Development of an internationally competitive saffron industry

Summary

To develop management strategies and chemical analysis protocols to maximize saffron quality and ensure the Australian product meets ISO standard. To identify potential perfume products from waste flowers after stigma removal and establish viable extraction protocols for these products. The 2 objectives above will be achieved through a detailed knowledge of the chemistry of carotenoid degradation in Crocus. This will occur by applying both current knowledge of this chemistry in the stigmas (leading to saffron biosynthesis) and by the new knowledge gained from the study of this chemistry in the petals. To investigate the content of colchicine and its glucoside in waste bulbs and then establish viable extraction protocols for it's commercial use. Work closely with management and marketing arm of TasSaff. Pty.Ltd. to apply new technology to the current product and facilitate introduction of new products to the market

Program

New and Emerging Plant Industries

Research Organisation

University of Tasmania

Objective Summary

To develop management strategies and chemical analysis protocols to maximize saffron quality and ensure the Australian product meets ISO standard. To identify potential perfume products from waste flowers after stigma removal and establish viable extraction protocols for these products. The 2 objectives above will be achieved through a detailed knowledge of the chemistry of carotenoid degradation in Crocus. This will occur by applying both current knowledge of this chemistry in the stigmas (leading to saffron biosynthesis) and by the new knowledge gained from the study of this chemistry in the petals. To investigate the content of colchicine and its glucoside in waste bulbs and then establish viable extraction protocols for it's commercial use. Work closely with management and marketing arm of TasSaff. Pty.Ltd. to apply new technology to the current product and facilitate introduction of new products to the market