Cultivar 1893: Honey Bee

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Usage Facet: class=edible; edible_score=1.0; ornamental_score=0.0; inferred_from_taxon=no

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Claim Types: recommendation_context:23, description_snippet:17, growth_habit:9, culinary_use:7, flavor_profile:7, fruit_size:6, productivity:6, caption_context:4, selection_origin_reference:4, anecdote_snippet:2, breeder_reference:2, keeping_quality:2, release_year_reference:2, fruit_color:1 | Open evidence summary JSON | Open citation drawer JSON

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Honey Bee is a haskap, or blue honeysuckle, from the University of Saskatchewan Fruit Program. It was released as a pollinator and companion for Borealis, Tundra, and the Indigo series. It was selected as 6-24-18, renamed Honey Bee in winter 2010/2011, and available to propagators and the public by spring 2011. [S1]

The program selected Honey Bee while looking for a better pollinator than Berry Blue. In 2009, it chose six promising seedlings from about 1,400 seedlings planted in 2006 and 2007. Honey Bee produced well at only two years old, multiplied fastest in tissue culture, bloomed at the right time, and set fruit well when crossed with Borealis and Tundra. [S1]

Honey Bee has cylindrical fruit, closer in shape to its Russian parent. The shape was compared to a bee's body. The berries hold tightly on the plant and often keep their stems when picked. One description says stems remain on about 40% of the fruit, like a stinger. In 2011, fruit was still holding firmly on the bush in the third week of August. A frozen-fruit comparison listed Honey Bee at 1.271 g berry weight, 12.0 Brix, 2.21 acid, and an overall taste score of 3.25 on a five-point scale. [S1]

The flavor is generally like other haskap, but tarter than Borealis, Tundra, and the Indigo series. It is less tart than most Russian pollinators. Some growers noticed a different undertone. The report suggests slight bitterness or astringency might improve wine mouthfeel. Its tartness may be useful in processing or cooking. Because berries and stems do not separate easily, the report favors juice, wine, jelly, and other crushed-fruit uses over products that need clean whole berries. [S1]

Honey Bee is not recommended for mechanical harvest unless the crop is for juice. Its cylindrical berries do not move well through equipment. The stems do not detach easily, and machine-picked fruit may be too mashed unless frozen soon after harvest. Higher quality uses will likely need hand picking. The report also suggests planting it in separate rows for easier handling. [S1]

The plant grows fast, produces well, and bears early. It is taller than Borealis and is suspected to grow about two feet taller than the Borealis, Tundra, and Indigo group, while staying similar in width. The original Honey Bee plant was at least 50% taller than nearby Borealis plants in the same row. In home plantings, the report advises placing Honey Bee north of Borealis or far enough away that it does not crowd smaller plants or reduce their sun. One Honey Bee plant may provide pollen for four to eight Borealis or Tundra plants if planted close enough. [S1]

Honey Bee was also valued for mildew resistance. Older Russian pollinators could develop severe mildew in July and look unattractive through late summer. Honey Bee is rated highly resistant to mildew. Figure captions also note good resistance to mildew and sunburn. The report presents it as a practical replacement or supplement where a mildew-resistant pollinator is wanted. [S1]

Its direct parentage is Suvenir, a variety from Russia, crossed with F-1-9-58, also called Blue Pacific, a variety descended from the Kuril Islands. The report says Honey Bee pollinates Borealis, Tundra, and related Indigo material well because its parents are not closely related to the parents of those cultivars. [S1]

Honey Bee has several practical quirks. Because the fruit stays on the bush, the report suggests it might work as a guard row against cedar waxwings by delaying bird damage to preferred inner rows. The same tight hold led to a speculative idea of drying berries on the bush as “blue raisins,” but the report calls that use highly experimental. [S1]

No direct USDA or Canadian hardiness zone statement is given for Honey Bee in the available source. Its hardiness context comes from the University of Saskatchewan haskap breeding program and the report's broader statement that haskap has extreme winter hardiness and is naturally adapted to northern climates. [S1]

Summary source basis

This summary currently draws chiefly from Haskap Breeding & Production - Final Report, January 2012, with 2 additional supporting sources linked below.

