New ‘super apple’ developed in Queensland

A new ‘super apple’ will soon be available to Australian consumers. The Kalei apple - meaning ‘loveable’ in Hawaiian - is the result of 20 years of breeding research conducted by the Queensland Government.

The Kalei is reported to be high-yielding, sweet and resistant to apple scab, a fungal disease that costs the Australian apple industry more than $10 million each year in lost production and chemical control.

Its most significant feature, however, is its ability to stay fresh for longer. According to the Queensland Government, the Kalei will retain its firmness, texture and crispness for up to three weeks.

With support from Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) and Apple and Pear Australia Ltd (APAL), the Queensland Government developed the apple through cross-pollination, without using chemicals or genetic modification.

APAL is the Queensland Government’s commercialisation partner for the Kalei and has been selected to bring the Kalei into local supermarkets.