The characteristics of these varieties aim to match the results of a study regarding consumer preferences, in which it was confirmed that 87% prefer fruit that is predominantly sweet, while 13% are keener on more sour flavours.
Half of the 87% who prefer a sweet taste accept fruit with slight acidic traits, while the rest completely reject that.
The characteristics of these new varieties also take the demands of producers and the distribution chain into consideration, with the goal of obtaining the most productive and efficient products possible.
The fruits have a slow ripening process with good productivity levels; two characteristics that make the products attractive for their growers.
They have additionally been designed to adapt to Catalonia’s agro-climatic conditions, as so far every variety cultivated in the region had been imported from other countries.
Another factor that has motivated the creation of these varieties is their harvesting period, spread throughout the entire Summer and covering weeks during which no existing varieties could be harvested until now.
According to Ignasi Batlle, one of the people responsible for the project, all the varieties have “an excellent flavour, sweet in taste and with low acidity, have the optimal aromatic features, and a crunchy and juicy texture when ripe. They mature slowly, have a long shelf life and the peel reaches an intense red colour.”
Batlle explained that the development process involved 935 crosses of various fruit varieties and the generation of 71,367 seeds during the first of its four stages.
In the second stage, a plantation of hybrids was put into operation, with 24,170 trees; in the third stage, a plantation with advanced and elite selections was set up, with 318 selections, and finally, in the last stage, the 14 varieties presented yesterday have been launched.
Ignasi Batlle also explained the goals in which the project will focus from now on, which include increasing their resistance to illnesses and further extending the products’ shelf life.
IRTA general director, Josep Maria Monfort, stressed the way growers have got involved, as right after these varieties have been registered, 90 hectares have already been planted.
Frederic Moncasi, president of Fruit Futur, clarified that the fruits currently in the market are from the trees in the nursery, and reminded that the 90 hectares recently planted will not become productive until four or five years from now.
Regarding the investment made, both the Counsellor of Agriculture, Josep Maria Pelegrí, as well as Montfort, have stressed that it will be recouped through the industrial property rights.
Source: eleconomista.es
Ignasi Batlle also explained the goals in which the project will focus from now on, which include increasing their resistance to illnesses and further extending the products’ shelf life.
IRTA general director, Josep Maria Monfort, stressed the way growers have got involved, as right after these varieties have been registered, 90 hectares have already been planted.
Frederic Moncasi, president of Fruit Futur, clarified that the fruits currently in the market are from the trees in the nursery, and reminded that the 90 hectares recently planted will not become productive until four or five years from now.
Regarding the investment made, both the Counsellor of Agriculture, Josep Maria Pelegrí, as well as Montfort, have stressed that it will be recouped through the industrial property rights.
Source: eleconomista.es
