2012 - Washington Red Raspberry Commission

subjectively evaluated as well for vigor, disease tolerance, winter hardiness, spines, ease of
removal, color, firmness, and flavor.
Fruit from the best selections are processed after harvest for evaluation in the off season.
Selections that look promising are propagated for grower trials, machine harvest trials, and for
evaluation trials at other locations in Washington and B.C. This usually involves cleaning up the
selections in tissue culture and then working with nurseries to generate plants for trials.
While not directly related to red raspberry at first glance, our efforts in black raspberry, which are
supported by separate funding, have the potential to positively impact red raspberry. While much
is specific to black raspberry, our work on aphid resistance should have applications for red
raspberry. We have screened populations from across the eastern US for resistance to raspberry
aphid, which is a major vector for several viruses. To this point we have identified four sources
of resistance and are in the process of studying these sources further and of developing molecular
markers that can be used to more efficiently select for this trait in the breeding program. We have
also identified sources of verticillium resistance in this material while Meeker was susceptible.
These sources can be moved into red raspberry relatively easily if there are molecular markers to
facilitate identifying genotypes with resistance.
Anticipated Benefits and Information Transfer:
This breeding program will develop new raspberry cultivars that either are improvements over
the current standards or that will complement current standards. In addition, the information
generated on advanced selections from the WSU and B.C. programs will be made available and
aid in making decisions on the commercial suitability of their materials.
Results of all trials will be made available to the industry to help them make decisions in their
operations.
Budget:
Amount allocated by Commission for previous year: $__4,000______
Funds from the USDA-ARS will be used to provide technician support and the bulk of the
funding of the overall breeding project.
Salaries: Student labor (GS-2) $3,000
Operations (goods & services) 500
Travel 1 1,000
Other: “Land use charge” ($3,500/acre) 2,000
Total $6,500
1 To visit Puyallup, Lynden, and/or grower trials and field days in Washington
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