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In spite of globalization, South Tyrol's fruit growers are among the leaders in the world, yet they have been depending upon established varieties. Therefore, the most commonly planted apples for this season will once again be Golden Delicious, Gala, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious. For several years now, apple producers have been waiting for an alternative to the old varieties with their sure yields. Three new apple varieties have just been introduced.
In recent years, nearly 800 hectares (2,000 acres) of apple orchards have been replaced in South Tyrol, the world’s largest contiguous apple growing area. That represents a turnover rate of around four percent, a trend that looks like it will continue in the coming year. “The turnover rate for this year is comparable to that of previous years and will not be substantially greater,” estimates expert Harald Weis of the South Tyrol Advisory Board for Fruit and Wine Cultivation. In recent years, fruit growers have relied upon tried and true varieties in the replacement of orchards. Last year, for example, nearly 40% of the new orchards were planted with Golden Delicious. In 15% of the orchards, the choice was made for Gala, while apple producers decided on Granny Smith and Red Delicious at a rate of nearly 11% each.
In order to achieve a high level of net output and to remain competitive, more orchards need to be replaced, Weis reckons. “Operations that do not make any investments in this regard over the years will soon end up being obsolete and in need of modernization,” the expert warns. He recommends a replanting rate of five to six percent, depending upon the zone of cultivation. There continues to be great interest among South Tyrol's apple producers in the variety Cripps Pink (Pink Lady®). Last year, 28 hectares (69 acres) were planted with this variety, and approximately the same amount will be added this year, too. But the scarce availability of plants is not putting the farmers in high spirits and is putting the brakes on greater development.
Recently, the legal requirements have been successfully fulfilled to plant three new varieties: MODÌ® (CIV G198), KANZI® (Nicoter), and JAZZ® (Scifresh). This has been carried out by the South Tyrol Variety Innovation Consortium – a joint platform between the two marketing organizations Association of South Tyrol Fruitgrowers Cooperatives and the Vinschgau Valley Producers – the South Tyrol Fruit and Winegrowing Consulting Center, and the Technical College for Fruticulture, Viticulture, and Horticulture in Laimburg. Thus the wait for alternative varieties has finally come to an end.
“Because of the good color formation, the scab-resistant Modí® variety could represent an interesting choice for the cultivation areas in the valley floor,” says the head of the Variety Consortium, Kurt Werth, “while in the good color areas, which in South Tyrol are in particular the hilly areas, Kanzi® could represent a new alternative.” Beginning in 2010, apple producers may plant the Jazz® variety. “Our experience with this up to now is still limited at this point,” explains Werth, “and we are aware of the difficulties of this variety. But the producers’ interest in new, internationally familiar varieties is great. And with this variety, the marketing companies also see an interesting expansion of the level of varieties.”
The most promising new varieties will be presented at the very latest by the international tradeshow Interpoma, which will be held at the Bolzano Exhibition Center in the capital of South Tyrol (Alto Adige), Italy from November 6 to 8, 2008. Expectations are high that in the future, they will represent an interesting economic perspective.
For additional information on Interpoma, the team at the Bolzano Exhibition Center is pleased to be at your service:
Cristina Pucher
Messe Bozen AG
Messeplatz 1
39100 Bozen/Italien
Tel. +39 0471 516 000
info@messebozen.it
www.interpoma.it
Bolzano, Italy, March 26, 2008
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