The fruit sector faces constant challenges in adapting to new climatic and international market conditions. In response, the Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) and the Biofruit Consortium are leading a genetic improvement program (PMG) for table grapes. The INIA G-4 variety, which seeks to lead the varietal exchange in Chile and was registered at the SAG in 2023, was recently presented at a field day.
The event was attended by the new national director of INIA, Carlos Furche, who highlighted the public-private collaboration in this development. "Table grapes have faced difficult years and will probably have the possibility of recovering. This recovery has everything to do with the availability of new varieties adapted to the demands of the market and climate change challenges," stated Furche.
Rodrigo Cruzat, general manager of Consorcio Biofrutales, said that the fruit sector faces challenges such as drought and varietal replacement. "We are looking for varieties that can serve producers and delight the market, such as INIA G-4. We believe it has all the qualities for replacement," Cruzat said. The variety is in an Open Model, with no acreage restrictions or a limited number of exporters.
INIA G-4 is a white, seedless, slightly elongated berry grape. The bunch is easy to handle and reaches export sizes (21-22 mm). It ripens in mid-season and is highly productive, exceeding 3,800 boxes/ha.
"This is a very productive variety, with a very pleasant flavor, and good post-harvest life, as its fruit remains firm, with an adequate rachis and no defects, for 45 to 60 days," stated Cecilia Peppi, in charge of the PMG INIA-Biofrutales Table Grape. Currently, there are plantations in various regions of Chile with good results.
INIA G-4 was filed for registration with the SAG in 2023 and is under Provisional Protection. This variety is expected to be part of the fruit replacement and is commercially available under license to ANA Chile.
Source: redagricola.com