Selecting and releasing to industry high quality fresh and dried Australian apricots for export and domestic markets (MT12015)
What was it all about?
This multi-industry project was responsible for developing and evaluating new, locally adapted apricot varieties, through a partnership with the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) National Apricot Breeding Program. Finalised in 2019/20, MT12015 saw nine new apricot varieties made available to growers, with the wider SARDI breeding program delivering several more.
The work was conducted for both the fresh and dried apricot industries. For the dried tree fruit industry, there was a focus on consistent high-cropping varieties with easily handled and processed fruit. Fruit with high total soluble solids (TSS) levels and low dry ratios was sought, to produce a high-quality, attractive dried product in the traditional Australian half-cut style. For the fresh apricot industry, the work focused on varieties with regular crops of robust fruit with a flavoursome eating experience for consumers.
The new apricot varieties are now available to growers through SARDI, including three for dried tree fruit growers and six for the fresh industry. Click on the varieties below for fact sheets with key information. You can also view a master list of the new varieties, including all additional varieties delivered by SARDI.
For the dried tree fruit industry:
For the fresh apricot industry:
This project was a multi-industry strategic levy investment in the Hort Innovation Dried Tree Fruit and Summerfruit Funds.