Selected source quotations

“In the winter of 2010/2011 contracts were drawn up and 6-24-18 was renamed to ‘Honey Bee’ and was released to propagators and available for sale to the public by the spring of 2011.”
Haskap Breeding & Production - Final Report, January 2012, p54
“Honey Bee: One of the fastest growing and highly productive at a young age, it was originally selected to be a pollinator for Tundra and the Indigo.”
Recommended fruit Varieties, p1
“‘Honey Bee’ Description ...................................................................................................................... 54”
Haskap Breeding & Production - Final Report, January 2012, p4

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Citation Drawer (Top Supporting Sources)

DocumentTitle/URLRightsClaimsRelationshipsHistory EventsPagesSnippets
102Haskap Breeding & Production - Final Report, January 2012unknown8300p4 p6 p8 p54 p55 p56 p57 p58This named cultivar appears in the comparison cultivar section at the bottom of the table.; Brix 12.0, acid 2.21, sweet 4, sour 1, bitter 4, aroma 4, overall taste 3.25.; Berry weight is listed as 1.271 g.; ‘Honey Bee’ w
143Recommended fruit Varietiesunknown700p1Fruit are long, thin, and pointed, but thicker than most Russian varieties.; Grows so fast that it may require pruning by year 3, earlier than most haskap.; The unusual zing is discussed in relation to possible wine mout
130‘Aurora’ Haskapunknown600p2‘Aurora’ and ‘Honey Bee’ both have good resistance level to mildew, which is a problem in more southern locations.; In the authors’ location, ‘Aurora’ and ‘Honey Bee’ bloom 2 weeks before the last frost.; The authors fel

Citation Evidence (Page-Linked Quotes)

