Advanced table grape selections

CSIRO has contributed significant innovations to the table grape sector through its work in grape breeding and variety selection. We have identified varieties with the potential to create new categories of table grapes in the commercial marketplace.

A commercial opportunity

We are currently seeking interest from prospective commercial partners to license our advanced seedless table grape varieties for production in Australia and export globally.

Expressions of interest submissions for this opportunity close on March 1, 2024.

Technology

Researchers in our table grape breeding program have been working to identify the potential for new commercial grape varieties that:

• solve problems for existing varieties
• have distinctive attributes that help the Australian table grape industry to differentiate its product in export markets.

Through our selection process we have addressed:

• berry collapse seen with Thompson Seedless
• poor colour development seen in some seasons with Crimson Seedless
• poor budburst and low fruitfulness of table grape varieties in sub-tropical regions.

We have also identified grape varieties that:

• can be produced at a lower cost
• favour early and late ripening
• are suited to transport and long-term storage.

These characteristics can help to extend the grape season and provide opportunities for new export markets.

Applications

We are seeking suitable, skilled businesses associated with the table grape industry to evaluate our new, advanced table grape selections for commercialisation.

This is an opportunity to deliver benefit to the Australian table grape industry by commercialising new, distinctive varieties that are adapted to local conditions.

Intellectual property

It is expected that a licensee would seek Plant Breeders Rights in Australia for any selection to be commercially released. Management of the export of harvested fruit to licensed marketing territories outside Australia will be included as part of a licence agreement.

The team

CSIRO's grape breeding program was launched in the 1960's to develop new seedless table grape varieties that adapt to Australian conditions, produce consistent yields with excellent visual appeal, good flavour and texture. From that program, four new varieties were commercially released – Marroo Seedless, Millenium Muscat, Mystic Seedless and Magic Seedless.

Building on this success, our team of agricultural scientists and experts have identified many more varieties over the years that we believe will have commercial success. Our experience in selecting successful grape varieties has been demonstrated through ongoing innovation and collaboration to uncover new, competitive advantages for Australian products, that benefit the table grape industry and the Australian market.