WildFlowers Australia - R&D project summaries and links - completed projects and projects underway

What project was that?

Completed and current R&D project snapshots and links

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In the following sections, details of completed projects funded since 2000 under the RIRDC Wildflowers and Native Plants R&D Plans (2000- 2005 and 2008-2013) and the New and Emerging Plant Industries R&D Program since 2015 (wildflowers are now included in this program) are presented in several tables.

While this project information can be found on the RIRDC website (www.rirdc.gov.au), projects have been sorted here into groupings of relevance to growers, plant breeders and growers, florists and other industry supply chain members. This aims to make research outcomes more accessible to industry members, leading to increased awareness and adoption of this knowledge and information.

Links to final reports and publications are included.

Updated May 2017

Creating an updated product range and mix

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Many projects have developed new products or varieties, either through a dedicated breeding program or by selecting improved forms occurring in the wild or in plantations.

This research has developed many species found within Australia’s rich and diverse flora for commercial uses, long identified as the Australian industry’s chief competitive advantage and supports the need identified in 2000 to update the industry product range and mix. It also aims to improve the industry’s position in current and emerging markets.

Almost 30 genera have received attention since 2000 and several required a succession of projects to progress research knowledge and their economic potential.

Some of this research includes new varieties developed during the previous five year program, where final research reports and grower manuals where published in 2000 and 2001.

Some projects had to develop ways of successfully propagating the plants in order to progress the crop development work. This knowledge in turn has assisted commercial nurseries and growers to multiply up large numbers of identical plants by vegetative propagation or by grafting desired varieties onto a rootstock more suited to local conditions. Other projects developed new technologies developed that may potentially 'short cut' the breeding and selection process, for example, by using 'in vitro' methods to create new genetic combinations.

The projects are listed in alphabetical order of the crop’s botanical name; projects that included several genera are listed at the end.

Projects aimed at creating an updated product range and mix May 2017.pdf

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Solving problems or improving aspects of on-farm production to promote profitable and sustainable production and management systems

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Some projects have focussed on solving specific production issues, such as quality of nursery plants, efficient irrigation and canopy management.

Other projects adapted horticultural knowledge for native plants, developing new ways for rapid multiplication of identical plants, and for grafting desired varieties onto a rootstock more suited to local conditions.

Preliminary information has been collected on the carbon footprint of wildflower crops.

Crop production and management May 2017.pdf

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Improving the quality of wildflower products

Several projects aimed to solve specific quality issues, especially during the postharvest stage.

Improving the quality of wildflower products May 2017.pdf

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Enhancing the market position and/or profitability of the wildflowers and native plants industry.

Several projects looked at ways of helping growers to improve their profitability, by focussing on their on-farm inputs or by a more strategic selection of products to grow. Another provided information to florists to improve their use of wildflower products. Others aimed to collect useful industry statistics on the industry or to evaluate particular markets or strategic directions. RIRDC supported several conferences that aimed to share knowledge within the industry and introduce new ideas.

Enhanced market position and profitability May 2017.pdf

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New industry publications

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Several projects produced a booklet or manual which includes more extensive information than would normally be included in a final report. These are presented in a format suitable for industry members.

Industry publications developed by projects May 2017.pdf

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Projects on waxflower (Chamelaucium)

Waxflower was one of the first Australian species commercialised for cut flower production. It is now an important product within the world floriculture trade, grown in several countries. Australia leads the way in the development of new varieties and improved production systems.

Projects on waxflower May 2017.pdf

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Projects related to floristry

Several projects have focussed on raising awareness of the diversity of Australian grown wildflowers and provide information about how florists can use and care for them.

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R&D projects sorted according to Wildflowers and Native Plants (WNP) R&D Plan objectives and goals

Details and links to final publications for the projects in the tables below are available according to the main theme elsewhere in this section.

They are listed here under the objectives and goals set for the relevant wildflower and new and emerging plant industries R&D plans, to show how they collectively aim to assist and develop the Australian wildflowers and native plants industry.

Completed projects sorted according to R&D plan objectives and goals May 2017.pdf