The Asoex Fruit Technology Consortium is making progress in obtaining its first 3 varieties of grapes, 100% developed in Chile. “Our Consortium has been working for approximately 14 years in the development of new fruit varieties for Chile via the Genetic Improvement Programs for table grapes, raspberries, stone fruits, apples, and cherries. It is a joint work between ASOEX, the academy, represented by the Universidad Católica de Chile; the public sector, through Corfo, and the industry,” stated Sergio Maureira, the Manager of the Asoex Fruit Technology Consortium.
“We look to create varieties that adapt to the needs of Chilean companies, markets, and the characteristics of the producing regions of Chile to replace table grape varieties that have lost space in international markets and among consumers.”
100% sustainable Chilean grapes
Patricio Arce, director of the Table Grape Genetic Improvement Program (PMG) of the Asoex Fruit Technology Consortium, described the type of grape they were looking to create. “Our goal is to develop varieties for export. We are looking to create seedless varieties with defined colors, that have low production costs, require less labor, and with a good postharvest. Furthermore, we are aiming to develop varieties with resistance to powdery mildew. This is very important for the sustainability of the Chilean fruit industry, as it means producers will require using fewer pesticides.”
Patricio Arce said the breeding program used conventional genetic improvement techniques, i.e. making crosses by hand and between existing varieties.
He also said that, to date, there were three advanced selections that could become varieties in the short term: a white grape, a red one, and a black one. They are currently planted between Copiapo and Rancagua to evaluate their behavior in orchards with commercial management and start their reproduction and registration. He also stressed that they expected commercial results in the middle of this year.
Arce said that the companies that participate in the Consortium will be able to opt for these new varieties. He also said that they would determine the business plan for these varieties after they had been registered for commercialization.
