East Malling Research and the HDC are to hold their annual Strawberry Walk on June 18. The event will allow growers to view the most promising performers within the HDC trial SF 21b. The walk takes place in the evening.

SF 21b was organised to allow EMR to assess a range of selections from its main season breeding programme, according to the HDC, which reports that a principal aim is to find a replacement for Florence, with a later cropping season than Elsanta, good fruit quality and resistance to pests and diseases.

The programme is also looking to produce high quality varieties to replace the early and mid-season varieties currently used, as well as to develop varieties with strong resistance to verticillium wilt and powdery mildew to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and soil fumigation.

Growers attending the walk will have the opportunity to view and taste the most interesting new selections from the programme. Further information is available form the HDC on 01732 848383.

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