Improvement of Strawberry and Raspberry Cultivars

IMPROVEMENT OF STRAWBERRY AND RASPBERRY CULTIVARS

Sponsoring Institution

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Project Status

TERMINATED

Funding Source

HATCH

Reporting Frequency

Annual

Accession No.

0184917

Grant No.

(N/A)

Project No.

NYG-632421

Proposal No.

(N/A)

Multistate No.

(N/A)

Program Code

(N/A)

Project Start Date

Oct 1, 2010

Project End Date

Sep 30, 2015

Grant Year

(N/A)

Project Director
Weber, C. A.

Recipient Organization
N Y AGRICULTURAL EXPT STATION
(N/A)
GENEVA,NY 14456

Performing Department
Geneva - Horticultural Sciences

Non Technical Summary
Nationally, strawberries overtook apples as the second most valuable non-citrus fruit crop produced in 2009 while fresh red raspberry consumption is growing at a high rate in the U.S. Nationally, fresh raspberry production has expanded rapidly to over $300M in 2009 (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2010). The development and adoption of new varieties is essential in helping growers continue to increase production, market share and profitability to take advantage of consumer trends in fresh berry consumption. Strawberry and raspberry growers encompass a range of socioeconomic levels in NY, from micro-farmers with less than 2 acres to large integrated farms with 100's of acres with many crops in addition to berries. Berry farms in NY are generally family operated and often multi-generational. The smallest provide supplementary income and are often operated by women who are caregivers and homemakers. There are few barriers to minority groups and small land owners to small-scale berry production which can produce meaningful income. With the decreasing availability of chemical pest control options available to growers and the increased public concern over pesticide safety and environmental preservation, pest resistant cultivars are increasingly needed for sustainable production. Previous work has focused on meeting the needs of both commercial growers (u-pick and prepackaged sales) and homeowners. Additionally, labor issues have made harvest efficiency more important to growers. By increasing the fruit size and number produced per plant as well as altering the architecture of the plant to make the fruit easier to locate and pick, new varieties will require less labor per unit harvested. Improvement in pest resistance and harvest efficiency characters must be balanced with fruit quality parameters such as flavor, flesh firmness, color and phytochemical content to produce an optimal product for both the grower and the consumer. The NE U.S. has a nearly ideal climate for raspberry production (cool days with moderate sunlight). Current supplies of fresh market raspberries for eastern U.S. markets require considerable shipping to reach these markets. As transportation costs increase, it makes economic sense to grow produce closer to these markets. Improved varieties combining superior fruit quality with appropriate growth characteristics are needed to fully take advantage of this market opportunity Continuing over 125 years of breeding strawberries and raspberries for New York climactic conditions will provide growers with varieties developed that for eastern US growing conditions and contemporary production systems. The development and adoption of new varieties is critical if growers are to be able to respond to changing consumer preferences and to benefit from the expanding opportunities to increase market share, realize higher profits and produce a more reliable supply of local berries.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

20%

Applied

60%

Developmental

20%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
212	1122	1081	10%
212	1123	1081	10%
202	1122	1081	10%
202	1123	1081	10%
204	1122	1081	10%
204	1123	1081	10%
502	1122	1081	20%
502	1123	1081	20%

Knowledge Area
202 - Plant Genetic Resources; 502 - New and Improved Food Products; 204 - Plant Product Quality and Utility (Preharvest); 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
1123 - Raspberry; 1122 - Strawberry;

Field Of Science
1081 - Breeding;

Keywords

Goals / Objectives
The primary objective is the development of improved strawberry and raspberry cultivars through a combination of traditional and biotechnological approaches. The primary focus will be the development of varieties suitable for New York State and the northeastern US with possible testing in other regions when warranted. There are some primary breeding goals in common in these crops that can be categorized as fruit quality characteristics, yield components and pest resistance. Fruit quality characters include increased size and firmness, and improved color, flavor, texture, and overall appeal. Yield components lead to overall tonnage and harvest efficiency, and consist of a combination of fruit size and numbers and uniformity of maturity. Pest resistance includes resistance to microbial pathogens and arthropod pests. Additionally, the extension of the production season through variations in cropping season is a major challenge to breeding new cultivars in both black and red raspberry. A continuous supply of fresh red raspberries in the northeast can be achieved through an extension of the summer season with later maturing floricane fruiting cultivars combined with earlier maturing primocane fruiting cultivars. Cultivars maturing later than the variety Heritage could be utilized in protected growing systems and in more southern regions to further extend the season. Variable fruit color in raspberry is a secondary prospect for developing new cultivars and can be considered in a variety of ways. From the novelty side, shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, purple and black are achievable. Innovative marketing will expand the interest in non-traditional fruit colors. The integration of biotechnology into the breeding program will focus on genetic mapping in raspberry using molecular markers (in collaboration with Dr. Kim Lewers, USDA-ARS, Beltsville). Genome evaluation, cultivar identification, and gene location for alleles of interest for marker assisted selection are the major goals of mapping. In strawberry the focus for biotechnology integration will be on the selection of natural and induced mutations from in vitro cultures. Horticultural producers throughout the north central and northeastern U.S. can benefit from the evaluation and development of new strawberry and raspberry varieties. Growing a high value crop with increasing demand will help small farmers remain profitable and in business by helping them deal with the increasing pressure to diversify and to develop innovative production and marketing capabilities. In addition, since current U.S. production of fresh market strawberries and raspberries is concentrated in California, this project will provide access to fresh, locally grown berries to a larger segment of the U.S. population. Locally grown berries that are picked ripe and at the peak of flavor and nutritional value will benefit the public at large by increasing the availability of this superior fruit. The development of improved black raspberry cultivars will allow the expansion of the black raspberry industry in the eastern U.S. for establishing a viable long-term industry.

Project Methods
The primary breeding system for raspberry improvement will be recurrent selection with limited backcross breeding. Screening for spine free canes and susceptibility to cane botrytis and powdery mildew will be routinely completed in the greenhouse prior to transplanting to the field. Selection for resistance to most common raspberry pests is done in field situations. Selection for Phytophthora root rot resistance is conducted primarily in the field while the hydroponic system developed in my program has been used for screening parental material and mapping populations. Resistance to powdery mildew has been and will continue to be evaluated on advanced selections using the high tunnel production system. Hybrid populations between commercial varieties and resistant selections will be evaluated for vigor, PRR resistance and improved fruit quality with selections made for further use in breeding. The second generation of hybrids between the wild material and more commercially acceptable germplasm are currently being evaluated. Marker assisted selection (MAS) based on the genetic markers associated with resistance will be incorporated into the raspberry program to lines carrying the regions of the genome associated with resistance. Breeding plans for extending the harvest season include utilizing superior cultivars and advanced NY selections with very early (June) and very late floricane maturity (August) and early primocane maturity (August). Advanced third test selections will be evaluated subjectively for shelf life and appearance of harvested fruit after a cold storage period. Field evaluation of skin toughness and flesh firmness of potential parent material under our environmental conditions will supplement published data of these characteristics, and will identify genotypes with improved post-harvest qualities useful in breeding. The development of strawberries with increased yield, pest resistance and fruit size and quality will use a program of recurrent selection using superior cultivars and NY selections. Backcross breeding is being used to introgress germplasm from wild species into cultivated types. Advanced third test selections will be evaluated subjectively for shelf life and appearance after a cold storage period. Skin toughness and flesh firmness measurements of desirable parent material will be recorded with a penetrometer. Genotypes with the best post-harvest qualities will be utilized in breeding. The development of day-neutral varieties for the region will be advanced over the coming seasons with testing of 10 day-neutral strawberry varieties with 4 different planting dates during the year for their utility in NY in the annual plasticulture system. Germplasm will be selected from the USDA-National Clonal Germplasm Repository to evaluate for flowering under long days and high temperatures. Planting of this material will be done in May 2011 for evaluation in the summer and fall of 2011 and 2012. Individual selections showing promise in breeding will be propagated in 2011 and 2012 and used to make crosses. The first hybrid populations will be planted in 2013 in the plasticulture system for 2014 selection.

Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience included growers, students, extension educators and researchers. Specifically, the members of the New York State Berry Growers Association, the North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association, the National Coordinating Committe-212 for Small Fruits and Viticulture, and the North American Strawberry Growers Associations as well as non-member growers in NY, mid-western, northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. Researchers and extension staff from Cornell and other leading institutions with programs in berry production, breeding and/or processing were also targeted. Graduate and undergraduate students at Cornell and elementary students from the Geneva, NY school system have also been provided information regarding berry breeding, production and nutritional content of berries in workshops and open houses. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Presentation was given at the Eastern New York Fruit School, Kingston, NY on February 12, 2015 titled "Effects of planting date and plant type on day neutral strawberry production". 35 growers and cooperative extension personnel attended the 40 min. presentation. A presentation and hands on demonstration was given to the North Street Elementary School Summer Science Camp, Geneva, NY on genetics and inheritance using raspberry as the model system. July 15, 2015. 3 hr. duration. 16 students attended. A presentation was given at the Cornell-NYSAES Raspberry High Tunnel Open House on July 14, 2015on the performance of raspberry varieties under high tunnels. The program featured a presentation on the high density black raspberry production system. 8 growers and cooperative extension personnel attended. 3 hr. duration. A tour and discussion of the raspberry high tunnel planting and discussion of varietal performance and the high density black raspberry production system was given to the Great Lakes Fruit Workers Annual Meeting on November 11, 2015. 65 research and extension personnel attended the 20 min. tour. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Traditional breeding continues with a focus on matted row strawberry production in temperate climate zones. Additionally, selection and trials have increasingly included production in perennial a plasticture system. In 2015, approximately 2300 seedlings were under evaluation. The seedlings were evaluated during the fruiting season for fruit quality characteristics and yield potential and 17 seedlings were selected for trials and/or as parent plants for future generations. These plants were propagated from runner tips and will be planted in test blocks in the spring of 2016 for 2 years of field evaluations. Additionally, 3 selections from 2013 were initiated into tissue culture to propagate disease free plants for more extensive trials. Also in 2015, 31,400 plants of NY02-56 were distributed to 24 grower members of the NYSBGA and the Ontario BGA for on farm trials. NY02-56 is a very large, late mid-season selection with bright red color, good flavor and firm flesh with a red interior. Growers will report on commercial performance in 2016. The first selection distributed through this partnership, NY01-16, was evaluated by growers in 2015. Evaluation reports submitted by the grower testers were very positive compared to standard cultivars in NY. Within the germplasm evaluation and enhancement part of the program, 3 day-neutral and 10 short-day (June bearing) strawberry varieties are being evaluated for their utility in NY in the annual plasticulture system. In raspberry, traditional breeding for temperate climates and high tunnel production continues with the goals of increasing yield and fruit size, improving fruit quality and extending the fruiting season including the elimination of the floricane/primocane gap in the late summer. Approximately 9,000 seedlings were under evaluation in 2015 with 4,400 additional new seedlings established. Advanced selections are in trials in MA, CA and NY as well as Spain and Mexico. Traditional breeding in black raspberry has focused on two main goals, primocane fruiting and thornless canes. Additional goals include increased yield and fruit size, upright growth habit and improved disease resistance. Sources for thornless canes include Joan Squire and Glen Ample red raspberry. Primocane fruiting sources include wild black raspberry germplasm and the red raspberry varieties Joan Squire and Autumn Bliss. In 2015, approximately 3,500 seedlings were under evaluation in this program. An additional 1,900 were established in 2015. Multiple selections with improved primocane fruiting were made in 2015 and are being propagated via tissue culture. Propagation of true strong primocane black raspberry varieties will require tissue culture due to the lack of tips for rooting and the lack of sucker production. Selections from the program of Dr. Chad Finn, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR are being evaluated for adaptation to NY field conditions. The primocane fruiting black raspberry variety 'Niwot' from the program of Pete Tallman in Colorado is also under evaluation under tunnels and in an open field site. A new trial of black raspberry was established in 2014 under high tunnels to test variation of training systems and planting density. As part of the trial, 7 thornless black raspberry selections, 1 purple selection and 1thorny black selection from the breeding program were included to compare to standard varieties in their fruit quality, growth habit and disease resistance, especially powdery mildew resistance.

