Evaluation of blackberry and hybrid berry cultivars new to Polish climate - Short communication

Abstract

There were 13 blackberry cultivars new in Poland tested, including: Black Butte, Boysenberry, Chester Thornless, Helen, Karaka Black, Kotata, Loch Ness, Loch Tay, Loganberry, and Oregon Thornless. The experiment was conducted between 2005 and 2010 in central Poland with the main focus on resistance of the cultivars to adverse local environmental conditions, as well as to assess the yield and fruit quality. Analysis of data on fruit yield and fruit weight indicated significant differences between cultivars and years. There were slight differences in harvest date from year to year. Cv. Chester Thornless had the greatest yield – avg. 12.9 kg/plant (2007–2008). All of the hybrid berries and the trailing blackberries had yields that were not different – below 3.5 kg/plant. Cvs Black Butte and Karaka Black had the heaviest fruit, above 6.0 g (2006) and up to 10 g per fruit (2007 and 2008). Cv. Oregon Thornless had the smallest fruits – 2.1 g per fruit (2006) and up to 3 g (2007, 2008). The experiment showed that plants were influenced by the Polish weather conditions.