Italian growers are working on a genetic improvement program for stone fruits. The apricot and peach varietal program, known as MAS.PES (MAS stands for Marker Assisted Selection, i.e. selection assisted by molecular markers, while PES stands for peach, from the Italian pesco) originated at the University of Bologna Unibo in the second half of the 1970s, and, after several changes, it is now fully supported by various producer organizations and, since 2017, also by nursery farms, including Vivai F.lli Zanzi, under the scientific responsibility of the University of Milan and the organizational coordination of Ri.Nova (formerly CRPV).
Enrico Zanzi at a recent fair
The project uses traditional crossing techniques, with the aim of obtaining varieties with the highest organoleptic and aesthetic quality of the fruit, combined with tolerance or resistance to viruses (Sharka) or fungi (Monilia).
"Vivai F.lli Zanzi - says Enrico Zanzi, technical manager - is a supporter of the project and, in these five years, it has been one of the contributors to the introduction of 4 apricot varieties: NIROSA 1 / NIROSA 2 / ARIEL / ALISSA. All of them are self propagating, Sharka tolerant and with excellent organoleptic qualities. We believe that, thanks to MAS.PES, the future will be brighter for the fruit growing sector, because only varietal innovation and research can offer valid solutions to the fruit growing industry and reduce the use of active ingredients for the defense against the most common diseases". All the members of the project are working to obtain new varieties that are more and more rustic in order to fight against climate extremes.
Group photo at the fair: Enrico, Giovanni, Francesca and Riccardo Zanzi
NIROSA 1 Ripening time: 24 days. KIOTO, +3-4 days. WONDERCOT; Origin: comes from the cross BO89606006 x NINFA with the code BO05634091 Publisher: CRPV from MASPES project Fruit: large size, oval shape, slightly asymmetrical, deep yellow background color with bright red blush on 30% of the surface. Flesh of good consistency, of excellent sweet and aromatic taste, with little acid peel. Tree: medium vigor, standard growth. Self propagating, early flowering, it has a molecular marker for resistance to PPV (Sharka).
Productivity and fruit production: high productivity, produces fruit on the buds and has an early production. Overall rating: very early variety, which is characterized by an excellent appearance, good resistance and very good flavor in the early period. It reaches its maximum potential in hilly and piedmont environments. Easy to manage plant, regularly productive.
NIROSA 2 Ripening time: = PINKCOT, -18 days. KIOTO Origin: comes from the hybrid BO89606006 x NINFA with initials BO05634191 Publisher: CRPV from MASPES project Tree: medium-high vigor, standard growth. Self propagating with intermediate flowering, shows molecular marker for resistance to PPV (Sharka); Fruit: large size, round shape, symmetrical, deep yellow background
color with bright red blush on 40% of the surface; flesh of good consistency, excellent sweet and aromatic taste, with low acidity skin.
Productivity and Fructification: high productivity, it produces fruits on buds and early in production. Overall rating: very early variety that is characterized by an excellent appearance, good firmness and very good flavor in the early period. It expresses its full potential in hilly and foothill environments. Simple to manage variety, with consistent production.
ALISSA COV Ripening time: +10/12 Kioto Origin: MASPES Project (Italy) Tree: Vigor is medium-high and the growth is regular-assurgent. Fruit: large size and oblong shape, slightly asymmetrical, the skin is yellow-orange with red blush on 20-30% of the surface. Freestone. Overall rating: self propagating variety with good fruit size, excellent organoleptic characteristics and high resistance on the plant. Resistant to PPV.
ARIEL VOC Ripening time: -8 Kioto Origin: MASPES Project (Italy) Tree: abundant medium-late flowering, medium-high vigor, regular-assurgent growth.Fruit: high size and oblong shape, the skin is yellow-orange with red blush on 30% of the surface. Freestone variety. The ripening is uniform and not prone to internal disintegration, excellent flavor, aromatic, with medium acidity skin.
Overall rating: self propagating variety, remarkable for its ripening time and the organoleptic characteristics of the fruit (aroma and flavor). Large size and good resistance on the plant. Early fruiting plant. Presents genetic factors that make it resistant to PPV.
Vivai F.lli Zanzi
44124 Ferrara - Italy
+39 0532 719072
vivaizanzi@vivaizanzi.it
www.vivaizanzi.it