Comparative studies on raspberry cultivars

Abstract

Over a two-year period (1997-1998), 'Meeker', recently introduced into Yugoslavia was compared with the standard cultivar 'Willamette' at two different localities. The first experimental planting was situated in the plain region near Cacak and the second within the hilly area in the vicinity of Valjevo. Under the agroecological conditions of the two localities, 'Meeker' flowered and ripened later than 'Willamette'. The higher yields and fruit size were recorded in 'Meeker'. In addition, 'Meeker' had the higher content of total acids, pectins and soluble solids, coupled with significantly lower juice loss at defrosting. Owing to its greater vigour and longer fruiting laterals, 'Meeker' required somewhat different support in relation to 'Willamette'.