Agronomic processes to optimise galanthamine content of daffodil biomass (AGROGAL)

This project aims to build on a previous one-year study undertaken by Alzeim in collaboration with IGER, where the feasibility of Narcissus cultivation was considered under selected environmental regimes and at different harvest dates (Morris et al 05). At that time, the economic returns were forecast to be only moderate, since pharmaceuticals containing galanthamine were protected by patents and API levels were quite low allied to high extraction and transport costs. Formulations containing the API are now generic and the research detailed in this proposal will build on sequential harvesting of different Narcissus tissues, containing significantly higher galanthamine levels, already piloted at Alzeim. The findings and research that will be addressed within this project will seek to further drive down costs by applying the latest biorefinery principles, coupled to entirely novel harvest and extraction regimes, which are then allied to developments in agronomy, choice of plant genetic resources and savings through reduced transport of feedstocks. Sales of the biorefinery 'side-streams' should result in spin-off benefits to the local economy through supply of products to support the tourism industry (perfume, paper, wax). Although focused on the objective of maximising the alkaloid content of daffodils, the research will also provide information that can be directly utilised by flower growers and indirectly by other producers seeking to use plants as sources of secondary metabolites. Specifically, the research will demonstrate the response required from growers to climate change. The innovative qualitative models produced by the research should capture all pre-existing knowledge and provide coherent tests of the results of the various trials. In addition, they should provide the foundation for models for analogous systems. The qualitative models should enable prospective growers to determine the expected returns on their investments.

This project will build on a previous one-year study undertaken by Alzeim in collaboration with IGER, where the feasibility of Narcissus cultivation was considered under selected environmental regimes and at different harvest dates (Morris et al 05). At that time, the economic returns were forecast to be only moderate, since pharmaceuticals containing galanthamine were protected by patents and API levels were quite low allied to high extraction and transport costs. Formulations containing the API are now generic and the research detailed in this proposal will build on sequential harvesting of different Narcissus tissues, containing significantly higher galanthamine levels, already piloted at Alzeim. The findings and research that will be addressed within this project will seek to further drive down costs by applying the latest biorefinery principles, coupled to entirely novel harvest and extraction regimes, which are then allied to developments in agronomy, choice of plant genetic resources and savings through reduced transport of feedstocks. Sales of the biorefinery 'side-streams' should result in spin-off benefits to the local economy through supply of products to support the tourism industry (perfume, paper, wax). Although focused on the objective of maximising the alkaloid content of daffodils, the research will also provide information that can be directly utilised by flower growers and indirectly by other producers seeking to use plants as sources of secondary metabolites. Specifically, the research will demonstrate the response required from growers to climate change. The innovative qualitative models produced by the research should capture all pre-existing knowledge and provide coherent tests of the results of the various trials. In addition, they should provide the foundation for models for analogous systems. The qualitative models should enable prospective growers to determine the expected returns on their investments.

This partnership is very well placed to provide the necessary know-how to enable farmers to produce the crop to required industrial specifications. NIAB has members associated with high affiliation of arable and horticultural growers. Alzeim has a well co-ordinated network of growers and farm specialists within Wales with whom the Consortium will place contracts and ensure a scientifically- led development of the crop. Grower guides and demonstrations plots will be made available via specialist meetings and workshops, such as Members Days at NIAB and choice of cultivars and production methods will be published as part of the NIAB publication set when the crop is at a suitable stage of development. Meetings and workshops will be held to demonstrate the potential of this crop to meet the requirements of farmers, processors and the food companies. These will include the NNFCC at York and other bodies. It is probable that upland growers will be the first to participate and benefit, but when the `Black Mountains Effect' is understood it is hoped that growing can be extended to other altitudes and areas.