The new varieties, known as ANK-1 and ANK-2, will increase the number of Wood apple varieties in Sri Lanka to 176.

Although other varieties yield fruits only once an year, these varieties bear fruit throughout the year, says Director of the NAICC - Mr. Sahan Bandara.

Noting that it has been planned to provide 500 saplings from each variety to the public, Mr. Bandara said that saplings can be obtained from the Grain Legumes and Oil Crops Research and Development Centre in Angunukolapelessa.