University of Arkansas develops new table grape
“Passion” joins the lineup of inspiration-themed table grapes developed by the Division of Agriculture’s fruit breeding program, said John R. Clark, Distinguished Professor of horticulture and program director.
The other inspiration table grapes are the black grapes “Faith” and “Joy” and white grapes “Hope” and “Gratitude.”
Clark said “Passion” was the pinnacle of achievement for an effort begun by James N. Moore, who founded the Division of Agriculture fruit breeding program in 1964.
Moore wanted to develop seedless table grapes that could be grown in Arkansas, Clark said. He wanted to combine the thin-skinned, crispy texture of California grapes with the fruity flavor of eastern grapes. Crosses were made over a 45-year period to achieve this goal.
According to Moore, the fruit ripens at the Fruit Research Station near Clarksville from early August into September, Clark said. The average mid-season harvest date was Aug. 22.
“Passion” ripens usually two weeks later than “Jupiter” and nearly the same time as “Hope.”
“Passion” will be available from licensed propagators of Division of Agriculture fruit varieties. A list of licensed propagators can be found online here.
Read more at pbcommerical.com
