Asian Foods - RIRDC Completed Projects in 2001-2002 & Research in Progress as at June 2002

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RIRDC Completed Projects in 2001-2002 & Research in Progress as at June 2002
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To Asian foods Research in Progress

2.1 ASIAN FOODS - Completed Projects
PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION

Industry Development

DAQ-270A Industry development for Asian vegetables in north Queensland Mr. Kynan Gooding (07) 4783 2355 Dept of Primary Industries (Qld)

New Products

oAFM-4A Outcomes and market development strategies, processed Asian food projects Dr. Suku Bhaskaran (03) 9216 8066 Australian Food Marketing Centre

Sustainable Production Systems

UT-30A Speciality mushroom production systems: maitake and morels Dr. Caroline Mohammed (03) 6226 2717 University of Tasmania

Shelf Life

DAQ-239A Extending shelf-life of minimally-processed leafy Asian vegetables Dr. Tim O'Hare (07) 5466 2222 Dept of Primary Industries (Qld)

Project Title: Industry development for Asian vegetables in north Queensland

RIRDC Project No: DAQ-270A

Researcher: Kynan Gooding & Vic O’Keefe

Organisation: Queensland Department of Primary Industries

Phone: (07) 4783 2355x

Fax: (07) 4783 3193

Email: okeefev@dpi.qld.gov.au

Objectives The projects objectives are to produce the following: · Coordination and dissemination of results of existing R&D in the Asian vegetable industry / integrate information sharing in North Queensland.
· Improved understanding of the Asian Vegetable Industry and the prospects for wider adoption in North Queensland.
· Promotion of the utilisation of Asian Vegetable farming systems.
· Regional North Queensland Industry Development Seminars illustrating Asian vegetable farming systems.
· The production of information manuals for distribution at the Industry Development Seminars.
· Establishment of a working group to progress Asian Vegetable Industry Development in North Queensland.

Background The existing economy of North Queensland is based primarily on two sectors – primary industries and tourism and will be stronger if it diversifies into other areas. Depressed prices for conventional vegetables produced in the region, changing consumption patterns and the geographical location of North Queensland all lead to the great potential for a viable Asian Vegetable Industry. Diversification will help to provide more jobs, more choice and greater economic stability in the region. X

Research An Industry Advisory Committee was firstly established. Desktop research was conducted to access information from secondary sources on past and current Asian Vegetable research. The QDPI team members also worked closely with industry participants to identify agronomic, economic and market features of the Asian Vegetable industry. From the preliminary research, relevant information was collated for compilation into the Asian Vegetable Industry Information Manuals. Relevant speakers for the Industry Development Seminars were also identified. Regional seminars were conducted in Mackay and Townsville. Four key speakers were allocated an equal amount of time to address the three core topics on the agenda - markets, agronomics and economics. All industry development seminar participants received a copy of the Information Manual.

Outcomes All objectives of the project were met. The seminars were well attended (approx 90 people attended over the two days) and written feedback suggested that the information was well received. A number of growers formed groups in the two regional areas. A group of growers in the North Queensland Tablelands have progressed with on farm trials.

Implications The project has highlighted the strong need for the provision of more information on diversification opportunities and the high level of interest in Asian Vegetable production throughout the North Queensland region.

Project Title: Outcomes and market development strategies, processed Asian food projects

RIRDC Project No: AFM-4A

Researcher: Dr Suku Bhaskaran

Organisation: Australian Food Marketing Centre, Victoria University (Werribee Campus)

Phone: (03) 9216 816216 8162

Fax: (03) 9216 8135

Email: Suku.Bhaskaran@vu.edu.au

Objectives · Identify the extent to which RIRDC Asian Foods R&D projects have been commercialised i.e. whether these projects facilitated the start-up of import replacing and/or export focused ‘Asian food’ industries in Australia.
· Delineate national and community benefits, if any, delivered by RIRDC supported ‘Asian foods’ R&D projects
· Outline the barriers, if any, which constrained the commercialisation of RIRDC supported ‘Asian foods’ R&D projects.

Background In 1993 RIRDC launched its Asian foods R&D program. The program was developed in consultation with producers, processors and the Asian community in Australia. The discussions suggested that increasing numbers of Asian Australians, increasing numbers of Asian tourists in Australia and changes to Australian dietary habits (because of travel and exposure through the media to Asian cuisines and the growing population diversity in the community) were leading to a substantial increase in demand for Asian foods. The consultations also suggested that there are opportunities to export Australian grown and processed ‘Asian’ foods to countries in East Asia because of growing disposable incomes and the consequent demand for better quality and more hygienically grown and processed foods in these countries. In summary, it seemed that there were opportunities to develop an import replacing and export oriented Asian foods industry in Australia.

