STRAWBERRY BREEDING IN FINLAND

Most foreign strawberry varieties do not, under Finnish temperature and light conditions, produce the results which are required for profitable cultivation. This fact initiated strawberry breeding in Finland in 1961. The aim was to obtain varieties with good winter hardiness, adequate cropping and fruit quality. Several crossing combinations were tested. The cross of the German variety 'Senga Sengana' with the Scottish variety 'Redgauntlet' yielded a valuable selection, which was introduced as a variety named 'Hiku' in 1984. In addition to its excellent winter hardiness this variety is a good cropper with high-quality berries. 'Hiku' is a late bearing variety, like 'Senga Sengana', under Finnish conditions.

A valuable, early ripening and winter hardy, selection has been obtained from the cross of the varieties 'Pocahontas' and 'Lihama'.

The wood strawberry, Fragaria vesca L., and the everbearing mutant, Fragaria vesca L. var. semperflorens (Duch.) Ser., are readily crossed. As a result of this cross a selection was developed, which has been released for cultivation under the variety name 'Minja'. The wood strawberry variety 'Minja' has vigorous growth and its winter hardiness is good. It produces runners in abundance thus facilitating its vegetative propagation. This variety can be regarded as an everbearing one. The picking time lasts up to two months. In spite of the small size of the berries they are highly esteemed for their flavour. 'Minja' is eminently suited for hobby and domestic growing.