Publications

Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Weber, Courtney A. and Cheryl D. Galvani. 2015. Field Performance of Black Raspberry Cultivars in Western New York. J. Amer. Pom. Soc. 69(2):109-115.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Weber, C.A. 2015. Performance of New Berry Varieties at the NYSAES in Geneva, NY. New York Fruit Quarterly. 23(4):5-9.

Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience included growers, students, extension educators and researchers. Specifically, the members of the New York State Berry Growers Association, the North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association, the National Coordinating Committe-212 for Small Fruits and Viticulture, and the North American Strawberry Growers Associations as well as non-member growers in NY, mid-western, northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. Researchers and extension staff from Cornell and other leading institutions with programs in berry production, breeding and/or processing were also targeted. Graduate and undergraduate students at Cornell and elementary students from the Geneva, NY school system have also been provided information regarding berry breeding, production and nutritional content of berries in workshops and open houses. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Empire State Producers Expo January 22, 2014. Effects of planting date and plant type on day neutral strawberry production. 55 attend. 25 m. Mid-Ohio Growers Meeting. January 9-10, 2014. Strawberry and bramble varieties-which one fits my farm. 1hr. 100 attend. North Street Elementary School Summer Science Camp, Geneva, NY. July 16, 2014. 3 hr. 14 attend. Cornell Small Fruit Open House. October 3, 2014. Berry variety question and answer. 60 attend. 15 min. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The new trial of black raspberry established in 2014 under high tunnels to test variation of training systems and planting density will be harvested for the first time including the selections from the breeding program and evaluated for fruit quality, growth habit and disease resistance, especially powdery mildew resistance. In red raspberry and black raspberry selections from 2014 will be propagated for field and tunnel trials to compare fruit quality, grow habit and disease resistance to standard varieties. The breeding program will be further by establishing 100 new populations in the field. Approximately 5000 new raspberry seedlings will be established in the field for evaluation over the next 3 years to select potential new varieties. Additionally, approximately 2000 strawberry seedlings will be established to for evaluation over the next 2 years to select potential new varieties. New crosses will be planned and carried out in the spring of 2015 to produce seedling populations with traits that will fulfill the goal of the project.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Traditional breeding continues with a focus on matted row strawberry production in temperate climate zones. Additionally, selection and trials have increasingly included production in perennial a plasticture system. In 2014, approximately 2700 seedlings were under evaluation and an additional 2300 seedlings were established for evaluation. Also in 2014, 17,500 plants of NY01-16 were distributed to 12 grower members of the NYSBGA. NY01-16 is a very large, early season selection with very good, aromatic flavor. The fruit color is dark red with red flesh. Growers will report on commercial performance in 2015. Additional selections are being prepared for this program. The seedlings were evaluated during the fruiting season for fruit quality characteristics and yield potential and 29 seedlings were selected for trials and/or as parent plants for future generations. These plants were propagated from runner tips and will be planted in test blocks in the spring of 2015 for 2 years of field evaluations. Additionally, 3 selections, 1 from 2009, 1 from 2011 and 1 from 2012, were initiated into tissue culture to propagate disease free plants for more extensive trials. Plant patents were awarded for 2 short day (June-bearing) varieties in 2014, PP #24613 for ‘Herriot’ and PP #24612 for ‘Walker’ (marketed by Burpee Seed Co. under the ‘Purple Wonder’ trademark.) Within the germplasm evaluation and enhancement part of the program, 10 day-neutral strawberry varieties are being evaluated over 3 seasons with 4 different planting dates during the year for their utility in NY in the annual plasticulture system. In 2012, 4 replicated trials were established, 2 in the spring with bare root plants and 2 in the summer with plug plants. The first trial was planted on April 27, 2012 with 7 day-neutral varieties (Evie 2, Portola, Tribute, Albion, Monterey, San Andreas and Seascape) and 6 short day varieties (Jewel, Ventana, Seneca, Ovation, Chandler and Clancy). The second trial was planted May 23, 2012 with the same varieties. The first summer planting was planted on July 16, 2012 and the second on August 14, 2012. The same varieties were planted in this trial. The plugs were made from bare root crowns by trimming the roots and planting them into 50-well 2-inch plug trays approximately 6 weeks prior to planting. All 4 plantings were carried over through a second winter into 2014 to evaluate the survivability and performance of the varieties in a second production year. In the day neutral varieties, very few plots had enough plants to warrant harvest (<50%) and many plots had no survival. In the first 2 plantings of bare root plants planted in early spring in which the 1st harvest was in the planting year, no plots survived for harvest. In the plots established with plug plants in the summer, only Tribute (7 of 8) and Seascape (3 of 8) had plots with high enough survival to harvest. The short day varieties fared better than the day neutral varieties. Ovation was the clear leader in survival with plots from all planting dates and plant types having 100% survival (16 of 16 plots; bare root and plug plants). Seneca (3 of 8) and Chandler (3 of 8) were the only other 2 varieties from the early bare root plots with adequate survival in some plots. The plots established with plug plants in the summer survived the second winter in much better condition. Ovation and Seneca had the highest survival (8 of 8) followed by Jewel (7 of 8), Clancy (5 of 8), Chandler (3 of 8) and Ventana (1 of 8). Yields in the second season varied widely and only Ovation, Jewel and Seneca had meaningful harvests, mainly due to high survival. Data from the initial trial were used to plan crosses to develop populations likely to produce new strawberry varieties suitable for temperate climates with a short summer. Seed from multiple crosses was germinated and the seedlings included in the spring 2014 seedling planting. For raspberry the development of productive, high quality raspberry varieties for cold climate areas strengthens local economies and enhances the local food movement. Cornell varieties currently allow from growers in NY to produce raspberries from mid-June to November by utilizing varieties with varying production seasons and protected production systems like high tunnels and/or rain shields. Varieties are being developed with larger, better tasting fruit with longer shelf life to allow growers to access a wider market for their fruit. Traditional breeding for temperate climates and high tunnel production continues with the goals of increasing yield and fruit size, improving fruit quality and extending the fruiting season including the elimination of the floricane/primocane gap in the late summer. Approximately 18,000 seedlings were under evaluation in 2014 with 3,800 additional new seedlings established. Advanced selections are in trials in MA, CA and NY as well as Spain and Mexico The seedlings were evaluated during the fruiting season for fruit quality characteristics and yield potential and 95 seedlings were selected for trials and/or as parent plants for future generations. These include 51 primocane fruiting red genotypes, 5 floricane red types and 39 black/purple types. Ten of the black thornless selections from 2013 and 2014 have been initiated into tissue culture for propagation of disease free plants for trials. Additionally, 6 primocane red raspberries from 2010, 2013 and 2014 were initiated into tissue culture for propagation of disease free plants for trial. In 2014, 23 of the 2013 selections were propagated and established in field plots to compare fruit quality, grow habit and disease resistance to standard varieties. Plant patent #24,811 P3 was awarded for ‘Double Gold’ (NY04-25) (apricot color) in 2014 and plant patent #24,949 P3 for ‘Crimson Night’ (NY03-56) (burgundy color). These are primocane/everbearing selections that were released in April 2012 primarily for the homeowner market. Both are very high flavor berries with atypical color for the commercial market. ‘Double Gold’ is a blushed variety with medium sized fruit that tends to be soft with outstanding flavor. It produces a late primocane crop and a heavy floricane crop. ‘Crimson Night’ produces large, attractive, very dark red to burgundy colored fruit with a low acid flavor that is very good. The flavor frozen is outstanding. ‘Double Gold’ and ‘Crimson Night’ are available from North American Plants, Awald Farms, Burpee Seed Co. and other mail order companies. Traditional breeding in black raspberry has focused on two main goals, primocane fruiting and thornless canes. Additional goals include increased yield and fruit size, upright growth habit and improved disease resistance. Sources for thornless canes include Joan Squire and Glen Ample red raspberry. Primocane fruiting sources include wild black raspberry germplasm and the red raspberry varieties Joan Squire and Autumn Bliss. In 2014, approximately 7,200 seedlings were under evaluation in this program. An additional 2,400 were established in 2014. Selections from the program of Dr. Chad Finn, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR are being evaluated for adaptation to NY field conditions. The primocane fruiting black raspberry variety ‘Niwot’ from the program of Pete Tallman in Colorado is also under evaluation under tunnels and in an open field site. A new trial of black raspberry was established in 2014 under high tunnels to test variation of training systems and planting density. As part of the trial, 7 thornless black raspberry selections, 1 purple selection and 1thorny black selection from the breeding program were included to compare to standard varieties in their fruit quality, growth habit and disease resistance, especially powdery mildew resistance.

Publications

Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Bassil, N., Gilmore , B., Hummer, K., Weber, C., Dossett, M., Agunga, R., Rhodes, E., Mockler, T., Scheerens, J.C., Filichkin, S., Lewers, K., Peterson , M., Finn, C.E., Graham, J., Lee, J., Fern�ndez-Fern�ndez, F., Fernandez, G., Yun, S.J. and Perkins-Veazie, P. 2014.GENETIC AND DEVELOPING GENOMIC RESOURCES IN BLACK RASPBERRY. Acta Hort.(ISHS) 1048:19-24

