ISHS Acta Horticulturae 439: III International Strawberry Symposium
PROGRESS IN BREEDING STRAWBERRIES FOR AN EXTENDED SEASON IN THE UNITED KINGDOM |
| Authors: | D.W. Simpson, J.A. Bell, K.J. Grabham |
| Keywords: | Fragaria x ananassa, strawberry, everbearing, day-neutral, short-day, cultivar description |
| Abstract:
Since the early 1980's a major aim of the HRI breeding programme has been to offer UK growers the option of extending their season of production by growing a range of four or five high quality cultivars with overlapping seasons which crop in succession over a five month period or longer. This system, which involves the use of both short-day and day-neutral types, is simpler and less expensive than manipulating the cropping period of a single short-day cultivar, which is a practice often used with cv. Elsanta. HRI has released six cultivars since 1988 and collectively these will crop continuously from late May to mid October in southern England. The season can be extended by a further month at either end by the use of simple, polyethylene protection systems. The six cultivars are listed below in order of harvesting season. Emily (1995) is a productive short-day cultivar which flowers and fruits 5 to 10 days before 'Honeoye'. Eros (1994) is a mid-season type with similar yield to 'Elsanta', but slightly larger and firmer berries. Pegasus (1990) is a few days later than 'Elsanta'. It is a very consistent performer with good resistance to soil-borne diseases, particularly Verticillium dahliae. Pandora (1988) is the short-day cultivar with the latest season in the UK. Plants are pistillate, so must be inter-planted with a pollinator. Tango (1994) is a strong day-neutral which is both early and productive. Calypso (1991) is a day-neutral type with a later season than 'Tango'. Fruit quality is considered of paramount importance in the breeding programme and there is still scope for improvement at all stages of the season. Many new selections with improved quality are currently under test and the next release will be 'Bolero' which will be a successor to 'Calypso'. | |
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