US-based Sun World International and Cornell University have signed up for a long-term table grape research collaboration agreement, which will combine each group’s particular grape research expertise.
The collaboration will take the form of plant material exchange, according to a press release, and regular visits between research sites.
As an already establish commercial grape breeder, licenser and producer, Sun World will handle the US and international commercialisation of any new varieties to come out of the partnership.
“This agreement follows nearly a decade of research cooperation between Cornell and Sun World and is likely to bring the global fruit industry many new types of grapes,” Cornell grape genetics professor Bruce Reisch said.
Cornell University’s grape breeding programme is 120 years old, and focuses on cultivars for the cool climate in northern New York State. Varieties to come out of the programme include Einset Seedless and Marquis.
Sun World’s expertise lies in varieties developed for California’s Mediterranean climate, and includes Midnight Beauty, Superior Seedless (Menindee Seedless), Scarlotta Seedless, Sable Seedless and Sophia Seedless.
The company has licensed production in North America, South America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and South Africa.
Sun World also has a successful stonefruit breeding programme.
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