Chilean scientists develop possibly the sweetest Fuji apples in the world
The idea was born in 2008, after finding out that the Asian countries prefer sweeter Chilean fruit. 60% of the Fuji apples - the "star" variety on this - are exported there. So, with the support from these studies, the Universidad Católica, InnovaChile by Corfo and the company Univiveros, they started the project, raising the percentage of fructose in the species.
In November, the first stage was completed. This required and investment of $300 million and the result is an apple seedling.
The second stage is about planting it and wait for fructifying. New funds are required, so they are studying the next postulation to InnovaChile or Fondecyt.
Changing the pulp
Some months ago they added a new challenge. They got into a meeting with representatives from the supporting institutions, that show them some fruits with coloured pulp and they said: "we can do it".
The project itends to introduce genes to the fruit to change the pulp colour to yellow-orange or red and with that change, start to accumulate carotenoids, opening the way to the vitamin A and antioxidants.
This second initiative, started in November 2011 will go for 3 years, with a cost of $340 million, given by Fondef, Chile University and some private companies.
Regarding product patenting, experts explain that will go under the university name, but there's a percentage of participation for the investigator.
Source: Df.cl