South Africa’s fruit industry continues to grow with groundbreaking developments in deciduous fruit breeding. The Agricultural Research Council (ARC), in collaboration with Culdevco, has introduced a series of high-performing cultivars, including the newly launched Roselyn pear and promising new plum, apricot, and apple varieties. These innovations aim to enhance market competitiveness, profitability, and adaptability in both local and international markets.
Introducing Roselyn: A Game-Changing Blush Pear
The latest breakthrough in South Africa’s pear industry is the Roselyn pear, a new blush pear cultivar developed by ARC and commercialized by Culdevco.
Key Benefits of Roselyn
- Higher Packouts & Profitability: Roselyn’s red blush covers 50%-60% of the fruit, a significant improvement from the 20%-30% seen in the popular Rosemarie variety. This results in higher Class 1 packouts, increasing potential earnings for farmers.
- Exceptional Quality & Climate Adaptability: It thrives in colder regions like the Koue Bokkeveld in Ceres and Wolseley, making it ideal for South African orchards.
- Extended Harvest Window: It is ready for harvest by January and perfect for consumption by mid-March, offering a strategic advantage in the pear production calendar.
Roselyn is part of ARC’s long-term effort to expand the blush pear season, following successful introductions like Cheeky (2009) and Rosy-Lwazi (2022). Farmers interested in Roselyn can order it through Culdevco, ensuring access to a high-demand, visually appealing cultivar.
Expanding Beyond Pears: New Plum & Apricot Varieties
Plums Leading the Market
South Africa is a major global player in plum exports, with 50% of exported plums originating from the ARC breeding program.
Key ARC-bred plum varieties performing well in European, UK, and Middle Eastern markets include:
- African Rose
- Ruby Sun
- African Delight
Culdevco is also testing a new large, velvety plum provisionally named PR O6-23 (Sanguine Star). After three years of trials, the plum is undergoing semi-commercialization, with retailers evaluating its market potential.
Blush Apricots & Low-Chill Apples in the Pipeline
Renewed interest in blush apricots has led ARC to develop new varieties that balance taste and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, ARC’s breeding program has successfully developed low-chill apples, now being cultivated in regions like Limpopo and Namibia, ensuring adaptability to different climates.
Culdevco’s Role in Commercialisation
Culdevco has been instrumental in introducing over 150 fruit cultivars to more than ten countries in the past two decades. Shareholders such as Hortgro Pome & Stone, the South African Table Grape Industry, Raisin SA, and the Canning Fruit Producers’ Association work closely with ARC to guide breeding objectives.
In addition to commercialization, Culdevco supports transformation initiatives through Cultipowered, a nonprofit that identifies and addresses industry gaps.
The Future of South African Cultivars
With ongoing trials and market evaluations, ARC and Culdevco continue to introduce high-value fruit cultivars designed to meet changing climate conditions and consumer preferences. Their commitment to innovation, market expansion, and agricultural excellence positions South Africa as a leading force in the global fruit industry.
Farmers and investors can expect exciting new releases, particularly in pears, plums, apricots, and raisins, ensuring sustainable growth and economic success.