has been an important measure of project success. The following table details the change in plant numbers over time and the potential plant numbers in the future. Table 28. Industry plant numbers for each species on two dates (November 2002 and November 2004)

and for the future. Figures are for number of plants in the ground at each date.

Species/Variety Plant Numbers as at November 2002

Total Plant Numbers as at November 2004

Increase/ Decrease

Approximate Plant Numbers ordered*

S. ‘Forest Lace’ 720 1860 +1140 7580 S. ‘Forest Gem’ 820 2350 +1530 3980 L. fraxinifolia 370 462 +92 50 G. baileyana 278 590 +312 100 A. diversifolia 38 120 +82 0 * L. fraxinifolia, A. diversifolia and G. baileyana are available from a number of native plant

nurseries. The data presented for these species relates only to those growers who are associated with this research project. There are numerous growers in NSW of these three species and this data does not include information from NSW.

S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ are only available from Yuruga Nursery.

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This industry data clearly demonstrates growth in the industry over the live of the project. At the moment there is a relatively long lead-time for the Stenocarpus varieties. It is anticipated that industry numbers for these species will reach in excess of 16000 plants by the end of 2005. L. fraxinifolia, A. diversifolia and G. baileyana have not been adopted as readily as the Stenocarpus varieties. This is mainly due to the fact that there is much less information available at this stage for these three species. The two Stenocarpus varieties have certainly emerged as the two leading foliages over the life of this project and it is anticipated that over time, these varieties will become mainstream products. L. fraxinifolia, A. diversifolia and G. baileyana appear to be best suited to low volume, high value (niche) markets at this stage. 4.8 Yuruga Nursery propagation report 4.8.1 L. fraxinifolia, A. diversifolia and G. baileyana These three species are propagated easily and efficiently by seed, although they can also be multiplied without difficulty by cutting propagation. While sufficient seed is readily available, the preferred method of propagation is by seed since there is reasonable and consistent uniformity within and between seed batches. Cutting propagation would only be considered as the preferred method of propagation of these species if individual trees demonstrating superior characteristics were identified. However, these individual trees would have to be sufficiently superior to justify the additional expenses involved. At the present time there is no particular pressure to breed or select ‘better’ plants since the product is sufficiently uniform and of high enough quality to hold its own in the market place. Currently, seed collection from wild trees ensures that seedlings demonstrate strong genetic vigour. Unfortunately the natural distribution of these three species is the rainforests located in the Wet Tropics region of north Queensland, and the status of these rainforests is in the process of being changed to National Park. In Queensland, current legislation prohibits the collection of seed or other propagating material from National Parks and so, unless the legislation is altered, collection of wild seed for the propagation of these three species will become almost impossible. Collection from cultivated trees is not an option for the establishment of commercial plantations. Cultivated trees quickly succumb to in-breeding and rapidly display reduced genetic vigour. This current RIRDC project was only possible because Yuruga Nursery had wide-ranging access to native forests. Unless the legislation is changed so that such access can continue, this will be the last project of its kind. 4.8.2 S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ These two varieties have been bred by Yuruga Nursery, and are protected by PBR (Plant Breeders Rights). Being hybrids, they must be propagated vegetatively, and cutting propagation is the method of choice. Over the life of this project Yuruga has undertaken extensive propagation trials on these two varieties. While not difficult to propagate by cuttings, it should be noted that, compared to ‘easy’ or ‘standard’ plants such as azaleas or callistemons, S. ‘Forest Lace’ and S. ‘Forest Gem’ have a lower strike rate, take longer to strike, and the motherstock has a lower yield. These three factors combine to have a multiplier effect which means that the propagation nursery needs to have more motherstock and allow a greater lead time than might be otherwise anticipated, in order to satisfy demand. Provided these factors are taken into account, propagation is not a problem.

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It is not considered that tissue culture is a viable option due to the high set-up costs and the lead-time required to establish the protocols, combined with the high cost of the plants produced, would out-price the plants in the market-place. S. ‘Forest Lace’ and S. ‘Forest Gem’ have been run-away success stories from this project. It is important to note that the development of such products will not occur again if the genetic resources, which are their foundations, are locked away in National Parks. This is a matter with very serious long-term implications for industry.

