During the 19th day dedicated to "Fruit growing in the Nocé Valleys" held by Fondazione Edmund Mach, Lumaga Galant® apples were also presented - a scab-resistant variety developed by Swiss breeder Lubera. The exclusive nursery in Europe is Gruber Genetti. In Italy, the exclusive rights are held by the CIT, while Melinda and La Trentina hold production and sales rights.
The first implants date back to 2011, when there were 70 hectares in Germany and 30 in Switzerland. In Italy, Melinda planted 2 thousand trees in 2014 and 3 thousand in 2015. This year, another 25 thousand plants will be planted and, at the end of the year, the first consumer tests will be carried out to assess whether to market it and use the same cultivation and distribution programme used for the Evelina® club variety.
Lumaga Galant®. (Source: Facebook - Fondazione Edmund Mach)
Lumaga Galant® is a crossbreed between Resi and Delbard Jubileè. The plant has a limited vigorousness during the first few years, especially in the growths, but blossoms abundantly and constantly. The tops look like Gala plant, but it is compact and fruits develop towards the central axis.
In 2014, the second fruit set produced 3.8 kg of fruits per plant (14 ton/ha), while last year, the third fruit set produced 8 kg/plant. 85% of the fruits were part of the 70-100 colorimetric class, while the remaining produce was part of the 50-70 one.
Fruit ripens 3 days after the Golden variety and has an average size - it is actually more similar to a Gala than a Golden Delicious but it is more oblong than other scab-resistant variety. The colour is pinkish and gets redder when cultivated at high altitudes.
The harvesting window is quite extended and, after 3 months of storing, its aroma is definitely better than the Golden variety and the apples are even crunchier.
"In Val di Noce, the Gallant® variety is compatible with PAN limitations and has interesting organoleptic qualities, so it is perfect for being cultivated in more sensitive areas," concludes Roberto Torresani.