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audiences included researchers, extension educators, students and growers. Specific organization memberships targeted include the North Central Coordinating Committe-212 for Small Fruits and Viticulture Research, the New York State Berry Growers Association, the North American Strawberry Growers Association, the North American Bramble Growers Association and non-associated growers in NY, mid-western states, northeastern states and mid-Atlantic states. NCCC-212 is a federal coordinating committee comprised 40 researchers from 26 universities, 5 USDA locations, and 2 industry groups. The NYSBGA comprises approximately 130 growers and extension personnel in NY. NASGA and NABGA have a nationwide membership and co-sponsor grower conferences in a different region each year. Non-affiliated growers were addressed at fruit schools and grower conferences as well as field days at Cornell University. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?  Two presentations to growers, students and cooperative extension personel were presented at the Cornell Fruit Field Day on August 1, 2013. The first presentation "Day neutral strawberries and low tunnels production." provided information on variety performance in Geneva, NY and demonstrated the proper use of low tunnels in strawberry production. The second presentation "High tunnel production of raspberries: varieties and cultural practices." provided information on variety performance under high tunnels and cultural practices to maximize yield potential. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?  A new trial of black raspberry will be established in 2014 under high tunnels to test variation of training systems and planting density. As part of the trial, 8 thornless selections from the breeding program will be included to compare to standard varieties in their fruit quality, growth habit and disease resistance, especially powdery mildew resistance. In red raspberry 8 primocane fruiting types will be propagated for field and tunnel trials to compare fruit quality, grow habit and disease resistance to standard varieties. Additionally, 58 red raspberry selections from 2013 will be propagated for field trials. The breeding program will be further by establishing 100 new populations in the field. Approximately 4000 new raspberry seedlings will be established in the field for evaluation over the next 3 years to select potential new varieties. Additionally, approximately 2000 strawberry seedlings will be established to for evaluation over the next 2 years to select potential new varieties. New crosses will be planned and carried out in the spring of 2014 to produce seedling populations with traits that will fulfill the goal of the project.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?  Traditional breeding continues with a focus on matted row strawberry production in temperate climate zones. In 2013, approximately 2700 seedlings were under evaluation. NY01-16 is being propagated on a larger scale by Krohne Plant Farms for commercial scale trial plantings in 2014. Members of the NYSBGA will receive priority in testing the selection per a collaborative agreement signed between Cornell and this industry group. Limited numbers were provided to Association members in the spring of 2103. NY01-16 is a very large, early season selection with very good, aromatic flavor. The fruit color is dark red with red flesh. Additional selections are being prepared for this program. The seedlings were evaluated during the fruiting season for fruit quality characteristics and yield potential and 45 seedlings were selected for trials and/or as parent plants for future generations. These plants were propagated from runner tips and will be planted in test blocks in the spring of 2014 for 2 years of field evaluations. Additionally, 3 selections, 1 from 2009, 1 from 2010 and 1 from 2011, were initiated into tissue culture to propagate disease free plants for more extensive trials. Within the germplasm evaluation and enhancement part of the program, 10 day-neutral strawberry varieties are being evaluated over 3 seasons with 4 different planting dates during the year for their utility in NY in the annual plasticulture system. In 2012, 4 replicated trials were established, 2 in the spring with bare root plants and 2 in the summer with plug plants. The first trial was planted on April 27, 2012 with 7 day-neutral varieties (Evie 2, Portola, Tribute, Albion, Monterey, San Andreas and Seascape) and 6 short day varieties (Jewel, Ventana, Seneca, Ovation, Chandler and Clancy). The second trial was planted May 23, 2012 with the same varieties. The first summer planting was planted on July 16, 2012 and the second on August 14, 2012. The same varieties were planted in this trial. The plugs were made from bare root crowns by trimming the roots and planting them into 50-well 2-inch plug trays approximately 6 weeks prior to planting. Harvest dates in 2013 were from June 4 to July 9 and from July 22 to October 11. Results for 2013 are being analyzed for yield, fruit size and harvest season differences among the varieties and between planting dates and plant types. Data from the initial trial were used to plan crosses to develop populations likely to produce new strawberry varieties suitable for temperate climates with a short summer. Multiple crosses were made and seed collected and is being prepared for spring 2014 planting. For raspberry the development of productive, high quality raspberry varieties for cold climate areas strengthens local economies and enhances the local food movement. Cornell varieties currently allow from growers in NY to produce raspberries from mid-June to November by utilizing varieties with varying production seasons and protected production systems like high tunnels and/or rain shields. Varieties are being developed with larger, better tasting fruit with longer shelf life to allow growers to access a wider market for their fruit. Traditional breeding for temperate climates and high tunnel production continues with the goals of increasing yield and fruit size, improving fruit quality and extending the fruiting season including the elimination of the floricane/primocane gap in the late summer. Approximately 15,300 seedlings were under evaluation in 2013 with 5300 additional new seedlings established. Advanced selections are in trials in MA, CA and NY as well as Spain and Mexico. The seedlings were evaluated during the fruiting season for fruit quality characteristics and yield potential and 90 seedlings were selected for trials and/or as parent plants for future generations. These include 55 primocane fruiting red genotypes, 3 floricane red types and 32 black/purple types. 8 of the black thornless selections have been initiated into tissue culture for propagation of disease free plants for trials. Additionally, 8 primocane red raspberries from 2009-2012 were initiated into tissue culture for propagation of disease free plants for trial. A U.S. Plant Patent PP23,375 P3 was granted on Feb. 5, 2013 for ‘Crimson Giant’ primocane red raspberry that was tested as NY99-45. European plant breeders rights applied for in May 2011. ‘Crimson Giant’ was released as ‘in 2011 with large a large commercial plantings established with our European collaborator no totaling over 90 acres total. It is available from North American Plants in Oregon as well as Burpee Seed Co. and other mail order companies. ‘Crimson Giant is a very late season primocane variety with very large fruit. The fruit is bright red and conic in shape. Average size in trials has been as high as 5 g and in NY averages for the season have been 3.7-4.5g depending on the year. Maximum size exceeds 7 g. Patent applications were submitted in late 2012 for ‘Double Gold’ (NY04-25) (apricot color) and ‘Crimson Night’ (NY03-56) (burgundy color) pimocane/everbearing raspberry varieties. Both are very high flavor berries with atypical color for the commercial market. ‘Double Gold’ is a blushed variety with medium sized fruit that tends to be soft but with outstanding flavor. It produces a late primocane crop and a heavy floricane crop. ‘Crimson Night’ produces large, attractive, very dark red to burgundy colored fruit with a low acid flavor that is very good. The flavor frozen is outstanding. ‘Double Gold’ and ‘Crimson Night’ are available from North American Plants, Awald Farms, Burpee Seed Co. and other mail order companies. Traditional breeding in black raspberry has focused on two main goals, primocane fruiting and thornless canes. Additional goals include increased yield and fruit size, upright growth habit and improved disease resistance. Sources for thornless canes include Joan Squire and Glen Ample red raspberry. Primocane fruiting sources include wild black raspberry germplasm and the red raspberry varieties Joan Squire and Autumn Bliss. In 2013, approximately 7300 seedlings were under evaluation in this program, with the majority being purple intermediate types. An additional 1100 were established in 2013. Selections from the program of Dr. Chad Finn, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR are being evaluated for adaptation to NY field conditions. One primocane fruiting black raspberry selection from the program of Pete Tallman in Colorado is also under evaluation under tunnels and in an open field site.

Publications

Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ward, J.A., J. Bhangoo, F.Fernandez-Fernandez, P. Moore, J.D. Swanson, R. Viola, R. Velasco,N. Bassil, C.A. Weber and D.J. Sargent. 2013. Saturated linkage map construction in Rubus idaeus using genotyping by sequencing and genome-independent imputation.BMC Genomics. 14:2.
Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Weber, Courtney. 2013. Chapter 5. Cultivar Development and Selection. In: Raspberries. Richard C. Funt and Harvey K. Hall (eds.) CAB International, Boston MA. pp. 55-72.
Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Weber, Courtney. 2013. Chapter 7. Propagation. In: Raspberries. Richard C. Funt and Harvey K. Hall (eds.) CAB International, Boston MA. pp.83-90.

Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The primary program goal for strawberry is to produce varieties with increased yield while maintaining or improving fruit quality. Specific targets include increasing early season fruit size, improving flavor for direct retail sales and increasing general disease resistance. Extending the production season is desired for perennial production of day-neutral genotypes. There were approximately 2000 strawberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2011 with a split of 90% June-bearing and 10% day-neutral germplasm. First test blocks were evaluated for 5-2006, 11-2007, 3-2008, 19-2009 and 15 2010 selections. Replicated third test blocks were evaluated for 2-1999, 1-2001 selections. These selections were evaluated in relation to 6 commercially named varieties. In 2012, 9 additional selections of short day types were made and additional selections are being propagated to establish first and second test blocks in 2013. Tissue cultures were initiated for 2-2010 selections for further testing. Propagation of one 2002 selection is being propagated for large scale commercial trials to begin in spring 2013 and one 2001 selection is being propagated for large scale commercial trials 2014. Strawberry trials were planted at multiple dates (June and Sept. 2011; April, May, July and August 2012) to test the effect of planting date and plant type (dormant vs. green plug) on variety performance. For short day varieties results indicate a June-July planting date most appropriate for maximum yield. For day-neutral varieties April planting for same year production is critical. May planting reduced yield by 60% to 90% although fruit size was not affected. In raspberry, the goals are to expand the harvest season through early and late floricane and early primocane bearing genotypes, increase yield while maintaining or improving fruit size and quality, and increase resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Black raspberry goals include larger fruit size, higher yields, resistance to Verticillium wilt, and improved growth habit. There were approximately 26,190 raspberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2012 with a 70%:30% ratio of red raspberry to black/purple raspberry germplasm. In 2012, 6,600 additional seedlings were established for evaluation. Additionally, over 40,000 black and purple hybrid seedlings were evaluated at the seedling stage for thornfree canes and superior vigor prior to establishing 3300 in the field. First test blocks of 64-2008, 25-2009 and 26-2010 selections were evaluated in 2012 for field performance. Second and third test blocks of 4-1999, 2-2000, 8-2001, 7-2002, 13-2003, 7-2004, 11-2005 and 4-2006 selections were also evaluated. Also in 2012, 71 new selections were made including 32 black and purple raspberry selections, which will be propagated for establishment of 1st test plots in 2013. Tissue cultures were initiated for 4 selections targeted for further testing. These cultures were tested for virus contamination and used to propagate clean plants for grower trials in 2012 and beyond. In 2012, grower trials were evaluated for 15 selections and will continue in 2013. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Courtney Weber, Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cornell University directed the program including making the crosses, evaluating the fruit quality, data analysis and all other aspects. William Boone, Research Support Specialist, Cornell University, Patrick Smerczynski an undergraduate student at the University of Vermont, Tyler Sollenne an undergraduate student at University of Rochester and Alena Laquitara an undergraduate student at the Finger Lakes Community College provided field support in 2012. The project provided the opportunity for professional development in field crop management including irrigation technology, trellis design and installation, and post harvest handling. It also provided instruction in field plot design, data collection and data entry. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences included researchers, extension educators, students and growers. Specific organization memberships targeted include the North Central Coordinating Committe-212 (NCCC-222) for Small Fruits and Viticulture Research, the New York State Berry Growers Association, the North American Strawberry Growers Association, the North American Bramble Growers Association and non-associated growers in NY, mid-western states, northeastern states and mid-Atlantic states. NCCC-212 is a federal coordinating committee comprised 40 researchers from 26 universities, 5 USDA locations, and 2 industry groups. The NYSBGA comprises approximately 130 growers and extension personnel in NY. NASGA and NABGA have a nationwide membership and co-sponsors grower conferences in a different region each year. Non-affiliated growers were addressed at fruit schools and grower conferences as well as field days at Cornell University. The following presentations were given: Berry Varieties. Oct 12, 2011. Southern Tier Berry Workshop, Allegany County CCE, Belfast,NY. Trends and Progress in Raspberry and Blackberry Breeding. Jan 17, 2012. Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association, Sandusky, OH The Latest in Strawberry Breeding Efforts. Jan 18, 2012.OPGMA, Sandusky, OH Fundamentals of Raspberry and Blackberry Production Workshop. Jan 17, 2012.erican North American Raspberry and Blackberry Growers Association Annual Conference, Sandusky, OH Trials and Tribulations of High Tunnel Raspberries. January 26, 2012.NYS Berry Growers Assoc. Annual Meeting, Syracuse, NY Varieties for Local Markets. Mar 22, 2012. Long Island Fruit School. Suffolk County CCE Day Neutral Strawberry Trials.Mar 7, 2012. Penn State Cooperative Extension, Gettysburg, PA Choosing Raspberry Varieties. Mar 7, 2012. Penn State Cooperative Extension, Gettysburg, PA High Tunnel Raspberry Production. Mar 7, 2012. Penn State Cooperative Extension, Gettysburg, PA. Berry Variety Update. March 13, 2012. Broome County CCE, Binghamton, NY. High Tunnel Raspberry Production. Small Fruits Open House. Aug. 31, 2012. CCE, Ithaca, NY. NYSAES Strawberry Field Day. June 12, 2012. Cornell University, Geneva, NY New York Farm Days Reception, Washington, D.C. Sept. 12, 2012. The office of Senator Gillibrand. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
In 2012, the new late raspberry cultivars Crimson Night and Double Gold were released for commercial production. Crimson Night is a late season primocane variety with superior flavor and very dark fruit that distinguishes it from other varieties in local markets. Double Gold is golden blushed colored variety that produces a late primocane crop followed by a summer crop on the same canes. It is very vigorous and resistant to Phytophthora root rot. Both varieties extend the production season into late October in NY. A plant patent was applied for on both varieties in late 2012. Crimson Giant raspberry, the new release in 2011, has seen interest in commercial trials and has been licensed for wider sales in 2012. Prelude and Encore raspberries continue to gain market acceptance in the U.S. The raspberry cultivars Titan, Taylor and Heritage continue to be planted widely in the U.S. and abroad. Jewel and Bristol black raspberry are widely accepted and Royalty purple raspberry is the most widely grown purple cultivar in the U.S. A plant patent was applied for in summer 2012 both Herriot and Walker strawberries, the new releases from 2011. Both have seen very good interest from commercial growers and homeowners with licensed nurseries selling out for the 2012 season. Clancy and L'Amour strawberries have had favorable comments from growers and 6 nurseries that have licensing agreements are reporting good sales. L'Amour is one of the top ten varieties grown in the region at this point. The strawberries Jewel and Honeoye continue to be industry standards in the Northeast U.S. while Seneca is seeing increased interest from annual plasticulture producers. Numerous new licensing agreements have been signed with nurseries in the U.S. and testing agreements are in place in Europe, Mexico, California and Africa with interest in Australia, China and South America.