DocumentPageClaim TypeClaimQuoteMatch
143p1description_snippetFruit are long, thin, and pointed, but thicker than most Russian varieties.Honey Bee: One of the fastest growing and highly productive at a young age, it was originally selected to be a pollinator for Tundra and the Indigo.page_block:0.90
143p1growth_habitGrows so fast that it may require pruning by year 3, earlier than most haskap.Honey Bee: One of the fastest growing and highly productive at a young age, it was originally selected to be a pollinator for Tundra and the Indigo.page_block:0.90
143p1culinary_useThe unusual zing is discussed in relation to possible wine mouthfeel.Honey Bee: One of the fastest growing and highly productive at a young age, it was originally selected to be a pollinator for Tundra and the Indigo.page_block:0.90
143p1flavor_profileFlavour is described as good but with an unusual zing that may contribute to mouthfeel if used for wine.Honey Bee: One of the fastest growing and highly productive at a young age, it was originally selected to be a pollinator for Tundra and the Indigo.page_block:0.90
143p1recommendation_contextOriginally selected to be a pollinator for Tundra and the Indigo varieties.Honey Bee: One of the fastest growing and highly productive at a young age, it was originally selected to be a pollinator for Tundra and the Indigo.page_block:0.90
143p1productivityHighly productive at a young age.Honey Bee: One of the fastest growing and highly productive at a young age, it was originally selected to be a pollinator for Tundra and the Indigo.page_block:0.90
143p1growth_habitOne of the fastest growing haskap varieties described on the page.Honey Bee: One of the fastest growing and highly productive at a young age, it was originally selected to be a pollinator for Tundra and the Indigo.page_block:0.90
130p2description_snippet‘Aurora’ and ‘Honey Bee’ both have good resistance level to mildew, which is a problem in more southern locations.Its recommended pollinator ‘Honey Bee’ is a little more vigourous and may grow 1.75 to 2.25 m tall.page_block:0.90
130p2description_snippetIn the authors’ location, ‘Aurora’ and ‘Honey Bee’ bloom 2 weeks before the last frost.Its recommended pollinator ‘Honey Bee’ is a little more vigourous and may grow 1.75 to 2.25 m tall.page_block:0.90
130p2growth_habitThe authors felt ‘Honey Bee’ became too crowded and needed thinning in the observation trial.Its recommended pollinator ‘Honey Bee’ is a little more vigourous and may grow 1.75 to 2.25 m tall.page_block:0.90
130p2productivityIn the observation trial, ‘Honey Bee’ was more productive than ‘Aurora’ early, but later both had similar productivity.Its recommended pollinator ‘Honey Bee’ is a little more vigourous and may grow 1.75 to 2.25 m tall.page_block:0.90
130p2growth_habit‘Honey Bee’ is described as a little more vigorous than ‘Aurora’ and may grow 1.75 to 2.25 m tall.Its recommended pollinator ‘Honey Bee’ is a little more vigourous and may grow 1.75 to 2.25 m tall.page_block:0.90
130p2recommendation_context‘Honey Bee’ is identified as the recommended pollinator for ‘Aurora’.Its recommended pollinator ‘Honey Bee’ is a little more vigourous and may grow 1.75 to 2.25 m tall.page_block:0.90
102p71recommendation_contextThis named cultivar appears in the comparison cultivar section at the bottom of the table.Honey Bee 1.271 12.0 2.21 4 1 4 4 3.25page_block:0.90
102p71description_snippetBrix 12.0, acid 2.21, sweet 4, sour 1, bitter 4, aroma 4, overall taste 3.25.Honey Bee 1.271 12.0 2.21 4 1 4 4 3.25page_block:0.90
102p71fruit_sizeBerry weight is listed as 1.271 g.Honey Bee 1.271 12.0 2.21 4 1 4 4 3.25page_block:0.90
102p59recommendation_context‘Honey Bee’ will be able to be sold into the USA.Since ‘Honey Bee’ fruit stays on the bushes, waxwings won’t be so wasteful and it should take them longer to get to your preferred varieties.page_block:0.90
102p59recommendation_context‘Honey Bee’ will be made available to all propagators of ‘BTI’.Since ‘Honey Bee’ fruit stays on the bushes, waxwings won’t be so wasteful and it should take them longer to get to your preferred varieties.page_block:0.90
102p59recommendation_contextDrying haskap on bushes is described as highly experimental and of uncertain feasibility.Since ‘Honey Bee’ fruit stays on the bushes, waxwings won’t be so wasteful and it should take them longer to get to your preferred varieties.page_block:0.90
102p59description_snippetIts cylindrical berries are said to dry faster than the plump ‘BTI’ berries.Since ‘Honey Bee’ fruit stays on the bushes, waxwings won’t be so wasteful and it should take them longer to get to your preferred varieties.page_block:0.90
102p59fruit_size‘Honey Bee’ berries are described as cylindrical.Since ‘Honey Bee’ fruit stays on the bushes, waxwings won’t be so wasteful and it should take them longer to get to your preferred varieties.page_block:0.90
