'BARBARA' AND 'DANIELA': TWO CULTIVARS FOR MYRTLE BERRIES PRODUCTION

For a long time, many efforts have been done to cultivate myrtle as a possible alternative way to replace collection of berries from spontaneous sources. To promote cultivation, a research program was started in 1995, to study the genetic resources of myrtle and to select cultivars with pigmented fruits. The selection and characterisation of two cultivars ‘Barbara’ and ‘Daniela,’ are among others the outcomes of this research project. ‘Barbara’ can be characterised by shrub habitus, low vigour and medium-high yield. Its vegetation cycle starts in March and the plants grow until November. It shows an early bloom and early ripening of fruit and the plants are quite uniform in fruit maturation. Fruits are oval-shaped and medium-sized. They have a black-bluish peel and a white flesh with anthocyanin gradations. The number of seeds per fruit is medium-low (8.1) and the pulp/seed ratio is medium either (3.19). The cultivar can be propagation with cutting easily. ‘Daniela’ shows a medium-high vigour, a shrub habitus and satisfactory yield. Its vegetation cycle starts early in the season (February-March) and lasts until November. The length of its blooming period is intermediate and no reflorescence of plants occurs. Its fruits mature quite early, but the fruits are less uniform within the plant. Fruits are round, medium sized and black bluish. The number of seeds per fruit is high (13.7) and the pulp/seed ratio is medium (2.54). The propagation of plants with cuttings may be evaluated by medium aptitude.