Research The study was conducted through in-depth review of past RIRDC Asian foods project reports, review of trade literature, retail shop audits to identify processed Asian foods manufactured by Australian companies, postal survey of key informants in 28 manufacturers of processed Asian foods and telephone interviews with 27 Chief Investigators of RIRDC funded Asian food projects.

Outcomes The study indicated that: (a) RIRDC funded Asian foods projects did not have a strong commercialisation focus and many projects are still in relatively early phases of R&D.
(b) Most projects focused on production issues rather than processing issues.
(c) Although some projects have delivered substantial knowledge to the industry, it is difficult to clearly determine how farmers have used the knowledge from the R and D projects to achieve commercial outcomes.
(d) Processed food projects have achieved greater progress to commercialisation than production based projects.
(e) Projects were mostly undertaken by small teams (often with two investigators), focussed on narrow discipline strengths, had not established any significant linkages to related R&D programs particularly with such projects being pursued overseas and did not demonstrate strong linkages with industry partners.
High production costs have constrained the commercialisation of several Asian food crop projects and this, in turn, has constrained the development of the processed Asian foods industry. Without competitively priced and sufficient quantities of raw materials it would be difficult to establish a commercially viable processing sector.

Implications Extent of commercialisation appears to be closely linked to the commercial focus of the projects, participation by industry partners, strength of industry partners, cross-disciplinary nature of the projects and linkage with related R&D projects in Australia and abroad. The barriers to commercialisation could have been overcome if the projects were pursued as multi-disciplinary projects with strong collaboration with industry and linkages with related R&D projects in Australia and overseas.

Publications Project report in final stages of being edited.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 2000. Made in Australia: Semi-processed Green Tea.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 2001. Made in Australia: Hot Property Fresh Wasabi.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 2001. Made in Australia: Myoga, A Budding Success.

Project Title: Speciality mushroom production systems: maitake and morels

RIRDC Project No: UT-30A

Researcher: Dr Karen Stott, Dr Caroline Mohammed

Organisation: Tasmanian Agricultural Research Institute (TIAR)

Phone: (03) 6233 6862

Fax: (03) 6233 6145

Email: Karen.Stott@dpiwer.tas.gov.au

Objectives · A technical bulletin detailing methods for fruiting maitake and morels.
· A feasibility analysis and guidelines for the commercial production of maitake and morels.
· The production of specialty mushrooms in demand both overseas and domestically, especially by Asian communities.
· The profitable marketing of high value "clean fresh" mushrooms to Asia and Australia.
· The potential for developing a maitake health food product (medicinal extract).
· International recognition of Tasmania as a centre of excellence for the production of speciality mushrooms and the marketing of such expertise via internet and/or seminars by the industry partner (Huon Valley Mushrooms).

Background World mushroom consumption has increased both in quantity and in the variety of species. Specialty mushrooms comprise approximately 70% of total world production. It has been estimated that if 10% of the overall production in Australia was still specialty mushrooms in the year 2003, total potential would be 4000t valued at approximately $148M, excluding the import replacement value. The main consumer demand for specialty mushrooms produced in Australia is in South east Asia especially Japan, Korea and Singapore. However the domestic market is steadily enlarging.
Morels (Morchella species) are an internationally recognised delicacy. Prices for morels range, depending on quality, from A$40-100/kg in the Australian market. The Asian market is increasingly interested in the more traditionally "European" specialty mushrooms such as truffles, boletes and morels. Groundwork research undertaken in RIRDC morel project No. UT-12A, 8/96-8/97, (collection of isolates, location and ecological description of local "morel" sites, production of sclerotia using local substrates) provides an excellent basis and encouragement for continued research.
Maitake or hen of the wood (Grifola frondosa) is a specialty mushroom well known to Asia. Maitake production is increasing because it is one of the most delicious and firm-textured mushrooms and is suitable for Japanese, Chinese, or Western-style cooking. There has been a recent upsurge of interest in mushrooms as a source of biological active compounds of medicinal value (nutraceuticals). Market value of fresh maitake at A$40/kg is at least twice the price of shiitake. In 1992, in the United States, dried Japanese maitake was selling for A$200 - 450 per dry 100 g when sold in the medicinal market. RIRDC funded research (project no. DAT 30A, funded by RIRDC, 1994-1996) investigated the production of maitake mushrooms from local substrates with the best adaptive strains. Continued studies must now refine the conditions needed for reliable fruiting on a semi-commercial scale.

