Largest Domestic Grape Variety 'Qing Yu' Debuts with Melon Aroma, Heat Resistance

(CNA, reporter Wang Shu-fen, Taipei, July 1) After 20 years of cultivation, the Agricultural Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture has developed a new grape variety called 'Qing Yu'. It is currently the largest domestic grape variety, with a translucent yellow-green skin when ripe. Not only is the flesh tender and juicy with a unique melon aroma, but it can also withstand the high-temperature environmental risks associated with global warming.

The Agricultural Research Institute held a press conference at the Ministry of Agriculture today to introduce the new grape variety 'Tainong No. 2 - Qing Yu'. The Director of the Agricultural Research Institute, Wang Shih-hsien, and the head of Jiahe Farm Seedling Farm, Lai Kun-hao, signed a letter of intent for technology transfer authorization, with the Director of the Science and Technology Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Li Hung-hsi, as a witness.

Lu Ming-te, an associate researcher at the Agricultural Research Institute, stated that Taiwan's grape cultivation area is approximately 2,200 hectares, with an annual output of about 60,000 metric tons. The main variety is the Kyoho for fresh consumption, accounting for about 95% of the total cultivation area, primarily distributed in Changhua, Nantou, Miaoli, and Taichung production areas. However, the trend of global warming has intensified in recent years, and high-temperature environments can easily affect the accumulation of anthocyanins in dark purple grape varieties, leading to poor skin coloration. This not only affects appearance and market value but also increases cultivation management challenges.

Lu Ming-te explained that 'Qing Yu' is a hybrid variety that began trial cultivation about 20 years ago. After years of observation, the berries are large and full, with an average single berry weight of 12.7 grams, making them the largest among domestic grape varieties. When ripe, the skin naturally presents a translucent yellow-green color, which is stable and bright. It does not rely on anthocyanin conversion for coloration, thus exhibiting good appearance and effectively reducing the risk of poor coloration caused by high temperatures. This offers a new option for Taiwan's grape industry with greater climate adaptability and market differentiation.

According to data provided by the Agricultural Research Institute, the average weight of a single 'Qing Yu' berry is about 3 grams heavier than a Kyoho berry.

Lai Kun-hao is the first farmer in Taiwan to cultivate 'Qing Yu'. He said that 'Qing Yu' has been trialed in his vineyard for 20 years. He has observed that this variety has fewer pests and diseases, is not afraid of high temperatures, and can be harvested when about 70% ripe. It becomes sweeter as it ripens, with sugar content ranging from 15.1 to 21.6 degrees Brix. Harvest time can be selected according to consumer preference, making it a very promising variety. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150701

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