Publications

Ward, J.A., Ponnala, L., and C.A. Weber. 2012. Strategies for transcriptome analysis in nonmodel plants. Amer J Bot. 99(2):267-276.
Ward, J.A., W.E. Boone, P.P. Moore and C.A. Weber. 2012. Developing molecular markers for marker assisted selection for resistance to Raspberry Bushy Dwarf Virus (RBDV) in red raspberry. Act Hort. 946:61-66.
Ward, J.A. and C.A. Weber. 2012. Comparative RNA-Seq for the investigation of resistance to Phytophthora root rot in the red raspberry Latham. Acta Hort. 946:67-72.
Bassil, N., M. Dossett, B. Gilmore, T. Mockler, S. Filichkin, M. Peterson, J. Lee, G. Fernandez, P. Perkins-Veazie, C.A. Weber, R. Agunga, E. Rhodes, J.C. Scheerens, W. Yang, K. Lewers, J. Graham, F. Fernandez Fernandez, S.J. Yun and C. Finn. 2012. Developing the genomic infrastructure for breeding black raspberry. Am. Soc. Hort. Sci. annual meeting, Miami, Fl. Hortscience (abstract).
Bassil, N., M. Dossett, K. Hummer, T. Mockler, S. Filichkin, M. Peterson, J. Lee, G. Fernandez, P. Perkins-Veazie, C. Weber, R. Agunga, E. Rhodes, J.C. Scheerens, W. Yang, K. Lewers, J. Graham, F. Fernandez Fernandez, S.J. Yun and C. Finn. 2012. Genetic and developing genomic resources in black raspberry. Proceedings of the BioTech Fruit 2012, Nelson, New Zealand. (abstract).

Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Strawberry program goals are increasing early season fruit size, improving flavor for direct retail sales and increasing general disease resistance. Off-season production is desired for perennial production of day-neutral genotypes. There were approximately 6000 strawberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2011 with an a split of 90% June-bearing and 10% day-neutral germplasm. First test blocks were evaluated for 20-2006, 17-2007, 44-2008 and 4-2009 selections. Second test blocks were evaluated for 6-2005, 1-2004 and 5-2002 selections. Replicated third test blocks were evaluated for 2-1999, 3-2002, 1-2003 and 1-2004 selections. These selections were evaluated in relation to 10 commercially named varieties. First test blocks were established for 4-2006, 8-2007, 8-2009 and 3-2010 selections. Replicated third test blocks were established for 2-1999, 1-2002 and 1-2001 selections and single block test plots of 6 commercial varieties. In 2011, 45 additional selections were made including 40 short day types and 5 with at least 1 day-neutral parent. Additional selections are being propagated to establish first and second test blocks in 2012. In raspberry, the goals are to expand the harvest season through early and late floricane and early primocane bearing genotypes, increase fruit size and quality, and increase resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Black raspberry goals include larger fruit size, higher yields, resistance to Verticillium wilt, and improved growth habit. There were approximately 8750 raspberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2011 with a 75%:25% ratio of red raspberry to black/purple raspberry germplasm. In 2011, 12000 additional seedlings were established for evaluation. Additionally, over 40,000 black and purple hybrid seedlings were evaluated at the seedling stage for thornfree canes and superior vigor prior to establishing 2700 in the field. First test blocks of 21-2007, 64-2008 and 25-2009 selections were evaluated in 2011 for field performance. Second and third test blocks of 4-1999, 2-2000, 8-2001, 7-2002, 13-2003, 7-2004, 11-2005 and 4-2006 selections were also evaluated. First test blocks of 26-2010 selections were established. Also in 2011, 40 new selections were made including 17 black and purple raspberry selections, which will be propagated for establishment of 1st test plots in 2012. Tissue cultures were initiated for 6 selections targeted for further testing. These cultures will be tested for virus contamination and used to propagate clean plants for grower trials in 2012 and beyond. In 2011, grower trials were evaluated for 26 selections and will continue in 2012. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Courtney Weber, Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cornell University directed the program including making the crosses, evaluating the fruit quality, data analysis and all other aspects. William Boone, Research Support Specialist, Cornell University, Forrest Loeb an undergraduate student at SUNY-Fredonia and Alena Laquitara and undergraduate student a the Finger Lakes Community College provided field support in 2011. The project provided the opportunity for professional development in field crop management including irrigation technology, trellis design and installation, and post harvest handling. It also provided instruction in field plot design, data collection and data entry. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences included researchers, extension educators, students and growers. Specific organization memberships targeted include the North Central Coordinating Committe-212 (NCCC-222) for Small Fruits and Viticulture Research, the New York State Berry Growers Association, the North American Strawberry Growers Association, the North American Bramble Growers Association and non-associated growers in NY, mid-western states, northeastern states and mid-Atlantic states. NCCC-212 is a federal coordinating committee comprised 40 researchers from 26 universities, 5 USDA locations, and 2 industry groups. The NYSBGA comprises approximately 130 growers and extension personnel in NY. NASGA and NABGA have a nationwide membership and co-sponsors grower conferences in a different region each year. Non-affiliated growers were addressed at fruit schools and grower conferences as well as field days at Cornell University. The following presentations were given: Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, Pocantico Hills, NY. Toured facility with other plant breeding faculty. Presented synopsis of berry breeding to staff. 0.17 h, 50 attendees, 8.5 NCIA. November 18, 2010. Grower Round Table, Tompkins Co. CCE/Cornell Univerisity, Ithaca, NY. Held discussion with growers about berry varieties, production practices, pest control and other aspects of berry production and marketing. 2.5 h, 14 attendees (2 women), 35 NCIA. December. 14, 2010. New York State Berry Growers Association Board of Directors meeting. January 4, 2011. Presented an update on current research activities in the program. 12 attending. Strawberry Varieties. February 7, 2011. 1.5 hr. Held a discussion and presented information on day neutral and short day strawberry varieties to enable growers to make informed decisions on variety choice. Oneida County CCE, 4 attending remotely. Berry Varieties Update. February 17, 2011. 50 minutes. Presented information on berry varieties including day neutral and short day strawberry varieties to enable growers to make informed decisions on variety choice. 2011 Hudson Valley Commercial Fruit Grower's School. 40 attending. High Tunnel Raspberry Open House on August 25, 2011. NYSAES, Geneva, NY, Approximately 40 grower and CCE educators attended to learn about raspberry production and variety choice in high tunnels. Berry Varieties. October 12, 2011. 1 hr. Presented information on berry varieties including day neutral and short day strawberry varieties to enable growers to make informed decisions on variety choice. Southern Tier Berry Workshop, Allegany County CCE, Belfast, NY. 45 attending. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
In 2011, the new late season raspberry cultivar Crimson Giant was released for commercial production. This cultivar produces very large, bright red fruit suitable for commercial wholesale production. The late production extends the production season in NY to November using protective structures and can further extend the production in U.S. growing regions through the winter production season. A plant patent was applied for in February 2011 and European plant breeders rights in March 2011. Prelude and Encore raspberries continue to gain market acceptance in the U.S. The raspberry cultivars Titan, Taylor and Heritage continue to be planted widely in the U.S. and abroad. Jewel and Bristol black raspberry are widely accepted and Royalty purple raspberry is the most widely grown purple cultivar in the U.S. Two new strawberries were released in 2011 including Herriot for the commercial market and NY99-15 (marketed as Purple Wonder TM) for the homeowner market. Herriot strawberry produces large, firm heart shaped berries in the mid-summer season for short day plants. The flavor is mild and very good with light pineapple overtones. The plants are vigorous and productive and are more resistant to replant diseases than previous varieties. A plant patent will be applied for Herriot in July 2012. Herriot is available from 2 licensed nurseries for 2012 planting. NY99-15 (Purple Wonder TM) produces medium sized berries that ripen to a dark burgundy purple color that extends through the flesh of the fruit. The flavor is excellent with high sugar and high anthocyanin content. The plant has dark grey/green leaves that are attractive and disease resistant. A plant patent will be applied for NY99-15 in July 2012. NY99-15 is available to homeowners from 1 licensed nursery for 2012 planting. Clancy and L'Amour strawberries have had favorable comments from growers and 6 nurseries that have licensing agreements are reporting good sales. L'Amour is one of the top ten varieties grown in the region at this point. The strawberries Jewel and Honeoye continue to be industry standards in the Northeast U.S. while Seneca is seeing increased interest from annual plasticulture producers. Numerous new licensing agreements have been signed with nurseries in the U.S. and testing agreements are in place in Europe, Mexico, California and Africa with interest in Australia, China and South America.

Publications

Weber C.A., Gansch H., Kim D.O. and Lee C.Y. 2010. Phenolic phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of black raspberries. International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies. Honolulu, HI. December 18. Poster #287. (abstract)
Price J.C., Ward J.A., Clement M.J., Weber C.A., et al. and Udall J.S. 2011. Whole genome sequencing of the highly heterozygous diploid red raspberry, Rubus idaeus cv. Heritage. Plant and Animal Genome XIX Conference. January 15-19. W251:Fruit and Nuts section. (abstract)
Ward J.A. and Weber C.A. 2011. Comparative RNA-Seq for the investigation of gene expression in Phytophthora-challenged red raspberry. Plant and Animal Genome XIX Conference. January 15-19. W251:P128 (abstract)
Weber, Courtney. 2011. Strawberry Variety Review. New York Berry News. 10(9):19-21.
Weber, Courtney. 2011. Raspberry Variety Review. New York Berry News. 10(8):24-26.
Weber, Courtney. 2011. Raspberry High Tunnel Report. New York Berry News. 10(8):28-32.
Weber, C.A. 2009-2010 NYSAES Haygrove High Tunnel Planting. New York Berry News. 10(2):16-17.
Weber, Courtney. 2011. Variety Spotlight: Strawberries. New York Berry News. 10(2):15.
Weber, Courtney. 2011. Variety Spotlight: Strawberries. New York Berry News. 10(1):12.
Weber, Courtney. 2011. Variety Spotlight: Raspberries. New York Berry News. 10(1):13.
Weber, Courtney. 2011. Points to Ponder-Choosing Strawberry Varieties. New York Berry News. 10(1):13.
Weber, Courtney. 2011. Choosing Strawberry Varieties. Vermont Vegetable and Berry News. January 25, 2011. Online newsletter.
Weber, C. and Judson Ward J. 2011. Progress report: Developing and mapping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the red raspberry genome sequence. The Bramble. (Newsletter of the NARBA). 25(4):13.
Weber, C.A. 2011. Small fruits breeding at Cornell University: More than 125 years of serving growers and consumers. Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Associate Newsletter Today, Winter issue 2011:4-7.

Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Traditional breeding in strawberry focuses on matted row strawberry production in temperate climate zones. In 2010, approximately 4000 seedlings were under evaluation and approximately 2000 new seedlings were established. NY99-21 continues in pre-release testing with 5 commercial trial sites in NY, MI and IL established in 2007. NY02-56, NY02-57 and NY02-61 were established in a replicated trial in Geneva in 2009 and sent out for trials at the University of Minnesota and with the Ontario Berry Growers Association. Reports were positive from Minnesota for NY02-56 and from Ontario for NY02-61, NY02-56 and NY99-21 regarding plant vigor and health. In conjunction with testing 6 advanced NY selections, a replicated trial of commercial 9 strawberry varieties has been established. Data will be collected on total yield, mean fruit weight, harvest season, and phytochemical content over 3 harvest seasons. The 2010 harvest season was unproductive due to a late frost. Fruit samples from 3 dates from each variety were analyzed for phenolics, anthocyanins, flavonoids, sugars, acids, and Vitamin C equivalency. Varieties tested include Jewel, Earliglow, L'Amour, Honeoye, Darselect, Clancy, Ovation, AC Wendy and Cabot. Selections include NY numbers 99-15, 99-21, 02-56, 02-57, 02-61, 03-09 and 04-34. In raspberry, traditional breeding for temperate climates and high tunnel production continues with the goals of increasing yield and fruit size, improving fruit quality and extending the fruiting season. Approximately 4200 seedlings were under evaluation in 2010 with 3900 new seedlings established. Advanced selections are in trials in MA, CA and NY. Traditional breeding in black raspberry focuses on two main goals, primocane fruiting and thornless canes. Additional goals include increased yield and fruit size, upright growth habit and improved disease resistance. In 2010, approximately 3800 seedlings were under evaluation in this program, with the majority being purple intermediate types. An additional 1200 were established in 2010. One floricane black raspberry is in two trials in NY and one primocane black raspberry is in trials in NY and Spain. Selections from the program at the USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR are also being evaluated for adaptation to NY field conditions. A collaborative project between Cornell University, USDA-ARS, Beltsville; BYU and U of Central Arkansas began to sequence the red raspberry genome (cv. Heritage). We have recently created a draft sequence of the ~300 Mb genome to greater than 100x coverage using a combination of next-generation sequencing technologies from Illumina and 454 Life Sciences. We have used SOAPdenovo, Newbler, and Celera to create an initial output and then combined these results to construct a draft of the genome sequence. The initial shotgun data has been assembled and numerous paired sequences with insert sizes ranging from 400 bp to 20,000 bp are now being used to extend and orient contigs. At Cornell we have been aligning the data to the draft genome sequence for strawberry. We hope to complete the annotated genome within the next year. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Courtney Weber, Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cornell University directed the program including making the crosses, evaluating the fruit quality, data analysis and all other aspects. William Boone, Research Support Specialist, Cornell University, Mathew Higgins, Cornell University student, provided assistance in management of field plots, harvest and data collection. The project provided the opportunity for professional development in field crop management including irrigation technology, trellis design and installation, and post harvest handling. It also provided instruction in field plot design, data collection and data entry. Wegman's Supermarkets headquartered in Rochester, NY is sponsoring a high tunnel raspberry trial at their organic farm in Canandaigua, NY. This trial will test new selections for the commercial markets including consumer preferences. Additional testing advanced selections of short day strawberries in Minnesota field conditions, is being done in collaboration with Dr. Jim Luby, University of Minnesota. Testing black raspberry selections from Oregon in NY field conditions is being done in collaboration with Dr. Chad Finn, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR. Sequencing the red raspberry genome is being done in collaboration with Kim Lewers, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, Josh Udall, BYU and J.D. Swanson, U. Central Arkansas. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences included researchers, extension educators, students and growers. Specific organization memberships targeted include the North Central Coordinating Committe-22 (NCCC-22) for Small Fruits and Viticulture Research, the New York State Berry Growers Association, the North American Strawberry Growers Association, the North American Bramble Growers Association and non-associated growers in NY, mid-western states, northeastern states and mid-Atlantic states. NCCC-22 is a federal coordinating committee comprised 40 researchers from 26 universities, 5 USDA locations, and 2 industry groups. The NYSBGA comprises approximately 130 growers and extension personnel in NY. NASGA and NABGA have a nationwide membership and co-sponsors grower conferences in a different region each year. Non-affiliated growers were addressed at fruit schools and grower conferences as well as field days at Cornell University. The following presentations were given: Research update to the NYSBGA board of directors meeting in Geneva, NY in Dec, 2009 Primocane Raspberry High Tunnel Field Day" on September 24, 2009. NYSAES, Geneva, NY High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production Workshop. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties. October 24, 2009. High Tunnel Berry Workshop". February 27, 2010. Interactive round table discussion on high tunnel production. Ithaca, NY. 3:00 to 5:30 pm. Ontario CCE Bramble Pruning Workshop, Geneva, NY 9:30-12:30, March 20, 2010. Cornell Fruit Field Days. New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, NY July 28, 2010. High Tunnel Raspberries I & II. 9:45 to 10:15 PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Additional testing of NY99-45 raspberry has been very positive. Pending the final production trial, release is planned for 2011. Prelude and Encore raspberries continue to gain market acceptance in the U.S. and interest is growing in South Africa, Australia and Eastern Europe. The raspberry cultivars Titan, Taylor and Heritage continue to be planted widely in the U.S. and abroad. Jewel and Bristol black raspberry are widely accepted and Royalty purple raspberry is the most widely grown purple cultivar in the U.S. The strawberries Jewel and Honeoye continue to be industry standards in the Northeast U.S. while Seneca is seeing increased interest from annual plasticulture producers. Clancy and L'Amour have had favorable comments from growers and 6 nurseries that have licensing agreements are reporting good sales. L'Amour is one of the top ten varieties grown in the region at this point. Numerous new licensing agreements have been signed with nurseries in the U.S. and testing agreements are in place in Europe and Africa with interest in Australia. NY99-21 strawberry is on track for release in 2011. Nurseries in Michigan are propagating ahead of release and should have plants available for the 2012 planting season.

Publications

Weber, Courtney. 2010. Raspberry production in high tunnels. NY Fruit Quart. 18(1):17-20.

Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Strawberry program goals are increasing early season fruit size, improving flavor for direct retail sales and increasing general disease resistance. Off-season production is desired for perennial production of day-neutral genotypes. There were approximately 7400 strawberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2009 with a split of 90% June-bearing and 10% day-neutral germplasm. First test blocks were evaluated for 21-2005 selections, 15-2006 selections, and 19-2007 selections. Second test blocks were evaluated for 5-2004 selections, 5-2003 selections, 5-2002 selections and 2-2001 selections. Replicated third test blocks were evaluated for 2-1999 selections and 3-2002 selections. These selections were evaluated in relation to 10 commercially named varieties. First test blocks were established for 4-2005, 20-2006, 11-2007 and 32-2008 selections. Second test blocks were established for 4-2002, 2-2006 and 1-2007 selections. Replicated third test blocks were established for 1-1999, 3-2002, 1-2003 and 1-2004 selections as well as 9 named commercial varieties. In 2009, 52 additional selections were made including 41 June bearers and 11 with at least 1 day-neutral parent. Additional selections are being propagated to establish first and second test blocks in 2010. In raspberry, the goals are to expand the harvest season through early and late floricane and early primocane bearing genotypes, increase fruit size and quality, and increase resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Black raspberry goals include larger fruit size, higher yields, resistance to Verticillium wilt, and improved growth habit. There were approximately 6900 raspberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2009 with a 55%:45% ratio of red raspberry to black/purple raspberry germplasm. In 2009, 2400 additional seedlings were established for evaluation. First test blocks of 49-2004, 35-2005, 19-2006 and 21-2007 selections were evaluated in 2009 for field performance. Second test blocks of 11-2001 selections were also evaluated. First test blocks of 34-2008 selections were established. Also in 2009, 24 new selections were made including 14 black and purple raspberry selections, which will be propagated for establishment of 1st test plots in 2010. Tissue cultures were initiated for 2 selections targeted for further testing. These cultures will be tested for virus contamination and used to propagate clean plants for grower trials in 2010 and beyond. In 2009, grower trials were evaluated for 6 selections and will continue in 2010. A new grower trial was also established with both primocane and floricane selections under high tunnels. The trial utilizing high tunnels established in 2008 was evaluated in 2009. Replicated blocks of the 7 primocane varieties were harvested to evaluate yield and fruit quality components and pest issues. The trial section with 7 floricane varieties and 4 advanced selections were established in 2008 will be harvested in 2010 for the first time. The 14 primocane selections established in 2008 were also evaluated. The 6 floricane bearing selections established in single observation blocks in 2008 will be evaluated in 2010. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Courtney Weber, Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cornell University directed the program including making the crosses, evaluating the fruit quality, data analysis and all other aspects. William Boone, Research Support Specialist, Cornell University, Mathew Welser, Cornell University Student and Mathew Higgins, McGill University student, provided assistance in management of field plots, harvest and data collection. The project provided the opportunity for professional development in field crop management including irrigation technology, trellis design and installation, and post harvest handling. It also provided instruction in field plot design, data collection and data entry. Wegman's Supermarkets headquartered in Rochester, NY is sponsoring a high tunnel raspberry trial at their organic farm in Canandaigua, NY. This trial will test new selections for the commercial markets including consumer preferences. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences included researchers, extension educators, students and growers. Specific organization memberships targeted include the North Central Coordinating Committe-22 (NCCC-22) for Small Fruits and Viticulture Research, the New York State Berry Growers Association, the North American Strawberry Growers Association, the North American Bramble Growers Association and non-associated growers in NY, mid-western states, northeastern states and mid-Atlantic states. NCCC-22 is a federal coordinating committee comprised 40 researchers from 26 universities, 5 USDA locations, and 2 industry groups. The NYSBGA comprises approximately 130 growers and extension personnel in NY. NASGA and NABGA have a nationwide membership and co-sponsors grower conferences in a different region each year. Non-affiliated growers were addressed at fruit schools and grower conferences as well as field days at Cornell University. The following presentations were given: the NYSBGA board of directors meeting in Geneva, NY in Dec, 2009 with 13 participants, a presentation hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County with 32 participants. A field day/workshop was hosted at Cornell University's New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva on High Tunnel Raspberry Production with 33 participants. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Prelude and Encore raspberries continue to gain market acceptance in the U.S. and interest is growing in South Africa, Australia and Eastern Europe. Clancy and L'Amour have had favorable comments from growers and 6 nurseries that have licensing agreements are reporting good sales. L'Amour is one of the top ten varieties grown in the region at this point. Numerous new licensing agreements have been signed with nurseries in the U.S. and testing agreements are in place in Europe and Africa with interest in Australia. The raspberry cultivars Titan, Taylor and Heritage continue to be planted widely in the U.S. and abroad. Jewel and Bristol black raspberry are widely accepted and Royalty purple raspberry is the most widely grown purple cultivar in the U.S. The strawberries Jewel and Honeoye continue to be industry standards in the Northeast U.S. while Seneca is seeing increased interest from annual plasticulture producers.

Publications

Hall, H.K., K. Hummer, A.R. Jamieson, S.N. Jennings and C.A. Weber. 2009. Raspberry Breeding and Genetics. In: Plant Breeding Reviews. Jules Janick (ed.). 32. 290 pp.
Gansch, H., C.A. Weber and C.Y. Lee. 2009. Antioxidant capacity and phenolic phytochemicals in black raspberries. NY Fruit Quart. 17(1):20-23.
Pritts, M. (Ed.) 2009. Pest Management Guidelines for Berry Crops. Discipline Editor: Horticulture Courtney Weber et al. Pesticide Management Education Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. 102 pp.

Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Strawberry program goals are increasing early season fruit size, improving flavor for direct retail sales and increasing general disease resistance. Off-season production is desired for perennial production of day-neutral genotypes. There were approximately 4500 strawberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2007 with a split of 90% June-bearing and 10% day-neutral germplasm. Third test blocks of 2-1999 selections were evaluated including commercial grower trials at 6 locations. Second test blocks were evaluated for 2-2001 selections, 8-2002 selections, 3-2003 selections and 5-2004 selections. First test blocks were evaluated for 18-2005 selections and 6-2006 selections. Additional selections are being propagated to establish first and second test blocks in 2009. First test blocks were established for 1-2003, 1-2004, 2-2005, 1-2006 and 20-2007 selections. In 2008, 77 selections were made including 70 June bearers and 7 with at least 1 day-neutral parent. An additional 4000 seedlings in 60 populations were established I 2008 for evaluation. In raspberry, the goals are to expand the harvest season through early and late summer and early primocane bearing genotypes, increase fruit size and quality, and increase resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Black raspberry goals include larger fruit size, higher yields, resistance to Verticillium wilt, and improved growth habit. There were approximately 6900 raspberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2008 with a 55%:45% ratio of red raspberry to black/purple raspberry germplasm. Test blocks of 5-1999, 11-2001, 50-2003, 49-2004 and 35-2005 and 19-2006 selections were evaluated in 2008 for field performance. In 2008, test blocks of 21-2007 selections were established. Also in 2008, 68 new selections were made including 35 black and purple raspberry selections, which will be propagated for establishment of 1st test plots in 2008 or for use as parents in future generations. Tissue cultures were initiated for 25 selections targeted for further testing. These cultures will be tested for virus contamination and used to propagate clean plants for grower trials in 2009 and beyond. In 2008, grower trials were evaluated for 6 selections and will continue in 2009. An additional trial utilizing high tunnels was established in 2008 as well. Replicated blocks of 7 primocane varieties, 7 floricane varieties and 5 advanced selections were established. Additionally, 14 primocane and 6 floricane bearing selections were established in single observation blocks. A Haygrove 3 bay high tunnel structure was erected over the trial to evaluate raspberry productivity under this production system. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Courtney Weber, Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cornell University directed the program including making the crosses, evaluating the fruit quality, data analysis and all other aspects. William Boone, Research Support Specialist, Cornell University, Mathew Welser, Cornell University Student and Mathew Higgins, McGill University student, provided assistance in management of field plots, harvest and data collection. The project provided the opportunity for professional development in field crop management including irrigation technology, trellis design and installation, and post harvest handling. It also provided instruction in field plot design, data collection and data entry. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences included researchers, extension educators, students and growers. Specific organization memberships targeted include the North Central Coordinating Committe-22 (NCCC-22) for Small Fruits and Viticulture Research, the New York State Berry Growers Association, the North American Strawberry Growers Association, the North American Bramble Growers Association and non-associated growers in NY, mid-western states, northeastern states and mid-Atlantic states. NCCC-22 is a federal coordinating committee comprised 40 researchers from 26 universities, 5 USDA locations, and 2 industry groups. The NYSBGA comprises approximately 130 growers and extension personnel in NY. NASGA and NABGA have a nationwide membership and co-sponsors grower conferences in a different region each year. Non-affiliated growers were addressed at fruit schools and grower conferences as well as field days at Cornell University. The following presentations were given: two presentations at the New England Vegetable and Fruit Conference on Dec. 11 and 12, 2007, the NYSBGA board of directors meeting in Geneva, NY in Dec, 2008 with 15 participants, the 2008 Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo with 90 attending, two presentations at the 2008 Hudson Valley Commercial Fruit Grower's School, Kingston, NY with 42 attending each and two presentations at the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention with 40 attending each. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The NY State Berry Growers Assoc. identified research on high tunnel production systems and variety evaluations as two of their top priorities in 2005. Fresh red raspberry consumption is growing at a high rate in the U.S. The NE U.S. has a nearly ideal climate for raspberry production (cool days with moderate sunlight) but suffers from rain during bloom and harvest. The majority of fresh market raspberries for eastern U.S. markets require considerable shipping to reach these markets. As transportation costs increase, it makes more economic sense to grow produce closer to these markets. Growing raspberries under high tunnels will give growers in the NE U.S. the opportunity to access wholesale markets. Recent work has demonstrated the tremendous advantages to growing raspberries under high tunnels. Fruit quality is greatly improved with larger size and much lower incidence of rot, and the season can be greatly extended. With appropriate varieties, the NE U.S. has the potential to grow red raspberries in the field under tunnels from mid-May to mid-December. This greatly expands the season for growers so they may target a much broader market window for this valuable crop. However, little work has been done to evaluate current varieties or to develop new varieties specifically for high tunnel production. A new focus on evaluating existing cultivars and developing new cultivars for high tunnel production was expanded on in 2008. Specific objectives include evaluating leading red raspberry cultivars and advanced selections from the Cornell breeding program in a high tunnel production system. Additionally, pest management guidelines will be developed for growing raspberries under a high tunnel environment.

Impacts
Prelude and Encore raspberries continue to gain market acceptance in the U.S. and interest is growing in South Africa, Australia and Eastern Europe. Clancy and L'Amour have had favorable comments from growers and 6 nurseries that have licensing agreements are reporting good sales. L'Amour is one of the top ten varieties grown in the region at this point. Numerous new licensing agreements have been signed with nurseries in the U.S. and testing agreements are in place in Europe and Africa with interest in Australia. The raspberry cultivars Titan, Ruby (cv. Watson), and Heritage continue to be planted widely in the U.S. and abroad. Jewel and Bristol black raspberry are widely accepted and Royalty purple raspberry is the most widely grown purple cultivar in the U.S. The strawberries Jewel and Honeoye continue to be industry standards in the Northeast U.S. while Seneca is seeing increased interest from annual plasticulture producers.

Publications

Weber, C.A. P. Perkins-Veazie, P. Moore and L. Howard. 2008. Variability of Antioxidant Content in Raspberry Germplasm. P. Banados and A. Dale (eds.). Acta Hort. 777:493-498
Moore, P., P. Perkins-Veazie, C.A. Weber and L. Howard. 2008. Enviromental Effect on Antioxidant Content of Ten Raspberry Cultivars. P. Banados and A. Dale (eds.). Acta Hort. 777:499-504..

Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Strawberry program goals are increasing early season fruit size, improving flavor for direct retail sales and increasing general disease resistance. Off-season production is desired for perennial production of day-neutral genotypes. There were approximately 6500 strawberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2007 of which 3350 were established in 2006 with a split of 90% June-bearing and 10% day-neutral germplasm. Third test blocks were established of 2-1999 selections including commercial grower trials at 6 locations. Second test blocks were established for 2-2001 selections, 8-2002 selections, 3-2003 selections and 5-2004 selections were established. First test blocks were established for 18-2005 selections and 6-2006 selections. Additional selections are being propagated to establish first and second test blocks in 2007. In 2007, 63 selections were made including 43 June bearers and 7 with at least 1 day-neutral parent. In raspberry, the goals are to expand the harvest season through early and late summer and early primocane bearing genotypes, increase fruit size and quality, and increase resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Black raspberry goals include larger fruit size, higher yields, resistance to Verticillium wilt, and improved growth habit. There were approximately 10100 raspberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2007 of which 2750 were established in 2006 with a 55%:45% ratio of red raspberry to black/purple raspberry germplasm. Test blocks of 5-1999 selections, 56-2002 selections, 50-2003, 49-2004 and 35-2005 selections were evaluated in 2007 for field performance. In 2007, test blocks of 19-2006 selections were established. Second test blocks were established for 2-1999 selections and 11-2001 selections. Also in 2007, 33 new selections were made including 13 black and purple raspberry selections, which will be propagated for establishment of 1st test plots in 2008. Tissue cultures were established for 11 selections targeted for further testing. These cultures will be tested for virus contamination and used to propagate clean plants for grower trial in 2008. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Courtney Weber, Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cornell University directed the program including making the crosses, evaluating the fruit quality, data analysis and all other aspects. William Boone, Research Support Specialist, Cornell University, Mathew Welser, Cornell University Student and Mathew Higgins, McGill University student, provided assistance in management of field plots, harvest and data collection. The project provided the opportunity for professional development in field crop management including irrigation technology, trellis design and installation, and post harvest handling. It also provided instruction in field plot design, data collection and data entry. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences included researchers, extension educators, students and growers. Specific organization memberships targeted include the North Central Coordinating Committe-22 (NCCC-22) for Small Fruits and Viticulture Research, the New York State Berry Growers Association, the North American Strawberry Growers Association, the North American Bramble Growers Association and non-associated growers in NY, mid-western states, northeastern states and mid-Atlantic states. NCCC-22 is a federal coordinating committee comprised 40 researchers from 26 universities, 5 USDA locations, and 2 industry groups. The NYSBGA comprises approximately 130 growers and extension personnel in NY. NASGA and NABGA have a nationwide membership and co-sponsors grower conferences in a different region each year. Non-affiliated growers were addressed at fruit schools and grower conferences as well as field days at Cornell University. Presentations were given at 2007 NCCC-22 committee meeting State College, PA with 46 participants, the NYSBGA board of directors meetings in Geneva, NY in 2007 with 14 participants, the 2007 Hudson Valley Commercial Fruit Grower's School, Kingston, NY with 34 attending and the 2007 North American Bramble Growers Association Conference, Columbus, OH with 65 attending. Two field days were held in Geneva, NY in 2007 with 85 attending. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The NY State Berry Growers Assoc. identified research on high tunnel production systems and variety evaluations as two of their top priorities in 2005. Fresh red raspberry consumption is growing at a high rate in the U.S. The NE U.S. has a nearly ideal climate for raspberry production (cool days with moderate sunlight) but suffers from rain during bloom and harvest. The majority of fresh market raspberries for eastern U.S. markets require considerable shipping to reach these markets. As transportation costs increase, it makes more economic sense to grow produce closer to these markets. Growing raspberries under high tunnels will give growers in the NE U.S. the opportunity to access wholesale markets. Recent work has demonstrated the tremendous advantages to growing raspberries under high tunnels. Fruit quality is greatly improved with larger size and much lower incidence of rot, and the season can be greatly extended. With appropriate varieties, the NE U.S. has the potential to grow red raspberries in the field under tunnels from mid-May to mid-December. This greatly expands the season for growers so they may target a much broader market window for this valuable crop. However, little work has been done to evaluate current varieties or to develop new varieties specifically for high tunnel production. A new focus on evaluating existing cultivars and developing new cultivars for high tunnel production was added to the project. Specific objectives include evaluating leading red raspberry cultivars and advanced selections from the Cornell breeding program in a high tunnel production system. Additionally, pest management guidelines will be developed for growing raspberries under a high tunnel environment.

Impacts
Prelude and Encore raspberries continue to gain market acceptance in the U.S. and interest is growing in South Africa, Australia and Eastern Europe. Clancy and L'Amour have had favorable comments from growers and 6 nurseries that have licensing agreements are reporting good sales. Numerous new licensing agreements have been signed with nurseries in the U.S. and testing agreements are in place in Europe and Africa with interest in Australia. The raspberry cultivars Titan, Ruby (cv. Watson), and Heritage continue to be planted widely in the U.S. and abroad. Jewel and Bristol black raspberry are widely accepted and Royalty purple raspberry is the most widely grown purple cultivar in the U.S. The strawberries Jewel and Honeoye continue to be industry standards in the Northeast U.S. while Seneca and Canoga are seeing increased interest from annual plasticulture producers.

Publications

Weber, Courtney. 2007. Raspberry Variety Review: Old Reliable and New Potential. Mass. Berry Notes. 19(12):4-7.
Weber, Courtney. 2007. Strawberry Variety Review: Head to Head Comparisons. Utah Berry Growers Association Newsletter. 1(4):3-8.
Weber, Courtney. 2007. Strawberry Variety Review: Head to Head Comparisons. New York Berry News. 6(8):14-20.

