On October 25, 2023, Dalival, in collaboration with the research and development center IFO, will not only present the new apple varieties Tonik and Canopy but also the latest innovation in rootstocks: the M200. In this context, a real discovery morning will be organized at the IFO facility in Seiches sur le Loir.
Thierry Ligonnière, the CEO of Dalival, explains that the company is “convinced that Dalival’s various innovations can make a significant contribution to the industry” and that’s why he has decided to “make them available to as many people as possible, on a very large scale.”
Tonik: Excellent Shelf Life and Unique Flavor
Tonik, the late bicolored apple variety that is part of the IFO breeding program, has a sparkling flavor and excellent shelf life when stored at typical cold temperatures. “Thanks to a productive tree that is resistant to major diseases and pests, orchard management with Tonik is much easier than with other apple varieties.”
Canopy: Resistant to Apple Scab That Challenges Granny Smith
The apple variety Canopy, winner of a Sival d’or for innovation in 2023, is also part of the IFO breeding program and is tart and crispy while having a higher sugar content than the Granny Smith variety. Canopy distinguishes itself from other varieties primarily by carrying the Rvi6 gene, making it resistant to apple scab. Additionally, the genetic profile ensures that Canopy is a good pollinator in most cases.
M200: The Solution to Low Vigor and Productivity
“Derived from a cross between Ottawa 3 and Robusta 5 at the NIAB EMR station in East Malling, UK, the rootstock M200 is 15% more vigorous than M9 and yields 20 to 30% more than M9.
Furthermore, M200 is resistant to Phytophthora and performs very well in terms of soil fatigue.
The M200 rootstock can be used to replace M9, for replanting, in organic orchards, or with less vigorous apple varieties.”