The government department that developed Cripps Pink, sold under the brand Pink Lady, has released a new apple variety with trees now available to Western Australian growers.

In a release, the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) said it had been breeding and testing the dark burgundy-skinned apple for 20 years.

DAFWA director general Rob Delane, Fruit West Co-operative chairman Ben Darbyshire and Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston with some of the new apples.

The variety officially known as ANABP 01 is a cross between Cripps Red and Royal Gala, and the DAFWA has described it as "grower friendly" because of its productive trees that yield fruit that colors easily and stands out from existing varieties on the shop shelves.

"It has a distinct sweetness and a moderate to high crisp and crunch factor, and was first previewed by growers and potential consumers in 2010," the release said.

"Testing has shown ANABP 01 is suitable to all the major Australian apple production regions. It is harvested between mid-April and early May in the Manjimup region.

"The apple is a medium size with very good flavour and good storing quality."

The commercial agreements have been signed and industry body Fruit West Co-operative Ltd will manage the variety's commercialization, with about 75,000 trees available for sale to growers from the budding in 2013.

DAFWA said small quantities of fruit should become available for sale in 2016, and if the apple is well received by consumers its royalty stream would help "underpin the future of Australian apple breeding".

The release highlighted that color development on the skin was important for consumers, and that the new apple colored up well in Western Australian growing conditions; better than apples which prefer colder climates.

ANABP 01 is a product of the Australian National Apple Breeding Program, and investment by both the Western Australian Government and Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL).

www.freshfruitportal.com