Plant Sciences - Strawberry varieties now available in Europe.

Plant Sciences Inc (PSI) and Berry Genetics Inc began their strawberry breeding efforts in 1985 and 1993 respectively. The breeding programs have introduced numerous premier varieties now planted to more than 2,000 hectares in California alone. Currently, expansion with the varieties is taking place worldwide. Other areas of expertise include plant breeding (strawberries, raspberries, artichokes), plant tissue culture, plant propagation (high and low elevation nurseries), crop consulting, agrochemical research and biological control.

Through its selective collaborative relationships, both companies have proven records of accomplishment in global development, plant protection and commercialisation of proprietary strawberry varieties. With their comprehensive business strategy from breeding, nurseries and crop management, the companies have demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the commercial needs, requirements and constraints facing strawberry growers worldwide.

In partnering with Viveros El Pinar (VEP) of Spain, as Master Licensee for all of their strawberry varieties in Europe, PSI and BGI are now providing licensed growers in Europe access to these premier, propriety varieties. VEP in Segovia is now licensing growers and representing three BGI varieties for southern latitudes, one PSI variety for northern latitudes and one PSI day neutral or ever-bearing variety. Together they provide detailed assistance in growing recommendations for maximum performance of the varieties. The following varieties were bred for specific climates and fruit production timing application as follows:

Honor (BG-633) is a winter planted, short day cultivar primarily adapted to the Southern European latitudes. It has a vigorous plant with medium to large uniformly shaped fruit; medium to light in colour. The fruit is firm, good flavoured adn well adapted to poly tunnel production. The peak in fruit size and production is during the months of March and April.

Commitment (B-269) and Patience (BG-625) are also winter-planted, short day cultivars primarily adapted to the southern European latitudes. They are vigorous plants with large, juicy fruit of excellent flavour. Fertilizer regimes must be reduced in growing these varieties or plants will become highly vegetative will become highly vegetative which will result in malformed fruit development. "Commitment" fruit is large and dark with excellent flavour. "Patience" has large, uniformly shaped fruit of medium to light colour. It tends to develop raised seeds at times.

Endurance (PS-592) is a winter-planted, short day variety parimarily adapted to the central coast of California, but has been grown in mroe northern climates for a shortt production season. The fruit is very well shaped, with excellent flavour, juiciness, and holding quality with moderate fruit firmness. For very short season production (northern latitudes), Endurance can be planted as a Frigo crop.

Promise (PS-2880) is a distinct, day-neutral variety adaptable to multiple growing regions and planting intervals. In California it is adapted to both winter planting in the central coast and summer planting in Southern California. the fruit is conical to wedge shaped with seedes set more consistently above the fruit and it typically characterized with a hollow fruit center.

New varieties are being currently evaluated for specifically for the European climates and needs. VEP will introduce future varieties when they become available. PSI, BGI and VEP thank strawberry growers worldwide for their support and they remain committed to providing highi quality plants of superior, proprietary strawberry varieties.

Winter 2003