Evaluation of new haskap cultivars in Quebec

Citation

Lajeunesse, J., P. Lafontaine, M. Normandeau Bonneau, and P.-O. Martel. 2022.Evaluation of new haskap cultivars in Quebec. Scientific Poster presented at the Canadian society of horticultural science annual meeting 2022, Halifax 2022/08/18 - 2022/08/20

Abstract

Haskap (Lonicera caerulea) is an extremely hardy plant and the fruits ripen early in the season. In order to reduce production costs, the establishment of cultivars with high potential yield and adapted to mechanized harvesting under our conditions is essential for producers, but there is a lack of information about the productivity and characteristics of new cultivars. In 2020, fourteen (14) haskap cultivars, including two control cultivars (Berry blue and Indigo Gem), were planted, under plastic mulch with an irrigation system, in three replications at two sites (Normandin and Lavaltrie). These two sites were selected according to their contrasted agroclimatic conditions. For both sites in 2021, the cultivars Vicky (Zojka) and Indigo Gem had spreading growth habit while the other 12 cultivars tested had an upright growth habit. For mechanized harvesting, a plant with an upright growth habit is better suited. The average plant growth in height was 27.6 cm and 47.8 cm for Normandin and Lavaltrie respectively. Berry Blue was the tallest variety in height with an average plant height of 77.8 cm and 118.1 cm at Normandin and Lavaltrie respectively. In 2021, at the Normandin site, the highest fruit yield were obtained with cv. Boreal Beauty (89.7 g plant-1) and Boreal Blizzard (80.4 g plant-1). At Lavaltrie, cv. Kapu produced more fruits (65.3 g plant-1) when compared to the others cultivars. The cultivars were also evaluated for their fruit size, shape and sugar content.

Publication date

2022-08-15