What was it all about?

This multi-industry project worked towards the delivery of new grape varieties for both the dried grape and table grape industries, with levies from both used to fund the work. While ongoing throughout 2018/19, it came to an end in the first half of 2019/20.

For dried grapes the project looked at new, consistently high yielding, rain-tolerant varieties that produce a premium light-coloured, globally differentiated product to enhance value. This work led to the prioritisation of promising selections for future commercialisation.

For table grapes, new varieties adapted to local conditions will enable Australia to differentiate its products in international markets, enhance export opportunities and increase domestic consumption. Future new varieties are intended to reduce production costs and minimise issues such as berry collapse in Thompson seedless, as well as poor budburst and low fruit bearing in sub-tropical regions. Early and late ripening types, and those with favourable long-term storage and transport characteristics, will also extend the season and provide opportunities to develop new markets

Specific project activities included the continued evaluation of seedless material established by CSIRO in previous projects; identification of new selections for inclusion in multiplied plot trials; and establishment of new advanced selections for semi-commercial and regional testing.