CQUniversity Australia - Stevia Research

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Stevia Research

Stevia Research - Research on Stevia Rebaudiana (steviol glycosides)

Sanitarium and CQUniversity, Australia (CQU) sponsored a higher degree (MSc) scholarship and this student is currently undertaking research with Stevia rebaudiana - the plant which produces steviol glycosides, the natural intense sweetener that is expected to become the preferred sweetener for weight-loss, diabetic and reduced calorie foods and beverages. The research is aimed to assist and enhance future plant variety selection programs and the growing of high quality stevia leaf in Australia.

This Stevia research project is being undertaken at Rockhampton, Central Queensland. The research/study will concern the agronomy and plant physiology of issues such as leaf growth, glycoside production, flowering and seed production of stevia under a range of climatic conditions.

The main objectives and research avenues proposed for this project (Stevia Research):

Undertaking of plant physiology and basic management practice studies to determine factors (including stresses) that influence or control flowering, glycoside accumulation, ratoon performance and total yield to optimise crop returns. These studies will include nutrient deficiency symptoms, irrigation and water tolerance and time of flowering and will identify criteria to use when selecting elite plants for seed production.

Stevia Sweetener Gets Approval in Australia

Stevia, the natural sweetener scientifically known as steviol glycosides, has finally been approved as an ingredient in both foods and beverages in New Zealand and Australia after CQUniversity researched the sweetener for almost a decade and submitted their findings for four years. In early October 2008, FSANZ, the Australian food authority, has finally approved stevia.