102p59culinary_use‘Honey Bee’ may be suitable for drying on the bushes to make 'blue raisins' because it holds onto its berries.Since ‘Honey Bee’ fruit stays on the bushes, waxwings won’t be so wasteful and it should take them longer to get to your preferred varieties.page_block:0.90
102p59description_snippet‘Honey Bee’ fruit stays on the bushes rather than dropping readily.Since ‘Honey Bee’ fruit stays on the bushes, waxwings won’t be so wasteful and it should take them longer to get to your preferred varieties.page_block:0.90
102p59anecdote_snippetThe author observed waxwings swooping into rows closest to nearby nesting trees, with outer rows picked clean first.Since ‘Honey Bee’ fruit stays on the bushes, waxwings won’t be so wasteful and it should take them longer to get to your preferred varieties.page_block:0.90
102p59recommendation_context‘Honey Bee’ is suggested as a possible guard-row cultivar to protect inner rows from cedar waxwings.Since ‘Honey Bee’ fruit stays on the bushes, waxwings won’t be so wasteful and it should take them longer to get to your preferred varieties.page_block:0.90
102p58flavor_profileThe added tartness and different flavour may make it desirable for some products like wine or liquers.‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.page_block:0.90
102p58description_snippetThe stems holding onto the berries are a disadvantage for many products, but would not matter if the fruit was used for juice, wine or jelly.‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.page_block:0.90
102p58culinary_useSomewhat mashed berries would still be good for most products.‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.page_block:0.90
102p58recommendation_contextIt may be best to place ‘Honey Bee’ in separate rows.‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.page_block:0.90
102p58recommendation_contextIf machine harvested, the berries may become too mashed, so they should be frozen soon after picking.‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.page_block:0.90
102p58recommendation_contextThe fruit will likely need to be handpicked.‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.page_block:0.90
102p58culinary_useThe fruit is described as primarily useful for juice production.‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.page_block:0.90
102p58growth_habit‘Honey Bee’s bush is taller but seems to be similar width to ‘BTI’ and so can be planted at a similar spacing.‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.page_block:0.90
102p58recommendation_contextIn a gardening situation, it would be better to put ‘Honey Bee’ either on the north side of ‘Borealis’ or far enough away that it won’t crowd it out or reduce the sunshine.‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.page_block:0.90
102p58growth_habitBecause of larger plant size, one ‘Honey Bee’ could provide pollen for 4 to 8 ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’ plants, if planted in close proximity.‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.page_block:0.90
102p58recommendation_contextFor a homeowner growing ‘Borealis,’ perhaps ‘Honey Bee’ might be considered just as desirable and both could be called companion varieties.‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.page_block:0.90
102p58recommendation_contextThe page argues that calling a cultivar a pollinator variety can be misleading because a haskap pollinator also bears useful fruit.‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.page_block:0.90
102p58description_snippet‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.page_block:0.90
102p57recommendation_contextIf replacing existing pollinators, it would be best to let Honey Bee get a few years old before removing the old pollinator to assure adequate pollen supply.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p57recommendation_contextHoney Bee was the best pollinator choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to Borealis and Tundra.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p57description_snippetHoney Bee was the fastest multiplier in tissue culture among the 6 selected seedlings.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p57selection_origin_referenceAll 6 selections were put into tissue culture to evaluate relative ease of propagation.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p57description_snippetAll 6 selected seedlings were rated as productive.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p57flavor_profileThe six selected seedlings, including Honey Bee, were rated as good tasting.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p57growth_habitThe six selected seedlings, including Honey Bee, were rated as vigorous and bearing fruit at a young age.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p57productivityHoney Bee was one of the few good producers at only 2 years old.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p57selection_origin_referenceIn 2009, Honey Bee was one of the best 6 seedlings identified from about 1400 seedlings from the 2006 and 2007 plantings.