Increasing returns to Kakadu Plum growers through improved pollination

Plant and Food Research Australia Pty Ltd

  • Project code: PRJ-012496

  • Project stage: Closed

  • Project start date: Sunday, February 7, 2021

  • Project completion date: Tuesday, August 30, 2022

  • National Priority: NEI - New and Emerging Industries - SM1

Summary

Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum aka Gubinge) is native to Northern regions of Australia, and is known to contain high concentrations of bioactive compounds, as such it has significant economic value as a super food and key ingredient of nutraceuticals. There is no published information on the floral biology or pollination requirements of T. ferdinandiana. Pollination in tree crops is a major determinant of yield and fruit quality (including the concentrations of bioactives). Emerging Kakadu Plum growers have identified variable yields and quality as a limitation to industry expansion and attribute much of this to poor pollination and fruit set.

 
Plant & Food Research (PFR) proposes to undertake research in collaboration with industry stakeholders to gain a greater understanding of pollination and fruit set in Kakadu Plum.

Program

New and Emerging Industries

Research Organisation

Plant and Food Research Australia Pty Ltd

Objective Summary

To provide the Kakadu Plum industry with knowledge and tools to help optimise pollination and fruit set. And thereby remove one of the grower identified limitations to industry expansion.