A newly developed strawberry variety, Stella-ASBP, has been introduced to the Australian market after over five years of development involving local growers and plant breeding experts. This variety was perfected through trials conducted on farms in Queensland and is a collaborative effort between Hort Innovation and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), making it available across all Australian states and territories.
Andrew Francey, Hort Innovation's industry service and delivery general manager, highlighted the benefits of Stella-ASBP for both growers and consumers, noting its sweet flavour, aroma, mouthfeel, and bright red appearance. He also pointed out the variety's contribution to production efficiency due to its high fruit yield. Stella-ASBP is part of a broader breeding program that has produced 17 varieties, significantly contributing to the national and Queensland strawberry production.
Rachel Mackenzie, Berries Australia's chief executive officer, emphasized the industry's support for the breeding program, which represents a substantial investment by strawberry growers. She also noted Stella-ASBP's resistance to red leaf disorder, enhancing plant health and yield.
The introduction of Stella-ASBP comes at a time when the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook reports almost 66,000 tonnes of strawberries produced in 2022/23, with a market value exceeding $429 million and a per capita consumption of 2.27 kilograms.
Source: berries.net.au