Abstract
Quandong (Santalum acuminatum [R.Br.] A.DC.) has a deep-rooted presence in Australia’s ecological and
cultural history. The Indigenous Peoples of Australia, one of the world’s oldest living continuous cultures,
have utilised quandong for over 50,000 years. The historical significance of quandong is further highlighted
by the discovery of its fossilized remains in Southern Victoria, dating back 40 million years, indicating its
long-standing presence in the region. Research on quandong has a long and varied history, being one of the
first bushfoods in Australia to undergo scientific scrutiny. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation (CSIRO) has played a pivotal role in this regard since 1973, focusing on developing
commercially viable quandong cultivars. The fruits of this research have led to the creation of varieties like
‘Powell’s No. 1’ and ‘Frahn’s Paringa Gem’. Despite these developments and the continued interest in the
quandong industry, there are significant impediments to its growth. These include environmental challenges,
pests and diseases and a lack of advanced eco-physiological and agronomic understanding, all of which are
essential for establishing a sustainable and profitable quandong production industry. This paper discusses the
agronomic challenges in developing quandongs as an emerging industry.
cultural history. The Indigenous Peoples of Australia, one of the world’s oldest living continuous cultures,
have utilised quandong for over 50,000 years. The historical significance of quandong is further highlighted
by the discovery of its fossilized remains in Southern Victoria, dating back 40 million years, indicating its
long-standing presence in the region. Research on quandong has a long and varied history, being one of the
first bushfoods in Australia to undergo scientific scrutiny. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation (CSIRO) has played a pivotal role in this regard since 1973, focusing on developing
commercially viable quandong cultivars. The fruits of this research have led to the creation of varieties like
‘Powell’s No. 1’ and ‘Frahn’s Paringa Gem’. Despite these developments and the continued interest in the
quandong industry, there are significant impediments to its growth. These include environmental challenges,
pests and diseases and a lack of advanced eco-physiological and agronomic understanding, all of which are
essential for establishing a sustainable and profitable quandong production industry. This paper discusses the
agronomic challenges in developing quandongs as an emerging industry.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Adaptive agronomy for a resilient future |
| Subtitle of host publication | Proceedings of the 21st Australian Society of Agronomy Conference |
| Publisher | Australian Society of Agronomy |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - 21 Oct 2024 |
| Event | 21st Australian Agronomy Conference 2024 - Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany, Australia Duration: 21 Oct 2024 → 24 Oct 2024 https://agronomyconference.com/ https://agronomyconference.com/program/ (Program) https://www.agronomyaustraliaproceedings.org/index.php/home/2-uncategorised/882-aafrf2024 (Proceedings) |
Conference
| Conference | 21st Australian Agronomy Conference 2024 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Adaptive agronomy for a resilient future |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Albany |
| Period | 21/10/24 → 24/10/24 |
| Internet address |
