New extra-firm strawberry variety to boost exports

SUWON, South Korea, Dec. 15 (Yonhap) -- A new variety of strawberry developed by
the Rural Development Administration should boost exports of the fruit as the
type's firmness allows for better long distance transportation, the state-run
agency said Tuesday.

The administration said 43 tons of the "Sugyeong" type strawberry, developed in
2008, were shipped to Southeast Asian countries including Hong Kong and Singapore
last winter and 20 tons so far this winter.
The firmness of Sugyeong strawberries is 20 grams per square millimeters,
compared with 14-15 grams per square millimeters for conventional strawberries,
which makes them less vulnerable to being squashed or bruised during delivery to
other countries.
"By removing the biggest obstacle of exporting strawberries through improved
firmness, we are positive that exports will surge to 4,000 tons by 2011." Cheong
Jae-woan, a researcher at the administration, said.
syeonl@yna.co.kr
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