BRS 54 Lumiar grape cultivar reduces production costs in the Semi-Arid region

Embrapa has launched BRS 54 Lumiar, a new seedless white grape cultivar validated for the Semiarid region. Developed in the “Uvas do Brasil” program, the variety reduces labor costs in handling bunches by up to 50%. It is a response to the scarcity of national seedless white grape varieties adapted to the climate of the Northeast.

Lumiar has large, crunchy berries with a high sugar content, balanced acidity and no astringency. Average productivity is between 20 and 22 tons per hectare per harvest. As it does not require the payment of royalties per kilo sold, the producer only bears the cost of the seedlings.

With less thinning requirements, the cultivar makes management easier and helps to contain one of the main costs in the sector, which can represent up to 35% of production in traditional varieties. The savings reach both small producers and large companies.

Lumiar will be distributed by licensed nurseries. Reservations for planting in 2025 have already begun. The Petromudas nursery in Petrolina (PE) is leading the supply. Interested producers can also access Embrapa's notices in Santa Catarina.

The new variety was tested by 12 companies in four municipalities in the São Francisco Valley. According to producer and consultant Newton Matsumoto, the grape combines productivity, flavor and commercial appearance.

Inspired by the moonlight of the Northeast, the name Lumiar refers to the greenish color of the berries. The cultivar was born from crosses that began in 2010, at Embrapa's Tropical Viticulture Station in Jales (SP).