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New strawberry cultivars from University of Guelph

Dr. Adam Dale announced the release of a new June-bearing strawberry cultivar, and new names for two previously released cultivars.

At the Ontario Berry Growers Association’s 2011 Annual Meeting, Dr. Adam Dale announced the release of a new June-bearing strawberry cultivar, and new names for two previously released cultivars.

The newest in this series is Summer Ruby. This variety was tested as 2V55, and released in February 2011. Summer Ruby is a firm, large-fruited, early-mid-season cultivar.

Previously released cultivars V151 and R14 have also been renamed.

V151, released in 2007, will now be known as Summer Dawn. It is an early variety, slightly ahead of Annapolis in season. It is firm, bright red and conical in shape, with high yields.

R14, released in 2009, will now be known as Summer Rose. The variety is the latest of the three, similar in season to Serenity. Slightly smaller but of better quality compared to Serenity, Summer Rose is a large, red berry with good but moderate yields.

Summer Dawn, Summer Ruby, Sapphire (released in 2003) and Summer Rose provide growers with four June-bearing, high-quality strawberry varieties which are early-, mid-, late-mid- and late-season respectively. The Ontario Berry Growers Association holds the rights to these varieties and they are all available from Strawberry Tyme Farms. ❦

Pam Fisher is a berry crop specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.