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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #188331

Title: Trends in Blackberry Breeding

Author
item CLARK, J - UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
item Finn, Chad

Submitted to: Acta Horticulturae
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2006
Publication Date: 1/28/2008
Citation: Clark, J.R., Finn, C.E. 2008. Trends in blackberry breeding. Acta Horticulturae. 777:41-48.

Interpretive Summary: Blackberry breeding continues at various locations around the world although some public programs have been discontinued recently. Private breeding interest is increasing and will play a larger role in cultivar development in the future. At least 59 cultivars have been released from 1985 to 2005. Many of these cultivars have made significant impacts on production and more will likely play roles in the expansion of planting area. Several traits/characteristics are major focus areas of current breeding. The greatest emphasis is being placed on fruit quality, as it is believed that increased quality (with an emphasis on sweet berries) holds the key to major market expansion. Within this emphasis area, fresh-market shipping and processing potential are high priorities. Other major emphases include thornlessness, plant adaptation/habit, and pest resistance. Finally, primocane fruiting is now a focus area and the development of this trait will have major impact on production in the coming years.

Technical Abstract: Blackberry breeding continues at various locations around the world although some public programs have been discontinued recently. Private breeding interest is increasing and will play a larger role in cultivar development in the future. At least 59 cultivars have been released from 1985 to 2005. Many of these have made significant impacts on production and more will likely play roles in the expansion of planting area. Several traits/characteristics are major focus areas of current breeding. The greatest emphasis is being placed on fruit quality, as it is believed that increased quality (with an emphasis on sweet berries) holds the key to major market expansion. Within this emphasis area, fresh-market shipping and processing potential are high priorities. Other major emphases include thornlessness, plant adaptation/habit, and pest resistance. Finally, primocane fruiting is now a focus area and the development of this trait will have major impact on production in the coming years.