Summary

This project contribution to the CRC-P beign delivered by Southern Cross University represents a research investment to a broader collaboration on behalf of tea tree growers and industry. It is relevant that ATTIA Ltd. act as project coordinator to ensure the key purpose and deliverables are closely aligned to industry needs whilst delivering on the Tea Tree Oil RDE Plan 2017-22.
Project summary: this project addresses the slow response time of bringing product changes to market through plant breeding and production of tea tree oil. Cloning genetic material with desirable characteristics for low methyl-eugenol content in the production of cosmetics and topical agents will ensure levels are delivered below legislated safety thresholds for key markets.

Program

Tea Tree Oil

Research Organisation

ATTIA Ltd

Objective Summary

Project objectives:
1. Deliver tea tree cultivars that discriminate oil product with low methyl-eugenol content that facilitates free market access to regulated markets such as Europe.
2. Demonstrate for the tea tree oil industry agility in being adaptive to future challenges like market preference for ‘greener’ products through practices using less chemical input and less impact on soil and water health.
3. Deliver a low risk, standardised, intergrative propogation and plantation establishment method for tea tree growers using cloning techniques.
4. Deliver 10 to 20 low methyl-eugenol (less than 200 parts per million) clonal hedges derived from elite high-yielding material (450 kg/ha) sourced from the Tea Tree Breeding Program germplasm.