Innovation in apple and pear production

Advancement in the pome fruit industry includes cultivar development, enhanced production methods, and upgraded logistics to overcome barriers in export channels. Roelf Pienaar, managing director of Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, and Henk Griessel, Tru-Cape's quality assurance manager, spoke to Marinda Louw Coetzee about the industry's view on innovation in apple and pear production and exports.

- Marinda Louw Coetzee

What advances have been made to develop new apple and pear cultivars or improve current ones?

South African growers have access to the latest promising apple and pear varieties from around the world. Organisations and companies like the South African Plant Improvement Organisation, Stargrow, Topfruit, and Fruitways are all part of different alliances and can import and test new varieties in our growing areas. Furthermore, Stargrow and Innovapome's breeding programmes focus on adaptability under South African conditions (warmer winters, excessive heat and light in summer), good eating quality, and storage potential for the export market.

Innovapome also explores varieties suitable for Limpopo (a warmer, non-traditional area for pome fruit cultivation in South Africa) to expand apple production areas. Traditionally, we haven't had much success with locally bred apple varieties, and the high cost of orchard establishment makes growers reluctant to plant unproven varieties.

Globally, some programmes are developing apple cultivars suitable for warmer climates. These varieties are more heatand sunburn-resistant while still offering good colour, taste, and texture. The Hot Climate Partnership (a collaboration between Catalonia’s IRTA and New Zealand's Plant & Food Research) has released varieties like Tutti and Stellar, designed for hot summers. Plant improvement organisations will ensure that these varieties are tested for South African growers. In contrast, South African breeders traditionally focus on varieties suited to warmer winter conditions.

Pear breeding is arguably the most challenging among fruit types. Desirable traits in pear varieties include blush, early ripening, and excellent eating quality.