Media Releases

Blackcurrants to help clear the mind

7 May 2013

A new study has shown that an extract of New Zealand blackcurrants enriched in anthocyanins can help people stay more alert, reduce mental fatigue and work with greater accuracy whilst under significant mental stress.

Reducing rubbish by feeding the soil

1 May 2013

Research has shown that everyday kitchen scraps and garden waste can be used to increase the production of farmers' crops and reduce their need for conventional fertilisers.

Enhancing the value of Vietnamese Dragon fruit

22 April 2013

Following the recent success working with fodder crops in Nepal, Plant & Food Research is set to begin collaborating on a new New Zealand Aid Programme funded 5-year project in Viet Nam.

'Fresh Facts' Shows Growth for NZ Horticulture

19 April 2013

New Zealand's horticulture sector continues to grow in spite of recent biological and economic challenges according to the latest edition of 'Fresh Facts'.

Wanted dead or alive: bumblebee nests in the Waikato

6 March 2013

Scientists at Plant & Food Research are looking at where bumblebees like to nest - research that could provide valuable insight for pollinating crops in the Waikato region and beyond.

Meat and three veg diet may offer more than first thought

9 January 2013

New study may offer hope to those who love red meat but worry about the effect it may have on their gut, discovering more about the role vegetables may play in promoting healthy digestion of that next steak.

An apple a day to keep inflammation away?

10 December 2012

New research suggests that apples may be good for the millions of people worldwide suffering from inflammatory diseases.

New insect to patrol apple orchards

1 November 2012

New Zealand pipfruit growers are enhancing their management options for one of the key pests for the pipfruit industry - the codling moth.

Get more from your veges with vitalvegetables®

15 October 2012

Consumers who want to be sure they're getting the most from their food will now be able to buy vegetables with greater understanding of the healthy nutrients they contain.

Surprising differences between apples and pears

2 October 2012

Analysis of the genome sequence of the fruit known as 'the gift of the gods' has shown that pears have some surprising differences to apple at the DNA level.