The New Zealand apple and pear export industry thrives due to innovations. While New Zealand contributes a small percentage of the world’s supply but it’s recognized as having higher production and superior quality of fruit, as per Prevar Chief Executive Officer Tony Martin. Prevar was established over more than two decades ago through collaboration and Plant and Food Research, concentrates on the creation of fresh varieties of apple and pear. New Zealand Apples & Pears as well as Apple and Pear Australia also share a stake in the joint company.

Prevar is the sole owner of the genetic resources of Plant & Food Research, which allows the creation and commercialization of new varieties, such as Dazzle, Rockit, and Sassy apple varieties, as well as PIQA pear varieties. Martin states that the business is changing, and with a variety of consumer tastes. “There’s no country around the globe where apples aren’t part of the fruit bowl” Martin notes. Amanda Lyon, Prevar’s brand manager, explains that characteristics such as crunch, taste, sweetness, texture and nutrition are important to consumers’ preferences.

The development and research process that can last for up to fifteen years, has experts from Plant and Food Research setting the path for future kinds of pipfruit. Natalie Profitt, pipfruit breeding program manager, stresses that it is a slow procedure. “That’s why I’ve worked here for over 20 years. There’s no time until you actually witness any of the fruits from your efforts,” she states. The team of the breeding lab evaluates apples for traits that are desirable and then conducts cross-pollinating to create hundreds of seeds to plant.

Glasshouses with fast-growing rooms can help speed the process up, however they must be watched for diseases caused by the humidity. The most promising varieties go through several phases, which include grafting as well as more testing. Anna Tattersall’s post-harvest group evaluates durability of storage, hardness, sugar content and the concentration of internal ethylene.

Prevar has a strong support for the federal government’s Gene Technology Bill, aiming to speed up the process to create economically viable kinds. Martin emphasizes the benefits for gene editing in order to combat environmental pressures, climate change as well as consumer demands to use less chemicals. Martin views the editing of genes as an alternative of traditional breeding methods which is why Plant and Food’s research as “world-class.”

Martin says he hopes for greater chances for Kiwis to enjoy locally bred apple varieties. Martin highlights that the demand for apples in Asia exceeds the supply and he hopes that all Kiwis had the chance to taste the finest of the apple varieties available in New Zealand.

Source: RNZ