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Parentage
Flamenco was selected in 1995 from progeny of the cross Evita x EMR77.
The male parent is from crosses involving Selva, Tioga, Gorella and
Gento.
Fruit Quality
It is the overall fruit quality that is the outstanding feature of
Flamenco. The berries have a regular conical shape and a very
attractive appearance throughout the season. The colour is orange red
with a glossy skin finish and the eating quality is excellent with a
sweet flavour and juicy texture. The berries are firm and not prone to
bruising. Shelf life is superior to Everest and brix levels have been
consistently higher in trials.
Yield and Fruit Size
The yield potential is similar to Everest but the cropping pattern
is different with more of the fruit produced later in the season. Over
the whole season around 55% of the berries are in the large size
category (>35mm), which is very similar to Everest. The percentage
waste is very low as the berries are not prone to mis shapes and the
strong skin resists damage and bruising. April planting with good
quality potted plants is essential to achieve high yields.
Season and Cropping Pattern
If planted in spring, harvesting will begin in July and continue
until October. The peak of production is typically in early September
and more fruit is produced during September than in August. To
maximise the yield it is essential to use protection with polythene
tunnels, so that good quality fruit can be harvested throughout
September and October. If planted in summer or autumn, it is
unnecessary to de-blossom in May and harvesting will be continuous
from early June to October.
Marketing Suitability
Flamenco is suitable for supermarket sales and direct farm sales.
Results from taste panels and sampling to the public suggest that the
sweet flavour and juicy texture will be very popular with consumers.
The berries are also very well suited for use by the catering trade
for a variety of desserts requiring sliced berries
Plant Characteristics
Plants are more vigorous than Everest and require a slightly wider
spacing combined with less nitrogen in the feed mixture. The fruit is
well displayed and the calyx is brittle, allowing easy picking. Runner
production is high for an everbearer and runners should be removed
regularly to maximise yield.
Disease Resistance
Flamenco is moderately resistant to wilt (Verticillium dahliae) but
growers are recommended to have a soil test before deciding whether
fumigation is necessary. Susceptibility to powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca
macularis) is similar to Everest and the same spray programme is
recommended.
Use of the Variety
Flamenco is a very high quality everbearing variety that will
perform well in either soil or substrate when protected by tunnels
from late summer. The cropping pattern is complementary to Everest.
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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