Increase phytochemical levels in vegetables.

A new family of vegetables, with the potential to prevent such deadly diseases as cancer, may soon be available on supermarket shelves following production and marketing trials. Fresh broccoli, which contains phytonutrients, is being used in the first trial. Other vegetables will follow soon.

The Vital Vegetables program, from New Zealand's Crop and Food Research, aims to produce vegetables rich in nutrients that help to prevent cancer and heart disease and that tackle the aging process. Scientists are identifying and developing vegetable cultivars with advanced levels of beneficial nutrients, and then are developing the best ways to grow, harvest, package, store and cook those vegetables so that they retain their value.

These vegetables will be tastier, fresher and have higher levels of phytochemicals than they are already known for. Those who consume them will be assured of receiving scientifically validated levels of beneficial nutrients such as phytochemicals--natural plant-based compounds. These compounds may offer a variety of health benefits, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory or anticancer activity. Evidence suggests that these properties may play a role in reducing the risk of diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other problems associated with stress and aging.

Scientists are optimizing the best vegetables, such as broccoli, and want to ensure that high levels of nutrients are maintained through to the cooking stage. The strategy is to look at the compounds in a vegetable that give health benefits, and then work out ways to ensure those compounds are present in large quantities. This might be achieved by modifying production methods, or improving the germplasm through breeding. Researchers are using bioassays to make sure the amounts of nutritional compounds in the vegetables are at high enough levels to be beneficial.

The first of a pipeline of Vital Vegetables broccoli varieties, developed through a collaboration with Henderson Seeds Group Pty Ltd., will be test-marketed to supermarkets in New Zealand in 2007. The Vital Vegetables program involves the efforts of five parties: Horticulture New Zealand, the Australian Vegetable and Potato Growers Federation, Crop and Food Research, the Department of Primary Industries Victoria, and Horticulture Australia Ltd.

Further information. Ross Lill, Vital Vegetables Joint Research Leader, Crop and Food Research, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North, New Zealand; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].