The main aim of this breeding programme is the development of apricots for the main growing regions of Hawke’s Bay and Central Otago.
The general breeding objective of the apricot breeding programme is the development of cultivars that:
More specific goals include developing early-maturing lines that ripen in December in Hawke's Bay, and finding replacements for 'Sundrop' in both production regions. This is now of significance because of lack of winter chilling in Hawke’s Bay in some seasons, and size and cropping issues with this cultivar in Central Otago. Breeding is also directed at developing late-maturing apricots that will enable Central Otago growers to target late season export market opportunities.