Pacific Berries introduces the EarlyBell raspberry. The new variety is expected to extend the harvest window in the Pacific Northwest.
A new raspberry developed by Pacific Berries was introduced with the goal of helping Pacific Northwest growers deliver fruit longer and manage crops more efficiently.
EarlyBell (N1237.057) is the latest addition to the joint Pacific Berries breeding program between Plant & Food Research in New Zealand and Northwest Plant Company in Washington, USA.
According to the group, this new raspberry variety has good winter hardiness and straight, upright branches.
The fruits ripen early in the season and have "very good harvestability with machines," while the berries have a moderate brix similar to the Meeker industry standard, are firm and medium-sized with good IQF (Individual Quick Frozen) properties.
Lisa Jones, plant breeder at Pacific Berries, said the new raspberry variety meets the needs of growers and processors.
"Our breeding program focuses on traits required by growers, such ashigh yield and disease tolerance, and traits needed for processing, such as quick freezing ability and good flavor," he explained.
"EarlyBell specifically targets growers who want to extend the harvest window, with fruit reaching maturity about 1-3 weeks earlier than many popular standard varieties," Jones noted. "It is a nice-looking, firm fruit with a strong, tart flavor that will meet the needs of raspberry processors."
Pacific Berries has already launched the Wake family of raspberries, which includes Wake Field and Wake Haven.
According to the group, the new EarlyBell variety has good properties for growers and consumers, but "falls short of the standard of excellence in all the characteristics expected of a Wake-branded premium variety."
Source:Fruitnet
Fruitnet is part of the NCX Media network.
