Achievements - Fruits

Grapes

A wine grape variety, French colomibard was nominated for Varietal releasing committee meeting and released as French MI by the Department of Agriculture (DOA). This is the first wine variety released by the DOA and it is suitable for white wine making. Unlike other varieties (table) released by the DOA, this variety can tolerate the Downy mildew and Powdery mildew fungal diseases as it contains 'vitis Labrusca' blood. Therefore, the variety can be grown successfully not only in the dry zone but also in the intermediate zone of Sri Lanka.

Low cost productive vine training system

A study was initiated to identify low cost productive vine training system for recommended varieties of grapes. Israel blue, Cardinal, Muscat MI, and French MI were the varieties used and 'Double Guyot', 'Genera Double Curtain', 'Tatura', Bush and Pandol (Horizontal training) were the systems used.

Planting materials for Papaya, Melon and Plantain (Alukesel)

Under breeder seeds production 1.2 kg of "Rathna' (Papaya) and 4.5 kg of Thilini (Melon) were produced. Planting material production of released Alu kasel variety 'Prasad' was initiated.