Italian breeder’s new varieties are said to develop colouring earlier than other Gala clones
Fruit breeder Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti (CIV) has developed two new clones of Gala that it says stand out in the early apple market.
The first, named T-Rex/CIVT15*, forms earlier colouring than other Gala clones (even in lowland areas where this is more difficult to achieve), shows “excellent uniformity” in both ripening and size, and produces larger fruit of a conical shape.
Asian markets are showing strong interest in the variety, which CIV says has “excellent growth prospects globally”.
The second clone is a striped Gala apple called Tigergala/CIVS15* which develops “intense striping” earlier than other varieties.
Climate change can reduce apple yields, especially in lowland areas, but CIV says Tigergala can be grown in regions that are especially challenging for apple cultivation.
CIV’s commercial director Federico Stanzani said: “Interest in Gala T-Rex is growing among growers due to its distinctive characteristics: the uniform red colour over the entire surface and the large size.
“The fruit catches the attention of consumers and buyers on the shelf.”
T-Rex and Tigergala are both exclusive varieties and are only available from CIV member nurseries: Mazzoni Vivai, Tagliani Vivai and Salvi Vivai.
