NSW research on Asian vegetables has found dipping them in hot water after harvest could lengthen shelf life.
The Department of Industry and Investment's Dr Jenny Ekman said hot water killed disease-causing micro-organisms and made the vegetables more resistant to chilling damage while in cold storage.
Climate of change for wine
SCIENTISTS are investigating how climate change could affect the quality of Victorian wine.
The Department of Primary Industries is investigating the impact increasing temperatures are having on wine grape varieties, including chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.
The project will also look at the conditions grape growers will be likely to face in 30 years.
DPI scientist Mark Downey said the four-year study was aimed at avoiding potential future slumps in wine production and quality.
AUSVEG National Convention
FORMER Governor-General Michael Jeffery will be the keynote speaker at the AUSVEG National Convention in May.
Following his retirement, Maj-Gen Jeffery has taken up rural issues as chairman of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Early-bird rates are available for registration for the conference, to be held on the Gold Coast from May 27-30.
- Send your horticulture news to Sandra Godwin, The Weekly Times, PO Box 1728, Swan Hill 3585, email godwins@theweeklytimes.com.au or fax to (03) 5032 9352.
