Flamenco

Parentage
Flamenco was selected in 1995 from progeny of the cross Evita x EMR77. The male parent is from crosses involving Selva, Tioga, Gorella and Gento.

Fruit Quality
It is the overall fruit quality that is the outstanding feature of Flamenco. The berries have a regular conical shape and a very attractive appearance throughout the season. The colour is orange red with a glossy skin finish and the eating quality is excellent with a sweet flavour and juicy texture. The berries are firm and not prone to bruising. Shelf life is superior to Everest and brix levels have been consistently higher in trials.

Yield and Fruit Size
The yield potential is similar to Everest but the cropping pattern is different with more of the fruit produced later in the season. Over the whole season around 55% of the berries are in the large size category (>35mm), which is very similar to Everest. The percentage waste is very low as the berries are not prone to mis shapes and the strong skin resists damage and bruising. April planting with good quality potted plants is essential to achieve high yields.

Season and Cropping Pattern
If planted in spring, harvesting will begin in July and continue until October. The peak of production is typically in early September and more fruit is produced during September than in August. To maximise the yield it is essential to use protection with polythene tunnels, so that good quality fruit can be harvested throughout September and October. If planted in summer or autumn, it is unnecessary to de-blossom in May and harvesting will be continuous from early June to October.

Marketing Suitability
Flamenco is suitable for supermarket sales and direct farm sales. Results from taste panels and sampling to the public suggest that the sweet flavour and juicy texture will be very popular with consumers. The berries are also very well suited for use by the catering trade for a variety of desserts requiring sliced berries Plant Characteristics Plants are more vigorous than Everest and require a slightly wider spacing combined with less nitrogen in the feed mixture. The fruit is well displayed and the calyx is brittle, allowing easy picking. Runner production is high for an everbearer and runners should be removed regularly to maximise yield.

Disease Resistance
Flamenco is moderately resistant to wilt (Verticillium dahliae) but growers are recommended to have a soil test before deciding whether fumigation is necessary. Susceptibility to powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca macularis) is similar to Everest and the same spray programme is recommended.

Use of the Variety
Flamenco is a very high quality everbearing variety that will perform well in either soil or substrate when protected by tunnels from late summer. The cropping pattern is complementary to Everest.