Red Raspberry Cultivars for the Pacific Northwest

Abstract

The Pacific Northwest is considered to be one of the major red raspberry ( Rubus idaeusL.) production regions in the world at the present time. Undoubtedly it is the most efficient region for production with the highest yields per unit area being recorded there (7). For almost 30 years, Willamette, which was released from the Oregon State University–United States Department of Agriculture program in 1943 (1), has been the most widely grown cultivar throughout the region. One of the main reasons for Willamette's longevity has been its freedom from virus diseases. Particularly important in this regard has been its escape from raspberry mosaic virus (RMV) which can be a limiting factor in red raspberry production (5). The cultivar is susceptible to Amphorophora agathonicaHottes, the aphid vector of the virus, but does not be come infected. It appears to have in nate resistance the basis of which is not understood at the present time (6). Another reason for the longevity of the cultivar has been the suitability of its fruit for the processing market which has been the main outlet for fruit produced in the region.