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Parentage
Viktoriana (formerly EM1125), was bred at East Malling Research and first selected in
1998. It has a complex pedigree including Eros, Providence, Linn, Selva and Rapella.
Fruit Quality
The fruit is attractive with an orange-red colour, conical shape and glossy skin
finish. The berries are firm with good shelf life, juicy texture and slightly aromatic flavour.
Yield and Fruit Size
In trials the yield has been slightly higher than Elsanta with better average fruit
size and a high percentage of Class1 fruit. Viktoriana performs best from a misted tip planting and maintains fruit size very well as a two-year-old plant.
Season and cropping pattern
The season is approximately one week later than Elsanta, with a more condensed cropping period.
Marketing Suitability
Viktoriana is suitable for all types of retail outlets, including supermarkets.
Plant Characteristics
Plants have moderate vigour with a semi erect and fairly open habit. The fruit is well
displayed and runner production is good.
Disease resistance
Viktoriana shows good resistance to crown rot (Phytophthora cactorum) and wilt (Verticillium
dahliae) and is moderately resistant to powdery mildew (Podosphaera aphanis).
Use of the variety
Viktoriana is most suitable for outdoor production to take advantage of the late season. Good
fruit size in the second year means it is well suited to the more traditional perennial growing
systems and is the fruit is suitable for a variety of different markets.
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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