Dec 28, 2011

Florida strawberry growers embrace Winterstar, a sweet newcomer

Like a promising amateur challenging the tried-and-true champs, a new strawberry variety has entered the ring.

Meet “Winterstar.”

It’s the latest release from researchers at the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma. Experts predict it will bring a sweeter, early blossoming fruit to farmers’ fields.

“It’s gone through enough testing that it’s a done deal,” said assistant professor Vance Whitaker, a strawberry breeder and geneticist at the center. “It’s just picking up steam this year.”

The plant has already overcome daunting odds: New breeds emerge every year. Few make it to the big time. Tampa Bay Times

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