By 2100, Apple Cultivation Possible Only in Gangwon... Rural Development Administration Promotes Continuous Development of Climate Change Adaptation New Varieties

Cultivated Area in Daegu and Gyeongbuk Regions Down 44% in 30 Years
Gangwon Cultivated Area Up 247%

The Rural Development Administration (RDA) is developing new varieties adapted to climate change. This is in response to the expectation that apple cultivation will be possible in some areas of Gangwon Province by 2100.

According to the RDA on the 13th, the apple cultivation area in Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, which were major apple production areas, decreased by 44% compared to 30 years ago, from 36,021 hectares to 20,151 hectares this year. In contrast, the apple cultivation area in Gangwon Province increased from 483 hectares to 1,679 hectares during the same period.

Kim Myung-soo, Director of the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science at the RDA, said, "Apples account for 16.8% of fruit farming households in Korea and have the largest cultivation area among crops. However, according to current climate change scenarios, it is predicted that by 2100, apples will only be cultivated in some parts of Gangwon Province, so it is important to establish a stable production base."

The RDA plans to establish a stable apple production base by distributing regionally customized varieties according to changes in climate environment and agricultural conditions. Starting this year, a 'Colorful' production complex is being established in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, and a 'Golden Ball' specialized production complex is being set up in Gunwi, Daegu.

The apple 'Colorful' supplied to Hongcheon is resistant to anthracnose, ring rot, and brown spot disease. It is characterized by its red skin and smooth surface.

The Korean apple variety Colorful, distributed in Hongcheon (registered in 2019), has a harvest period in early to mid-October, with a sugar content of 15.2 Brix and acidity of 0.55%, offering a sweet and sour taste. It is resistant to anthracnose, bitter pit, and brown spot diseases, with red skin and a smooth surface.

The Golden Ball, distributed in Gunwi (registered in 2021), is a yellow summer apple harvested in August. It does not require coloration (skin reddening), which reduces labor. With a sugar content of 14.8 Brix and acidity of 0.51%, it is a rare summer apple that harmonizes sweetness and acidity.

The RDA plans to stabilize the distribution of these varieties in the market by supplying Colorful through specialized agricultural product distributors and Golden Ball through the Daegu Gyeongbuk Apple Cooperative.

Although apples can be cultivated throughout Korea, it is important to produce them in suitable regions to fully express the unique characteristics of each variety. Since 2006, the RDA has been selecting regionally customized varieties and establishing specialized production complexes to produce the highest quality apples in appropriate areas. Among the existing complexes, the early-harvest variety 'Hongro' is cultivated on 600 hectares in Jangsu. In Mungyeong, the cultivation area of 'Gam Hong,' known as a premium apple variety, has steadily increased from 74 hectares in 2009 to 400 hectares in 2022.

Director Kim said, "In Korea, only one to three limited varieties are sold seasonally to meet the preferences of producers or distributors, so consumers have limited choices. To respond to climate change and labor issues in rural areas, we will develop varieties that are easy to color and resistant to diseases."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.