Overcoming the barriers to developing an environmentally sustainable novel berry crop (L. caerulea) suitable for the UK food system.

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The aim of the research is to better understand certain biological and agronomic traits of L. caerulea which could lead to its adoption as a novel fruit crop by the UK agricultural industry. L. caerulea's reproductive processes need to be better understood. Levels of self fertility and the impact of the unusual flower morphology on the fertilisation process need to be clarified. Both factors will impact breeding and agronomical decisions since achieving high yields is key to crop adoption by growers. Little research has focused on the suitability of the UK climate for growing L. caerulea. Phenological development will be observed and linked to MET weather data, as well as the need for winter dormancy. Nutrient content is also linked to climate and growing conditions so determining the chemical composition of L. caerulea berries grown in the UK is important for marketing nutritional health benefits.