Research This project will rely heavily on technical expertise gained by TIAR and the industry partner (HVM) in two previous maitake and morel RIRDC projects. Light, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide are important to the fruiting of any fungus. In general high temperature, humidity and CO₂are critical to the formation of fruitbody initials and light, lowered temperature, humidity and CO₂ to the full development of these initials. Control of these factors is crucial to all experiments and will be stringently monitored.
Morels (over 5 year period): Species identification of Tasmanian Morchella isolates; named species obtained from overseas can be used as reference isolates in DNA fingerprinting analysis. Research will adopt two main approaches;
· the application of successful methods for inducing fruiting in either morels or other sclerotial ascomycetes (as reported by the scant and anecdotal literature publicly available)
· the use of possible environmental stimuli to fruiting as documented in regions of natural fruiting (flooding, fire and physical disturbance)
Maitake (over a 3 year period): Fruiting trials using best adaptive isolates with local substrates selected in previous research. Investigation will focus on trialling the use of liquid spawn, testing a Japanese production method and the influence of CO₂and humidity levels.

Outcomes · A technical bulletin detailing methods for fruiting maitake and morels
· A feasibility analysis and guidelines for the commercial production of maitake and morels
· The production of specialty mushrooms in demand both overseas and domestically, especially by Asian communities
· The profitable marketing of high value "clean fresh" mushrooms to Asia and Australia
· The potential for developing a maitake health food product (medicinal extract)
· International recognition of Tasmania as a centre of excellence for the production of specialty mushrooms and the marketing of such expertise via internet and/or seminars by the industry partner (Huon Valley Mushrooms)

Implications Current production at the industry partner (Huon Valley Mushrooms) is approximately 5 tonnes of mushrooms per week of which 20% are specialty mushrooms.
Specialty mushroom research has many advantages for HVM allowing the company to:
· maintain its lead as specialty mushroom R & D company in Australia
· have an authoritative voice to lobby for the specialty mushroom industry amongst the Australian mushroom industry
· commercialise technology developed under laboratory or semi-commercial conditions to produce fresh quality mushrooms which will ultimately replace fresh imports
· investigate export markets with high quality product in niche Pacific rim countries have a competitive advantage in offering a range of products to its customers

Publications Publications on maitake in preparation (2 scientific publications and one industry report)

Project Title: Leafy Asian Vegetables – Extending their Shelf-life: Part 2

RIRDC Project No: DAQ-239A

Researcher: Dr Tim O’Hare and Mr Lung Wong

Organisation: Queensland Dept. of Primary Industries

Phone: 07-54662257

Fax: 07-54623223

Email: OhareT@dpi.qld.gov.au

Objectives · Testing plastic films recommended from project DAQ213A.
· Investigating potential of 1-MCP fumigation as a means of extending shelf-life.
· Identifying factors (ethylene, sugar reserve) controlling leaf yellowing.
· Developing 7 one-page leaflets on postharvest handling of specific Asian leafy vegetables.

Background An earlier project (DAQ213A) developed recommendations for plastic films that could extend shelf-life. The present project investigated the feasibility of modified-atmosphere packaging, as well as investigating alternative means of extending shelf-life.

Research Packaging films and the restraints accompanying their use were identified. 1-MCP fumigation was tested as a potential means of delaying leaf yellowing through the blocking of ethylene action. Factors controlling the yellowing process in Asian vegetable leaves were investigated and identified.

Outcomes Appropriate packaging film was identified to extend shelf-life. Other factors, such as plastic clarity, however were considered to be equally important in retail situations. Polypropylene films were considered sub-optimal, but sufficient for normal retail shelf-life periods. 1-MCP was generally ineffective in delaying yellowing except as a protectant against external ethylene sources. Sugar reserves, rather than ethylene were established to be the key factor regulating leaf yellowing. 7 one-page leaflets were developed outlining use and postharvest handling information for pak choy, tatsoi, Chinese mustard, mibuna, mizuna, choy sum and garland chrysanthemum.

Implications Modified-atmosphere packaging has been shown to have achievable effects with leafy Asian greens. Information developed in this project will aid development of efficient retail products with knowledge of optimum requirements as well as limitations to development. The limited role that ethylene plays in the shelf-life of Asian leafy greens was highlighted and should be taken into account when considering the instigation of future senescence-control strategies.

