Crops & Flowers
New Thinking
Commercial science benefits NZ
Plant & Food researcher wins first ever MacDiarmid Award for research with the most potential for commercialisation.
$1m project to tap native plant potential
Flavours used in traditional Maori cooking – and possibly some brand-new flavours – could soon enter trendy cuisine and earn export dollars.
New food concepts research leader at Crop & Food Research
Dr Lee Huffman is the newly appointed Research Leader for Food Concepts at Crop & Food Research. Dr Huffman brings to the role her experience in developing and commercialising protein ingredients, sports nutrition beverages and snack bars and taking them to market.
Science for the future
New Zealand's future as a food exporting nation depends on producing top quality raw materials and products - backed by the best possible production systems and innovative products that meet international demands, says Chris Downs of Crop & Food Research.
Ginseng to tempt Asia market
People have been "dabbling" in ginseng in New Zealand since at least the 1970s, says Graeme Parmenter, who heads Crop & Food Research's ginseng programme.
Maori scholarship awarded
Crop & Food Research has awarded Neola Whalley a Maori Scholarship to assist the development of best practice organic farming on the East Coast.
New fruits needed to fight snack food threat
HortResearch believes new fruit varieties will play a key role in ensuring fruit remains a key part of a health, balanced diet.
New pipfruit varieties set to excite Europe
HortResearch and industry join forces to take New Zealand innovation to the European apple and pear market.
New glasshouses to fight invasive species
The establishment of state-of-the-art glasshouses at AgResearch's Ruakura campus will help combat invasive species that threaten New Zealand's pastorally-based economy.
The apple of Europe’s eye?
Healthy lifestyles, based on what we eat, is the coming thing. New Zealand’s leadership is recognized by having Crown Research Institute HortResearch as one of only two bodies outside the EU in a “farm to fork” programme seeking to deliver the taste, texture and nutrition EU consumers want.
New Science
New potato technology presented at World Potato Congress
Potato growers in New Zealand and overseas are set to save hundreds of thousands of dollars thanks to new technology developed by scientists at Plant & Food Research.
Genetic data promises new future for kiwifruit
Kiwifruit lovers can look forward to new, novel forms of their favourite fruit thanks to the release this week of crucial genetic data which fruit breeders say will help them naturally breed new varieties with increased health properties and exciting colours and flavours.
Sumptuous Summerfruit targets European market niche
A $4m dollar investment in HortResearch science hopes to open a new export market for New Zealand apricots worth $15m each year.
$7.2 research investment backs fruit's healthy image
Research into new health products made with fruit extracts, as well as studies to support development and expansion of New Zealand's global kiwifruit and apple markets are among science programmes to benefit from a multi-million dollar investment package announced this month
Top NZ Kiwifruit Scientist Honoured
HortResearch scientist Dr Ross Ferguson, renowned as a world authority on kiwifruit biology, has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contribution to the kiwifruit industry.
No more free lunch for caterpillars
Crop and Food Research is seeking permission to trial caterpillar resistant cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli and forage kale.
Fruit challenges dairy for gut health
HortResearch's world breaking science around added health benefits from fruit may see the traditional dairy dominance of gut health foods challenged, as fruits' prebiotic properties lead to new functional foods.
New Value
$35.7 million investment in kiwifruit research consortium
The Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, Minister of Research Science and Technology, has announced a $35.7 million dollar investment into a seven-year ZESPRI/Plant & Food Research programme to develop new kiwifruit varieties.
Plant & Food Research will partner with ZESPRI and the Foundation of Research, Science and Technology to form the world’s largest and most significant research and development (R&D) programme into new kiwifruit varieties.
Plant & Food Research will partner with ZESPRI and the Foundation of Research, Science and Technology to form the world’s largest and most significant research and development (R&D) programme into new kiwifruit varieties.
AmaizeN tool launched
After three years of development and comprehensive in-field testing, a new crop management tool for maize grain and silage production is available.
Exotic new mushroom crop commercially harvested
Throw together top scientists from Crop & Food Research, mix in a company prepared to invest in an exotic new crop, and you have got a recipe for a brand new export industry.
Science takes NZ spuds to the world
With the help of Crop & Food Research, New Zealand has built up an $80 million export business in fresh potato and processed potato products like frozen French fries.
Environment-friendly tools for lettuce growers
Lettuce growers have a number of practical new tools at their disposal thanks to a large science programme involving entomologists from Crop & Food Research.
International award for New Zealand technology
A lure for thrips, an insect pest that targets onion, capsicum and aubergine crops, developed at Crop & Food Research in partnership with colleagues from the Netherlands, has won an innovation award at an international horticultural exhibition.
Scientists breed varroa 'resistant' bees
A sustainable and cost-effective tool to control the varroa mite may soon be available to New Zealand beekeepers thanks to the efforts of scientists at the Crown Research Institute, HortResearch.
Orchid industry anticipates automation boost
Automation and machinery may seem an anathema when considering the delicate and ethereal beauty of the orchid. But an Auckland orchid grower is endeavouring to bring the two together to create a more high-tech and efficient orchid export industry for New Zealand.
Making red lilies bloom earlier for Christmas markets
The bright red Opal lily cultivars can be sold into the lucrative Christmas markets around the world thanks to work by a Crop & Food Research scientist who has discovered how to make it flower several weeks earlier.
Potato growers invest in future capability
New Zealand’s potato growers are investing for the future by launching four new PhD research programmes for postgraduate students. The students will be recruited to work on specific projects with the country’s leading potato and potato disease scientists at Crop & Food Research.
