Developing New Fruit Crops for Market Introduction

Few people had sampled a kiwi fruit in North America before 1970. Now the popular fruit is common in markets. The USDA's Agricultural Research Service is experimenting with minor crops to develop them for a wider market. There are over 600 plants grown in the US defined as minor crops, those grown on 300,000 acres or less. Researchers are also looking at major crops from other regions for possible use in North America.

Samples of minor crops are maintained at the National Clonal Germplasm Repository in Corvallis, Oregon. Seeds and cuttings are distributed to breeders across the country to test a crop's growth in different areas. Breeders experiment to produce fruits that will be desirable to the American consumer.

Native elderberry, aronia and lingonberry are minor crops being tested at the facility. The experimental fruits have unique flavours; some have very high levels of healthful compounds such as antioxidants. The edible-fruited honeysuckle, already popular in Asia, is also being looked at.

Links:

• Fruits of the Future from the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA


• Turning Minor Fruits into Major Crops from Agricultural Research Magazine

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 2:06 PM on February 18, 2005

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