Persimmon growers in the Australian state of Queensland have embraced new research to successfully boost the shelf life of this season's fruit by up to three weeks.
Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) researcher Simon Redpath said the project, which involved treating the fruit with a safe, synthesised gas called 1-MCP, meant increased time in the market.
"Some growers have used 1-MCP as a post-harvest treatment on persimmons this season to slow down the ripening process, allowing for extended storage, thus providing a more even supply of fruit to market," he said.
"The typical persimmon season is from late-February to early-July but this season could see treated fruit last into August.
"This is a win for both producers, who can capitalise on higher returns of longer-lasting fruit, and persimmon lovers who can still access the fruit at the end of the season."
Mr Redpath said the research would also benefit persimmon exporters by enabling fruit to be seafreighted, a cheaper alternative to shipping fruit by air.
"We are planning a simulated sea-export trial involving fruit treated with 1-MCP stored in a shipping container at 0-1°C for four weeks.
"Fruit will then be removed and assessed, then moved in and out of cold rooms for three days to simulate fruit markets, finally being stored at 20°C for seven days before a final quality assessment.
"Persimmons are sought after in export markets such as Asia due to their very high sugar levels, and we hope the new research findings will help consumers become more aware that Australia produces such a high-quality product.
"Korea exports 5000 tonnes per year of fresh fruit to southern Asia - there is no reason why Queensland cannot do the same counter-seasonally.
"Queensland is well placed to grow the crop because of its high-quality natural resources, and its closeness to Asian markets of Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Thailand."
