In New Zealand, RubyRed kiwifruit tray volumes are projected to double as consumer interest in the red variety grows. Zespri and the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre are addressing challenges faced by growers, including smaller fruit sizes, lower yields, and Psa susceptibility. The cultivar, under development for over two decades, is well-received in markets but limited by shorter shelf life, affecting exports to distant regions.
Located in Te Puke, the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre—jointly owned by Plant and Food Research and Zespri—focuses on overcoming these issues. Dr. Bart Challis, the center's chief commercial officer, notes that, unlike SunGold, RubyRed may evolve through multiple cultivars. "We run a continuous pipeline of cultivars, selecting from additional red varieties to make incremental improvements," he stated.
In November, Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake reiterated the company's commitment to RubyRed, acknowledging sizing and storage challenges. He mentioned ongoing trials for a new cultivar that could extend shipping and retail windows beyond eight weeks, potentially becoming commercially available in two years.
Challis explained that Psa's emergence in 2010 necessitated a breeding plan reset to incorporate greater Psa tolerance, delaying RubyRed's release. Zespri's grower and industry engagement officer, Tracy McCarthy, emphasized the farm and sheltered site's importance for resistance improvement. "In partnership with growers, we have developed many management tools that work well on Red19 (RubyRed)," she noted.
RubyRed's Psa tolerance is reportedly advancing beyond competitors' varieties. Meanwhile, Zespri has paused new licensed area issuances, pending a five-year outlook plan announcement. Balancing the cultivar to meet grower, consumer, and supply chain needs remains a priority. "That supply chain component is very much a New Zealand Inc issue, due to our distance to market," Challis remarked.
Controlled atmosphere storage impacts profitability, but Zespri's Global Supply agreements in the northern hemisphere could mitigate distance challenges. Growers have raised concerns about RubyRed's smaller size compared to SunGold and Green. Challis anticipates that pre-commercial trials of the new cultivar will clarify size potential.
Precision breeding tools are supported by Zespri and the center, though not gene modification. Challis noted the technology isn't a quick fix, given the 25-year breeding cycle. Despite claims of RubyRed's volume struggles, Farmers Weekly reported some growers achieving over 13,000 trays per hectare.
Globally, over 50,000 hectares of red kiwifruit are cultivated, notably in China. Challis stated, "And RubyRed is commanding a very good premium despite global competition."
Source: Farmers Weekly