Could research into eye health lead to more commercial production for orange capsicums?
A research project underway in Queensland has been able to link compounds found in orange capsicums to long term eye health, potentially paving the way for more growth and consumption in Australia in the future.
As part of the Queensland Alliance for Agricultural and Food Innovation (QAAFI), PhD student Rimjhim Agarwal from the University of Queensland is assessing orange capsicums and chillies for zeaxanthin concentration, which is vital for central vision. The study is being done as part of a Hort Innovation project, called ‘Naturally Nutritious’. It’s been good to determine that nearly all orange capsicums are good sources of zeaxanthin, Associate Professor Tim O’Hare said. Ms Agarwal is currently looking more deeply into the genetics and cell physiology of why some fruit have more zeaxanthin than others, whether this is due to more zeaxanthin being produced, or more storage capab
Macadamia researchers are breeding thinner shells for bigger kernels and tougher husks for resisting pests.
The University of Queensland’s Professor Bruce Topp said these combined attributes would boost Australia’s $270 million industry, which earns $190 million in export income annually.
“Two thirds of every harvested kilogram is in the weight of the macadamias’ extremely tough shells. That’s a lot of wasted productivity,” Professor Topp said.
“The goal for many growers is to produce less shell and more kernel from each nut but with the shell still tough enough to resist pests.”
Macadamias are native to south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales but are grown commercially in places including Hawaii, South Africa and Brazil.
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Orange capsicums help combat blindness but you won t find them easily in shops
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The orange pigment in orange capsicums is the source of a blindness-busting compound.
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Introducing orange capsicums to the menu would address deficiencies of a chemical compound which helps prevent Australia s leading cause of blindness but hardly any Australian farmers are growing them.
Key points:
One in seven people aged over 50 have signs of macular degeneration
A lack of demand for orange capsicums has led to a lack of supply
Research by the University of Queensland (UQ) has found orange capsicums are by far the richest source of the orange pigment zeaxanthin, a carotenoid which accumulates in the back of the eyes to protect against blue light and, therefore, macular degeneration.