Chilean apple producers will soon have access to two new Gala varieties. Galaval and Jugala, two new Gala mutations, are scheduled to be released for planting in Chile in 2014.

Galaval, ANA Chile

Chile's Andes New Varieties Administration (ANA) presented the French varieties during Fruittrade 2013 and are now focusing on marketing the plants.

ANA Chile product manager Lorena Pinto told www.freshfruitportal.com that Galaval originated as a mutation from fruit on a Galaxy apple tree, a Gala sport variety. The fruit presents an intense purple-red color with a sweet, balanced taste and medium size.

Among main benefits to producers, Pinto named the fruit's stable and consistent color and its high percentage of fruit fit for premium packaging.

"It is ideal for zones where there is less efficiency in coloring. It has been of high interest in Europe where there are more 300,000 trees planted," Pinto said.

Jugala, ANA Chile

The Jugala variety developed as a mutation of Mitchgala. Its size varies from medium to large and the fruit shows a strong red color with smooth marks and a balanced, sweet flavor.

"This variety matures five to seven days before Gala, a characteristic that makes it interesting for producers to expand their harvest window," she said, adding that it is ideal for cold zones for coloring and quality.

"The goal is to expand the range of Gala varieties offered in Chile, which is one of the most produced groups and currently relies on the Brookfield variety. The market requires new genotypes that respond to producer needs," she said.

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