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5. Discussion of Results 5.1 Project contributions to the commercialisation of S. ‘Forest Lace’,

S. ‘Forest Gem’, L. fraxinifolia, A. diversifolia and G. baileyana The outcomes of this project have contributed to the commercialisation of the five native foliage species in a number of ways. The agronomic information collected from the field trials is essential for industry to successfully produce these foliages. This project has delivered the following agronomic information that was not available before the project started: accurate information on growth rates, identification of some pests and diseases, identification of nutrient deficiencies and evaluation of corrective treatments, assessment of fertiliser rates and pruning times and their impact on yield and cash flow, identification of herbicide toxicity symptoms, determination of expected yields in year one of production, scientific evaluation of the viability of S. ‘Forest Gem’ explants, and a scientifically based evaluation of the suitability of species to different production systems. The agronomic information gathered during this project has provided a basis for growers to establish a native foliage plantation. During DAQ-324A, further agronomic information will be collected and information kits will be updated at this time to reflect the latest findings. The information kits contain essential information for growers that would otherwise be unavailable. In terms of post harvest information, the project has delivered information on the vase life of both L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia under a range of different conditions. While carrying out the post harvest experiments, information was also gathered on the effectiveness of using plastic wrap in transport to avoid bruising of the leaves of these two species. The testing of commercial products such as Chrysal Professional 3 and oasis floral foam has added an extra dimension to the research by ensuring the research is relevant to the industry. Both L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia demonstrate suitable vase life for use in floristry. The length of vase life is not expected to be an issue in the future with these foliages providing they are handled in a responsible manner. The most important issue in terms of these two foliages is prevention of bruising during transport. L. fraxinifolia has been proven to display marginal vase life following extended periods of transport. The vase life of S. ‘Forest Lace’, S. ‘Forest Gem’ and G. baileyana was tested in the first phase project - DAQ-262A. All three species demonstrate an extremely long vase life of over 35 days and again, vase life is not expected to be a problem with these species in the future. S. ‘Forest Gem’, S. ‘Forest Lace’ and G. baileyana do not bruise easily during transport which means that overall, the post harvest life of the foliages is acceptable. It will be appropriate to test these three species in oasis floral foam in the future. Importantly, economic analysis has shown the production of S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ in an intensive system to be an economically viable option for growers. This is a fundamental requirement for commercialisation of the foliages. In the absence of accurate financial information, existing and prospective growers have no solid information on which to base their business decisions. The sensitivity analysis that will be carried out as part of the third phase project will ensure growers are aware of their break even point which is equally as important. Cash flow projections will also aide growers to understand the impact on their available cash flow throughout the year. In this project, emphasis was placed on the financial viability of production. Prospective growers must be able to make a living out of the foliages for the industry to be viable. Based on the health ratings and survival percentages of S. ‘Forest Gem’ in hykos, at both Southedge and Yungaburra, it is concluded that hykos are not a suitable explant size for industry. Survival percentages at both sites are considered unacceptable and it must be remembered that the climatic conditions under which these figures were generated were extremely favourable. Under less forgiving conditions, it is expected that the survival percentage will be lower. The results clearly demonstrate

