New Zealand's apple and pear export sector thrives on innovation. Although New Zealand contributes a small fraction to the global supply, it is recognized for its higher productivity and quality fruit, according to Prevar CEO Tony Martin. Prevar, established two decades ago in collaboration with Plant and Food Research, focuses on developing new apple and pear varieties. New Zealand Apples & Pears and Apple and Pear Australia also have stakes in this joint venture.
Prevar holds exclusive rights to the genetic resources at Plant & Food Research, enabling the development and commercialization of new varieties like Dazzle, Rockit, and Sassy apples, and PIQA pears. Martin describes the industry as dynamic, with evolving consumer taste profiles. "There's not too many countries in the world where apples don't make up part of the fruit bowl," he mentions. Amanda Lyon, Prevar's brand manager, notes that traits like crunch, flavor, texture, sweetness, acidity, and nutritional value are key consumer interests.
The research and development process, which can extend over 15 years, involves scientists at Plant and Food Research setting the course for future varieties. Natalie Profitt, pipfruit breeding program operations manager, emphasizes the slow nature of the process. "That's why I've been here 20 years. You've got to wait to actually see any of the, reap the rewards of your work," she states. The breeding lab team evaluates apples for desirable traits and conducts cross-pollination to produce thousands of seeds for planting.
Fast-growth rooms in glasshouses can accelerate the process, though they require careful monitoring for disease due to humidity. Promising varieties proceed through multiple stages, including grafting and further trials. Anna Tattersall's post-harvest team assesses storage viability, firmness, sugar content, and internal ethylene concentration.
Prevar supports the government's Gene Technology Bill, aiming to reduce the time needed for developing commercially viable varieties. Martin highlights the potential of gene editing to address climate change, pest pressures, and consumer demand for fewer chemical inputs. He views gene editing as a complement to traditional breeding methods, with Plant and Food's work being "world-class."
Martin expresses hope for more opportunities for New Zealanders to access locally bred apple varieties. He notes that demand in Asia surpasses supply, and he wishes more Kiwis could experience the best of New Zealand's apple selections.
Source: RNZ
