Breeder's Description

Kiewa

June-Bearer, Exceptionally Large Fruit

Head License & Worldwide Marketing Rights, excluding Australia & New Zealand, held by MEIOSIS
Bred by Department of Primary Industries Victoria, Australia

Parentage

Kiewa was selected from a cross between the cultivars Tallara and Chandler, made in 1995 at the Institute for Horticultural Development, Knoxfield, Victoria, Australia, and tested under the selection number 95-041-19.

Fruit Quality

Berries are exceptionally large, frequently exceeding 40 grams. The skin is bright red in colour and moderately glossy resulting in attractive fruit. Berries are conic to wedge shaped with medium red flesh and a lighter coloured core, and are substantially firmer than Pajaro. The fruit is moderately resistant to rain damage. The calyx is small, reflexed and detaches easily. Consumer acceptability is very high, due to a combination of moderate acid, high sugar and high aroma, resulting in an excellent flavour.

Plant Characteristics

Plants are of moderate density and runner freely. In trials in Australia, Kiewa has consistently out yielded Pajaro when planted in late autumn. Kiewa has shown no particular susceptibility to pests, leaf or fruit diseases.