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p57entry_hardiness_observationHoney Bee is discussed as mildew-resistant in the pollinator context on this page.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p57recommendation_contextHoney Bee is presented as a mildew-resistant pollinator option to replace older pollinators that developed severe mildew in July.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p57description_snippetSome stems are still holding onto the berries in the illustrated fruit sample.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p57fruit_sizeThe caption notes the original bush is rather young, so fruit size will likely increase as the bush gets older.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p57caption_contextFigure 17 shows Honey Bee fruit and states that the fruit is cylindrical.‘Honey Bee’ was the best choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’.page_block:0.90
102p56entry_hardiness_observationFigure 16 states that Honey Bee has good resistance to mildew and sunburn.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branchespage_block:0.90
102p56description_snippetHoney Bee has less pubescence, or hairs, on its leaves.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branchespage_block:0.90
102p56caption_contextFigure 16 states that Honey Bee leaves are similar in size but slightly wider than the other varieties shown.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branchespage_block:0.90
102p56fruit_colorThe fruit is more cylindrical than BTI.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branchespage_block:0.90
102p56growth_habitThe original Honey Bee plant is at least 50% taller than Borealis plants in the same row.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branchespage_block:0.90
102p56growth_habitBoth of Honey Bee's parents are taller than BTI's, and Honey Bee is suspected to grow about 2 feet taller than BTI.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branchespage_block:0.90
102p56recommendation_contextIt pollinates BTI-related material well because its parents are not closely related to BTI's parents.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branchespage_block:0.90
102p56entry_pedigreeHoney Bee is a hybrid between a variety from Russia, Suvenir, and a variety descendant from the Kuril Islands, F-1-9-58 alias Blue Pacific.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branchespage_block:0.90
102p56entry_hardiness_observationLike BTI, Honey Bee has a high degree of resistance to leaf mildew on the test plots.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branchespage_block:0.90
102p56description_snippetIts leaves are very similar in appearance to BTI.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branchespage_block:0.90
102p56caption_contextFigure 15 shows Honey Bee as a bush with productive branches.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branchespage_block:0.90
102p55culinary_useUnless the stems are removed, it would be better to crush the berries and use the juice for drinking, wine making, or making jelly.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55culinary_useAbit more tartness could be an asset in processing or cooking.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55culinary_useThe page suggests some wine makers may one day try this variety and determine whether it makes a better wine.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55flavor_profileThe author suggests the undertone may be a very slight bitterness or astringency that could improve wine mouth-feel.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55anecdote_snippetAfew growers said it tasted good, and some thought there was a different undertone they could not identify.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55flavor_profileIt has a general flavour like other Haskap but with a hint of something different.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55flavor_profileThe fruit is tarter than 'BTI' but less tart than most Russian pollinators.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55recommendation_contextThe cylindrical shape does not roll around very well in equipment and the stems do not come off very easily, so it is definitely not recommended for mechanical harvesting unless ju'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55description_snippetThe stems stay on the fruit about 40% of the time when picked, compared to a stinger.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55keeping_qualityIn 2011, it was still holding onto its fruit firmly in the 3rd week of August.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55keeping_qualityUnlike most Russian varieties used for pollination, 'Honey Bee' holds onto its fruit firmly and stays on the bush longer than most other varieties.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55fruit_sizeIts fruits are cylindrical and look more like its Russian parent; perhaps like the shape of a bee's body.