Apr 12, 2016

Partnership will develop novel cherry varieties

Phytelligence, a platform agricultural biotechnology company, has entered into a service agreement with TNV, a Tip Top Orchards licensed company, to aid in the development and growth of new cherry varieties. Development will use Phytelligence’s genetic analysis capabilities, genetic repository services, and proprietary plant multiplication and growth processes.

TNV, based in Wenatchee, Washington, and Phytelligence, based in Seattle, Washington, will co-develop new natural cherry varieties, utilizing Phytelligence’s genetics skills to make breeding selections and identify new, better types of cherries for the orchard industry and consumers.

The team anticipates that new more appealing cherry varieties will be developed and available to consumers faster than the traditional process with the Phytelligence proprietary plant multiplication process and TNV’s industry knowledge, the companies said. Phytelligence’s genetic analysis capabilities will also be used to file patent applications and protect TNV’s new varieties.

TNV is licensed by Tip Top Orchards, who discovered the ‘Tip Top’ cv. cherry and developed the Skylar Rae brand, named for the late daughter of Troy and Kim Toftness. Phytelligence has pledged to donate a portion of its revenue generated through the partnership to the Skylar Rae Fund set up to help children and families. Donations have been made to the Seattle Children’s Hospital.