Ben Dor, a company involved in the breeding and commercialization of deciduous fruit varieties, has announced the launch of a new breeding initiative in South Africa through the establishment of Cultirex (Pty) Ltd. The initiative represents an expansion of Ben Dor's work in developing fruit varieties adapted to regional conditions, with a focus on stone fruits, particularly plums.
The new breeding centre will focus on developing varieties suited to the South African climate and future agronomic challenges. These include low-chill, high-sugar (Brix), and storage-resilient traits. The project aims to support adaptation within the South African fruit sector amid changing climate conditions, while addressing both grower needs and market demands.
Ben Dor's existing partnership with RuBisCO will continue, with RuBisCO managing and commercializing new selections in South Africa. South African plum growers will be able to access the new varieties through a system of accredited growers and exporters, coordinated by RuBisCO.
The team leading the Cultirex initiative includes Hubert Leclercq, Petru du Plessis, Dr. Johannes Theron, and Ido Ben Dor, with support from Chris Smith, who previously worked with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and has experience in plum breeding. Several selections are currently under evaluation, showing potential for high yield, large fruit size, extended shelf life, and strong commercial characteristics.
For more information:
Hubert Leclercq
RuBisCO
Tel: +27 (0) 21 856 5967
Email: [email protected]
www.rubisco.co.za
