Four new apple selections will be presented at the Department of Agriculture and Food’s display at the Donnybrook Apple Festival this weekend.
Department apple breeder Fucheng Shan, who has 30 years experience in horticulture genetics, breeding and production, said that the department’s apple breeding program was established 40 years ago.
“Since then, the program has released a number of apple varieties, including the globally successful Cripps Pink, better recognised by the internationally-renowned trademarked brand name Pink Lady®,” said Dr Shan.
“Recently, the team has been breeding quality apple varieties that are suitable for the Australian climate, to support the Western Australian and Australian apple industries,” he said.
“The program intends to broaden its germplasm genetic diversity to enable it to be sustainable and able to continue to breed new varieties that help our apple industry remain competitive.
“A promising new, dark burgundy variety is currently being commercialised and many advanced selections are at different stages of evaluation."
Department Regional Director Neil Guise said a wealth of information would be available at the Festival to support the on a range of DAFWA projects, centred around the 2013 Festival theme of ‘sustainability and conservation’, will also be available.
“Staff from the department’s Small Landholder Information Service (SLIS) will be at the ready with their trailer, fully equipped with information on how to make the most of your small property,” said Mr Guise
“People will also be able to sign up to receive the South West AgMemo or become an SLIS member and receive e-newsletters detailing up-coming events, and vital seasonal and land management information,” he said.
“We will be presenting information on the Buy West Eat Best program and highlighting the department work to improve water use efficiency in local agricultural industries.
“Also on display will be sterile fruit flies that have been specially reared and irradiated for trials testing on the control of fruit fly populations.
“I encourage everyone to pop into the DAFWA display and have a chat.”
The Donnybrook Apple Festival will be held over 30 - 31 March and there is free entry for children under 12 who are accompanied by an adult as part of a State Government initiative.
Media contacts: Jodie Thomson, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937