A trial at Spreyton, near Devonport in northern Tasmania, using liquid seaweed has extended the shelf life and crunchiness of apples.

Six weeks after harvest, sprayed apples were 12 per cent firmer than apples that had not been sprayed.

The trial was carried out on Gravenstein apples, which usually have a short shelf life. Orchard owner Brett Squibb was delighted with the results of the trials and said anything that maintains quality during transit and storage is a good thing.