Performance of Primocane Fruiting Red Raspberries

Abstract

Nine relatively new primocane fruiting raspberry genotypes were evaluated along with 4 standard cultivars in a randomized complete block experiment in central Pennsylvania from 1994-1997. ‘Autumn Bliss’ and ‘Redwing’ were the heaviest producers, followed by ‘Polana’ and ‘Caroline.’ Heavy yields were primarily a function of earliness, rather than cane density, though cane density varied considerably among cultivars. ‘Polana’ was a particularly attractive fruit, with a bright red color, even small drupelets, and an ovoid shape. ‘Dinkum’ also had exceptionally high quality fruit, with good flavor and firmness, however the season was later, resulting in lower yields. The flavor of ‘Anne,’ ‘Caroline’ and ‘Rossana’ were ranked highest. Berry size was largest on ‘Ruby’ and ‘Anne’ (two of the lower yielding cultivars), ‘Autumn Bliss’ and ‘Autumn Britten’ (two of the highest yielding cultivars). Size and flavor of ‘Golden Harvest’ was unacceptable for commercial production in this experiment.