IMPROVEMENT OF RASPBERRY CULTIVARS IN ROMANIA

Rubus breeding development at RIFG is mainly focused on red raspberry, although some work is done on blackberry.
The objective of the programme is to breed commercially acceptable both floricane (FC) and primocane fruiting (PF) raspberry cultivars.
Of paramount importance is the development of cultivars with good tolerance to frost and high temperature variations during winter, as well as resistance/tolerance to pests and diseases.
In the first programme stage two high winter resistance and early FC cvs. have been released: ‘Citria’ and ‘Star’. Then, the PF ‘Opal’ and ‘Gustar’ were introduced.
Nevertheless, their fruits are not satisfactory especially regarding firmness.
Crosses to improve size and firmness in productive and tolerant cultivars and for the improving and strengthening of the PF character have been done.
Consequently, other genotypes have been identified with better commercial quality, medium frost resistance, a medium summer or early autumn season.
These selections are now under trial evaluation.
Seven PF and FC selections, which were outstanding for most characteristics, will be described.
Of these IV-1 and GL x D1 PF selections are by far the most promising ones for their earliness (end of July – September); large, firm berries (3.8–4.3 g mean weight); and good yield.
Also R 3-3-30 and R 5-3-30 FC selections have shown firm, large fruit 4.5–5.5 g, at the first two pickings, an erect habit, medium to good winter resistance and high yield.

IX International Rubus and Ribes Symposium

P. Mladin, G. Mladin

selection, fruit quality, disease resistance

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2008.777.14