David Simpson, head of strawberry breeding at East Malling Research (EMR), has been awarded the Jones-Bateman Cup by the Royal Horticultural Society. The award is made triennially for original research in fruit culture. Simpson won the award in recognition of his success in bringing many new varieties into the strawberry-growing world. He was presented with the cup by RHS president, Sir Richard Carew Pole at the Society’s London Flower Show. For the next three years it will be on display at East Malling Research.
Simpson and his team at EMR develop new varieties to suit both commercial and amateur growers. This is strengthened by collaborations with colleagues at East Malling Research and with breeders internationally. The EMR breeding programme has released 20 varieties between 1988 and 2005, of which 18 are still available for growers. These include the widely grown mainstream varieties Florence and Flamenco and two exciting new everbearers - Malling Pearl and Malling Opal. Other varieties have been aimed at smaller niche markets: Judibell, released last year, has an exceptionally late season, and good eating quality making it ideal for the pick-your-own market, while Marshmello, with its large, sweet, juicy berries, is very popular with amateur gardeners. EMR is leading the way in genetic research, which will direct strawberry breeding over the next 10 years.
