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Parentage
Cassandra (formerly EM1064), was bred at East Malling Research and first
selected in 1998. It has a complex pedigree including Rosie, Eros, Rapella and Selva.
Fruit Quality
The fruit has a regular conical shape and attractive appearance with strong red colour
and a glossy skin finish. The berries have slightly sunken achenes but strong skin and a
juicy texture. Eating quality and shelf life is good.
Yield and Fruit Size
In trials the yield has been similar to or slightly higher than Elsanta with better
average fruit size and a higher percentage of Class1 fruit. Cassandra performs well both
from misted tip plantings and in the 60 day system.
Season and cropping pattern
The season normally begins about three days before Elsanta and the subsequent harvesting
pattern is similar.
Marketing Suitability
Cassandra is suitable for all types of retail outlets, including supermarkets.
Plant Characteristics
Plants are slightly more vigorous than Elsanta, with a semi-erect habit. Runner
production is good.
Disease resistance
Cassandra is moderately resistant to powdery mildew (Podosphaera aphanis) but
susceptible to wilt (Verticillium dahliae) and crown rot (Phytophthora cactorum).
Use of the variety
Cassandra is a good all round variety that is suitable for outdoor or tunnel
production and can be marketed through a variety of retail outlets.
Accreditations
The breeding of this variety was jointly funded by the
Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), MEIOSIS
Ltd and the East Malling Trust for Horticultural Research. The
trialling of this variety was funded by MEIOSIS Ltd and the
Horticultural Development Council (HDC).
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