Joliette a new strawberry cultivar resistant to leaf spot and red stele

'Joliette', was tested as SJ89288-2, progeny of a cross made in 1989 by S. Khanizadeh between 'Jewel' and SJ85189. 'Joliette' is a mid-season new strawberry selection resistant to leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae Tul.) and most of North American Eastern (NAE) races of red stele (Phytophthora fragariae Hickman). This selection has been evaluated in the field since 1989. Yield, average fruit weight over all picking dates, firmness, colour, taste and other fruit characteristics were evaluated in comparison with 'Kent', 'Glooscap', 'Chambly' and 'Honeoye'. 'Joliette' had larger fruit size with light interior and exterior colour, higher yield and superior fruit characteristics compared to the other cultivars tested in our region. 'Joliette' is suitable for fresh market and pick your own and is under evaluation in other provinces, USA and Europe. The name 'Joliette' refers to a town located on the l'Assumption river in southern Quebec. It is one of the major strawberry growing areas renowned for its sandy soils, perfectly suited for irrigated production of nursery plants and fruit.