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| U of SK Horticulture Field Lab |
When it comes to breeding plants it is relatively easy to genetically select and change a single physical characteristic in cross-bred progeny. But try and change two physical characteristics simultaneously, and it becomes more difficult. Try breeding for three characteristics, even tougher. Furthermore, which of these characteristics are most-important? Complex genetic formulas are not complete until each trait is properly weighted in that formula. All of this is precisely what makes the Haskap program at the U of SK both unique and successful. Breeding plants for a wide variety of traits takes resources...human, monetary, training, technology, oversight. Here are just some of the traits that go into selecting a superior Haskap plant: bloom time, harvest season, fruit weight, fruit shape, fruit firmness, fruit flavour, fruit sweetness, fruit chemical analysis, bush habit of growing, bush vigour, disease resistance, productivity.
Their early Haskap breeding program was funded by plant sales, workshop fees, and volunteer labour. But beginning in 2007 Saskatchewan Agriculture's
Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) awarded three grants that allowed a 10x increase in Haskap research. With the flourishing of Haskap orchards across Canada royalties from Haskap sales allowed for yet another doubling since 2011 in research both in general as well as in providing stipends to support graduate students involved in the program. 65% of Haskap plant royalties directly fund various aspects of the U of SK's fruit program; 35% of royalties goes toward a general horticulture fund and allows for the purchase and maintenance of equipment and facilities. It is the success of this program that allows all Haskap growers to succeed.
