New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science abstracts
Preliminary investigation of the suitability of Cordyline australis
(Asphodelaceae) as a crop for fructose production
W. HARRIS
Manaaki Whenua--Landcare Research
P. O. Box 69
Lincoln, New Zealand
J. D. MANN*
New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food
Research Limited
Private Bag 4704
Christchurch, New Zealand
*Present address: Jay D Mann & Assoc, 21 Hurunui Street, Cracroft,
Christchurch 2, New Zealand.
Abstract A trial exploring the potential of the New Zealand
species Cordyline australis (ti kouka) as a modern-day annual crop for
fructose production was conducted. Plants of four wild provenances were grown
at densities of 2 500, 10 000, and 40 000 plants/ha for 1 year after
transplanting. Maximum fructose yields for the provenances evaluated were
estimated to be 4 t/ha at densities of 80 000 plants/ha. There is scope to
improve yield and harvest index by selection of variation present in wild
populations. The traditional Maori practise of coppicing C. australis as
a perennial stem crop may be a better option than growing the species as an
annual crop. Consideration of fructose syrup taste, byproducts, regional and
ethnic associations, and speciality market options suggest that cropping of
C. australis warrants further investigation.
Keywords Cordyline australis; cabbage tree; ti;
fructose; planting density; genetic variation; crop potential; Maori
agriculture
New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, 1994, Vol. 22:
439-451
0114-0671/94/2204-0439 $2.50/0 (c) The Royal Society of New Zealand
1994
PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (1566K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)
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