Temperate strawberry breeding field day

Fruit Growers Tasmania | Tuesday, 14 December 2021, 9.00am

Berried in Tas ASBP field day — Photo: FGT

Last Friday (10 December), Fruit Growers Tasmania and Berries Australia held a field day at Berried In Tas for growers to view four new varieties from the Australian Strawberry Breeding Program (ASBP).

The varieties, bred specifically for Australian temperate strawberry production regions, included Scarlet-silk, Summer Song, Tahli-ASBP and Tamara-ASBP. Also on display were five pre-commercial selections that are currently being trialled.

Growers were able to see the new strawberry selections in the field at Berried In Tas.

ASBP strawberry breeders Dr Jodi Neal and Dr Katie O’Connor gave an overview of their program’s temperate breeding activities, and the work they’re doing to develop tasty, profitable, locally adapted strawberry varieties.

In brief, the breeding program targets flavour, sugar, acidity, appearance, external colour, internal colour and shelf life as the main criteria for selection. The selections are then assessed for disease resistance to Fusarium, charcoal rot and Colletotrichum.

Katie O’Connor outlined her work in genetic research and how genetics now play a big role by utilising the best genetic traits to produce superior varieties.

Other presenters included Ian Parr from Biosecurity Tasmania and Brenden Green from Nufarm.

Ian gave a brief presentation his project ‘Boosting diagnostic capacity for plant production industries’. He explained the aim of the project is to increase awareness and knowledge of exotic pests and to highlight the difference between local endemic pests and exotic pests.

Brenden gave a presentation on Nufarm’s new fungicide ‘Intervene’. This was particularly relevant to strawberry growers, as Intervene has a new mode of action against powdery mildew and rots. It can be used several times throughout the season without resistance build up.

Feedback from growers was very positive with a number indicating a strong interest in some of the new varieties.

The field walk was followed by a grower get together and BBQ.

For further information contact Mark Salter at berryido@fruitgrowerstas.org.au or call 0400 100 593.