Testing varieties

The Variety Innovation Consortium South Tyrol searches all over the globe for new varieties of apples to test their suitability for cultivation under South Tyrolean conditions. To this end, the Consortium works together with international partners in the fields of breeding, cultivation, with variety managers and variety administrators, with marketing experts, etc., etc.

Whenever an interesting variety with potential is discovered, it is tested in South Tyrol in three phases / levels. In this context, SK South Tyrol works closely with the Pomology Department of the Laimburg Research Center. To do this, a small number of trees are planted at the research center's site. Depending upon the results of this first test, level two and three and so on follow. In these subsequent levels, several trees are planted at various different sites in South Tyrol and sensory tests are also carried out.

  • Phase one

    In the first step, the scions of one or several varieties are imported into South Tyrol. Then five trees of each are planted at two macro-climatic sites – in Pfatten / Vadena at 220 meters above sea-level and in Latsch / Laces at 700 meters. Over a period of from four to six years, tests are conducted to determine how the trees and their fruit develop at the two sites.

  • Phase two

    If, during phase one, a variety is determined to be of particular interest, further tests are conducted: Under the guidance of SK Südtirol, pilot series – each with 50 to 100 trees – are planted in five to ten microclimatic locations in South Tyrol. Further, initial market tests and storage trials are performed. The goal is to determine: How do the apples taste? What do consumers in various different markets think about them? For how long can they be stored – in the cooling cells, but then subsequently at other locations, e.g., on store shelves or at home in fruit bowls?

  • Phase three

    In the third test phase, the pre-commercial phase, the data thus far collected about cultivation, tree care, and the apples is deepened and broadened. To do this, orchards with 1,000 to 5,000 trees are established. On the basis of the findings of this test phase, the Executive Board of SK Südtirol convenes and makes a decision: The variety is either introduced or rejected (because it is unsuitable for cultivation in South Tyrol or for marketing).