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Parentage/Origin
Emily was raised from the cross Honeoye x Gea, made in 1988 by Dr
David Simpson and Judi Bell. Selected in 1989 because of its high
yield and very early harvest date, Emily (formerly EM 426) was
released to the industry in 1995 following extensive trialling.
Fruit Quality
The berries have a very regular conical shape, a deep red colour,
similar to Honeoye and contrasting yellow achenes. The fruit has good
skin strength and moderately firm flesh with sharp flavour, similar to
Honeoye.
Yield and Fruit Size
In trials the yield from Emily was equivalent to or slightly above
that of Elsanta and typically 30% higher than that for Honeoye. This
is unusual as early season types are normally less productive than
mid-season and late varieties. Fruit size is less than Elsanta
particularly in the second year, when the bulk of the fruit falls in
the medium size category (25-35mm).
Season
10 days before Elsanta for 50% harvest, Emily offers growers the
chance to begin their strawberry production. Open field production can
be brought forward to late May in favourable conditions, and further
advanced by the use of protection.
Marketing
With such an early peak in production Emily is a dessert variety
for starting the season. The well displayed fruit will make it useful
for pick-your-own growers who will be able to begin business at least
a week earlier.
Plant Characteristics
Plants are moderately vigorous with an erect habit. It is earlier
flowering than Honeoye so there can be a danger from frost damage.
Disease Resistance
Emily is resistant to powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca macularis)
although susceptible to wilt (Verticillium dahliae). A soil test is
recommended.
Accreditations
The strawberry breeding programme at East Malling Research is 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 new strawberry selections is funded by MEIOSIS Ltd
and the Horticultural Development Council
(HDC). |
