Fruit & Vegetable Magazine

Features Production Vegetables
New gooseberry variety resists diseases

March 27, 2008  By Fruit & Vegetable


Scientists in the U.S. have
developed and released a new disease- and pest-resistant dessert
gooseberry called Jeanne. Sweet and sturdy, this new high-quality,
late-fruiting gooseberry was developed Oregon.

Scientists in the U.S. have developed and released a new disease- and pest-resistant dessert gooseberry called Jeanne. Sweet and sturdy, this new high-quality, late-fruiting gooseberry was developed Oregon. Gooseberry production is limited in the U.S., partially due to restrictions imposed in the last century. Like other Ribes species, gooseberries are generally susceptible to white pine blister rust. While the disease causes them little harm, it can be devastating – even fatal – to pine trees. Jeanne gooseberries are highly resistant to white pine blister rust and to powdery mildew, the biggest disease threat to U.S. gooseberry production. The plant’s robustness protects it from insect threats as well. Jeanne is highly resistant to pests like aphids and sawflies. This and its high-quality fruit make it ideal for commercial gooseberry production.
The plant produces green berries that ripen to a deep red as they mature to their full size of about five grams. Jeanne also boasts a higher yield than similar cultivars such as Invicta and Captivator, producing about 3.3 pounds of fruit per plant during the growing season. Scientists project that Jeanne, whose dark, sweet berries are well suited to desserts, juices and jams, could extend the production season as it blooms and produces fruit about one to two weeks later than other red
gooseberry plants. Plant material has been provided to several nurseries, which plan to propagate the variety. Cuttings and rooted cuttings are also available for research. Interested scientists should e-mail khummer@ars-grin.gov.

Advertisement

Print this page

Advertisement

Stories continue below