Chilean researchers seek to develop healthier apples adapted to the local climate

Published Apr 15, 2021

Tridge summary

A team of researchers from the University of Chile, led by Claudia Stange, are working on creating a new variety of apple with enhanced nutritional value and local adaptability in partnership with the Biofrutales Consortium since 2018. The new apple variety will have a higher carotenoid content and will prevent pulp oxidation, extending its color and making it more visually appealing. Carotenoids are essential as they are precursors of vitamin A and have antioxidant properties. This project aims to improve Chile's global apple export position and address issues like vitamin A deficiency in children. However, the research has faced challenges due to pandemic-related restrictions, with only 200 plants currently being studied for molecular and carotenoid composition. Despite the funding for the project ending last September, the team continues their efforts in collaboration with the Biofrutales consortium to identify and massify favorable shoots for grafting into the production chain.

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Original content

Developing an apple that has a national identity, is adapted to the local climate and is more nutritious are some of the objectives of the work carried out by a team of researchers from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Chile. Since 2018, the group led by Claudia Stange, an academic from that faculty, has worked together with the Biofrutales Consortium in search of this new variety of apple. According to information provided by that study house, what is sought is to obtain fruit that differs from those currently marketed, and is characterized by two specific qualities: a higher content of carotenoids and reduce the oxidation of the pulp after slicing it. Carotenoids are unique organic pigments and give fruits and vegetables their yellow, orange and red color. They are also characterized by being antioxidants, helping to prevent aging and various diseases. They are also precursors of vitamin A in humans. "Mammals cannot synthesize this vitamin, which among its different ...

Source: Redagricola