Elderberry Variety Evaluation

Research Importance

Much of the public interest in elderberry is due to the health benefits associated with its consumption including antioxidant properties, reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Current production is centered in Europe utilizing commercial elderberry cultivars derived from the European species (Sambucus nigra) and wild-harvested fruits. American production is small, although there are commercial plantings in Oregon and Missouri.

Elderberry cultivars derived from S. canadensis were first developed around 100 years ago in New York. These include 'Adams 1' and 'Adams2' and were wild selections. In the 1960s, breeding efforts in Nova Scotia, Canada, resulted in the release of newer varieties including 'Nova' and 'Johns'. Nearly all of the cultivars released in the northeast share a similar pedigree. Concerns about narrowing genetic base and performance in other regions of North America led to the formation of the Missouri Elderberry Improvement Program—a multi-institution program lead by the University of Missouri and Missouri State University. Over the last decade, this program has released varieties that have outperformed older North American varieties, including 'Bob Gordon', 'Wyldewood', and 'Ranch'.

Three closely-related species in the genus Sambucus are utilized for commercial fruit production: S. canadensis L., S. nigra L., and S. cerulea Raf. They have been classified as subspecies of S. nigra by some taxonomists. Sambucus canadensis and cerulea are native to North America. Sambucus nigra is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. Plants are a multi-stemmed large shrub to small tree. Fruits are berry-like drupes borne on terminal cymes. Flowers do not require specific pollinizer cultivars for pollination, but fruit set is better in mixed cultivar plantings. The native range extends to northern latitudes (45⁰ N in N. America and 63⁰ N in Europe), but given its wide range, not all genotypes are adapted to the N. Rockies. Our research objective was to determine which varieties perform well in western Montana. Most varieties are hardy to Zone 4, making them suited to warmer sites in the state. 

Research Summary

In 2015, eight varieties were planted at MSU-WARC. Each variety is represented by six plants consisting of two plant sets in three blocks. All varieties produced fruit in the third and fourth years after planting. The plants were cut back to the ground in the winter of 2018 (as is typical for commercial plantings). Metrics assessed annually include hardiness, yield, berry size, and sugar content. Juice yield and characteristics were also recorded.

Results

In MSU trials planted in 2015, preliminary results suggest that varieties developed from North American genotypes are better adapted to Rocky Mountain climates than European varieties that experienced winter injury and mortality (Table 1). Of the North American varieties, 'Adams', 'Ranch', and 'Bob Gordon' have been the most productive. Aphids have been the only common pest. Plants bloom and produce fruit over a long period toward the end of the summer, requiring multiple harvests for each plant. 

Conclusions

The two European varieties appear to be poorly adapted, but other growers in the state have had success with these varieties. 'Adams', 'Ranch', and 'Bob Gordon' have been consistently more productive. 'Wyldewood' is also a reliable producer. 

Publications

NDSU-Carrington REC Cold Hardy Fruit Project-Elderberries

Midwest Elderberry Cooperative

University of Missouri Guide to Growing and Marketing Elderberries

University of Vermont Elderberry production resources