Breeding of new table grapes

PROJECT TITLE:    Breeding of table grapes cultivars

Project leader:           Phyllis Burger (ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij)

Contact:                        burgerp@arc.agric.za

Duration:                    1 April 1977 – Continuous

Problem identification and project objectives:

With increasing global competition, it of vital for South Africa’s local table grape industry to maintain its share in global markets. The availability of cultivars with characteristics that would enable producers to respond to ever-changing consumer demands and at the same time incur lower production costs and deliver excellent crop quality is essential.

The focus of the breeding programme is on breeding new seedless cultivars with desirable fruit traits and require reduced manual manipulations. Desirable traits which are targeted are crunchiness, green stems, large natural berries with even berry size, loose bunches, natural colour development and good storage ability.