Three new raspberry varieties set for release in Chile
The Chilean raspberry industry's heavy reliance on one variety could soon be about to change, as three new cultivars with 'improved characteristics' are set to be released after eight years in development.
The Fruit Technology Consortium of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) last week announced the new varieties Santa Teresa, Santa Catalina and Santa Clara were now in the process of being officially registered.
The varieties were developed under the 'Raspberry Breeding Program', designed in part to bolster Chile's competitiveness at the international level.
The Universidad Católica acted as a technical parter in the development, which was also supported by the Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), the Fruit Development Foundation (FDF) and Chilean firm InnovaCorfo.
"We have three raspberry varieties that have improved characteristics compared to the norm in terms of size, taste, texture, color, and they are also easier to grow on our national soil," ASOEX president Ronald Bown said in a release.
"With these new varieties we hope to contribute to sustainability, meaning real inclusion and participation in each part of the production chain. We are pleased with these new varieties, which we know will greatly support our fruit production and export sector."
Bown said around 85% of Chile's raspberry production was currently dedicated to the Heritage variety.
The Santa Teresa variety (pictured) can weigh up to 9.3g
The development program's director Dr. Marina Gambardella said the dependence on one variety meant the industry was at risk of suffering serious damage should a pest or disease arrive.
She added production increases had also been limited because of that vulnerability.
"You also need to have more varieties because the Heritage raspberry is not appropriate for the fresh market, and in order for Chile to retain its leading position it is vital to have more varieties, and varieties developed for the Chilean climatic conditions," she said.
The Santa Catalina plant grows to a height of 1.75m (5.5 feet), produces medium-sized fruit weighing 4.2g (0.14 ounces) on average and is a slightly earlier variety than Heritage. It can produce around 832g (30 ounces) of fruit in the first year - double that of Heritage - and has a Brix level of 10.1 and acidity of 1.2%.
Santa Clara grows to around 1.85m (6.1 feet), and also produces medium-sized fruit weighing 4.1g on average. Like the Santa Catalina, it is also a slightly earlier variety than Heritage, and yields some 764g (27 ounces) of fruit in the first year. It has a Brix level of 10.1 and acidity of 1.4%.
Finally, Santa Teresa grows to around 1.7m (5.6 feet) and produces large-sized fruit that weighs 6.09g (0.21 ounces) on average and up to as much as 9.3g (0.3 ounces). It is also slightly earlier than Heritage, and has a Brix level of 9.8 and acidity of 1.9%.
The varieties were said to be developed with small-holder farmers in mind as well as the larger companies.
