First red table grape variety developed in Chile

The Fruit Technology Consortium of the Association of Fruit Exporters of Chile A.G (ASOEX) presents the first red table grape variety developed in Chile. It is the result of 15 years of joint work with the 27 exporting companies, the Chilean Production Development Corporation (Corfo) and the technical support of the Catholic University.

The new variety is in the process of being registered with the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG). According to Sergio Maureira, General Manager of the Consortium, this variety responds to the current needs of the international and domestic markets.

While most red varieties are late in the season, this one is mid-season and early; it tolerates rain well and is resistant to fungi. In the period of young plants, its caliber is between 19 and 21 mm, and from then on it will increase even more.

It is a seedless table grape, very crisp and with a unique red color. In addition, it has a long post-harvest life, high productivity and a very green and thick stalk, which influences the quality and condition of the fruit.

Patricio Arce, PMG Table Grape Director of the ASOEX Fruit Technological Consortium, commented that the new variety was evaluated in 6 localities in the country, and in all these areas it showed very promising results.

It should be noted that the Consortium has existed since 2006, and is currently developing 5 Genetic Improvement programs for fruit trees: table grapes, raspberries, apples, cherries and stone fruits (peach, nectarine and Japanese plum).

The table grape Genetic Improvement Program (PMG) was born in 2007. Today, in addition to this new red variety, the program features 31 advanced grape selections, ten of which show great promise.

source: asoex.cl