The dominance of premium Maravilla raspberries is under threat from two new primocane varieties called Radiance and Grandeur, US breeder PSI has claimed.
For the past two seasons, the berries have been supplied to Marks and Spencer and Tesco, the breeder’s technical development director, Dr Drew Reynolds, said.
Charles Gaskain, who grew the breeds at Selling in Kent, said: "We have now planted 18 acres of both soil and pot grown Radiance and Grandeur and are very pleased with the flavour, quality and yields we are now producing."
PSI is now linked to Total Berry through Redeva, which is investing in winter trials in Africa that are expected to provide year-round continuity within 18 months.
Tim Morton, general manager at Redeva, said: "We are confident of a bright future for these two varieties. They are the first of a promising set of selections coming forward from the new partnership.
"The main attributes of both varieties are their level of productivity in both the floricane and primocane crops.”
The flavour, particularly of Radiance, has consistently been marked highly by all the taste and benchmarking panels, Morton said.
The average size is also said to be comparable and does not deteriorate during the harvesting period.
No comments yet