Summary

RIRDC project 004905 Agronomic and Extraction Parameters for Centipeda cunninghamii Production achieved a number of useful outcomes: in particular that it could be successfully grown in a number of south eastern Victorian locations; that there were superior phenotypes; that there were advantages in multiple harvesting as opposed to a single harvest; and a limited range of pests and diseases were identified. It recommended that future work:
• evaluate the two superior selections of Centipeda more widely for yield and level of bioactive compounds, especially in other locations in Victoria and southern states, with further selection within these phenotypes taking place.
• source other selections of Centipeda from its wide distribution and evaluate these both in central-south Victoria and other locations.
• screen current and new selections for their resistance/tolerance to chrysanthemum white rust and other future identified pests and diseases.
• conduct investigations into manipulating flowering synchrony, to optimise time of harvest and thus to maximum yield of bioactive compounds, particularly the flavonoids.
• further investigate multiple harvesting (even more than the 2 harvests we found to be superior) with a view to evaluating whether Centipeda can be grown and multiple harvested as a short-term perennial crop.
The proposed project aims to tackle these issues, which are also consistent with the Industry partner’s views. The key project activities, the years over which these activities will be conducted and responsible people are:
1. Optimisation of flowering/synchronisation of flowering- multiple harvests (2 – 3), manipulation of daylength (3 – 4), perennial crops with multiple harvests (2 – 4), hormonal manipulation (4). (TH, DL, FvdK).
2. New growing locations, Loddon Valley Central Vic, North Coast NSW, linked with 7. (2 – 4) (RSH)
3. Monitor pests and diseases in different locations, tolerance/susceptibility to chrysanthemum white rust (2 – 4)

Program

New and Emerging Plant Industries

Research Organisation

Western Sydney University

Objective Summary

The main objectives of this project are to:
1. Optimise the yield of material containing bioactives in Centipeda cunninghamii.
2. Collect and evaluate an increased selection of germplasm with the view to widening the range of production locations.
3. Determine the environmental effects on flowering and production of bioactives in Centipeda cunninghamii.
4. Evaluate methods to manipulate the production of flowers and bioactivies in Centipeda cunninghamii.
5. To facilitate the development of a grower network for the purpose of disseminating information and providing a basis for future industry development.