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55productivityIt is very fast growing, productive and starts fruiting at an early age.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55recommendation_contextIt blooms at the same time and has given good fruit set when used in controlled crosses with them.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55recommendation_context'Honey Bee' was selected to be a pollinator for 'Borealis', 'Tundra' and the 'Indigo' series.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55selection_origin_referenceThe page states that desirable traits observed in 2010 and 2011 were summarized in a web article reformatted into this document.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55recommendation_contextIts fruits are too cylindrical and it holds onto its stems too strongly to be desirable for mechanical harvesting.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p55recommendation_context'Honey Bee' is quite acceptable as a pollinator for 'Tundra' and 'Borealis'.'Honey Bee' Descriptionpage_block:0.90
102p54description_snippetOne propagation company stated that 6-24-18 propagated faster than ‘Tundra’ and ‘Borealis’ and as fast as the best Blue Honeysuckles on the market.In the winter of 2010/2011 contracts were drawn up and 6-24-18 was renamed to ‘Honey Bee’ and was released to propagators and available for sale to the public by the spring of 2011.page_block:0.90
102p54fruit_sizeThe figure caption states that all of the selections had larger berries than ‘Berry Blue’.In the winter of 2010/2011 contracts were drawn up and 6-24-18 was renamed to ‘Honey Bee’ and was released to propagators and available for sale to the public by the spring of 2011.page_block:0.90
102p54flavor_profileAs one of the promising selections shown in the figure, it was judged to have superior flavour.In the winter of 2010/2011 contracts were drawn up and 6-24-18 was renamed to ‘Honey Bee’ and was released to propagators and available for sale to the public by the spring of 2011.page_block:0.90
102p54productivityAs one of the promising selections shown in the figure, it was judged to have superior productivity and flavour.In the winter of 2010/2011 contracts were drawn up and 6-24-18 was renamed to ‘Honey Bee’ and was released to propagators and available for sale to the public by the spring of 2011.page_block:0.90
102p54recommendation_contextSelection 6-24-18 was the only one of the six tested selections reported here that both bloomed at the right time and was compatible with ‘Tundra’ and ‘Borealis’.In the winter of 2010/2011 contracts were drawn up and 6-24-18 was renamed to ‘Honey Bee’ and was released to propagators and available for sale to the public by the spring of 2011.page_block:0.90
102p54breeder_referenceThe selection came from the University of Saskatchewan haskap breeding program.In the winter of 2010/2011 contracts were drawn up and 6-24-18 was renamed to ‘Honey Bee’ and was released to propagators and available for sale to the public by the spring of 2011.page_block:0.90
102p54release_year_referenceContracts were drawn up in the winter of 2010/2011, and ‘Honey Bee’ was available to the public by spring 2011.In the winter of 2010/2011 contracts were drawn up and 6-24-18 was renamed to ‘Honey Bee’ and was released to propagators and available for sale to the public by the spring of 2011.page_block:0.90
102p54selection_origin_reference‘Honey Bee’ was the renamed release of selection 6-24-18.In the winter of 2010/2011 contracts were drawn up and 6-24-18 was renamed to ‘Honey Bee’ and was released to propagators and available for sale to the public by the spring of 2011.page_block:0.90
102p8breeder_referenceReferenced within the University of Saskatchewan haskap breeding and production report, indicating release from that breeding context.Anew pollinator variety, ‘Honey Bee’ was released in 2011page_block:0.90
102p8release_year_referenceReleased in 2011.Anew pollinator variety, ‘Honey Bee’ was released in 2011page_block:0.90
102p8description_snippetIdentified as a pollinator variety in the University of Saskatchewan breeding program.Anew pollinator variety, ‘Honey Bee’ was released in 2011page_block:0.90
102p6caption_contextReferenced in two figure-list entries about plant productivity and fruit shape.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branches.page_block:0.90
102p6fruit_sizeAlisted figure states that 'Honey Bee's fruit is cylindrical.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branches.page_block:0.90
102p6productivityAlisted figure describes 'Honey Bee' as showing productive branches.Figure 15. 'Honey Bee' bush showing productive branches.page_block:0.90
102p4description_snippetThe table of contents indicates a report section titled 'Honey Bee' Description on page 54.‘Honey Bee’ Description ...................................................................................................................... 54page_block:0.90