Publications Able, A.J., O’Hare, T.J., Wong, L.S. and Prasad, A. 2000. Extending the shelf-life of broccoli florets and pak choy leaves. Quality Assurance in Agricultural Produce. Proceedings of the 19th ASEAN/ 1st APEC Seminar on Postharvest Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 9-12 November 1999. ACIAR Proceedings No. 100: 444-450.
Able, A.J., Wong, L.S., Prasad, A. and O’Hare, T.J. 1999. Postharvest physiology of pak choy (Brassica rapa var. chinensis). Proceedings Australasian Postharvest Horticulture Conference, Waitangi, New Zealand, 3-8 October 1999: 33.
Able, A.J., Wong, L.S., Prasad, A. and O’Hare, T.J. 2000. Physiological leaf age and senescence of pak choy leaves. Combio 2000, Auckland, New Zealand, 11-14 December 2000.
O’Hare, T.J., Able, A.J., Wong, L.S. and Prasad, A. 1999. Retardation of yellowing in broccoli florets and pak choy leaves by 1-methylcyclopropene. Proceedings Australasian Postharvest Horticulture Conference, Waitangi, New Zealand, 3-8 October 1999: 34.
O’Hare, T.J., Wong, L.S., Prasad, A. and Able, A.J. 2000. Atmosphere modification extends the postharvest shelflife of fresh-cut leafy Asian brassicas. Proceedings of the 3^rd ISHS International Symposium on Brassicas, Wellesbourne UK, 5-9 September 2000. Acta Horticulturae 539: 103-107.
O’Hare, T.J., Wong, L.S., Prasad, A. and Able, A.J. 2000. Impact of exogenous and endogenous factors in the shelflife of fresh-cut leafy Asian vegetables. 4^th International Conference on Postharvest Science, Jerusalem, Israel, 26-31 March 2000, Acta Horticulturae 553: 695-696.
O'Hare, T.J., Able, A.J., Wong, L.S., Prasad, A. and McLauchlan, R. 2001. Fresh-cut Asian vegetables - pak choi as a model leafy vegetable. Postharvest handling of fresh vegetables. Proceedings of a workshop, Beijing, China, 9-11 May 2001. ACIAR Proceedings No.105: 90-92.
Wong, L.S., Able, A.J., Prasad, A., Zheng, S.F., Wang, X.Y., Huang, G.R., Shen, L.Q. and O’Hare, T.J. 2001. Effect of postharvest treatments on the storage life of pak choy (Brassica rapa var. chinensis). Australasian Postharvest Conference, Adelaide, South Australia, 23-28 September 2001 (extended abstract).

Project Title:	Industry development for Asian vegetables in north Queensland
RIRDC Project No:	DAQ-270A
Researcher:	Kynan Gooding & Vic O’Keefe
Organisation:	Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Phone:	(07) 4783 2355x
Fax:	(07) 4783 3193
Email:	okeefev@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	The projects objectives are to produce the following: · Coordination and dissemination of results of existing R&D in the Asian vegetable industry / integrate information sharing in North Queensland. · Improved understanding of the Asian Vegetable Industry and the prospects for wider adoption in North Queensland. · Promotion of the utilisation of Asian Vegetable farming systems. · Regional North Queensland Industry Development Seminars illustrating Asian vegetable farming systems. · The production of information manuals for distribution at the Industry Development Seminars. · Establishment of a working group to progress Asian Vegetable Industry Development in North Queensland.
Background	The existing economy of North Queensland is based primarily on two sectors – primary industries and tourism and will be stronger if it diversifies into other areas. Depressed prices for conventional vegetables produced in the region, changing consumption patterns and the geographical location of North Queensland all lead to the great potential for a viable Asian Vegetable Industry. Diversification will help to provide more jobs, more choice and greater economic stability in the region. X
Research	An Industry Advisory Committee was firstly established. Desktop research was conducted to access information from secondary sources on past and current Asian Vegetable research. The QDPI team members also worked closely with industry participants to identify agronomic, economic and market features of the Asian Vegetable industry. From the preliminary research, relevant information was collated for compilation into the Asian Vegetable Industry Information Manuals. Relevant speakers for the Industry Development Seminars were also identified. Regional seminars were conducted in Mackay and Townsville. Four key speakers were allocated an equal amount of time to address the three core topics on the agenda - markets, agronomics and economics. All industry development seminar participants received a copy of the Information Manual.
Outcomes	All objectives of the project were met. The seminars were well attended (approx 90 people attended over the two days) and written feedback suggested that the information was well received. A number of growers formed groups in the two regional areas. A group of growers in the North Queensland Tablelands have progressed with on farm trials.
Implications	The project has highlighted the strong need for the provision of more information on diversification opportunities and the high level of interest in Asian Vegetable production throughout the North Queensland region.

