THE BLACKBERRY BREEDING PROGRAM OF “EMBRAPA CLIMA TEMPERADO”: AN UPDATE

Abstract

Background: In terms of breeding perennial plants, the Embrapa's blackberry breeding program is relatively recent. It started between the end of the 1970s and beginning of the 1980s with a very limited number of cultivars plus a fairly good number of seeds from hybridizations made at the University of Arkansas, USA. Objective: this paper aim to present, in a summarized way, the current stage and recent achievements regarding the top priorities of the breeding program   Methodology: Controlled hybridizations is the main method used and adaptation to mild winters conditions besides a higher ratio (sugar/acid contents) are among the main objectives. Results: Other objectives include high productivity, large size and firm fruits, good post-harvest conservation, erect, thornless canes and harvest period at different time of ‘Tupy,’ the most important one, in Brazil. Implications: It is believed that in the coming years, the Brazilian market will learn to like fresh blackberry, mainly considering the release of ‘BRS Cainguá’ and others that hopefully will follow. Conclusion: The present status of the program and achievements related to the main goals are discussed. Advanced selections with potential to become a future cultivar are briefly described, emphasizing next probable releases.