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Evidence Claims

TypeClaimConfidence
description_snippetFruit are long, thin, and pointed, but thicker than most Russian varieties.0.97
growth_habitGrows so fast that it may require pruning by year 3, earlier than most haskap.0.97
culinary_useThe unusual zing is discussed in relation to possible wine mouthfeel.0.90
flavor_profileFlavour is described as good but with an unusual zing that may contribute to mouthfeel if used for wine.0.97
recommendation_contextOriginally selected to be a pollinator for Tundra and the Indigo varieties.0.97
productivityHighly productive at a young age.0.98
growth_habitOne of the fastest growing haskap varieties described on the page.0.98
description_snippet‘Aurora’ and ‘Honey Bee’ both have good resistance level to mildew, which is a problem in more southern locations.0.98
description_snippetIn the authors’ location, ‘Aurora’ and ‘Honey Bee’ bloom 2 weeks before the last frost.0.98
growth_habitThe authors felt ‘Honey Bee’ became too crowded and needed thinning in the observation trial.0.96
productivityIn the observation trial, ‘Honey Bee’ was more productive than ‘Aurora’ early, but later both had similar productivity.0.97
growth_habit‘Honey Bee’ is described as a little more vigorous than ‘Aurora’ and may grow 1.75 to 2.25 m tall.0.98
recommendation_context‘Honey Bee’ is identified as the recommended pollinator for ‘Aurora’.0.98
recommendation_contextThis named cultivar appears in the comparison cultivar section at the bottom of the table.0.98
description_snippetBrix 12.0, acid 2.21, sweet 4, sour 1, bitter 4, aroma 4, overall taste 3.25.0.99
fruit_sizeBerry weight is listed as 1.271 g.0.99
recommendation_context‘Honey Bee’ will be able to be sold into the USA.0.93
recommendation_context‘Honey Bee’ will be made available to all propagators of ‘BTI’.0.95
recommendation_contextDrying haskap on bushes is described as highly experimental and of uncertain feasibility.0.96
description_snippetIts cylindrical berries are said to dry faster than the plump ‘BTI’ berries.0.92
fruit_size‘Honey Bee’ berries are described as cylindrical.0.94
culinary_use‘Honey Bee’ may be suitable for drying on the bushes to make 'blue raisins' because it holds onto its berries.0.95
description_snippet‘Honey Bee’ fruit stays on the bushes rather than dropping readily.0.98
anecdote_snippetThe author observed waxwings swooping into rows closest to nearby nesting trees, with outer rows picked clean first.0.91
recommendation_context‘Honey Bee’ is suggested as a possible guard-row cultivar to protect inner rows from cedar waxwings.0.97
flavor_profileThe added tartness and different flavour may make it desirable for some products like wine or liquers.0.92
description_snippetThe stems holding onto the berries are a disadvantage for many products, but would not matter if the fruit was used for juice, wine or jelly.0.94
culinary_useSomewhat mashed berries would still be good for most products.0.90
recommendation_contextIt may be best to place ‘Honey Bee’ in separate rows.0.89
recommendation_contextIf machine harvested, the berries may become too mashed, so they should be frozen soon after picking.0.93
recommendation_contextThe fruit will likely need to be handpicked.0.90
culinary_useThe fruit is described as primarily useful for juice production.0.97
growth_habit‘Honey Bee’s bush is taller but seems to be similar width to ‘BTI’ and so can be planted at a similar spacing.0.95
recommendation_contextIn a gardening situation, it would be better to put ‘Honey Bee’ either on the north side of ‘Borealis’ or far enough away that it won’t crowd it out or reduce the sunshine.0.95
growth_habitBecause of larger plant size, one ‘Honey Bee’ could provide pollen for 4 to 8 ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’ plants, if planted in close proximity.0.94
recommendation_contextFor a homeowner growing ‘Borealis,’ perhaps ‘Honey Bee’ might be considered just as desirable and both could be called companion varieties.0.96
recommendation_contextThe page argues that calling a cultivar a pollinator variety can be misleading because a haskap pollinator also bears useful fruit.0.85
description_snippet‘Honey Bee’ is rated as highly resistant to mildew.0.98
recommendation_contextIf replacing existing pollinators, it would be best to let Honey Bee get a few years old before removing the old pollinator to assure adequate pollen supply.0.96
recommendation_contextHoney Bee was the best pollinator choice because it alone bloomed at the right time and gave good fruit set when crossed to Borealis and Tundra.0.98
description_snippetHoney Bee was the fastest multiplier in tissue culture among the 6 selected seedlings.0.97
selection_origin_referenceAll 6 selections were put into tissue culture to evaluate relative ease of propagation.0.94
description_snippetAll 6 selected seedlings were rated as productive.0.80
