At the CRSFA Basile Caramia in Locorotondo, in the province of Bari, on 28 August 2020, the IVC Network presented to its partners 40 promising selections of seedless grapes, obtained as part of the breeding activities started in 2015.
The IVC Network is today composed by 20 companies that finance the breeding project for the creation of seedless grapes, who operate in 5 different Italian regions, and by scientific partners such as the spin-off SINAGRI from the University of Bari and the CRSFA Basile Caramia of Locorotondo (Bari).
Aromatic selections shown in the photo.
Currently more than 20,000 seedlings are being evaluated, the result of the crossbreeds carried out so far, which represent countless types of grapes in terms of color, taste, aroma and cryptogamic resistance.
The submitted 40 selections, with a medium early ripening period, were divided as follows the following: 9 white berry, 10 red berry, 9 black berry and 12 aromatic of which 9 with muscat aroma and 3 with foxy flavor. Eight varieties, including some made by DiA3 of Catania, whose evaluation was conducted in the fields of the IVC network, have been selected for protection procedures at the CPVO.
The pomological exhibition was accompanied by a panel test and the submission of an evaluation form by all participants, who provided both a comprehensive and specific feedback regarding certain characteristics such as bunch appearance, taste and crunchiness of the flesh.
Seedless white grapes selections
Seedless red grapes selections
President Nicola Borracci spoke of the first five years of activity and outlined the actions and future activities to be developed and implemented to achieve the goals of the network project.
This was followed by an intervention of the president of the CTS, Professor Carlo Fideghelli, who outlined the characteristics of the selections presented and the genetic material being evaluated.
The meeting was attended by the Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies, Mr. Giuseppe L'Abbate, and congressperson Mr. Gianpaolo Cassese, member of the Agriculture Commission of the Chamber.
The Undersecretary stressed the activities of the IVC Network, which is a positive model that brings together different skills, public institutions and private companies with a view towards innovation and that allows companies to compete on the international market of grapes, where Italy excelled until a few years ago. Competitiveness should be supported also by institutions through appropriate promotion policies that enhance initiatives like this one.
The appointment for the presentation and evaluation of medium-late ripening selections has been postponed for several weeks.
Further information:
Rete Italian Variety Club
Email: [email protected]