Characteristics of new strawberry cultivars developed in Shimane Prefecture

We have bred new strawberry cultivars, 'Simakei 22-111' and 'Shimakei 22-148', for their adaptability to the climate and environment of Shimane Prefecture. 'Simakei 22-111' bears large fruits characterized by post-harvest handling efficiency and high yields; thus considered highly profitable. 'Shimakei 22-148' has high soluble solids content. Both cultivars are adaptable to a forcing strawberry culture method. The following are details of these cultivars: 'Shimakei 22-111' 1. Well-spread and vigorous during a severely cold season, and produces stalk runners almost equal in number to 'Asukaruby'. 2. The number of flowers per inflorescence is 8 on average, which is less than that of 'Beni hoppe'. 3. The fruits are very large averaging 33g per fruit at the 2nd to 3rd fruit clusters of the terminal inflorescence, with a globose to conical shape and shiny dark red color, making them attractive in appearance. 4. The taste is very sweet and juicy with relatively lower acid content, comprehensively resulting in an overall good taste. The yield is much higher than 'Beni hoppe'. 'Shimakei 22-148' 1. Well-spread and produces many stalk runners, but is relatively less vigorous during a severely cold season; thus supplemental electric lighting should be used. 2. The number of flowers per inflorescence is 9 on average, which is less than that of 'Beni hoppe'. 3. The fruits are large averaging 30g per fruit at the 2nd to 3rd fruit clusters of the terminal inflorescence, and have a conical shape and skin of medium orange color; the color of the flesh including core is whitish. The skin color changes to light pink during a severely cold season, and to light orange in early spring. 4. The fruits have high soluble solids content of over 12.5 Brix, are strongly sweet with weak acidity, and are very juicy, presenting an overall good taste. The yield is higher than that of 'Beni hoppe'.