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Parentage
Marshmello (formerly EM224) was bred
at East Malling Research from the cross Honeoye x Hapil and was
first selected in 1985.Season
Approximately 2 days before Elsanta for 50% harvest.
Fruit Quality
The berries have a very regular conical shape and mid-red colour
with an attractive, glossy skin finish. Skin and flesh are
moderately firm. Eating quality is excellent, with a lovely sweet
flavour.
Yield and Fruit Size
In trials at East Malling the class 1 yield has been slightly
higher than Elsanta with larger average berry size, particularly in
year 2.
Marketing Suitability
Marshmello will mainly interest growers involved in PYO or direct
sales. The excellent eating quality will appeal to consumers but the
fruit firmness is not adequate for supermarket sales.
Plant Characteristics
Plants have moderate vigour with an erect habit and the fruit is
well displayed. Runner production is good.
Disease Resistance
Moderately susceptible to powdery mildew (Podosphaera aphanis).
Susceptible to wilt (Verticillium dahliae) and red core (Phytophthora
fragariae).
Use of the Variety
Marshmello is well adapted to traditional growing systems in the
open field but will also perform well under tunnels. It is
recommended for situations where the grower can market the fruit
directly based on its excellent eating quality
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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