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Parentage
Malling Minerva was produced by crossing an EM
selection with a selection from SCRI. In addition to the European red
raspberry, it has the N. American red raspberry, Rubus occidentalis,
R. crataegifolius and R. phoenicolasius in its ancestry. The original
seedling (EM6166/98) was selected by Vicky Knight in 1987.
Fruiting Characteristics Malling Minerva produces
very attractive, conical shaped berries, with a very regular outline
and small drupelets. The berries are easily plugged, firm, with good
colour and flavour. Fruit size of Malling Minerva is similar to Glen Moy and smaller than Glen Ample, but with a more even, attractive
shape. Good shelf life, better than Glen Moy. Season
Early summer fruiting, approximately one week later than Glen Moy.
Plant Characteristics
Malling Minerva has a very good, compact plant
habit, canes are spine-free and pleasant to handle. The fruit is well
presented on medium length, strong, ascending laterals with sparse
foliage. The erect new cane grows in the centre of the row. Malling
Minerva breaks bud early, but is not as prone to frost damage as Glen
Moy.
Disease Resistance Malling Minerva
has resistance to biotypes 1-4 of Amphorophora idaei, the main aphid
vector of raspberry viruses. Malling Minerva is fairly resistant to
cane diseases but was moderately susceptible to Phytophthora root rot
in glass house tests at East Malling. It remained free of raspberry
bushy dwarf virus for 11 years, which indicates good field resistance
to pollen infection. Potential Uses
Malling Minerva will help growers extend the raspberry cropping
season. It would suit protected cropping because the buds break early
and evenly, and it has a neat growth habit. Because of its
easy-to-manage, spine-free canes and well presented fruit, Malling
Minerva will be useful for pick-your-own growers and for the amateur
market.
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.
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