Fenella

Parentage
Fenella (formerly EM1308) was bred at East Malling Research from a cross between two numbered seedlings, EM931 x EM972 and was first selected in 2001.

Season
In the main-crop year fruit is produced at a similar time to Florence.

Fruit Quality
Attractive, glossy, bright orange/red berries with uniform blunt conic shape. Good sweet flavor with juicy texture. Berries have a waxy skin with good skin strength and hold well both on the plant and in store. Brix and shelf life are similar to Elsanta.

Yield and Fruit Size
Similar yield potential to Florence and good Class 1 percentages. Uncovered sites also show good production levels. 60-day yields have been moderate to low. Fruit size is larger than Elsanta.

Marketing Suitability
The fruit is suited to most market outlets. Fenella has been generally liked by supermarkets due to the attractive appearance, good fruit shape, size and colour. The distinctive, sweet flavour also scored highly.

Plant Characteristics
Leafy, lush vigorous plant with compact, upright habit and long trusses resulting in a good fruit display and easy pick.

Disease Resistance
Good resistance to Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae) and crown rot (Phytophthora cactorum). Susceptible to powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca macularis) but not considered a problem in trials to-date.

Use of the Variety
The later season, vigorous growth habit, disease resistance to Verticillium wilt and crown rot make Fenella a good choice for less intensive growing systems. In addition the berries rain tolerance allows for more reliable outdoor production. With good maincrop yields, a pleasant flavour and attractive lighter skin colour than Florence, Fenella has a bright future for sales into most markets.