Polka raspberry production in the UK is set for a boost this year, according to Hargreaves Plants, and sales are expected to jump by more than 10 per cent.
The award-winning variety is the most widely grown primocane raspberry in the UK that is made available to all fruit producers, according to Jamie Petchell, manager of Hargreaves Plants’ Rubus development. “Polka is one of those unusual varieties which has huge adaptability,” he said.
The variety has achieved its status in four years as a result of its high yields of quality fruit and the ease with which it can be managed.
The introduction of high health grade stocks has played a key role in the success of the variety, added Jane Fairlie, technical manager of Hargreaves Plants’ Rubus operations. She said: “Top health grade plant material takes up a large area of our tissue culture laboratory. The quality has been excellent to date and the closer to this top level we can release grower canes means higher health, better vigour and generally a superior performance.”
Polka has also achieved recognition in a number of overseas markets.
Successful trials and sales have been undertaken in North and South America, South Africa, Asia and Australia and production licences have been granted in most of these territories.
No comments yet