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
Strawberry program goals are increasing early season fruit size, improving flavor for direct retail sales and increasing general disease resistance. Off-season production is desired for perennial production of day-neutral genotypes. In 2006, predominantly June bearing populations were planted with only 2 small populations with day neutral genetics. There were approximately 9050 strawberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2006 of which 3350 were established in 2006 with a split of 90 percent June-bearing and 10 percent day-neutral germplasm. First test blocks of 2-1999 selections, 5-2000 selections, 15-2001 selections, 76-2002 selections, 53-2003 selections and 56-2004 selections were evaluated for field performance. In 207 selections including 133 June bearers and 74 day-neutral selections were evaluated. From these, 34 were selected for further testing and are being propagated including 29 June bearing types and 5 day neutral types. An additional 23 June bearing and 17 day neutral selections were propagated for use as parents. In 2006, 48 selections were made including 43 June bearers and 5 with at least 1 day-neutral parent. NY99-21 was planted for wider field testing at Geneva and has been sent to nurseries for evaluation. Three selections were put into culture and virus indexed in 2006, NY02-56, NY02-57 and NY02-61. They are being propagated for wider testing in 2007. In raspberry, the goals are to expand the harvest season through early and late summer and early primocane bearing genotypes, increase fruit size and quality, and increase resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Black raspberry goals include larger fruit size, higher yields, resistance to Verticillium wilt, and improved growth habit. There were approximately 11730 raspberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2006 of which 2750 were established in 2006 with a 60:40 percent ratio of red raspberry to black/purple raspberry germplasm. Test blocks of 44-1999 selections, 64-2001 selections, 56-2002 selections, 50-2003, and 49-2004 selections were evaluated in 2006 for field performance. Of the total 263 selections, 38 selections have been targeted for further propagation and testing and an additional 18 for use as parents. In 2006, test blocks of 35-2005 selections were established. Also in 2006, 41 new selections were made including 16 black and purple raspberry selections, which will be propagated for establishment of 1st test plots in 2007. Virus indexing was done on 4 selections in tissue culture and these are being propagated for wider testing. NY03-01P is a large summer bearing purple with shiny fruit. NY01-32 is a late summer selection with large fruit but probably root rot susceptible. NY318 is a medium sized summer bearer with good disease resistance and very good fruit quality. NY99-17 is a large late season summer bearer. It is vigorous and has tall stout canes and good hardiness. Further targeted selections will be put into culture for virus indexing and propagation in 2007.

Impacts
Prelude and Encore raspberries continue to gain market acceptance in the U.S. and interest is growing in South Africa, Australia and Eastern Europe. Clancy and L'Amour have had favorable comments from growers and 6 nurseries that have licensing agreements are reporting good sales. Numerous new licensing agreements have been signed with nurseries in the U.S. and testing agreements are in place in Europe and Africa with interest in Australia. The raspberry cultivars Titan, Ruby (cv. Watson), and Heritage continue to be planted widely in the U.S. and abroad. Jewel and Bristol black raspberry are widely accepted and Royalty purple raspberry is the most widely grown purple cultivar in the U.S. The strawberries Jewel and Honeoye continue to be industry standards in the Northeast U.S. while Seneca and Canoga are seeing increased interest from annual plasticulture producers.

Publications

Baldo, A.M., S. Samuelian and C.A. Weber. 2006. Computational Analysis of Putative Resistance Gene Analogs in Raspberry. 3rd International Rosaceae Genomics Conference, Napier, New Zealand, March 19-22. p. 45.
Weber, Courtney. 2006. Raspberry plant types and recommended varieties. Cathy Heidenreich (ed.). New York Berry News. 5(3):4.

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Strawberry program goals are increasing early season fruit size, improving flavor for direct retail sales and increasing general disease resistance. Off-season production is desired for perennial production of day-neutral genotypes. Only June bearing populations were planted in 2005. There were approximately 6100 strawberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2005 of which 1200 were established in 2005 with a split of 85 percent June-bearing and 15 percent day-neutral germplasm. First test blocks were established for 56-2004 selections including 40 June bearers and 16 day-neutral selections. In 2005, 55 selections were made including 52 June bearers and 3 with at least 1 day-neutral parent. The third harvest was completed from the trial established in 2002 of 2nd and 3rd test NY selections (including NY99-21, NY00-12, NY00-13, L'Amour (NY1829), and Clancy (NYUS304B) among others.), 2 selections from U. of Minnesota and 1 new cultivar, Ovation (B440). Annapolis, Honeoye, and Jewel are the standard controls. NY99-21 was was propagated for wider field testing at Geneva and has been sent to nurseries for evaluation. In raspberry, the goals are to expand the harvest season through early and late summer and early primocane bearing genotypes, increase fruit size and quality, and increase resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Black raspberry goals include larger fruit size, higher yields, resistance to Verticillium wilt, and improved growth habit. There are approximately 12140 raspberry seedlings under evaluation in the program in 2005 of which 2400 were established in 2005 with a 60 percent:40 percent ratio of red raspberry to black/purple raspberry germplasm. Test blocks of 49-2004 selections were established in 2005 and 56 new selections were made including 30 black and purple raspberry selections. These will be propagated for establishment of 1st test plots in 2006. Further propagation of six selections was done to produce plants for testing (they have not been virus indexed as yet). NY03-01P is a large summer bearing purple with shiny fruit. NY01-32 is a late summer selection with large fruit but probably root rot susceptible.. NY318 is a medium sized summer bearer with good disease resistance and very good fruit quality. NY00-01 is an early season summer bearer with large firm fruit. The fruit does darken when over ripe, and it does set a fall crop. NY99-17 is a large late season summer bearer. It is vigorous and has tall stout canes and good hardiness.

Impacts
Prelude and Encore raspberries continue to gain market acceptance in the U.S. and interest is growing in South Africa, Australia and Eastern Europe. Clancy and L'Amour are available to growers for 2006 planting and 6 nurseries have licensing agreements to date. Early reports on L'Amour are very positive with Clancy having mixed reports. Numerous new licensing agreements have been signed with nurseries in the U.S. and testing agreements are in place in Europe and Africa with interest in Australia. The raspberry cultivars Titan, Ruby (cv. Watson), and Heritage continue to be planted widely in the U.S. and abroad. Jewel and Bristol black raspberry are widely accepted and Royalty purple raspberry is the most widely grown purple cultivar in the U.S. The strawberries Jewel and Honeoye continue to be industry standards in the Northeast U.S. while Seneca and Canoga are seeing increased interest from annual plasticulture producers.

Publications

Stafne, E.T., J.R. Clark, C.A. Weber, J. Graham, K.S. Lewers. 2005. Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers for Genetic Mapping of Raspberry and Blackberry. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 130(5):722-728.
Weber C.A. 2005. Inheritance and heritability of terbacil tolerance in cultivated strawberry. HortScience. 40(2):311-313.
Pattison, J.A. and C.A. Weber. 2005. Evaluation of Red Raspberry Cultivars for Resistance to Phytophthora Rot Root. J. Amer. Pom. Soc.59(1):50-56.

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
Strawberry program goals are increasing early season fruit size, improving flavor for direct retail sales and increasing general disease resistance. Off-season production is desired for perennial production of day-neutral genotypes. Only June bearing populations were planted in 2004. There are approximately 5,400 strawberry seedlings under evaluation in the program of which 2000 were established in 2004 with a split of 85 percent June-bearing and 15 percent day-neutral germplasm. First test blocks were established for 54-2003 selections including 30 June bearers and 24 day-neutral selections. In 2004, 56 selections were made including 40 June bearers and 16 with at least 1 day-neutral parent. NY99-15 is being propagated in tissue culture and will be virus indexed in the coming months for further testing. It has extremely dark fruit that remains sweet even as the color deepens and has good size and may have enhanced phytochemical properties that can be exploited. The second harvest was completed from the trial established in 2002 of 2nd and 3rd test NY selections (including NY99-21, NY00-12, NY00-13, L'Amour (NY1829), and Clancy (NYUS304B) among others.), 2 selections from U. of Minnesota and 1 new cultivar, Ovation (B440). Annapolis, Honeoye, and Jewel are the standard controls. NY99-21 was virus indexed and is being propagated for wider field testing. It is medium large, mid-season, productive and vigorous. The fruit is light red to orange, similar to Allstar, with a pale interior, firm flesh and good flavor. In raspberry, the goals are to expand the harvest season through early and late summer and early primocane bearing genotypes, increase fruit size and quality, and increase resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Black raspberry goals include larger fruit size, higher yields, resistance to Verticillium wilt, and improved growth habit. There are approximately 14,500 raspberry seedlings under evaluation in the program of which 1200 were established in 2004 with a 60pct:40pct ratio of red raspberry to black/purple raspberry germplasm. Test blocks of 45-2003 selections were established in 2004 and 57 new selections were made including 13 black and purple raspberry selections. These will be propagated for establishment of 1st test plots in 2005. Six selections have been introduced into tissue culture for propagation and will be available for testing (they have not been virus indexed as yet). NY03-01P is a large summer bearing purple with shiny fruit. NY01-32 is a late summer selection with large fruit but probably root rot susceptible. NY03-11B is a large firm black selection that is 4-6 days earlier than Jewel in early testing. NY318 is a medium sized summer bearer with good disease resistance and very good fruit quality. NY00-01 is an early season summer bearer with large firm fruit. The fruit does darken when over ripe, and it does set a fall crop. NY99-17 is a large late season summer bearer. It is vigorous and has tall stout canes and good hardiness.

Impacts
Prelude and Encore raspberries continue to gain market acceptance in the U.S. and interest is growing in numerous other countries. Numerous new licensing agreements have been signed with nurseries in the U.S. and testing agreements are in place in Europe and Africa with interest in Australia. The raspberry cultivars Titan, Ruby (cv. Watson), and Heritage continue to be planted widely in the U.S. and abroad. Jewel and Bristol black raspberry are widely accepted and Royalty purple raspberry is the most widely grown purple cultivar in the U.S. The strawberries Jewel and Honeoye continue to be industry standards in the Northeast U.S. while Seneca and Canoga are seeing increased interest from annual plasticulture producers. Clancy and L'Amour are available to growers for 2005 planting and 6 nurseries have licensing agreements to date.

Publications

Weber, C.A., K.E. Maloney and J.C. Sanford. 2004. Performance of eleven floricane fruiting red raspberry cultivars in New York. Small Fruits Rev. 4(2):49-56.
Weber, C.A., K.E. Maloney and J.C. Sanford. 2004. Performance of eight primocane fruiting red raspberry cultivars in New York. Small Fruits Rev. 4(2):41-47.
Lewers, K., J.M. Enns, S.Y. Wang, J.L. Maas, G.J. Galletta, S.C. Hokanson, J.R. Clark, K. Demchak, R.C. Funt, A.R. Jamieson, G.R. Nonnecke, P.R. Probasco, G.L. Jelenkovic, S.A. Garrison, B.J. Smith, B.R. Smith, C.A. Weber. 2004. 'Ovation' strawberry. HortScience. 39(7):1785-1788.
Pattison, J.A, W.F. Wilcox and C.A. Weber. 2004. Assessing the resistance of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) genotypes to Phytophthora fragariae var. rubi in hydroponic culture. HortScience. 39(7):1553-1556.
Weber, C.A., K.E. Maloney and J.C. Sanford. 2004. Long-term viability of primocane fruiting raspberry cultivars. HortTechnology 14(4):590:593.
Weber, C.A., K.E. Maloney and J.C. Sanford. 2004. 'Encore' floricane raspberry. HortScience 39(3):635-636.
Weber, C.A., K.E. Maloney and J.C. Sanford. 2004. 'Prelude' everbearing raspberry. HortScience 39(3):633-634.

