St-Jean d'Orleans

Strawberry

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Kent'

Summary: The diameter of the calyx of 'St-Jean d'Orléans' is slightly smaller than the corolla whereas it is slightly larger than the corolla in 'Kent'. The difference in shape between the primary and secondary fruit of 'St-Jean d'Orléans' is slight whereas there is no difference in 'Kent'. The fruit surface of 'St-Jean d'Orléans' are light red to red with weak unevenness of surface whereas 'Kent' is light red with medium unevenness of surface. 'St-Jean d'Orléans' is moderately susceptible to leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae (Tul.) Lindau) and leaf scorch (Diplocarpon earliana Ell. & Ev.) whereas 'Kent' is highly susceptible.

Description:

'St-Jean d'Orléans' is a June-bearing strawberry variety with early flowering and harvest maturity. Plants are flat in growth habit with open to medium plant density and medium to strong vigour. The leaves are medium to dark green on the upper side with very weak to medium blistering between the veins. There are three leaflets present with a cupped terminal leaflet which is slightly longer than it is broad. The base of the terminal leaflet is obtuse with acute to obtuse margin teeth. The pubescence on the petiole is medium to dense with the hairs positioned outwards. 'St-Jean d'Orléans' produces medium to many stolons which are medium to thick.

'St-Jean d'Orléans' has medium to large-sized flowers which are positioned beneath to level with the foliage. In relation to calyx diameter, the flower is slightly smaller than the corolla with the inner calyx being slightly larger than the outer calyx. The flower petals are touching with the petal length/width ratio being slightly longer than it is broad.

The fruiting truss of 'St-Jean d'Orléans' is semi-erect and short to medium in length. The medium-sized fruit is as long as it is broad. The fruit is globose-conical in shape with slight differences between the shape of the primary and secondary fruits. The band without achenes on the fruit is medium in width with weak unevenness of the fruit surface. The light red to red fruit of 'St-Jean d'Orléans' is slightly uneven to even in colour with strong glossiness. The achenes are inserted below to level with the fruit surface. The calyx is level with the fruit and the calyx segments are flat to slightly reflexed. In relation to fruit diameter, the calyx is the same size as the fruit and adheres strongly to the fruit. The fruit flesh is firm and is slightly uneven to even medium red in colour. The fruit has medium sweetness and acidity.

'St-Jean d'Orléans' is moderately susceptible to leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae (Tul.) Lindau) and leaf scorch (Diplocarpon earliana Ell. & Ev.).

Origin & Breeding History: 'St-Jean d'Orléans' originated from a controlled cross between the varieties 'L'Acadie' and 'Joliette'. The cross took place in 1993 at the Horticultural Research and Development Centre of the Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Research Station in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. 'St-Jean d'Orléans' has been tested at L'Acadie since 1997. Selection criteria included shelf life, yield, fruit size and colour and disease resistance. 'St-Jean d'Orléans' was tested under the experimental designation, 'FIO9623-43'.

Tests & Trials: Tests and trials for 'St-Jean d'Orléans' were conducted in matted rows at the Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada experimental farm in L'Acadie, Quebec since 1997. A completely randomized design for four replicates (4 plots) was used to evaluate the selections. Each experimental unit was a 4-meter long plot, 50 cm wide. A representative 2 metre section of the plot was used for data collection. The remainder was used as guard row.