Strawberry Variety Performance in Coastal British Columbia

Abstract

The southwest coastal region of British Columbia is an important strawberry producing area. In the past, the main varieties were Marshall and British Sovereign. In recent years, Marshall, in particular, has been replaced by varieties of more recent origin such as Northwest, Siletz, Puget Beauty and Agassiz. Of these, Northwest is the most important largely because it makes an outstanding frozen product. The variety has the disadvantages of susceptibility to root rots, including red stele, and to winter injury. Although Siletz lacks the fine quality of Northwest, it has increased in popularity in recent years because it shows considerable resistance to red stele and other root rots, and is a high yielder. Puget Beauty and Agassiz are grown on limited acreages, and each is of interest because of good quality and winter hardiness. Puget Beauty has appeared particularly susceptible to virus diseases. Agassiz has the disadvantage of susceptibility to root rots and powdery mildew. British Sovereign has remained the most popular variety for local fresh market production.