New apple packs health punch
Rich red flesh provides visual delight and antioxidant benefits.
Auckland, New Zealand, 20 March 2006 –A stunning new red-fleshed apple, packed with health-promoting antioxidants, could soon redefine the way consumers and industry perceive the perfect fruit.
New Zealand-based fruit science company HortResearch today unveiled a new apple which carries the fruit’s traditional rosy colouring right to the core.
From the outside the apple looks like almost any other, but bite into or slice it and the fruit’s rich red flesh is revealed – given its unique colour by a high concentration of anthocyanin – an antioxidant known to offer human health benefits.
HortResearch’s work on new apple colours is well known in the science community, and while photographs of the fruit have appeared in scientific literature, little public information has been made available about how the fruit was created, or how close it may be to market.
HortResearch Chief Scientist Dr Ian Ferguson said the apple represents “the next level of achievement” for the company’s established breeding programme, which has already produced numerous successful new apples including the latest blockbuster variety Jazz™.
“Our breeders have built an enviable reputation for innovation and quality and this exciting new fruit is testimony to their skills and imagination,” he said.
Dr Ferguson explained that HortResearch began work in 1998, using apples that have naturally red flesh, but do not possess the external appearance, eating qualities or storage capability required to meet commercial standards.
Breeders crossed these apples with high quality white-fleshed apples, creating breeding lines with fruit that range from white/pink to full purple.
The red-fleshed breeding line has been singled out for immediate fast-track development mainly because the colour is so appealing and HortResearch reports excellent progress.
In the past, taking a new fruit trait from this early stage to full commercialisation has often taken decades of breeding effort, but HortResearch says that by applying the latest genomic science techniques, it could be offering growers the new trees in as little as 5-6 years.
Scientists at the company’s Auckland research campus are now endeavouring to speed up the breeding effort by unlocking the apple’s genetic code. Researchers there have already identified over 150,000 apple ESTs – Expressed Sequence Tags – portions of an entire gene that can be used to help locate and identify unknown genes.
Using this database, they’re well on the way to identifying the genes responsible for turning the apple red – information which will accelerate the efforts of the breeding team.
“We call it Smart Breeding,” said Dr Ferguson.
“We identify ‘marker genes’ that reveal desirable characteristics in fruit – in this case red-flesh – and can then develop tests that enable us to efficiently select elite seedlings from breeding populations that frequently number in the tens of thousands.”
Dr Ferguson was clear that the process did not involve genetic engineering.
“The genes are not modified by us in any way. We simply use our understanding of the genes to identify which of the natural crosses stand the most chance of successfully producing red-fleshed fruit with the right balance of flavour and appearance.”
Getting that balance right can generate huge commercial revenues.
Dr Ferguson said extensive studies, conducted by HortResearch’s own Sensory and Consumer Science team, clearly showed that consumers were willing to pay significant price premiums for fruit with novel colours and tastes, or added health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What is an EST?
ESTs (Expressed Sequence Tags) are portions of an entire gene that can be used to help locate and identify unknown genes.
How are they used by HortResearch?
ESTs are DNA sequences from active genes in the plant; genes that govern such characteristics as fruit colour and taste.
HortResearch uses ESTs to identify genes associated with desirable fruit traits, such as colour in this instance.
How do they relate to the red apple?
HortResearch is using its EST database to identify the genes responsible for red flesh in apple and enable the efficient selection of elite seedlings from breeding populations that frequently number in the tens of thousands.
Why is the apple red?
The apple’s flesh is red because it contains high levels of an antioxidant called anthocyanin.
Is it GE?
No.
What is the difference between genomic breeding technologies and genetic engineering?
Genomic breeding technologies aim to identify and understand gene function in order to identify fruits of interest in breeding programmes. They do not seek to modify the genes artificially.
Is there anything special about the red apple, besides looking pretty?
The fruit’s antioxidant properties allow it to offer added health benefits to consumers.
When can I buy one?
At this stage it is too soon to tell. Without genomic technologies it could be 20 years or more. We hope to cut that time in half at least.
Who funds this work?
Our apple breeding programme is supported by industry (through Prevar™ Limited) and the New Zealand government through the Foundation for Research Science and Technology. Industry and government each contribute NZ$1.2 million annually.
Are there any other apple colours in the pipeline?
Potentially, yes. We have identified green, gold and purple as colours of interest.
How will the apple be commercialised?
Through Prevar™ Limited (see www.prevar.co.nz). Prevar™ Limited is a joint venture partnership between HortResearch, New Zealand and Australian pipfruit industries and the Associated International Group of Nurseries. Together these groups fund research and work to commercialise outputs from the HortResearch breeding programme.
About HortResearch
HortResearch is a New Zealand-based science company, acknowledged as a world leader in integrated fruit research using unique resources in fruit, plants and sustainable production systems to provide novel technologies, and innovative fruit and food products with high consumer appeal.
Home to the world’s largest fruit gene and compound database, as well as leading-edge scientific capability in plant breeding, tree, vine and fruit physiology, HortResearch has earned considerable acclaim as the name behind development of JAZZ™ apples and a range of other successful cultivars including blueberries and peaches.
The company also enjoys further praise as the research team behind the development of the world's first intelligent fruit labelling system, ripeSense.™ marketed by RIPESENSE Limited
HortResearch is now enhancing its commercial science capability, utilising skills in gene mapping, biochemistry, genetics and plant genomics to find new ways to improve human health, wellbeing and performance.
The company is also developing breakthrough science and technology to meet emerging markets for functional foods and naturally produced flavours and fragrances.
The power behind HortResearch’s fresh thinking includes world-class staff and facilities. HortResearch employs more than 400 skilled scientists at sites throughout New Zealand as well as Business Leaders in international markets such as Australia, Europe and soon the United States.
Situated in major growing regions and in centres of academic and commercial energy, HortResearch facilities are home to leading-edge science technology, and in many cases, dedicated orchards that act as outdoor laboratories for research.
A commercially focused research company, wholly owned by the New Zealand government, HortResearch earns revenue through a blend of public funding and worldwide industry partnerships. The organization actively seeks new strategic commercial collaborators in global fruit, food and healthcare markets.
High resolution digital images are available to accompany this release – please see contact below.
Media Contact:
Roger Bourne
Senior Communications Advisor
HortResearch
Private Bag 92 169
Mt Albert, Auckland
New Zealand
Ph +64 9 815 4200 ext 7057
Mob +64 27 207 1712
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