Narrative
Notice to nurserymen relative to the naming and release for propagation of a new red raspberry, 'Plainsman' (dated February 17, 1993) : The Agricultural Research Service hereby releases to nurserymen for propagation PLAINSMAN, a new cold-hardy, productive red raspberry. PLAINSMAN, tested as selection 72-1, originated from a cross of September x Cheyenne seedling 62-17 (Rubus idaeus strigosus). Cheyenne 62-17 is a 3rd generation seedling from plants collected in the wild in Shell Canyon near Greybull, Wyoming, in 1952 and selected for the new-wood, early, summer-fruiting character. Crosses resulting in the two varieties were made in 1964 and the seedlings were grown at Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1965. It was grown, selected and tested by Gene S. Howard, a retired Agricultural Research Service horticulturist. Fruit of PLAINSMAN is conic in shape and up to 28 mm in diameter. Color for this variety is medium to deep red and the flesh is medium in firmness. Yield is medium to high. Flavor is as flavorful as standard raspberries. Fruit is borne on new-wood of the current season's growth and ripens in southeastern Wyoming by the first week of August. First ripe fruit averages 3 to 4 weeks earlier than August Red. The plants are everbearing in nature and the fruiting season lasts for about 6 weeks or until heavy frosts occurs. Plants of PLAINSMAN have excellent vigor and produce numerous canes. Plants are somewhat larger and more vigorous than either PATHFINDER or TRAILBLAZER. Plants will make solid beds unless cultivated and kept in rows. Above ground canes are frozen back or killed to near ground level over winter. They may be mowed with a rotary mower and raked off before the new growth begins in spring thus eliminating hand pruning and reservoirs for diseases. Botanical characters more nearly resemble the taxonomic descriptions for R. idaeus strigosus than R. idaeus although characters of both are present. PLAINSMAN is recommended for trial plantings in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Idaho, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Utah. Foliar diseases were not reported from cooperators in the areas recommended for trial. The plant material has not been tested for virus, but the plants have retained good production, growth, and suckering for over 20 years, suggesting it has virus tolerance. Plant material has been sent to the National Clonal Germplasm Repository for virus evaluation. A limited number of plants for propagation will be available to researchers and nurserymen. Written requests should be sent to Gerald E. Schuman, High Plains Grasslands Research Station, 8408 Hildreth Road, Cheyenne, WY 82009
named for the Great Plains of the U. S. for the settlers of the Plains