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The Patented Cultivars Information for
Strawberry Licensing Program © Copyright 2001-2008 The Regents of the University of California. All Rights Reserved
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Aromas Strawberry
Cultivar
A day-neutral strawberry cultivar; high-productivity replacement for Selva and Seascape. Highlights
Plant Description Aromas is characterized by its exceptional fruit quality (with very good flavor), large fruit sizes on the order of 24-26 grams per fruit, and a plant form that is more erect in comparison with Selva and Seascape. Also, fewer small fruit are produced, resulting in a cull rate that is much lower than Selva. Commercial appearance ratings for Aromas fruit are comparable to or better than Selva and Seascape. Fruit is dark red and adaptable to both fresh market and processing uses. Aromas fruit is firmer than fruit from Selva and Seascape. Overall, Aromas is the day-neutral cultivar of choice when the special advantages of Diamante (excellent flavor for fresh fruit) and Pacific (later planting and excellent post-harvest processing qualities) are not required. Disease and Pest Resistance Aromas is relatively resistant to powdery mildew and Anthracnose crown rot, and is tolerant of strawberry viruses typically encountered in California. When treated properly, it has tolerance to two-spotted spidermites equal or greater than Selva and Seascape. It is moderately susceptible to common leaf spot and Verticillium wilt, so quality nursery stock and good site preparation are recommended. Aromas has a broader environmental tolerance than other day-neutral cultivars recently released by the University of California (Diamante and Pacific), so Aromas is the day-neutral of choice when environmental conditions are the decisive factor. Performance Evaluations Winter planting trials carried out at the Watsonville Research Facility in 1995 and 1996 show that Aromas is the highest-yielding cultivar among the day-neutral cultivars tested, which included the well-established Seascape and Selva cultivars and the new Diamante and Pacific cultivars. The increase in yield over Seascape, Selva, and Pacific was quite pronounced, being on the order of 10% to 15%. Aromas is similar to Seascape in requiring nursery harvest and two to three weeks of cold storage prior to planting. Additional chilling may be required if it is to be planted through a clear tarp. Aromas is somewhat later to initiate fruiting (2-3 weeks) but also produces greater quantities of late-season fruit. Aromas benefits from the application of full-bed polyethylene mulch being delayed until late December or early January. Commercial Availability Strawberry producers can obtain Aromas from commercial nurseries licensed by the University of California. See List of Licensed Nurseries. |
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Strawberry Licensing Program © Copyright 2001-2008 The Regents of the University of California. All Rights Reserved
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