Seedless Loquat Information

The development of the seedless loquat was announced in Chiba Japan at the end of May 2004. The patent for this belongs to the Chiba Prefecture Government. The lead horticulturalist on the development project is Dr. Shigeki Yahata from the Chiba Agricultural Research Center in Tateyama Japan.

The average weight of the seedless loquat called Kibou, (Hope for Boshu in Kanji), was 70 grams. The control loquat, Tomifusa had an average weight of 77 grams.

Edible Portion Brix Acid % of sellable fruit

Kibou 90% 11.5 .20 85%

Tomifusa 70% 11.6 .20 90%

The Kibou is not expected in the Japanese markets for another few years.

Photos are courtesy of Dr Yahata.

Information on the procedure to develop the seedless loquat will be available later this year. Dr. Yahata believes it would be possible to use the same system for avocado and mango.