Domestication of wattles with edible seeds for the wheatbelt of Western Australia

M W McDonald; B R Maslin; Lex Thomson

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Domestication of wattles with edible seeds for the wheatbelt of Western Australia

Journal article

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Domestication of wattles with edible seeds for the wheatbelt of Western Australia

M W McDonald, B R Maslin and Lex Thomson

Conservation Science Western Australia, Vol.4(3), pp.170-180

2002

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Abstract

cultivation

domestication

edible species

food supply

seed

Anthochaera

This paper reviews species with potential for edible wattle seed production for the wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It identifies that market demand for seed products is a major constraint to any large-scale plantings aimed specifically at wattle seed production. Comprehensive analyses of seeds for anti-nutritional or toxic components and taste appraisals of newly targeted species are also an imperative. To date there has been insufficient research to guarantee uniformity and consistency of seed yield using wattles new to domestication. These issues must be addressed if economic gain from growing edible wattles is to be achieved. In the meantime the most significant benefit from cultivating them will be to incorporate them into plantings aimed at ameliorating land degradation. Attributes and relevant details are presented for 22 endemic species considered the most promising for the production of seed for human food in the wheatbelt of Western Australia. Four of these species, namely, A. anthochaera, A. microbotrya, A. murrayana, A. saligna and A. victoriae, were considered the best prospects and are discussed in detail.

Details

Title: Domestication of wattles with edible seeds for the wheatbelt of Western Australia
Authors: M W McDonald (Author) - Australian Tree Seed Centre
B R Maslin (Author) - Department of Conservation and Land Management Western Australia
Lex Thomson (Author) - Australian Tree Seed Centre
Publication details: Conservation Science Western Australia, Vol.4(3), pp.170-180
Publisher: Western Australia Department of Conservation and Land Management
Date published: 2002
ISSN: 1447-3682
Organisation Unit: Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450548602621
Output Type: Journal article

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