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that S. ‘Forest Gem’ hykos explants took significantly longer to establish than the S. ‘Forest Gem’ tubes explants. This is to be expected as the root development is much poorer in hykos than in tubes. Therefore with all parameters considered, S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ are not recommended to be planted from hykos under any circumstances. 5.2 Industry capacity building Capacity building has been an important part of this project and in this instance relates to the increased capacity of industry members to be successful growers. There is absolutely no doubt that the project has contributed significantly to increasing the skills and abilities of existing and prospective growers. This has been achieved through regular, verbal and written communications with industry. Provision of written material at every appropriate occasion has enabled industry participants to maintain records and reference material. Dissemination of information in a timely manner has also been critical for this new and emerging industry. During the project, the project leader made a concerted effort to communicate project results to industry. This process has been aided through the formation of Cairns Region Flowers and Foliage. An important part of capacity building has been the coaching of growers to look ‘outside the farm gate’. This involves growers making an effort to understand the supply chain for their product. With this understanding, growers become more knowledgeable and most importantly, they are able to understand why the foliage product needs to be delivered within product specifications. Communication between the project leader and industry has been constant throughout the project with phone calls, grower visits, workshops and meeting held on a regular basis. Effective communication and publication of information kits has been the key to capacity building through dissemination of project results. 5.3 Expansion of the north Queensland native cut foliage industry Since the start of the project in December 2002, the native foliage industry in the Cairns region has grown from a total of 2226 plants to 5382 plants. This represents a 2.4 fold increase in plant numbers. Of the total plants recorded in at the end of the project, 76% were the Stenocarpus varieties. These industry statistics prove that the project has contributed significantly to the expansion of the north Queensland native foliage industry. This increase in plant numbers would not have been achieved without the support of this project. 5.4 Facilitation of a collaborative industry effort Cairns Region Flowers and Foliage is the basis for collaboration amongst growers in the region. This industry-based cluster is built on a culture of sharing information and coordination of supply for the benefit of the whole industry. The outcome for native foliage growers in 2004 has been the development of a draft strategic plan for the industry in the Cairns region. The project leader has played an integral part of the development of this plan. The strategic plan will outline target markets and marketing strategies to be implemented over the next twelve months. This will include details of supply coordination amongst group members. In the future, it is anticipated that this organisation will also be the facilitating body for implementation of CRF&F native foliage quality standards. The vision of the group is to consistently produce a very high quality product for a range of domestic and international customers. This vision will take many years to achieve however the basis for success has been built with CRF&F and the culture of the organisation. With ongoing funding support and effective research, the future of the north Queensland native foliage industry looks very promising.

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6. Implications

The outcomes of this project present a number of implications for the industry in Australia. The major implications based on the results are listed below:

1. S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ hyko explants are not recommended for industry. Plants grown into forestry tubes have a better chance of survival and do not take as long to establish.

2. A number of insects attack the foliages, which means growers, will need to implement appropriate spray programs. A number of insect pests are yet to be successfully identified and effective control cannot be determined until the pests are identified.

3. All species demonstrate seasonal growth patterns; summer growth greatly exceeds winter growth. G. baileyana grows at twice the rate of the other five foliages.

4. Fertiliser applications used in this project have not significantly affected the health of the plants. It is anticipated that higher fertiliser rates can be used and will improve the productivity of the plants.

5. Earlier pruning will lead to earlier production of stems and therefore facilitate cash flow to the grower in the first year of production.

6. On poorer soils in the MDIA, nutritional management will be more difficult than in other more fertile areas of the Cairns Highlands.

7. Growers may have the ability to control plant growth more effectively in the MDIA as there is virtually no rainfall during winter.

8. The post harvest life of all foliages is considered acceptable. L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia bruise easily in transport and further research is required to over come this problem.

9. Due to a range of stem lengths produced, growers will need to investigate markets for the different stem lengths in order to achieve maximum yield.

10. The percentage of saleable product harvested from field trials has been lower than expected and at levels that are considered unviable for industry. Research strategies need to be implemented to raise the percentage of saleable produce.

11. Plant growth rates determined will allow growers to harvest two times a year for S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’.

12. S. ‘Forest Lace’ and S. ‘Forest Gem’ are susceptible to glyphosate toxicity due to spray drift. Growers will need to ensure mulching is effective at reducing the reliance on herbicides. Other herbicides need to be tested on these foliages.

13. The production of L. fraxinifolia and A. diversifolia will be uneconomical in open conditions. The viable alternative is to establish these plants under shadecloth. At this stage, the financial viability of this system has not been analysed.

14. Re-cutting of stems after periods of dry storage is important to extend the vase life of A. diversifolia leaves.

15. Packaging of A. diversifolia and L. fraxinifolia leaves should provide protection of the leaves from bruising during transport.

