Researchers from IMIDA and the UPCT are collaborating in the development of a new variety of red seedless table grape that combines the healthy bioactive compounds of the Garnacha Tintorera variety and the excellent organoleptic characteristics of the Itumfifteen cv red seedless grape.
As part of his doctoral thesis in Advanced Techniques of Agricultural and Food Research and Development (TAIDA) at the Polytechnic of Cartagena, IMIDA researcher Pablo Crespo Rodenas is analyzing a hundred hybrids of both vine varieties that are being cultivated in an experimental farm of Blanca.
“After three years of work we have obtained very positive preliminary results, such as the heritability of red pulp in most individuals and the increase in compounds beneficial to health,” stated Crespo, who obtained the third prize in the UPCT Thesis in 3 Minutes competition.
“One of the bioactive compounds that we are identifying is resveratrol, a health-promoting molecule with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and antitumor properties,” Crespo stated. The researchers' thesis is directed by Manuel Tornel Martinez, the researcher responsible for IMIDA's Table Grape Team, and Francisco Artes Hernandez, professor at the UPCT and coordinator of the TAIDA doctorate.
The thesis is being carried out within the framework of the ‘Genetic improvement of agricultural species of interest for the Region of Murcia’ research project with Feder code 1420-21 UVA. The experimental tests are being carried out at the Cuatro Vientos de Blanca farm which belongs to ITUM S.L., a company that collaborates with Murcia's Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Development.
Source: upct.es