Project Title:	Outcomes and market development strategies, processed Asian food projects
RIRDC Project No:	AFM-4A
Researcher:	Dr Suku Bhaskaran
Organisation:	Australian Food Marketing Centre, Victoria University (Werribee Campus)
Phone:	(03) 9216 816216 8162
Fax:	(03) 9216 8135
Email:	Suku.Bhaskaran@vu.edu.au
Objectives	· Identify the extent to which RIRDC Asian Foods R&D projects have been commercialised i.e. whether these projects facilitated the start-up of import replacing and/or export focused ‘Asian food’ industries in Australia. · Delineate national and community benefits, if any, delivered by RIRDC supported ‘Asian foods’ R&D projects · Outline the barriers, if any, which constrained the commercialisation of RIRDC supported ‘Asian foods’ R&D projects.
Background	In 1993 RIRDC launched its Asian foods R&D program. The program was developed in consultation with producers, processors and the Asian community in Australia. The discussions suggested that increasing numbers of Asian Australians, increasing numbers of Asian tourists in Australia and changes to Australian dietary habits (because of travel and exposure through the media to Asian cuisines and the growing population diversity in the community) were leading to a substantial increase in demand for Asian foods. The consultations also suggested that there are opportunities to export Australian grown and processed ‘Asian’ foods to countries in East Asia because of growing disposable incomes and the consequent demand for better quality and more hygienically grown and processed foods in these countries. In summary, it seemed that there were opportunities to develop an import replacing and export oriented Asian foods industry in Australia.
Research	The study was conducted through in-depth review of past RIRDC Asian foods project reports, review of trade literature, retail shop audits to identify processed Asian foods manufactured by Australian companies, postal survey of key informants in 28 manufacturers of processed Asian foods and telephone interviews with 27 Chief Investigators of RIRDC funded Asian food projects.

Project Title:	Speciality mushroom production systems: maitake and morels
RIRDC Project No:	UT-30A
Researcher:	Dr Karen Stott, Dr Caroline Mohammed
Organisation:	Tasmanian Agricultural Research Institute (TIAR)
Phone:	(03) 6233 6862
Fax:	(03) 6233 6145
Email:	Karen.Stott@dpiwer.tas.gov.au
Objectives	· A technical bulletin detailing methods for fruiting maitake and morels. · A feasibility analysis and guidelines for the commercial production of maitake and morels. · The production of specialty mushrooms in demand both overseas and domestically, especially by Asian communities. · The profitable marketing of high value "clean fresh" mushrooms to Asia and Australia. · The potential for developing a maitake health food product (medicinal extract). · International recognition of Tasmania as a centre of excellence for the production of speciality mushrooms and the marketing of such expertise via internet and/or seminars by the industry partner (Huon Valley Mushrooms).
Background	World mushroom consumption has increased both in quantity and in the variety of species. Specialty mushrooms comprise approximately 70% of total world production. It has been estimated that if 10% of the overall production in Australia was still specialty mushrooms in the year 2003, total potential would be 4000t valued at approximately $148M, excluding the import replacement value. The main consumer demand for specialty mushrooms produced in Australia is in South east Asia especially Japan, Korea and Singapore. However the domestic market is steadily enlarging. Morels (Morchella species) are an internationally recognised delicacy. Prices for morels range, depending on quality, from A$40-100/kg in the Australian market. The Asian market is increasingly interested in the more traditionally "European" specialty mushrooms such as truffles, boletes and morels. Groundwork research undertaken in RIRDC morel project No. UT-12A, 8/96-8/97, (collection of isolates, location and ecological description of local "morel" sites, production of sclerotia using local substrates) provides an excellent basis and encouragement for continued research. Maitake or hen of the wood (Grifola frondosa) is a specialty mushroom well known to Asia. Maitake production is increasing because it is one of the most delicious and firm-textured mushrooms and is suitable for Japanese, Chinese, or Western-style cooking. There has been a recent upsurge of interest in mushrooms as a source of biological active compounds of medicinal value (nutraceuticals). Market value of fresh maitake at A$40/kg is at least twice the price of shiitake. In 1992, in the United States, dried Japanese maitake was selling for A$200 - 450 per dry 100 g when sold in the medicinal market. RIRDC funded research (project no. DAT 30A, funded by RIRDC, 1994-1996) investigated the production of maitake mushrooms from local substrates with the best adaptive strains. Continued studies must now refine the conditions needed for reliable fruiting on a semi-commercial scale.

