Gyeongbuk Province Develops 'Baekdo Variety' Series at Cheongdo Peach Research Institute

'Suhwang', Winner of the Korea Variety Award, Signs Contract for 42,000 Seedlings with 6 Nursery Companies

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Dong-wook] Gyeongbuk Province announced on the 12th that the Cheongdo Peach Research Institute of the Agricultural Technology Center has developed a total of 14 varieties aimed at cultivating high-quality peach varieties that meet consumer preferences to revitalize both the domestic and export markets.

The Cheongdo Peach Research Institute has been recognized as a leading institution for cultivating yellow-fleshed peach varieties by distributing high-quality yellow-fleshed varieties such as Suhwang and Mihwang to farms. Last year, 'Suhwang,' which won the 'Korea Excellent Variety Award,' signed a second commercial licensing contract with six seedling companies for more than 42,000 trees this year.

'Juwol Hwangdo,' which began to be distributed to farms in 2020, is attracting attention as a new early-ripening high-quality yellow-fleshed peach variety. 'Geumbit Daemyeong' is a mid-season large-fruit yellow-fleshed variety with excellent storage capability and is about to be registered for variety protection.

Following the yellow-fleshed varieties, 'Eunbaek' and 'Chambaek,' which were applied for variety protection in 2021, are new mid-season large-fruit high-quality white-fleshed peach varieties. In particular, 'Eunbaek' ripens around mid to late August, with an average fruit weight of 393g, sugar content of 13.2 Brix, and firmness of 1.47 kg/?5mm, boasting a crisp texture.

'Chambaek' ripens in early to mid-August, with an average fruit weight of 386g, sugar content of 13.2 Brix, and firmness of 0.68 kg/?5mm. It has a chewy texture, is resistant to frost damage during flowering, and is a stress-tolerant variety with a high fruit set.

The white-fleshed peach varieties developed by the Cheongdo Peach Research Institute total eight, including 'Eunbaek' and 'Chambaek.' Starting with 'Hongbaek,' remarkable achievements have been made in the cultivation of white-fleshed peach varieties as well.

'Hongbaek' is a new variety that began to be distributed to farms in 2019. It is an early-ripening large-fruit variety with well-colored skin and high sugar content. Due to its excellent fruit characteristics, the cultivation area is rapidly increasing. Additionally, mid-late season white-fleshed peach varieties 'Sweet Habek' and 'Jinbaek,' which are juicy and rich in sweetness, have been applied for variety protection and are currently under cultivation review.

Shin Yong-seup, Director of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Agricultural Technology Center, stated, "The Cheongdo Peach Research Institute has established itself as a reputable peach breeding research institution by showing remarkable results not only in yellow-fleshed varieties but also in white-fleshed varieties. We will continue to do our best to develop delicious peaches to revitalize the domestic market and expand export markets."