Australian scientists are on the cusp of releasing a new apple variety resistant to the apple scab fungal disease.
The Agri-Science Queensland researchers have two new varieties in development that are resistant to the disease, also known as apple black spot, one of which is almost ready for release, reported the ABC.
“One of them, RS103130, is getting close to commercialisation,” said Dr Simon Middleton of Agri-Science Queensland.
“We’ve done four lots of consumer evaluations in Brisbane and it’s come out as good as, if not better than, the current commercial varieties.
“The comparators have included Red Delicious, Pink Lady and Sundowner. So it’s up there with them, but it’s got the beauty of being scab resistant.”
The breeding programme has been running for about 25 years, and it is hoped the two new varieties will go some way to cutting the A$10m a year that apple scab costs the Australian industry.
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