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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #81427
Title: SMALL FRUIT CULTIVAR DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Author
item Finn, Chad
item Mackey, Theodore - Ted
item WENNSTROM, KIRSTEN - OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
item MENG, RENGONG - OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The objectives of the USDA-ARS small fruit breeding program in Corvallis are presented along with the results of research activity in the area of small fruit cultivar development

Technical Abstract: A main objective of the USDA-ARS small fruit breeding program in Corvallis is to develop improved small fruit cultivars for the Pacific Northwest processing industry. Traditional plant breeding practices are used toward this goal. Currently, 5 blackberry, 4 strawberry, 2 raspberry and 1 blueberry selections are being actively tested in grower trials to decide whether they should be released as cultivars. The strawberries ORUS 1077-47 and ORUS 1076-126 will be released as cultivars for the very late season. They ripen one week after 'Redcrest', which is currently the latest ripening cultivar. While they both are well suited to processing, their ripening season suggests that they will primarily be of value to homeowners, roadside markets, and pick-your-own operations geared to the fresh market. 'Black Butte' trailing blackberry was released in 1996 as a fresh market berry. It has fruit 50-100% larger than the industry standard with comparable yields. ORUS 830-4 will be released in 1997 as a dual purpose blackberry, particularly suited to the fresh market. 'Triple Crown' semi-erect, thornless blackberry was jointly released with USDA-ARS, Beltsville. It has better fresh fruit quality than 'Chester' and is earlier. 'Chandler' blueberry was released in 1995 in cooperation with the USDA-ARS in New Jersey, as a fresh market, local sales cultivar.