The Canopy apple will soon join the Granny Smith on the green apple market. This new variety has emerged from the hybridization program of IFO, the research and development station of Dalival. The Canopy has a similar acidity level to its predecessor but its sugar levels are higher. This new juicy and crunchy apple stands out especially for its scab resistance gene. The first trees will be marketed during the 2022-23 season and planting should take place in the following years.
In development since 2004
“The variety was hybridized in 2004 and the first fruits were tasted in 2009,” explains Fiona Davidson, communication manager at Dalival. The selection requires several years of observation in order to collect results and confirm its agronomic potential. “The Canopy was selected in 2014 at level 2, and it has been under evaluation for several years at IFO. In parallel, the variety was sent for trial in 2019 to our European partners to be evaluated under soil and climate conditions that are different from ours.”
Resistance to scab and great taste qualities
The Granny Smith, which is very sensitive to scab and aphids, is a complex variety in terms of tree management. “IFO was looking for a green variety that would be resistant, productive and with great taste qualities, including acidic levels comparable with the Granny because it is what consumers expect from a green apple. With this in mind, the station conducted a hybridization program by crossing parents likely to combine these qualities.”
Canopy has the Vf/Rvi 6 gene of resistance to scab, and it also holds well against the apple aphid. The Canopy trees have an open habit (type 3) which will be easier to manage, especially for a narrow 2D hedge/fruit wall type orchard with a faster fruit set than the Granny Smith (type 4). Canopy also has S2S23 S-alleles (one of which, S23, is uncommon) and thus has potential as a pollinator as well.
“In terms of marketing, there are very few resistant green varieties on the market, so the Canopy stands out as an alternative since it will be able to meet a real demand from fruit growers and consumers,” explains Fiona Davidson.
For more information:
Fiona Davidson
Dalival
Phone: +33(0)3 23 96 56 50
[email protected]
www.dalival.com