Washington State University (WSU) is developing a new apple variety that could seriously compete with current popular varieties such as Honeycrisp.
The new apple is described as red and juicy, with a crispy crunch. WSU researchers expect to have a more marketable name, but so far, the new variety is known only as "WA 38," according to Washington-based news outlet, The News Tribune.
Taste-testing conducted by the University revealed that some subjects prefer WA 38 to Honeycrisp apples.
"(WA 38) just stands out in terms of its eating quality and our experience in growing it in different areas in the state," said Kate Evans, a pome fruit breeder at the university. "It's a really good eating apple, very crisp and juicy."
The new apple was first cross-bred in 1997 and was then selected and tested in Eastern Washington's commercial growing regions.
In addition to its fine taste and texture, the new variety has been specially bred for Eastern Washington's growing conditions. For this reason, WA 38 trees are said to be easier to grow than Honeycrisp and thrive in Eastern Washington's long days, requiring less spraying and get very little sunburn.
Honeycrisp, on the other hand, was originally developed for Minnesota conditions, and is subject to numerous diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and sunburns. Due to these complications, even under ideal conditions many Washington farmers are only able to get 50% of Honeycrisp apples to packing sheds.
WSU is currently working with nurseries and the Northwest Nursery Improvement Institute in order to accumulate enough new trees for distribution to growers. WSU plans to distribute the first trees to farmers soon, which means the apples will be available by 2019 and 2020.
Washington growers who want to apply for WA 38 trees need to contact WSU by the May 31 deadline. A random drawing for distribution to growers will be held on June 30.
There will be around 12 lots of 3,000-5,000 trees available to smaller growers, and around 12 lots of 20,000 trees each for larger growers. Growers will still need to purchase the trees.
Washington growers who do not win the chance to buy trees in the drawing will still be able to purchase them in 2018 and 2019.
Washington State University
