Below are the summarized evaluation results of five advanced red raspberry selections from the WSU raspberry breeding program. Tom Walters, Walters Ag Research, led the grower trial. These selections were trialed at 4 locations over 3 years. The selections were compared with established varieties Wakehaven, Kulshan, and Cascade Premier. Many thanks to Samson Farms, Clark Farms, Maberry Packing, and Ralph Minaker for letting these trials happen in their fields and for their valuable input. And of course, thanks to the Washington Red Raspberry Commission for their on-farm trial support.
This selection has undergone evaluation in multiple small-plot trials over the years, with two 4-7 A blocks planted in 2021 for IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) assessment. Large, drooping leaves and long laterals, similar to Cascade Premier, characterize the plants. In 2022, dense growth in younger crop fields led to outbreaks of Cane Botrytis, which were effectively managed with Miravas. WSU 2188 has demonstrated exceptional fruit quality, making it highly suitable for IQF processing. The fruit is long and conical, typically firm but softening after rainfall. This selection exhibits intermediate winter hardiness, moderate susceptibility to Cane Botrytis, and susceptibility to spur blight. In the third year of testing, some plants tested positive for RBDV, although the overall yield potential remains strong. The long fruiting laterals may be prone to breakage, particularly in the first harvest year. Therefore, managing plant vigor is a crucial consideration for this selection. Harvest times occur earlier than expected, with fruit ripening before achieving full color. WSU 2188 also shows good resistance to root rot, although some susceptibility to sunburn has been noted compared to other varieties.
This early fruiting selection holds up well alongside established varieties like Wakefield. In small plot trials, this variety produces firm, medium-sized fruit with excellent flavor and consistent yields in grower trials. The primocanes of this selection are slender and abundant; they may need cane burning earlier than most. Harvest begins significantly earlier than WSU 2088 and Kulshan, concluding simultaneously with Kulshan. 2069 demonstrates resilience against root rot and winter injury, and its extended bloom and harvest season make it an appealing option for producers. The variety shows a low incidence of Cane Blight in affected plantings, and the Cane Botrytis issues are comparable to those seen in Cascade Premier. Although the initial fruit size is large, there is a noticeable reduction in size during the latter half of the harvest. While the fruit is generally visually appealing, some plants exhibit irregular and rough-looking drupelets. Despite the positive attributes of WSU 2069, further evaluation is warranted to address the issue of drupelet irregularity.
2088 exhibits excellent yield potential, 24 plus fruits per lateral. Fruit is rounded, firm, large, and heavy, with good uniformity and a purplish hue. This variety’s laterals are more compact than WSU 2188 and less likely to be damaged with harvest equipment. Harvesting begins later than Wakehaven and is similar to 2188 but continues well beyond Wakehaven and up to two weeks later than 2188. While it is slightly less winter-hardy than 2087, WSU 2088 shows a reduced incidence of cane botrytis compared to Cascade Premier or Wakehaven, as well as less cane blight than Kulshan. However, its thick canopy presents an increased risk for fruit botrytis. The response to root rot for this selection has been mixed; plants located a site west of Lynden, appeared healthy, whereas there were significantly damaged plants in a low-lying area southeast of Lynden. This selection did not perform well at a third location, potentially due to root rot, although the exact cause remains uncertain.
WSU 2087 demonstrates promising early yield potential based on trial results. The plants exhibit vigorous growth with thick primocanes and are more compact compared to 2188. While the laterals are shorter than those of 2188, they produce a higher fruit count of approximately 15 fruits per lateral. The fruits are characterized by being large, rounded, and consistent in size; however, they may be somewhat softer than Wakehaven’s. Additionally, the fruit is prone to sunburn like Wakehaven and turns a purplish color when overripe. It is worth noting that fruit rot was observed following rainfall. Harvesting for this variety begins slightly later than that of Wakehaven. Preliminary observations suggest a lower incidence of cane botrytis than in Cascade Premier and WSU 2188, although WSU 2087 remains relatively susceptible. Field observations indicate that the plants are robust, featuring thick canes that show reduced lateral harvest damage compared to other varieties, particularly 2188. WSU 2087 has shown moderate resistance to root rot thus far, but further evaluation is needed, as it has only been planted in two locations. An expanded assessment would provide a more comprehensive understanding of its characteristics.
2130 has good yield potential; plants are compact, with fruit presented on the outside of the canopy. Fruit is relatively small, conic, uniform, and releases easily. This variety exhibits good winter hardiness. Harvest begins and ends just after Wakehaven. Laterals extend past the canopy, presenting fruit on the outside,15-25 fruits per lateral. However, WSU 2130 has shown limited performance under heavy root rot pressure conditions, indicating that its resistance to this issue may be lower than that of other selections. Additionally, while cane botrytis incidence was lower than in Cascade Premier, it was higher than in other WSU selections evaluated in these trials, suggesting that management strategies for cane botrytis will be necessary. Lastly, this selection has also shown susceptibility to Spur Blight.
We encourage growers to share their experiences and feedback regarding these selections. Your input is invaluable in shaping future breeding efforts. What else would you like to know about these selections? Would you like to host a trial in 2025?
Feel free to contact Tom Walters, Walters Ag Research, with trial-specific questions. For more information on the WSU selections, please contact Wendy Hoashi-Erhardt, WSU. For information on ORUS selections, contact Michael Hardigan, USDA-ARS HCRL.
Many thanks to Julie Pond, Michael Hardigan, Wendy Hoashi-Erhardt, Julie Enfield. Cooperators: Eric Gerbrandt, Rob Dhaliwal, John Clark.
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