16. Immature tips on S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’ will not be accepted in the market place.

17. The changing of wet tropics rainforests in north Queensland to National Park threatens the future of the native foliage industry in Australia. In Queensland, current legislation prohibits the collection of seed from National Parks. Three of the species included in this project are native to these particular rainforests and collection of seed for propagation of these species will become almost impossible if the National Parks are declared. This has major implications for industry.

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7. Recommendations The results of this project clearly demonstrate the potential for industry development to occur in north Queensland. With respect to the range of important factors (economic viability, yield, post harvest life and market acceptance) in this industry, the five foliages fair very well. It is expected that some foliages will be stronger in some areas than others. With this direction in mind, there are a number of crucial recommendations to be made for the future of this industry. Industry growth needs to be tailored to potential market volumes to ensure that domestic markets do not become over –supplied which will cause a reduction in foliage price. This will be critical for the long-term viability of this industry. While the focus in this project has been on domestic markets, it is important to realise that our domestic market in Australia is small in comparison to export markets. The entry into the industry of a couple of large growers (10 ha each) will completely change the scenery. Without effective industry planning, domestic markets could become over supplied in the future. The recommendation to industry is to focus on delivering the product quality required for domestic markets and once this is achieved, start test marketing into export markets. Export market trials carried out to date have always returned positive comments for S. ‘Forest Gem’ and S. ‘Forest Lace’. This research project has been particularly productive (all results have been produced in the equivalent of one year’s full time work) and the future of the industry relies heavily on further delivery of relevant research outcomes. There are many questions yet to be answered in terms of agronomics, marketing, product specifications, freight economies and industry capacity building. To ensure the success of the industry, it is estimated that this research needs to continue until November 2008. This means that industry will need to contribute significant funds towards future research proposals past November 2006 to maximise the chances of support from RIRDC. Industry needs to fully recognise the benefits that research and development can offer. The prospects for this industry in north Queensland are promising providing the industry remains cohesive. In the current environment of increasing global competition, it is important that the native foliage industry remains focussed. Working together under the umbrella of CRF&F has facilitated this process to date and it is anticipated that the role of CRF&F will become increasingly important as the cluster members develop quality standards over the coming months. All the groundwork has been done to provide the ideal environment for industry to work together in this region. To ensure the industry reaches its full potential, the industry needs to have wholesalers and exporters involved that are willing to promote these new products in the right way. Industry members are particularly concerned about this and want to be able to set these foliages apart from other bush-picked foliages currently available. This cannot be achieved without the support of wholesalers and exporters that have direct contact with their customers. In summary, the recommendations given include; ongoing research until November 2008, responsible development of markets tailored to industry growth, maintenance of a cohesive industry working towards a common goal, increased communication along the supply chain and involvement of exporters and wholesalers that value the unique properties of the foliages. If all these recommendations are achieved, the industry should prosper and become a success story which will considerably benefit the organisations involved (RIRDC, DPI&F, Yuruga Nursery and CRF&F).

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8. Appendices 8.1 Appendix one – Media release – 03/08/03 FNQ native foliage launches new industry for Cairns Highlands NATIVE foliage for the cut flower market is shaping up as Far North Queensland’s newest primary industry. The Department of Primary Industries (DPI), in conjunction with Cairns Highlands’ Yuruga Nursery, is currently conducting field trials of several species that have been earmarked to rival some of the most successful cut foliages in the country. “The feedback we have received from agents in Sydney and Melbourne is particularly exciting,” says Joanna Srhoj, Horticulturist with the DPI. “They see a great demand for what we are producing, so it is now a matter of us being able to economically supply sufficient volumes to satisfy the demand.” The stars of the show are two shrub-like trees that produce masses of lacey, emerald green foliage – Stenocarpus Forest Gem and Stenocarpus Forest Lace. These varieties have been developed by the Yuruga horticultural team, and are thriving in trial plantings across the Cairns Highlands. Another variety, Lomatia fraxinifolia, has striking, structural oval leaves in a brilliant green. Its underside is a mossy green, with strong veins in brilliant green that would add a designer touch to modern, minimalist arrangements. For any growers interested in finding out more about native foliage opportunities the DPI will be hosting a field day on Thursday August 14. Mrs Srhoj will be providing the latest information on production issues being assessed in the trials, as well as preliminary market reviews for each species. A tour of the three trials sites, at Southedge, Walkamin and Yungaburra, will also be held. “We would encourage field day participants to attend the whole day, but if they are short on time, the best alternative is to attend the trial site that best resembles climatic conditions on their own property,” Mrs Srhoj said. “We’ll be reviewing a number of issues throughout the day, including production systems, plantation management, nutritional regimes, plant health, estimated yields, nursery production, sale price of plants and indications of market prices.” Mrs Srhoj said all participants would receive a fact sheet on project progress and indications of market prices. Prospective participants should register with Joanna Srhoj at the DPI Mareeba on 40 484 651 for catering and printing purposes before 3pm on Wednesday August 13. The Cairns Highlands native cut foliage production research is primarily funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

