Dr. David Ramming, USDA grape breeder, has a number of early ripening seedless crosses in advanced stages of screening and evaluation. Some have potential for release within several years. These and other early ripening varieties are the key to long-term DOV success. Present Commercial DOV Systems New system development and emerging ideas have been abundant in recent years. Hiyama Cross was developed over a 15-year period by Kazuo and Howard Hiyama of Fowler.
Training is bilateral cordon and the canes are presently cut by hand.
Zante Currant is the major variety, owing success to its early ripening and rapid drying characteristics. It is harvested by hand and placed on trays in the row centers for traditional sun drying. All of their harvesting equipment is farm shop built specifically for the system. SunMaid South Side is a patented system developed through the Cooperative's DOV Committee. The original concept was devised by Dave Walker of Caruthers using a trellis which positioned the fruit canes on the south side of the canopy while renewal shoots were supported vertically and away from the fruit bearing zone.