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| Photo courtesy DPI and F |
Scientists from Queensland's Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) have evolved a new variety of plum that combines visual appeal and luscious taste with health-giving antioxidants.
The plum trees could be available in commercial quantities in a year's time with DPI&F currently applying for plant breeders rights to ensure the department shares in any commercial rewards.
A 100 gram antioxidant plum contains 250 milligrams of anthocyanins, the natural qualities of plants that have antioxidant properties. That's more than double the average daily intake in western diets.
Studies suggest anthocyanins help prevent many age-related diseases and there are claims that they slow the ageing process.
Researcher Dougal Russell said the initial hybrids were developed at Applethorpe in south-east Queensland in 1998 and fruit from those trees has been evaluated every year since.
This year 2000 antioxidant plum trees were planted on Queensland's Granite Belt and a further 500 were planted in Western Australia. Next year 1000 trees will be planted in Victoria as the evaluation process moves closer to realising the new variety's commercial potential.
Tests will take place early next year to determine how well and for how long the fruit will travel before deteriorating in quality.
The plums are also being tested by DPI&F's commercial partners in Europe to provide counter-seasonal supplies in the northern and southern hemispheres, and there is potential for sales in Asia.
dougal.russell@dpi.qld.gov.au Last reviewed 19 January 2006