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Breeding of resistant hops especially suitable for the growth on low-trellis systems
Project
Project code: 2814101806
Contract period: 01.04.2007
- 31.12.2011
Budget: 157,734 Euro
Purpose of research: Experimental development
71 specific crosses were conducted from 2007 till 2011 with the aim to develop hop cultivars which due to of their shorter stature, broad disease resistance and excellent brewing qualities are particularly suitable for profitable and ecologically sustainable cultivation on low trellis systems. 29 crosses were performed with focus to produce aroma quality and 42 crosses with the goal to increase the alpha acid contents. The first promising breeding lines which show the crucial characteristics of a marketable hop variety such as fine aroma quality, yields of two tons and satisfying disease resistance have been created in the course of this project. In the bitter sector based on last year`s harvest data some seedlings which were still grown under high trellis conditions also showed convincing alpha acids and good yield. However, at the moment relatively high susceptibility towards downy mildew and red spider mite has been observed. The sprayings with acaricides add to costs which impede the economically and ecologically effective and beneficial production on low trellis systems. But in combination with the already successful control of red spider mites by predators the costs for chemical plant protection could be reduced. High hopes are set on the numerous seedlings created during this project, although they are still not ready to be grown and selected under low trellis conditions. So there is optimism that in this breeding program low-stature hops in the aroma as well as in the bitter sector could be developed which pave the way towards the introduction of the profitable cultivation of hops on low trellis systems. These plants are the crucial prerequisite to start with the adjustments towards this new production system in due time. Then also the German hop growers will be able to exploit the diverse economical and ecological benefits of this innovative cultivation system.
Section overview
Subjects
- Plant Breeding
- Specialised crops