Research	This project will rely heavily on technical expertise gained by TIAR and the industry partner (HVM) in two previous maitake and morel RIRDC projects. Light, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide are important to the fruiting of any fungus. In general high temperature, humidity and CO₂are critical to the formation of fruitbody initials and light, lowered temperature, humidity and CO₂ to the full development of these initials. Control of these factors is crucial to all experiments and will be stringently monitored. Morels (over 5 year period): Species identification of Tasmanian Morchella isolates; named species obtained from overseas can be used as reference isolates in DNA fingerprinting analysis. Research will adopt two main approaches; · the application of successful methods for inducing fruiting in either morels or other sclerotial ascomycetes (as reported by the scant and anecdotal literature publicly available) · the use of possible environmental stimuli to fruiting as documented in regions of natural fruiting (flooding, fire and physical disturbance) Maitake (over a 3 year period): Fruiting trials using best adaptive isolates with local substrates selected in previous research. Investigation will focus on trialling the use of liquid spawn, testing a Japanese production method and the influence of CO₂and humidity levels.
Outcomes	· A technical bulletin detailing methods for fruiting maitake and morels · A feasibility analysis and guidelines for the commercial production of maitake and morels · The production of specialty mushrooms in demand both overseas and domestically, especially by Asian communities · The profitable marketing of high value "clean fresh" mushrooms to Asia and Australia · The potential for developing a maitake health food product (medicinal extract) · International recognition of Tasmania as a centre of excellence for the production of specialty mushrooms and the marketing of such expertise via internet and/or seminars by the industry partner (Huon Valley Mushrooms)
Implications	Current production at the industry partner (Huon Valley Mushrooms) is approximately 5 tonnes of mushrooms per week of which 20% are specialty mushrooms. Specialty mushroom research has many advantages for HVM allowing the company to: · maintain its lead as specialty mushroom R & D company in Australia · have an authoritative voice to lobby for the specialty mushroom industry amongst the Australian mushroom industry · commercialise technology developed under laboratory or semi-commercial conditions to produce fresh quality mushrooms which will ultimately replace fresh imports · investigate export markets with high quality product in niche Pacific rim countries have a competitive advantage in offering a range of products to its customers
Publications	Publications on maitake in preparation (2 scientific publications and one industry report)

Project Title:	Leafy Asian Vegetables – Extending their Shelf-life: Part 2
RIRDC Project No:	DAQ-239A
Researcher:	Dr Tim O’Hare and Mr Lung Wong
Organisation:	Queensland Dept. of Primary Industries
Phone:	07-54662257
Fax:	07-54623223
Email:	OhareT@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· Testing plastic films recommended from project DAQ213A. · Investigating potential of 1-MCP fumigation as a means of extending shelf-life. · Identifying factors (ethylene, sugar reserve) controlling leaf yellowing. · Developing 7 one-page leaflets on postharvest handling of specific Asian leafy vegetables.
Background	An earlier project (DAQ213A) developed recommendations for plastic films that could extend shelf-life. The present project investigated the feasibility of modified-atmosphere packaging, as well as investigating alternative means of extending shelf-life.
Research	Packaging films and the restraints accompanying their use were identified. 1-MCP fumigation was tested as a potential means of delaying leaf yellowing through the blocking of ethylene action. Factors controlling the yellowing process in Asian vegetable leaves were investigated and identified.
Outcomes	Appropriate packaging film was identified to extend shelf-life. Other factors, such as plastic clarity, however were considered to be equally important in retail situations. Polypropylene films were considered sub-optimal, but sufficient for normal retail shelf-life periods. 1-MCP was generally ineffective in delaying yellowing except as a protectant against external ethylene sources. Sugar reserves, rather than ethylene were established to be the key factor regulating leaf yellowing. 7 one-page leaflets were developed outlining use and postharvest handling information for pak choy, tatsoi, Chinese mustard, mibuna, mizuna, choy sum and garland chrysanthemum.
Implications	Modified-atmosphere packaging has been shown to have achievable effects with leafy Asian greens. Information developed in this project will aid development of efficient retail products with knowledge of optimum requirements as well as limitations to development. The limited role that ethylene plays in the shelf-life of Asian leafy greens was highlighted and should be taken into account when considering the instigation of future senescence-control strategies.

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Rural Industries
Research & Development Corporation