In Munduberra, located two hours west of Bundaberg, Troy Emmerson cultivates approximately seven fruit varieties, including a completely seedless lemon crop. Emmerson highlights the increasing consumer preference for seedless fruits, noting the trend towards fewer seeds in mandarins and the existence of a seed-heavy variety for the Asian market. He anticipates that seedy citrus will eventually vanish from Australian supermarkets.
Professor Robert Henry from the University of Queensland discusses the dominance of seedless varieties in the market and the advancements in genetic breeding technology that make this possible. By propagating plants from cuttings, seedless produce replicates the mother plant, bypassing the need for seeds. This method, according to Henry, is applicable not only to citrus but potentially to all fruits and vegetables, suggesting a future where seedless varieties become the norm.
The collaboration between scientists and growers aims to refine these technologies, making them more affordable and efficient. Henry points out the unique case of seedless macadamias, but asserts the general consumer preference is towards seedless produce.
Source: abc.net.au