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Origin
Marcela (original selection number MF941/3) was bred by Dr. Derek
Jennings from a cross between Joan Squire and Autumn Bliss.
Season
Marcela is a very early primocane fruiting variety, similar in
season to Autumn Bliss in the UK. A late crop can be obtained either
by cutting the canes to ground level in mid-June, or by cutting them
to 10 nodes from the ground in August, with commencement of cropping
to be expected some 20 and 12 weeks after treatment respectively.
Growers may have to modify the timing of the treatment according to
experience.
Yield
Yields in both Kent and Chile have exceeded Autumn Bliss in
trials by more than 20%. Data supplied from a trial in Portugal
showed that Marcela yielded 20t/ha with a mean fruit weight of 4.0g,
compared to equivalent figures of 18.3t and 4.3g for Joan Squire.
Fruit Quality
Typical average fruit weights are from 3.0 to 3.5gm. Fruit
firmness and shelf-life are excellent, both in respect of texture
firmness and skin strength. However, the cohesion of drupelets at
the calyx end of the fruit is sometimes weak at the end of the
season. The fruits are bright, medium red in colour with no tendency
to darken. Flavour is fair but acceptable.
Plant Characteristics
The canes are slightly spiny at their bases, erect and vigorous.
Horticultural Value
An early primocane-fruiting variety suitable for large-scale
production and with excellent shelf-life for export to overseas
markets. In Chile the primocane crop is so early that it is possible
to take two such crops in one season.
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