Two newly released grape varieties, developed collaboratively between Cornell AgriTech and Sun World International, a global fruit genetics and licensing company, offer new flavors for consumers and better growing characteristics for farmers.
Sugrafiftytwo, an ultra-early ripening green seedless grape variety with a sweet Muscat flavor and firm crisp texture, and Sugrasixty, a midseason ripening red variety with large berries and a tropical aroma with overtones of mango, are the fruit of a 13-year collaboration between Cornell AgriTech and Sun World. Following the release of these varieties, Sun World’s enables growers to produce these Cornell-Sun World varieties.
The Sugrasixty grape.
Through the partnership, the royalties from the commercialization of the varieties developed by both organizations will continue to flow back to and support the Cornell Grape Breeding and Genetics Program, which is led by Bruce Reisch, professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
“With the right varieties, the Eastern table grape industry might consider expanding,” Reisch said. “That could drive economic development through tourism, farm markets and home enthusiasts.”
Sugrafiftytwo and Sugrasixty are the first grape varieties resulting from the partnership, which began in 2009.
The Sugrafiftytwo grape.
The new flavors were developed through crossbreeding at Cornell that took advantage of its collection of germplasm, the genetic material in grapes that controls the expression of certain traits.
“Under Professor Bruce Reisch’s leadership, Cornell has pioneered the development of new table and wine grape varieties with unique flavor profiles well adapted to the northeastern United States’ colder growing conditions,” said Sun World CEO David Marguleas ’85.
Increased exports from outside the U.S. and the proliferation of proprietary varieties are creating challenges for retailers and consumers, said Jennifer Petersen, Sun World’s chief science officer. Public institutions are an important source for innovation, especially as farmers and society face more complex challenges like climate change.
“AgriTech is focused on system solutions,” Petersen said. “It takes 10 years just to develop a new variety. We rely on using different technologies and cross-institutional collaborations to be successful. One of my top priorities is pursuing partnerships with private and academic institutions to ensure Sun World continues to deliver premium varieties to growers and the marketplace.”
The partnership also unlocks research efficiencies for Reisch’s program and its future. The steady stream of funding for public specialty crop research helps insulate it from the vagaries of grant cycles. Cornell’s breeding program also has access to Sun World germplasm with seedlessness, storage and shipping traits.
“Several more product releases are on the Cornell-Sun World horizon,” Marguleas said. Key Sun World varieties are marketed under various grape varietal brands such as AUTUMNCRISP®, MIDNIGHT BEAUTY®, SABLE SEEDLESS®, ADORA SEEDLESS®, SCARLOTTA SEEDLESS®, SOPHIA SEEDLESS® and SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® and stone fruit varietal brands such as BLACK DIAMOND® plums, HONEYCOT® apricots and more.
For more information:
Jennifer Petersen
Sun World
Tel: +1 (530) 379-8321
www.sun-world.com