New Apple Varieties From Australia and Europe Vie for Israeli Orchards

A trial orchard in Kibbutz Alonim on the Golan Heights is currently testing six new apple varieties from Australia and Europe, aiming to introduce them to Israeli agriculture. The initiative, led by agricultural researcher Eyal Yonai of MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, seeks to find apples that are flavorful, productive, and adaptable to Israel's climate, potentially replacing older varieties.

These new contenders, selected from an initial pool of 40 varieties a decade ago, are being evaluated for their suitability for Israeli growing conditions. The trial involves planting 50 trees of each variety to assess variations within the strain and their overall acclimatization. This effort is crucial as the last new apple variety introduced to Israel was the 'Pink Lady' in the 1980s, with 'Granny Smith' arriving in the early 1970s.

The six varieties undergoing final testing include Australia's 'Bravo', a dark red late-season apple; the shiny red, early-maturing 'Crimson Crisp'; the two-toned, crisp, and juicy American 'Sweet Tango'; the speckled 'Elfi Gala', suited for areas with less direct sun; the orange 'Zingy' with a balanced, slightly tart flavor; and French patented varieties 'Inogu' and 'Innovi', which produce large, bright lemon-yellow and deep red fruits respectively.

The project, co-funded by the Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture, examines parameters such as climate change resilience, disease resistance (like powdery mildew and scab), shelf life, and high yield. Consumer preferences for crisp texture, vibrant color, and apples that don't become mealy over time are also key considerations.

Researchers hope these new varieties will offer improved taste, color, and durability compared to existing ones. The success of these trials could lead to the phasing out of older, less suitable varieties like 'Jonathan', which struggled with color development in Israel's climate and was ultimately unsuccessful.