Research Achievements
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Business Planning
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Water & Energy
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Climate Change
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Pest & Diseases
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Production & Post Harvest
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Industry Development
BUSINESS PLANNING
Cut Flowers Best Practice Guide
The Cut Flowers Best Practice Guide has been produced to improve sustainable farm management and provide information, references and contacts for growers. It is a guide to the farm practices and business operations necessary for cut flower production, outlining options for enterprises to consider depending on their specific circumstances.
Cost and Profit Calculator for Cut Flower Growers
The Cost and Profit Calculator is a decision support tool that will assist cut flower growers to accurately cost their products leading to better financial decision making during the marketing process.
WATER AND ENERGY
Determining Optimum Irrigation Scheduling Techniques for Key Wildflower Crops
This project investigated the water use requirements and irrigation scheduling of two common plantation-grown wildflower crops, Protea cv. ´Pink Ice´ and Ceratopetalum gummiferum (Christmas bush). A literature review was conducted on existing information and previous research carried out in relation to the water requirements of wildflower crops. A handbook on the irrigation of wildflower crops is also currently being developed.
- Lit Review
Using Mulch on Commercial Native Cut Flower Crops
The potential of mulch to improve the water use efficiency and productivity of in-ground native flower production was investigated, using Christmas bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum) as a case study. Read more...
Use of Artificial Lights in Cut Flower Production
As part of the Industrial Affiliates Program (IAP), a student project was conducted to investigate the effects of changes from incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps within the cut flower industry. For more infomration read the lighting fact sheet
South East Queensland Irrigation Futures
Through the South East Queensland - Irrigation Futures program (SEQ-IF2), FAQI is assisting growers to optimise on-farm natural resource management and water use efficiency, particularly through efficient irrigation practices.
Rural Water Use Efficiency
The Rural Water Use Efficiency initiative (RWUE4) is funded by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) to assist flower producers in far north Queensland to optimise water and energy use efficiency.
CLIMATE CHANGE
The Queensland Cut Flower Industry and Climate Change
This publication reviews the issue of climate change in relation to cut flower and foliage production and considers the ways in which climate change may affect how flowers are produced and marketed in the future. Read more...
PESTS AND DISEASES
Western Flower Thrips
Western Flower Thrips is a major pest of vegetables and ornamental crops worldwide. A project was conducted to examine the biology and biological control of the pest on gerberas, chrysanthemums and roses.
PRODUCTION AND POSTHARVEST
Cut Flower and Foliage Industry Pesticide Gap Analysis
The availability of safe and effective crop protection products for minor uses in the cut flower and foliage industry was explored, in particular, ‘reduced chemistry’ options. The project has led to a better understanding of the chemical requirements of the cut flower industry and an increased awareness of grower priorities.
Vase Life Testing and Benchmarking Cut Flower Freshness and Quality
Vase life is an important characteristic of cut flower and foliage products. As part of the Industrial Affiliates Program (IAP), the Flower Association of Queensland Inc. in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry sponsored an Environmental Science student from Griffith University to undertake a vase life testing trial. The aim of the project was to conduct preliminary vase life tests on chrysanthemum, rose and lisianthus flowers under controlled conditions whilst also incorporating time lapse photography to demonstrate the rate of decline in flower quality.
INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
Queensland Cut Flower Industry Development Unit
The Industry Development Unit focusses on three main areas: project management, information products and services, and interactive group activities. Denyse Corner leads the Industry Development Unit and is Executive Officer of the Flower Association of Queensland Inc (FAQI). The activities of the Unit can be reviewed on FAQI’s Facebook page.
Market Development for the Queensland flower industry
This project involves communication, market development and capacity building activities to stimulate demand for flowers, foliages and flowering plants for the advancement of the floriculture industry in Queensland.
Australian Flower Council
FAQI is a collaborator on the Australian Flower Council (AFC), which was formed in 2011 and is committed to building strong industry capacity which is necessary to make a real difference to the sustainability of the Australian cut flower and foliage industry.
Australian Flower Industry Magazine
The Australian Flower Industry magazine is exclusively published for the floriculture industry in Australia and New Zealand and is the flagship publication of FAQI. It contains a range of articles and information written by recognised industry experts specifically addressing the needs of the Australian cut flower and foliage industry.
Flower Industry Careers Guide
A Careers Guide is being developed to provide information for school leavers and new industry entrants on career opportunities associated with the diverse Australian cut flower and foliage industry. Link to article “Grow your future in the floriculture industry”, Australian Flower Industry magazine December 2012 issue 37
Do you have any project ideas for future industry research?
Your ideas for future industry research and business development projects. You provide us with the ideas and we will explore the funding possibilities. faqi@flowersqueensland.asn.au
Project Ideas