Developing new grape and apple varieties adapted to the hot, dry climate of Khanh Hoa.

The Nha Ho Cotton Research and Agricultural Development Institute ( thuộc the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, located in Do Vinh ward, Khanh Hoa province) is stepping up research and development of crop varieties capable of adapting to the hot and dry climate characteristic of the South Central region. Many new grape and apple varieties have been selected, showing good drought tolerance, wide adaptability, and superior yield and fruit quality.

The seedless grape variety NH04-102 (black finger grape) is being widely cultivated by farmers in Khanh Hoa province .

Dr. Phan Cong Kien, Deputy Director of the Nha Ho Institute of Cotton Research and Agricultural Development, said that the institute's grape gene bank currently has over 230 grape varieties, including varieties for eating, wine, drying (for making jam), varieties specifically for rootstock, and varieties for leaf production. To enrich the variety structure and facilitate production development, the Institute has researched, evaluated, and selected several new grape varieties with many desirable traits such as high yield, good fruit quality, attractive appearance, and suitability to the region's ecological conditions. Notable examples include the eating grape varieties: NH01-152, NH04-102, NH01-26, NH01-16, NH01-205, and the wine grape varieties: NH02-90, NH02-37, NH02-97.

Among the fresh grape varieties, the NH01-152 (pink finger grapes) has large fruits, with bunches weighing 500–800 grams, thick skin, crisp flesh, and a moderately sweet taste. When ripe, the fruit has an attractive red color and a light aroma. This variety yields 12–16 tons/ha/season; intensive cultivation can reach 18–20 tons/ha/season, producing two seasons per year. The fruit quality is considered comparable to some imported grape varieties.

Officials from the Nha Ho Cotton Research and Agricultural Development Institute (Do Vinh ward, Khanh Hoa province) inspect the NH01-152 vineyard in preparation for harvest.

The seedless grape variety NH04-102 (black finger grape) is attracting significant market attention due to its unique shape and dark purple color when ripe. With a growth period of 117–125 days, the plant is vigorous, easily flowers, and sets fruit well. Yields reach 11–15 tons/ha/season, and intensive cultivation can increase it to 20 tons/ha. The grapes have a Brix sweetness level of 16–20%, an attractive appearance, and suit consumer preferences. Therefore, seedless NH04-102 grapes are being purchased directly from the farm at prices ranging from 150,000–250,000 VND/kg, significantly higher than traditional grape varieties.

These new grape varieties, introduced into cultivation, are proving effective for farmers in the southern Khánh Hòa region. Mr. Nguyễn Khắc Phòng, Director of the Thái An Agricultural Services Cooperative (Vĩnh Hải commune), stated that the cooperative has invested in over 5 sao (5,000 m²) of land under a high-tech agricultural model to cultivate these new grape varieties. “Compared to traditional varieties, the NH01-152 and NH04-102 varieties have beautiful shapes and colors, large, crisp, and fragrant fruits, and are highly favored by tourists and the market. Currently, the cooperative is encouraging its members to expand the cultivation of these new grape varieties to improve economic efficiency,” Mr. Phòng said.

The TN01 apple variety, developed by the Nha Ho Cotton and Agricultural Development Research Institute (Do Vinh ward, Khanh Hoa province), has an average fruit weight of 80-100 grams, with larger fruits reaching up to 280 grams and a Brix sweetness level above 11%. (Photo: VNA)

Besides grapes, the Nha Ho Cotton Research and Agricultural Development Institute has also successfully developed the TN01 and TN05 apple varieties. The TN01 apple variety has an egg-shaped fruit, thick skin, crisp white flesh, a mild aroma, an average weight of 80–100 grams per fruit, with larger fruits reaching 280 grams; the edible portion is approximately 94–95%, and the Brix sweetness is above 11%. Yields reach 46–55 tons/ha/season, with intensive cultivation reaching 65 tons/ha/season. The TN01 apple variety adapts well to the climate of the South Central Coast, has good resistance to powdery mildew, and is fairly tolerant of pests and diseases. The tree is suitable for planting in sandy loam and alluvial soils along rivers, requiring stable sunlight and moisture. Its strong root system helps the tree withstand strong winds and storms. This variety has been approved for circulation by the Institute in accordance with the Law on Crop Production and Government Decree 94/2019-ND-CP, and has been approved by the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection for production in the region from November 14, 2025.

In addition, the TN01 apple variety's mother tree was recognized by the Ninh Thuan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Khanh Hoa Department of Agriculture and Environment) in December 2022, meeting the requirements for producing standard seedlings for mass production. The Institute is currently finalizing the documentation to complete the seed protection procedures (the application was accepted by the Protection Office in notification No. 1028/TB-VPHB dated July 22, 2024) in order to provide high-quality seedlings to farmers in Khanh Hoa and surrounding areas.

In addition to seed research, the Nha Ho Cotton Research and Agricultural Development Institute also applies many modern farming techniques such as water-saving irrigation technology, sensor applications, the use of specialized fertilizers combined with organic fertilizers and biological products; integrated pest management; growing grapes on Y-shaped trellises in rain-sheltered greenhouses and growing apples in net houses to limit insect infestations. These solutions help reduce the use of chemical pesticides, protect the environment, and maintain soil fertility.

The southern region of Khanh Hoa province has a hot, dry climate and suitable soil conditions for developing specific fruit crops such as grapes and apples, with over 1,000 hectares of apples and over 1,000 hectares of grapes currently under cultivation. To develop new, high-quality grape and apple varieties, the Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee has directed the Department of Agriculture to coordinate with relevant departments, agencies, and localities to review and adjust the planting area plan to suit actual conditions; and to effectively exploit the potential of suitable land areas. Research institutes and specialized agencies continue to refine advanced production techniques while protecting the environment.

Khanh Hoa province is also promoting the application of science and technology, building value chain linkage models, expanding the area for planting new grape and apple varieties according to VietGAP standards, and linking this with the development of ecotourism to visit grape villages and apple orchards to promote the brand of high-quality fresh grapes and apples of the locality.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/phat-trien-giong-nho-tao-moi-thich-ung-khi-hau-kho-nong-tai-khanh-hoa-20251212065944845.htm