What was it all about?

This project evaluated and delivered new dried grape scion and rootstock varieties that improve productivity and resilience for Australian dried grape growers, continuing the work started in Evaluation of dried and table grape varieties (MT15026).

This iteration of the breeding research resulted in the release of one new drying variety, Murray Bold, and three new rootstocks—Vibrant, Dominant and Resilient—all supported by Plant Breeders Rights protection.

The project evaluated 46 breeding lines and a range of new rootstocks over multiple seasons. Vine performance, yield, maturity timing and dried fruit quality were assessed, including performance under rain events and reduced irrigation. The work identified earlier‑ripening selections compared with existing varieties, several high‑priority Sultana‑type lines for semi‑commercial trials, and new self‑drying selections that can produce dried fruit with reduced or no cane cutting. The rootstock trials showed some new rootstocks maintained productivity under deficit irrigation compared with current commercial options.

This research helps to address key challenges for the dried grape industry, including late ripening, rain damage, mould risk, water constraints and high production costs. Adoption of the new varieties and rootstocks is expected to improve yield stability, reduce quality losses, support production with less water, and offer simpler, lower‑cost drying systems, strengthening the long‑term resilience of the dried grape industry.