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8.2 Appendix two – Media release – 03/11/03 DPI develops new rainforest species in Mareeba Primary Industries and Rural Communities Minister Henry Palaszczuk today inspected five new rainforest species being developed as new cut foliage products at the Department of Primary Industries in Mareeba. The species are being investigated as part of a DPI project, ‘Development of North Queensland Foliage Species and Industry’, which began in 2000. “Queensland’s lifestyle horticulture industry is now worth over $1 billion a year to the Queensland economy and cut flowers form a vital component of the industry,” Mr Palaszczuk said. “The five new rainforest species have widespread appeal both here at home and possibly overseas. Most particularly these species are ideal as greenery in floral arrangements,” Mr Palaszczuk said. The project to develop the new species was conducted jointly by the DPI in conjunction with a commercial partner, Yuruga Nurseries, based on the Cairns Highlands, and the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. Mr Palaszczuk commended researchers at the DPI Mareeba for their achievements in developing the new species, which includes three species native to north Queensland: Athertonia diversifolia; Grevillea baileyana; and Lomatia fraxinifolia. The remaining two rainforest varieties have been developed by Yuruga Nursery and are hybrid plants: Stenocarpus Forest Gem and Stenocarpus Forest Lace. “Using feedback from domestic and export agents, field trial and vase life results, five rainforest species were chosen for further development and potential commercialisation,” Mr Palaszczuk said. “Now that the species have been subject to preliminary evaluation, the DPI is focussing on the commercialisation and marketing of these species.” The Queensland Government allocated $250,000 in the 2003-04 State Budget to support the establishment of the Tropical Biosciences Centre at Mareeba.

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9. References Arthy, J. & Bransgrove, K. 2003, New Foliage and Cut Flower Species from North Queensland,

RIRDC Publication No. 03/043 Australian Rainforest Conservation Society, 2004, ‘The South-East Queensland Forests Agreement’,

[Online] Available at http://www.rainforest.rog.au/seqfa/htm Barlow, S. & Haigh, A. 1997, A Guide to the Nutritional Needs of Some Proteaceae, RIRDC Research

Paper Series No 97/38 Cannon, A. & McConchie, R. 2001, Controlling Leaf Blackening in Protea, RIRDC Publication No.

01/098 Cresswell, G.C. & Weir, R.G. 1997, Plant Nutrient Disorders 5 - Ornamental Plants and Shrubs,

Inkata Press, Melbourne Gollnow, B. 1999, Getting Started in Native Flower Production, NSW Agriculture Publications,

Orange, NSW Radke, A., Radke, P., Sankowsky, N. & Sankowsky, G. 1993, Growing Australian Tropical Plants,

Frith & Frith Books, Australia Western Australia Department of Conservation and Land Management, 2004, ‘Protecting our plants’,

Nature Base, [Online] Available at http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/plants_animals/protecting-flora.html

Williamson, V.G., Faragher, J., Parsons, S. & Franz, P. 2002, Inhibiting the Postharvest Wounding

Response in Wildflowers, RIRDC Publication No. 02/114 Wrigely, J.W. & Fagg, M. 1989, Banksias, Waratahs and Grevilleas and All Other Plants in the

Australian Proteaceae Family, Collins, Sydney