Scientists at the James Hutton Institute (JHI) at Invergowrie have developed a ‘remarkable” new blackberry.
As well as its “superb” flavour, the new variety, called Loch Katrine, is easily picked and thorn-free.
“The Hutton’ will showcase its fruity invention at an agricultural event in Kent this month.
JHI soft fruit breeder Nikki Jennings said, “Loch Katrine has remarkable characteristics: superb flavour, consistent shape, size and appearance, little reversions after cold storage, it picks easily and is thorn-free.”
Cutting-edge work in Invergrowrie
Brambles, the plant of the blackberry, are known for their arching, prickly stems.
Nikki and her fellow agronomists are part of an internationally renowned genetics research centre.
Their breeding programmes support the entire Scottish fruit supply chain, from growers to marketing organisations and retailers.
JHI’s soft fruit group works with stakeholders on projects to address specific and targeted needs of the sector.
These include, for example, efforts to reduce the time it takes to produce soft fruit with the perfect characteristics.
JHI’s soft fruit researchers also investigate factors linked to environmentally sustainable production, for example, pest and disease resistance, and climate change adaptation.
Scottish soft fruit production represents a small but growing sector within the wider agricultural industry.
But it is widely seen as having considerable potential for economic growth, wealth creation and increased employment.
Big hope for honeyberries
Honeyberries alone are already being hailed as a potential new superfood.
Experts say these little-known fruit could help farms diversify and bring benefits to their land, including from an environmental perspective.
Hutton’s showing off its new blackberry variety at Fruit Focus
Meanwhile, JHI and its new blackberry will join more than 100 product and service providers from the fruit and wine making/viticulture sectors at the Fruit Focus event on July 9.
An estimated 1,500 visitors are expected to attend.
It is taking place at the home of the National Institute of Agricultural Biology in East Malling,
Held annually, Fruit Focus brings together the latest innovations and research in the sector. It will showcase new technology, while also hosting working machinery demonstrations and sharing important agronomic advice and business information.
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