The grape varieties BRS Magna and BRS Victoria were developed through conventional breeding techniques, by crossing different species, and will be launched this month.
The BRS Magna is characterised by its ease for climatic adaptation and high content of sugar and colouring matter, while the BRS Victoria is characterised by its lack of seeds and resistance to mildew, which is the main disease affecting grapes in Brazil.
The BRS Magna, which is suitable for grape juice production, was launched on 23 November in a ceremony at the city of Sinop, and the BRS Victoria, seedless and suitable for consumption, will be presented on 30 November during the Grape Festival at the city of Marialva.
Both varieties have features catering to grape grower's demands, assured Patricia Ritschel and Joao Dimas García Maia, Embrapa researchers who took part in the development.
According to Embrapa's technical specifications, the BRS Magna has a medium and early production cycle which allows for two harvests per year in tropical regions, a productivity of 25 to 30 tonnes per hectare, a moderate acidity and sugar levels between 17 and 19 degrees Brix.
The BRS Victoria is the first Brazilian seedless variety resistant to mildew, ensuring a lower need for the use of fungicides. It also has an early cycle, high productivity of up to 30 tonnes per hectare, and a sugar content of 19 to 23 degrees Brix.
Since 1977, when its natural breeding program started, the firm has launched 14 new varieties for table consumption and juice and wine production, adapting to the climatic conditions of Brazil's productive regions.
These varieties are more productive, as well as stronger against pests.
Source: SimFRUIT based on information from China.org.cn