Sasha - Glasshouse Variety
The Plant
- Tall erect plant
- Fruit well displayed
- More vigorous plants than Elsanta
Seasonality and Yield
- 50% fruit produced about 5 days to 1 week later than Elsanta
- Suits glasshouse and table top system best due to susceptibility to mildew
- Sasha may suit one single cropping system by planting large tray plant under glass in January under good light level
- Up to 40% higher 60 day yield than Elsanta with 96% Class 1
- It has been advised to use smaller plants for autumn fruit production to maximise second yield crop in the spring
- Higher main crop yield than Elsanta and good percentage Class 1 fruit (90%)
- Pick continuously for a long period of time
- Need to remove runners regularly
Fruit Quality
- Regular conic/heart shape
- Good constant berry size through the season
- Colour slightly darker than Elsanta
- Same skin strength as Elsanta
- Better shelf life than Elsanta but less glossy fruit
- Firm flesh
- Sweet flavour (very little acidity), weaker taste in hot weather
- Juicy texture
- % Brix similar to Elsanta
Diseases
Sasha is susceptible to Powdery Mildew (Sphaerotheca macularis) and therefore needs regular preventative measures. It is also susceptible to Wilt (Verticillium dahliae).