Prevar, Okanagan Specialty Fruits, and Plant & Food Research will use new tech like gene editing to develop better varieties
Three of the world’s biggest names in fruit breeding are to combine their efforts and make use of the latest technologies as they seek to develop the apples and pears of the future.
New Zealand-based Prevar and Canadian group Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) say their new research and development partnership will use innovative breeding methods such as genome editing to create fruit that is better for growers, consumers, and the environment.
New Zealand breeding institute Plant & Food Research, Prevar’s strategic partner, is also involved in the collaboration.
According to the companies, advances could include improved pest and disease resistance, reduced food waste, and enhanced nutritional benefits.
Starting in January 2025, the project’s first pre-commercial products are expected to be available in 2029.
OSF is already known for its pioneering use of biotechnology, most notably with genetically engineered, non-browning apples.
These are available in several Arctic-branded varieties – including Arctic Golden, Arctic Granny, Arctic Fuji, and Arctic Gala – and are primarily sold in the US and Canada.
Prevar, for its part, offers the partnership access to what it describes as “world-leading” genetic material, as well as a proven track record of commercial success with products like snack apple PremA96 – marketed as Rockit – and Piqa pears.
“Our partnership with OSF and Plant & Food Research is a milestone in our mission to bring innovative and sustainable solutions to the apple and pear industries,” said Tony Martin, chief executive of Prevar.
“Together, we’re combining decades of expertise and bold new technologies to develop cultivars that address key challenges while creating exciting opportunities for growers and consumers.”
Neal Carter, founder and CEO of Okanagan Specialty Fruits, added: “We’re excited to work alongside Prevar and Plant & Food Research in this groundbreaking initiative. This collaboration represents a shared commitment to using science and technology to create the next generation of apples and pears that will transform our industry and create new opportunities for growers and consumers.”
OSF’s experience in bringing to market apples that were developed using biotechnology is expected to prove useful if other countries lift restrictions on such products, said Professor Richard Newcomb, chief scientist at Plant & Food Research.
“We are looking forward to working alongside OSF and Prevar to better understand how we can apply our gene discovery research in this new and fast-changing commercial setting. This in turn will help us support New Zealand’s horticulture sector in making decisions on how they could apply this to future-proof the sector.”
