Growth Characteristics and Fruit Qualities of Interspecific Hybrid between ‘Indian Summer’ Raspberry and Rubus parvifolius L.

Abstract

In order to develop new raspberry varieties adaptable to Japan with high quality and functionality, we aimed to produce interspecific hybrids between Rubus parvifolius L., a wild species native to Japan, and the ‘Indian Summer’ raspberry (R. idaeus L.). The morphological characteristics, such as the leaf, flower, and fruit, and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis revealed that ‘07RUBIXP01’ was an interspecific hybrid. Although ‘07RUBIXP01’ had small thorns, it showed vigorous growth in the warm environment and had a significantly larger fruit compared with the parents. Also, ‘07RUBIXP01’ showed values intermediate between those of the parents for total polyphenol, anthocyanin, and ellagitannin contents. In particular, it showed an ellagitannin content that was about four times higher than that of ‘Indian Summer’. In sugar and organic acid analyses, a higher sugar acid ratio was noted compared with the parents. ‘07RUBIXP01’ was registered as a new variety in 2012 (variety registration no. 21801), and it would be a useful raspberry for growing in warm regions of Japan.