To think about the future, it is essential to work on the present. This is why Crea, and especially the Forlì branch, keeps focusing on research. "We have two lines of particularly aromatic strawberries that represent a radical break with the past thanks to their compactness and rusticity," explains Crea researcher and branch manager Gianluca Baruzzi.
These strawberries are an excellent choice for a market that does not require large numbers, but rather an aromatic product that is particularly tasty and fragrant. "Thanks to back-cross techniques, we have managed to obtain aromatic strawberries with a good texture. This has always been a limit, as a variety is usually more aromatic when it has a thinner cell wall. However, the last two lines selected stand out especially for their aroma and texture."
However, aromatic varieties are not hugely productive, this is why they are ideal for those who do not look for big numbers but rather for great quality at a higher price.
Crapo 135
The first variety - Crapo 135 - was recently introduced as part of a public-private breeding activity performed by Crea-Ofa and Associazione di Produttori Apo Scaligera.
Crapo 135 is a floricane variety suitable for northern climates with an intermediate ripening time and an average productivity. Plants boast an intermediate habitus and tillering. Fruits have a regular cone shape, with medium grades and a red, sometimes orangey, color, always bright and stable. The flesh is rather compact, very sweet and aromatic, reminiscent of "wild strawberries". In some cases, the fruits maintain the petals until they are ripe. Suitable to be grown in protected crops and on open fields, using both "refrigerated" and fresh (plugs) plants.
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Left: Crapo 135, Right: FC 25.1
"Variety FC 25.1 was obtained by Crea as part of the "Breeding Fragola per la Romagna" projects financed by Producer Associations Apoconerpo, Apofruit Italia and Orogel fresco (Consorzio New Plant). It is a floricane selection suitable for northern climates, early ripening and with an average productivity. Plants boast an intermediate habitus and medium-high vigor. Fruits have an oblong cone shape, are slightly irregular and have medium-large grades and a bright red color. The flesh is very sweet and compact, aromatic and with an excellent shelf-life. Suitable to be grown both in protected crops and open fields, using refrigerated plants and plugs. It stands out thanks to its aroma and high-quality of the fruits as well as for its compactness, which grants them a long shelf-life."
For further information
Crea
Gianluca Baruzzi
Via La Canapona, 1bis
47121 – Forlì (FC)
+39 0543 89566
gianluca.baruzzi@crea.gov.it