Dr Ferguson said the EST database has already helped expand scientific understanding of apple, enabling HortResearch scientists to identify a key gene involved in apple colour expression.
"Further work with the database will undoubtedly yield even more exciting advances in the future."
Releasing the ESTs into the public domain will serve to enhance the speed of discovery.
"We will see a multiplier effect, where discoveries made in other countries will benefit our work and speed up cultivar development. There will also be opportunities for HortResearch to become involved in collaborative research programmes."
HortResearch says its apple EST database is already being employed to support the company's own breeding programmes for novel apple varieties, including a recently revealed red-fleshed apple.