Program

New and Emerging Plant Industries

Research Organisation

University of Tasmania

Objective Summary

The production of French lavender oil conforming to the ISO standard is possible only if suitable clones are harvested at the appropriate time. The primary objective of this proposal is to screen the available lavender germplasm for those clones producing oils of a desirable composition. These will be used to establish a nursery of elite mother stock from which material will be available for future industry expansion. Optimum harvest date for each clone will be determined by monitoring changes in oil composition through the season. The industry partner will conduct a field trial to determine the feasibility of a more intensive production system with increased nitrogen and irrigation inputs. The university will undertake the monitoring of oil yield andquality from this trial.