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
There are approximately 10,100 strawberry seedlings under evaluation in the program of which 2550 were established in 2003 with a split of 67 percent June-bearing and 33 percent day-neutral germplasm. The program goals include increasing early season fruit size, improving flavor for direct retail sales, and disease resistance most notably to red stele and black root rot. Off-season production with moderate runnering is desired for perennial production of day-neutral genotypes. In the 2003, 56 selections were made including 29 June bearers and 27 with at least 1 day-neutral parent. A variety trial comparing 7 new cultivars with 3 standard cultivars was harvest for the second season in 2003. Another yield trial featuring 6 NY advanced selections, 2 U. of Minnesota selections, and 1 USDA selection was harvested for the first time. A third trial with 14 varieties was established in 2003. L'Amour (NY1829) and Clancy (NYUS304B) varieties were released for commercial production in June 2003. The raspberry breeding program goals are to expand the harvest season through early and late summer and early primocane bearing genotypes, increase fruit size and quality, and increase resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Black raspberry program goals include larger fruit size, higher yields, resistance to Verticillium wilt, and improved growth habit. Current raspberry seedling populations under evaluation total approximately 11,500 of which 3175 were established in 2002 with an 85 percent red raspberry and 15 percent black/purple raspberry in the program. Test blocks of the 2002 selections were established in 2003 and 67 new selections were made including 8 black raspberry selections. Two red raspberry selections are in wider third level testing with growers. Nine selections are in second level testing with cooperating researchers.

Impacts
Prelude and Encore raspberries continue to gain market acceptance in the U.S. and interest is growing in numerous other countries. Numerous new licensing agreements have been signed with nurseries in the U.S. and testing agreements are in place in Europe. The raspberry cultivars Titan, Ruby (cv. Watson), and Heritage continue to be planted widely in the U.S. and abroad. Jewel and Bristol black raspberry are widely accepted and Royalty purple raspberry is the most widely grown purple cultivar in the U.S. The strawberries Jewel and Honeoye continue to be industry standards in the Northeast U.S. while Seneca and Canoga are seeing increased interest from annual plasticulture producers. Clancy and L'Amour were released and will be available to growers in limited supplies for 2004 production.

Publications

Weber, C.A. 2003. Genetic diversity in black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis L.) detected by RAPD markers. HortScience. 38(2):269-272.

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
There are approximately 8100 strawberry seedlings under evaluation in the program of which 1000 were established in 2002 with a split of 65 percent June bearing and 35 percent day-neutral germplasm. The program goals include increasing early season fruit size, improving flavor for direct retail sales, and disease resistance most notably to red stele and black root rot. Off-season production with moderate runnering is desired for perennial production of day-neutral genotypes. In the 2002, 76 selections were made including 37 June bearers and 39 with at least 1 day-neutral parent. A variety trial comparing 7 new cultivars with 3 standard cultivars was harvest in 2002. Another yield trial featuring 6 NY advanced selections, 2 U. of Minnesota selections, and 1 USDA selection was established. Evaluation of transgenic strawberries for resistance to botrytis was begun in 2002. NY1829 and NYUS304B are being tested in 7 states. Naming, patenting, and release of these selections is planned for 2003. Test agreements have also been signed for these selections with companies in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Canada. The raspberry breeding program goals are to expand the harvest season through early and late summer and early primocane bearing genotypes, increase fruit size and quality, and increase resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Black raspberry program goals include larger fruit size, higher yields, resistance to Verticillium wilt, and improved growth habit. Current raspberry seedling populations under evaluation total approximately 16100 of which 2000 were established in 2002 with an 85 percent red raspberry and 15 percent black/purple raspberry germplasm ratio. Test blocks of 64-2001 selections were established in 2002 and 66 new selections were made including 10 black raspberry selections. Test agreements for Prelude and Encore were signed in 2002 with companies in the United Kingdom, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Chile. They are currently under evaluation in Germany and Switzerland.

Impacts
Prelude and Encore raspberries continue to gain market acceptance in the U.S. and interest is growing in numerous other countries. The raspberry cultivars Titan, Ruby (cv. Watson), and Heritage continue to be planted widely in the U.S. and abroad. Jewel and Bristol black raspberry are widely accepted and Royalty purple raspberry is the most widely grown purple cultivar in the U.S. The strawberries Jewel and Honeoye continue to be industry standards in the Northeast U.S. while Seneca and Canoga are seeing increased interest from annual plasticulture producers.

Publications

Liu, M., X.Q. Li, C.A. Weber, C.Y. Lee, J. Brown, and R.H. Liu. 2002. Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Raspberries. J. Agric. Food Chem. 50:2926-2930.
Pattison, J. and C.A. Weber. 2002. An alternative method for screening raspberry genotypes to Phytophthora root rot. HortSci. 37(3):441.
Weber, C. 2002. Biodegradable films for establishment year weed suppression in matted row strawberries. 2001 NY State Fruit Project Reports Relating to IPM. NYS IPM Pub. No. 219. 58-62.

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
Strawberry seedlings totaling 5000 from June-bearing and day-neutral parents were established in 2001. The program goals include increasing early season fruit size, plant yield, and improving flavor and disease resistance most notably to black root rot. Off-season production and moderate runnering is desired in day-neutral types for perennial culture. First test blocks were established for 15 strawberry selections from 2000. In 2001, 29 strawberry selections (27 June-bearers and 2 day-neutrals) were made and dug for propagation into 1st test blocks. First test blocks from 1999 were evaluated for the first time. NY99-21 had the highest quality fruit and yielded approximately 11k pounds per acre based on one 15ft.plot. Fruit size averaged 11.4 g over the whole season. Primary berries averaged 29.2 g. NY99-34n had the largest fruit of the day neutral selections averaging 17.1g in June and 13g in October. This selection also has the ability to runner moderately. 11 selections will be established in replicated 2nd test plots in: NY99-21, NY99-34n, NY00-12n, NY1827, NY00-13n, NY1843, NY1852, NY1934, NY1968, and NY1969. A replicated yield trial with 8 strawberry cultivars (Earliglow, Sable, Eros, Cabot, Darselect, Honeoye, Jewel, and Brunswick) and NY1829 and NYUS304B was also established in 2001. Yield will be recorded over 2-3 years. NY1829 and NYUS304B are available in limited amounts for commercial yield trials. The raspberry breeding program goals are to expand the harvest season through early and late summer and early fall bearing selections, increase fruit size and quality, and increase resistance to Phytophthora root rot and other disease and insect pests. In 2001, 1239 red raspberry seedlings were planted. First test blocks of 46-1999 red raspberry selections were evaluated for the first time in 2001. NY99-38 will be placed in replicated 2nd test trials for yield evaluation. It is an early mid-season fall bearing type being in full harvest in Geneva, NY on September 4, 2001. It has very good flavor and firmness. Fruit is medium sized at about 4g and it carries a heavy load with long fruiting laterals. 7 to 10 laterals fruited on the first year of production. The color is dark but is comparable to Heritage. Fruit quality is better than Autumn Bliss. The 2000 raspberry selections were established in field plots and will be evaluated in the future. In 2001, 66 new selections were made and will be established in 15-ft. blocks in 2002 for further evaluation. Selections were placed in yield trials in Canada (2- NY253 and NY258) and Mexico (6- NY99-38, NY99-54, NY219, NY262, NY270, NY319). Two more, NY255 and NY283 have been virus indexed and tissue culture propagation is underway. Black raspberry breeding was initiated in 2001 with 2300 seedlings established in the field. Goals of this program are improved fruit size, higher yield, improved plant form, and resistance to disease and insects especially viral diseases and verticillium wilt. Genetic mapping in black and red raspberry continues with the focus on disease resistance genes or quantitative trait loci.

Impacts
The strawberry varieties Jewel ('85) and Honeoye ('79) continue to gain acceptance as industry standards in the northeastern US. Seneca ('91) and Canoga ('79) are finding some acceptance in plasticulture systems. Prelude ('98) and Encore ('98) raspberry are being adopted by the industry. Ruby (cv.Watson) ('88) has gained acceptance in California. Titan ('85) continues to be popular for it's fruit size. Heritage ('69) fall raspberry continues to be the most widely planted raspberry worlwide. Royalty ('82) continues to be the most popular purple raspberry grown. Jewel ('73) and Bristol ('34) black raspberry are reccommended for the NE US. Talyor ('35) red raspberry and Brandywined ('76) purple continue to be grown in limited quantities.

Publications

Weber, C.A. and R.H. Liu. 2001. Antioxidant capacity and anticancer properties of red raspberry. Proc. 8th Int. Rubus & Ribes Symp. Acta Horticulturae. In press.
Liu, M., X.Q. Li, C.A. Weber, C.Y. Lee, J. Brown, R.H. Liu. 2001. Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Four Raspberry Varieties. Agric. Food Chem. Accepted for publication 10/01.
Weber, C.A. and R.H. Liu. 2001. Antioxidant capacity and anticancer properties of red raspberry. Fruit Quarterly. 9(3):25-27.
Sanford, John C., Kevin E. Maloney, Jack R. Reich, Donald K. Ourecky. 2001. Red raspberry plant named `Encore'. US PP11,746.
Sanford, John C., Kevin E. Maloney, Jack R. Reich, Donald K. Ourecky. 2001. Red raspberry plant named `Prelude'. US PP11,747.

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
Approximately 2100 strawberry seedlings from June-bearing parents were established in 2000. First test blocks were established for 24 selections from 1999 and 12 selections from 2000. Second test blocks are planned for 19 selections. Virus free cultures have been made for NY 1829 and NYUS 304B and plug production is underway. NY1674 is still in the virus eradication program and may not be available for 2001. First test blocks were established for 10-1999 and 6-2000 day-neutral strawberry selections. Populations totaling approximately 1500 seedlings from 22 hybridizations between and among 10 day-neutral varieties and selections and 3 June-bearing varieties were established in plugs in summer/fall 2000. These will over winter and be planted in spring 2001 for evaluation in fall 2001. A diallele cross between 6 strawberry cultivars, 2 each considered tolerant, intermediate, and susceptible in the literature, was made for the calculation of heritability for tolerance to terbacil. Terbacil is labeled for use in strawberry in NY after the establishment year and is non-toxic to humans. Varieties with increased tolerance to the herbicide may also show increased resistance to black root rot. Screening of the diallele population will be done in the greenhouse. By the end of the 2000 planting season, approximately 17000 red raspberry seedlings were established in the field with the oldest planted in 1997. The exceptionally wet season at Geneva produced good conditions for field screening for resistance to Phytophthora root rot. By the end of 2000, approximately 11000 seedlings remained for further evaluation. First test blocks of 46-1999 red raspberry selections were established. Test blocks were also established for 34 previous NY selections and 11 varieties not represented in other test blocks at Geneva. The 32 selections made in 2000 were dug and are in for storage for planting in first test blocks in 2001. First test blocks of 40 NY selections were evaluated for fruit characteristics and disease resistance. None were selected for 2nd test in 2000. Four selections are being virus indexed and propagated for advanced 3rd test block testing in Geneva in 2001. The patents on the varieties `Prelude' and `Encore' were granted in July 2000. A program for breeding black raspberry, Rubus occidentalis, is being initiated. Fourteen varieties and 3 wild selections were established in the field and greenhouse for evaluation of variability in current genotypes. In addition, 16 seed samples were collected from western NY and western Wisconsin in summer 2000 for planting in 2001. Seed was also obtained from the Clonal Germplasm Repository from 6 accessions for planting in 2001. An interspecific two-way pseudo-testcross population is being utilized to for genetic mapping of black and red raspberry. Currently 91 molecular markers are mapped for red raspberry and 26 for black. Additional RAPD primers are being screened for generating more markers. In addition, mapping the principle genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway is underway.

Impacts
Jewel and Honeoye continue to be popular varieties with widespread acceptance. Seneca strawberry is gaining in popularity in Italy and has shown promise in plasticulture systems. Prelude and Encore raspberries are gaining acceptance and should be useful varieties in our region. Titan raspberry continues to be popular in areas with well drained soil. Royalty continues to be the most popular purple raspberry grown.

Publications

Weber, Courtney A. and William Boone. 2000. Mapping anthocyanin pathway genes in raspberry. HortSci. 35(3):474.