Apple variety certification | Breeder expresses optimism that his sweet-tasting new apple line called Okana will be a hit
OLIVER, B.C. — A new apple variety found by chance in David Evans’ Okanagan orchard has cleared the first of many hurdles on the road to commercial success.
This fall, the Oliver, B. C., resident learned that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency had certified Okana, his new variety, and granted him plant breeders’ rights.
“Okanas have a sweeter taste and a deeper red colour covering more of the apple than Spartans, a close relative,” Evans said.
The new variety got its start 15 years ago when he noticed sweet tasting fruit from one tree in his Spartan block.
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The original tree still stands.
“Chance seedlings are notable exceptions to varieties developed at research stations. One such example recently is the Ambrosia apple,” said Evans.
Peter Waterman, a retired horticultural extension specialist in Summerland, B. C., said the Okana may be another.
“It’s a long and difficult road to achieve certification and naming. It is an equally long and arduous road to develop market acceptance,” he said.
Waterman noted the considerable risks involved for growers planting new varieties.
“An acre of commercial apples costs in excess of $20,000 to establish and takes two to four years to achieve adequate tonnage,” Waterman said.
Evans thinks he has a winner in Okana.
“People seem to like it,” he said.
His optimism is based on positive feedback from public tastings at the Osoyoos Market and the annual apple festival in Vancouver and brisk retail sales.
Stores throughout the Okanagan carry apples from the 900 Okana trees on the Evans orchard.
“I sold out in a week and had only favourable comments,” said Melinda Polesello, manager of Blossom Fruit Stand in Summerland.
Jovelin Poiriere, assistant store manage of Quality Greens in Pen-ticton said customers are curious about it.
“It’s new and it’s local,” he said.
Okanas are also good cooking apples, said Evans’ wife Jean.
“They make wonderful pies and jams,” she said.
For years, Evans sold apples from his Okana trees as Spartans through a local packing house because he did not have protection for the new variety.
“Legally we can now sell them under the name of Okana,” he said.
At age 80, Evans is undaunted about the obstacles ahead for a new apple variety.
“I’m proud to have found and developed Okana myself and at low cost,” he said.
He has contacted several nurseries about carrying stock and will speak at producer meetings about growing Okanas.
“It’s important to have both grower and public demand,” Evans said.
