The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) has unveiled 'BRS Terena', a novel blackberry variety tailored for the fresh consumption market. This cultivar is distinguished by its high yield, enhanced sweetness, reduced acidity, and extended shelf life, offering advantages for growers. 'BRS Terena' achieves an average yield of 1.2 kg per plant, with potential peaks up to 1.8 kg, and is projected to generate a net profit of approximately R$30,000 per hectare. Its reduced thorn density, compared to the widely cultivated Tupy variety, facilitates easier handling and harvesting.
Andrea de Rossi, leading the cultivar validation experiments at Embrapa Uva e Vinho in Vacaria, Rio Grande do Sul, notes that 'BRS Terena' outperformed Tupy under certain conditions, highlighting its suitability for the fresh fruit market due to its sweeter, less acidic flavor and longer preservation capabilities. Maria do Carmo Bassols Raseira, coordinator of the blackberry breeding project at Embrapa Clima Temperado, emphasizes the cultivar's market appeal.
Recommended for cultivation in Brazil's South, Southeast, and select Northeast regions, 'BRS Terena' will be officially launched during the 'Field Day at the Temperate Climate Fruit Experimental Station' in Vacaria. Following the launch, seedlings will be available at licensed nurseries. The cultivar's sugar-to-acidity ratio nearly doubles that of Tupy, offering a sweeter taste preferred by the Brazilian market. Furthermore, it demonstrated superior conservation, maintaining its qualities for at least ten days in refrigerated storage, suggesting potential for even longer preservation, according to post-harvest tests conducted by Embrapa Clima Temperado.
While Tupy remains prevalent in Brazil for its adaptability and productivity, Embrapa's research indicates that new varieties like 'BRS Terena' introduce notable improvements in flavor, conservation, and ease of management.
Source: Abrafrutas