Tag Archives: soft fruit

New research on raspberry cane dormancy

New research suggests that longer periods of cold storage could help to break dormancy in raspberry canes, resulting in higher numbers of buds and bigger yields.

Crop scientists compared the growth of long-cane raspberry plants (Rubus idaeus L. ‘Maurin Makea’) in a polytunnel and an open field to study how nursery growing conditions affected their quality and cropping potential.

The plants were then cold-stored at –1ºC for different periods of time before forcing them in a greenhouse in order to determine how the duration of cold storage affected their carbohydrate status, cropping potential and performance after storage.

The authors write, ‘We conclude that, under high-latitude conditions, the maximum cropping potential was achieved by raising raspberry long-cane plants in a tunnel.  Moreover, while a cold storage period of 12 weeks was too short to overcome dormancy effects, 20 weeks of cold storage resulted in a high cropping potential in the cultivar studied here.’

The post New research on raspberry cane dormancy appeared first on Hort News on 10 December 2015.

UK grown Kwanza raspberries hit market

Raspberry variety Kwanza has been grown in the UK for the first time.

The primocane variety which was bred by Advanced Berry Breeding and is licenced by Meiosis has been produced in Spain for a number of years and marketed through Rodanto. Now Green Valley Berries, who grow the crop in Spain from September to July, have begun UK production.

Edward Velasco, CEO of Rodanto, said, “We’re hoping in this first year, and since it is a trial, to produce somewhere in the region of 20,000 kilograms. Harvesting of this year’s plants has only recently commenced and we expect to continue to harvest while the temperatures and weather permits.”

He added, “Kwanza has proved in these past few years to have an excellent sweet flavour and large sized berries with a bright and attractive colour which really makes them stand out from the rest.”

Meiosis describes the variety as, “An exciting new primocane raspberry with excellent yields for autumn cropping. Kwanza produces fruit of superb size, quality, flavour and shelf life.”

The post UK grown Kwanza raspberries hit market appeared first on Hort News.

First National Blueberry Day announced

The impact of the first ever National Blueberry Day is still being assessed after it attracted little press coverage outside of Twitter.

Reports ahead of the event, held on 13 August, reported that the event, organised by BerryWorld to raise awareness of blueberries and blueberry recipes would have its own dedicated website and Twitter feed.

However a stand at the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent helped to celebrate 20 years of UK blueberry production, while press kits were sent to journalists and there was some radio coverage.

“BerryWorld is proud to have been so heavily involved in growing the blueberry market in the UK over the last 20 years. 42 per cent penetration is a strong sign of the fruit’s popularity, but there is still headroom for growth,” said BerryWorld managing director, Adam Olins.

The post First National Blueberry Day announced appeared first on Hort News.

Government funds Scottish berry research

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss used a visit to the Royal Highland Show last month to announce £1.3 million of funding from the Agri-Tech Catalyst programme for soft fruit projects led by the James Hutton Institute and James Hutton Limited.

The projects will use the latest advancements in understanding plant genetics to identify traits in raspberries that make them more resilient to pests and diseases, and in blueberries, traits that are better adapted to growing in Scotland’s cooler climate.

Secretary Elizabeth Truss said, “Scottish berries are up there with Scottish beef and lamb as a top quality UK product and this research will only enhance our reputation for producing good food both here and abroad. These projects demonstrate that by investing in the most cutting-edge techniques, and working collaboratively across the UK to raise standards, we can boost productivity and help more Scottish and UK producers to compete in international markets.”

Professor Bob Ferrier, Director of Research Impact at the James Hutton Institute, added, “This research is essential for the sustainability and commercial success of the Scottish and UK berry industry. Through the UK government’s investment in applying scientific innovation to address challenges faced across the agri-food supply chain, we can help producers grow more robust, disease resistant soft fruit varieties that are better suited to the UK market and climate.”

The post Government funds Scottish berry research appeared first on Hort News.

Syngenta Bioline targets thrips at Fruit Focus

Essex-based Syngenta Bioline is using Fruit Focus to highlight the threat that Western Flower Thrips (WFT) pose to strawberry production.

“Western Flower Thrips remain a major problem in strawberry production, and growing resistance to conventional crop protection products continues to exacerbate this problem,” comments the firm’s Richard GreatRex.

To help growers manage the pest Syngenta Bioline offers both ThripLine sticky roller traps and the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris in its AmblyLine cu product. The company says that recent trials have demonstrated that TrapLine roller traps, which are available in lengths of 100 metres, and widths of 15 and 30 cms, can give significant reductions in the numbers of adult thrips in flowers, as well as improved fruit quality.

AmblyLine cu sachets can be used in tunnels and open field crops, as well as in glasshouses. Richard adds that they “Provide a tried and tested solution, producing high numbers of Amblyseius cucumeris continuously over several weeks, thus providing prolonged protection for the crop.”

Syngenta Bioline can be found on Stand 228 at Fruit Focus, which is held at East Malling in Kent on 22 July.

The post Syngenta Bioline targets thrips at Fruit Focus appeared first on Hort News.