Scientists at the University of Queensland in Australia have developed new red bayberry varieties that have just started producing commercial yields.

Bayberries (myrica rubra) thrive in sub-tropical conditions and are native to China where they are grown extremely profitably. Professor Daryl Joyce at The University of Queensland has developed the new varieties working with the primary industry authorities of both Queensland and Victoria and has also received support from the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation.

Professor Joyce’s trees have been fruiting just three years after transplanting. He said: “We were pleasantly surprised the trees grew so quickly and started fruiting after such a short juvenile period after transplanting. Many fruit trees don’t start producing reasonable volumes of fruit until maybe five or six years after transplanting. However, it appears that red bayberry responds well to the sub-tropical Queensland growing conditions."

UniQuest, The University of Queensland's technology transfer company, is looking at bringing the varieties to market based on positive consumer testing as well as field trial results.

The company’s innovation and commercial development manager Cameron Turner believes the recent strong results indicate red bayberries could become a new high value horticulture fruit crop. He said: “Peak harvest occurs in early November in sout-east Queensland. However, we expect to extend the supply period from early October into December, ideally to Christmas, through production in areas further to the north and south, respectively.”

UniQuest is now seeking growers as well as investors for the new fruits, which are bright to dark red, round, 2-3cm in diameter and berry-like. The red flesh has a slightly chewy texture, is sweet and mildly acid and has cherry-stone like seed. The fruit is high in antioxidants as well as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, which have potential anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.

Potential marketing targets are likely to be middle-high income earners, parents, families and health-conscious consumers.

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