Author
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Perkins Veazie, Penelope |
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Submitted to: Proceedings 17th Annual Horticulture Industries Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 1/9/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: The University of Arkansas has successfully developed blackberries with exceptionally long shelf life. Continued development of plants with better disease resistance and larger and firmer fruit are long range goals of the program. Blackberries from new selections were evaluated for shelf life relative to 'Navaho' (excellent shelf life) and 'Shawnee (poor shelf life) using storage at low temperature plus exposure to room temperature to simulate retail handling conditions. Shelf life, defined as resistance to decay, leak, and softening, was found to be similar to 'Navaho' for two thornless varieties while five selections were found to be worse than 'Shawnee'. With this evaluation system, breeders can rapidly determine the final market for new germplasm, such as commercial, pick-your-own, or home garden use. Technical Abstract: Fruit from 14 blackberry selections, 'Navaho' and 'Shawnee' cultivars were harvested in Clarksville, Arkansas and transported to Lane, OK for storage life evaluations. Fruit were stored upon arrival at 2C for 6 days then held at 20C for one day to simulate retail conditions. Berries were rated for the presence or absence of decay, leak, and softness. An overall category that averaged the effects of these three attributes was made to compare selections to 'Navaho' and 'Shawnee'. Berry composition, consisting of percentages titratable acidity, soluble solids, and pigment concentration, was also done on subsamples from all fruit. Two selections had overall scores similar to 'Navaho' while five other selections were worse than 'Shawnee'. These results indicate that the shelf life of new blackberry germplasm can be determined accurately before release of new cultivars. |
