Preliminary evaluation of some medicinal herbs

Background: Following the Keane Report, entitled "Export market opportunities in the USA for natural plant extracts", a number of crops were selected as worthy of consideration, and this project is an evaluation of some of those crops deemed to have the most potential.

Objectives: The project will pursue the development and commercialisation of one or more species of medicinal herbs that are being investigated and deliver comparative data to the stakeholders on the growth and marketable yield of the species investigated.

Work undertaken to date: The Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research in conjunction with Botanical Resources Australia, initially identified a number of species that could be investigated. Following the World Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in July 2001 and subsequent discussions with industry representatives, four species were chosen for trialing in Tasmanian conditions. These being Astragalus membranaceus, Vaccinium myrtillus, Stevia rebaudiana and Tanacetum parthenium. The project has acquired lines from several individuals and companies from within Australia, Europe, North America and Asia who have interests in medicinal herb production. As opportunities have arisen. further acquisition of genetic material bas continued. During the 2001-2002 growing season three lines Astragalus membranaceus have been established in replicated field trials at Forthside Vegetable Research Station, along with field plots of Stevia rebaudiana. Two lines of Vaccinium myrtillus are being greenhouse reared at Stoney Rise Government Centre in preparation for the 2002-2003 growing season, as are four more Stevia lines, three Tanacerum lines and a further Astragalus line. Botanical Resources Australia have grown field plots of one variety of Tanacetum during the 200 1-2002 season.