Fruit crop germplasm consists of all the collections of plants that provide the raw material for basic studies on fruit crop plants, for plant improvement programmes and for selection of improved cultivars. Those collections represent storehouses of genes and genetic combinations that can be exploited to extend the range of crops, to select new cultivars in anticipation of environmental or other changes, and to make our existing fruit-based food industries more competitive through the use of better cultivars or the introduction of new food initiatives.
We maintain and develop our fruit germplasm collections to international standards. We dedicate about 15 ha of orchard to germplasm maintenance. New material is continually sourced and imported, if possible. Internationally, such collections are increasingly being used as sources of new drugs and phytochemicals, as alternative sources of compounds to replace those produced synthetically, of flavour and aroma compounds, of genes that code for such compounds, or of the biochemical pathways that make them. The germplasm therefore allows for innovation well beyond the production of new fruit or processed foods. The collections provide for exploration and exploitation in a world where genetic diversity is rapidly diminishing.
Berryfruit
Much of the berryfruit (Ribes, Rubus and Vaccinium ) collection is unique and irreplaceable. It provides for the incorporation of novel flavours, fruit qualities and plant traits into blackcurrants, blueberries, boysenberries and raspberries. The collection includes the raw germplasm for the only programmes in the world selecting for low chill blackcurrants and spineless black raspberries with high anthocyanin content, innovative programmes breeding specifically for qualities to enhance human health.
Citrus
The National Citrus Germplasm Collection has been chosen specifically for New Zealand conditions, to introduce overseas cultivars that give our industry new opportunities, to allow for new breeding developments and to serve as a source of propagating material for growers.
Hops
The hops (Hummulus) collection contains unique triploid cultivars and tetraploids developed for innovative breeding programmes. In addition, the germplasm has been studied intensively so that the breeding quality of the males is known and we have information on flavour and health-related attributes.
Kiwifruit
The kiwifruit (Actinidia) collection is the best outside of China and is particularly comprehensive in the species of greatest commercial potential. It could allow for the production of novel kiwifruit with edible skins, peelable skins, different flavours, different colours or ripening indicators.
Pipfruit
The apple (Malus) germplasm collection is second only to the best in the United States. Novel skin colours, different flesh colours, flavours, textures, aromas, fruit sizes, seedlessness, non-browning flesh – these are all traits available in our germplasm to create innovations that provide a competitive advantage. The pear (Pyrus) germplasm likewise provides the opportunity of developing innovative red-skinned pears, pears that are crisp and convenient, together with the possibility of tropical flavours.
Summerfruit
Amongst our peach (Prunus) germplasm are genes for “tropical” flavours and high sugar contents, and for diversity in fruit texture, including the “stoney hard” gene, making the flesh crisp and crunchy. This diversity will allow us to develop valuable new and innovative types of fruit, unique to New Zealand.