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Parentage
East Malling selection 1503/35 was raised in 1974 from a cross
between Red Lake and a hybrid of the very long strig’d Far Eastern
Ribes longeracemosum with the Mediterranean R. multiflorum. This is
the first material of cultivar status with R. longeracemosum in its
parentage.
Cropping Season and Growth Habit
Redwing is exceptionally late and ripens at least two weeks after
Rondom. The ripe fruit hangs extremely well on the plants, which are
vigorous with a good erect habit. The crop is evenly distributed over
the bush and this, together with a good ‘handle’ on the strig, makes
hand picking quick and easy.
Fruit Quality
Redwing has fairly long strigs with up to 35 small-medium sized,
bright red, attractive fruits. It has not been assessed commercially
for processing quality, but small-scale tests produced a pleasant
jelly.
Disease Resistance
In Kent, Redwing has proved highly resistant to leaf spot (Pseudopeziza
ribis). In some years, slight attacks of American gooseberry mildew (Sphaerotheca
mors-uvae), causing little damage, occurred on late developing shoots
and on fruits. Mildew was observed in trials in Denmark, Germany and
the Netherlands.
Horticultural Value
Redwing has tremendous crop potential, in spite of having
moderate-sized fruits. With its very late ripening and good hanging,
it can extend the ripening season well beyond that of Stanza, Rondom
and Rovada, and would extend the fresh market season and provide
continuity in PYO situations. |
