French trade magazine Réussir Fruits & Légumes reports that the French national institute for agronomic research, Inra, in Angers has named a Gala and Red Free cross it developed Initial. The new variety name has been trademarked to give it the same status on the market as brands such as Pink Lady, Honey Crunch and Tentation.
Initial is an early variety – earlier even than Gala – and is well suited to conditions in northern France. It is also very resistant to scarring such as scab. However, it does not store well and will therefore prove most successful marketed soon after harvesting.
