Breeding
Crossing: Autumn Bliss x 'Rafzeter'
Breeder: Peter Hauenstein, Rafz/Switzerland
Quality control
The plants of 'Rafzaqu' are examined every year in a specially arranged
test garden for variety, plant vigour, health, yield and
fruit quality. Out of more than 50 plants only the two best
are used as "elite"-plants for further propagation.
This ensures that the original plant properties are retained
or even surpassed.
Plant
Growth: Sturdy one-year growth with a height
of 1.8 metres forming high shoots with little excess, but
always sufficient for a full yield.
Resistance: Even on soils that can be demonstrated
to be contaminated with the raspberry root rot fungus (Phytophthora
fragariae var rubi), experience to date shows that the 'Rafzaqu' variety
remains aboslutely healthy.
Maturity: Harvesting normally begins 6-8
days after Autumn Bliss, from early to mid-August and will
last for 6 to 8 weeks.
Yields: Well above average - up to 50 percent
higher than from well known varieties.
Fruit properties
Fruit: Large, medium-firm to firm, shiny,
attractive glowing red, fruit size hardly diminishing until
the end of the harvest season. The berries are easily plugged
so can be picked very efficiently.
Aroma: Intensive, refreshing raspberry
aroma with a high sugar content and a fine acid note.
Use: Suitable for
fresh consumption, for fine patisseries, jellies, desserts,
and bakery goods. Have a low sugar requirement and hold
their shape well when frozen.
|
 |
Planting and care
Plant in humus-rich, well-drained soil, ideally on a slight
slope with compost. Recommended planting distances: between
rows 250-300 cm and 40-50 cm within the rows. Because of
the heavy yield and the concentrated harvest, 'Rafzaqu'
requires a wire framework similar to that used for summer
raspberries. In areas with frequent rainfall it is possible
to prolong the harvest period by growing under protection.
Fertilizer
'Rafzaqu' is a vigorous variety, so fertilizer should be
used with caution. It can have a positive effect on stem
growth and on the firmness and aroma of the fruit without
reducing the yield.
Important: 'Rafzaqu' is an autumn fruiting
variety and therefore bears fruit on the primocanes. After
harvesting the stems should be cut off at ground level.
Market opportunities/Cultivation
value
commercial fruit-farming: 'Rafzaqu' is
setting new standards in commerical fruit-farming with its
firm berries and its attractive, glowing, light red colour
(which does not tend to darken), and the great ease with
which it can be picked. 'Rafzaqu' has achieved top prices
at a number of international fruit markets.
Domestic gardening: 'Rafzaqu' is a clear
improvement on previous varieties. The timing of ripening,
just after the summer holiday period, is ideal for the amateur
gardener. The expense of the necessary wire framework pays
off in the greater yield.
Plant Variety protection
The variety is protected in the EU and most UPOV countries under the generic denomination 'Rafzaqu'. Any propagation and sale of the variety are subject to the signature of a licence agreement with Promo-Fruit or its agents.
PROMO-FRUIT Ltd , Schluchewäg 1,
8197 Rafz/Switzerland.
Tel. +41 43 433 56 56,
Fax +41 43 433 56 55
E-Mail: wicki@promo-fruit.ch
|
