Wendy

Strawberry

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Evangeline'

Summary: The base of the terminal leaflet of 'Wendy' is obtuse and slightly oblique whereas it is acute in 'Evangeline'. The petiole hairs of 'Wendy' are posed outwards whereas they are posed upwards to outwards in 'Evangeline'. The diameter of the inner calyx is smaller than the outer calyx in 'Wendy' whereas they are the same size in 'Evangeline'. The petals of 'Wendy' are longer than they are broad whereas they are longer to much longer than they are broad in 'Evangeline'. The fruiting truss of 'Wendy' is medium to medium-long whereas it is short to medium in length in 'Evangeline'. The primary fruit of 'Wendy' is mainly wedged in shape, with the secondary fruit mainly conical in shape. The fruit of 'Evangeline' is conical in shape. The difference in shape between primary and secondary fruit of 'Wendy' is moderate to marked whereas it is slight in 'Evangeline'. The achenes of 'Wendy' are level with the surface of the fruit whereas they are inserted below the surface in 'Evangeline'.

Description:

'Wendy' is a June-bearing strawberry variety with early flowering and harvest maturity. Plants are globose in habit, of medium density with strong vigour. The leaves are medium green with a slightly concave profile and weak blistering. There are three leaflets present. The terminal leaflet has a cupped profile and is slightly longer than it is broad. The base of the terminal leaflets are obtuse and slightly oblique with obtuse-shaped teeth. The density of pubescence on the petiole is medium with the hairs positioned outwards.

The medium to large flowers are positioned level with the foliage. The calyx is smaller in diameter than the corolla and the inner calyx is smaller than to the same size as the outer calyx. The flower petals are touching. The petals are longer than they are broad.

The fruiting truss is semi-erect and medium to medium-long in length. The fruit is as long as it is broad and large. The fruit is conical and wedged in shape with moderate to marked differences in the shape between the primary and secondary fruits. The band without achenes is narrow and the unevenness of the fruit surface is medium. 'Wendy' has slightly uneven red skin colour with medium glossiness. The achenes are inserted level with the fruit surface. The calyx is set in a basin to level with the fruit. The calyx segments are clasping. The calyx is larger than the fruit in diameter and adheres weakly to the fruit. The fruit flesh is medium to firm with an even, orange red colour. The fruit has medium sweetness and acidity with fine to medium texture. 'Wendy' is moderately resistant to powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca macularis Wallr. Ex fr.) and susceptible to Verticillium wilt.

Origin & Breeding History: 'Wendy' originated from the controlled crossing of 'K96-5' and 'Evangeline' made in the winter of 1997. 'Wendy' was selected in June, 1998 from a family of 89 seedlings planted at Sheffield Mills of the Sheffield Farm of the Atlantic Food and Horticulture Research Centre. Plants were indexed for virus and kept in a screenhouse at AFHRC to ensure freedom from virus infection. Evaluations have been ongoing since 1998. Selection criteria included early harvest maturity, fruit size and flavour.

Tests & Trials: Tests and trials for 'Wendy' were conducted at AFHRC, Kentville, N.S. during the summers of 2002, 2003 and 2004. The plots were grown in matted rows approximately 5 metres long and 1 metre wide, spaced 1.4 metres apart.