flavor_profileThe six selected seedlings, including Honey Bee, were rated as good tasting.0.78
growth_habitThe six selected seedlings, including Honey Bee, were rated as vigorous and bearing fruit at a young age.0.81
productivityHoney Bee was one of the few good producers at only 2 years old.0.97
selection_origin_referenceIn 2009, Honey Bee was one of the best 6 seedlings identified from about 1400 seedlings from the 2006 and 2007 plantings.0.96
entry_hardiness_observationHoney Bee is discussed as mildew-resistant in the pollinator context on this page.0.84
recommendation_contextHoney Bee is presented as a mildew-resistant pollinator option to replace older pollinators that developed severe mildew in July.0.95
description_snippetSome stems are still holding onto the berries in the illustrated fruit sample.0.95
fruit_sizeThe caption notes the original bush is rather young, so fruit size will likely increase as the bush gets older.0.92
caption_contextFigure 17 shows Honey Bee fruit and states that the fruit is cylindrical.0.99
entry_hardiness_observationFigure 16 states that Honey Bee has good resistance to mildew and sunburn.0.95
description_snippetHoney Bee has less pubescence, or hairs, on its leaves.0.94
caption_contextFigure 16 states that Honey Bee leaves are similar in size but slightly wider than the other varieties shown.0.95
fruit_colorThe fruit is more cylindrical than BTI.0.95
growth_habitThe original Honey Bee plant is at least 50% taller than Borealis plants in the same row.0.96
growth_habitBoth of Honey Bee's parents are taller than BTI's, and Honey Bee is suspected to grow about 2 feet taller than BTI.0.93
recommendation_contextIt pollinates BTI-related material well because its parents are not closely related to BTI's parents.0.91
entry_pedigreeHoney Bee is a hybrid between a variety from Russia, Suvenir, and a variety descendant from the Kuril Islands, F-1-9-58 alias Blue Pacific.0.98
entry_hardiness_observationLike BTI, Honey Bee has a high degree of resistance to leaf mildew on the test plots.0.97
description_snippetIts leaves are very similar in appearance to BTI.0.97
caption_contextFigure 15 shows Honey Bee as a bush with productive branches.0.99
culinary_useUnless the stems are removed, it would be better to crush the berries and use the juice for drinking, wine making, or making jelly.0.97
culinary_useA bit more tartness could be an asset in processing or cooking.0.94
culinary_useThe page suggests some wine makers may one day try this variety and determine whether it makes a better wine.0.88
flavor_profileThe author suggests the undertone may be a very slight bitterness or astringency that could improve wine mouth-feel.0.90
anecdote_snippetA few growers said it tasted good, and some thought there was a different undertone they could not identify.0.91
flavor_profileIt has a general flavour like other Haskap but with a hint of something different.0.95
flavor_profileThe fruit is tarter than 'BTI' but less tart than most Russian pollinators.0.96
recommendation_contextThe cylindrical shape does not roll around very well in equipment and the stems do not come off very easily, so it is definitely not recommended for mechanical harvesting unless juice is the goal.0.98
description_snippetThe stems stay on the fruit about 40% of the time when picked, compared to a stinger.0.96
keeping_qualityIn 2011, it was still holding onto its fruit firmly in the 3rd week of August.0.97
keeping_qualityUnlike most Russian varieties used for pollination, 'Honey Bee' holds onto its fruit firmly and stays on the bush longer than most other varieties.0.98
fruit_sizeIts fruits are cylindrical and look more like its Russian parent; perhaps like the shape of a bee's body.0.96
productivityIt is very fast growing, productive and starts fruiting at an early age.0.97
recommendation_contextIt blooms at the same time and has given good fruit set when used in controlled crosses with them.0.98
recommendation_context'Honey Bee' was selected to be a pollinator for 'Borealis', 'Tundra' and the 'Indigo' series.0.98
selection_origin_referenceThe page states that desirable traits observed in 2010 and 2011 were summarized in a web article reformatted into this document.0.87
recommendation_contextIts fruits are too cylindrical and it holds onto its stems too strongly to be desirable for mechanical harvesting.0.98
recommendation_context'Honey Bee' is quite acceptable as a pollinator for 'Tundra' and 'Borealis'.0.98
description_snippetOne propagation company stated that 6-24-18 propagated faster than ‘Tundra’ and ‘Borealis’ and as fast as the best Blue Honeysuckles on the market.0.95
fruit_sizeThe figure caption states that all of the selections had larger berries than ‘Berry Blue’.0.90
flavor_profileAs one of the promising selections shown in the figure, it was judged to have superior flavour.0.84
productivityAs one of the promising selections shown in the figure, it was judged to have superior productivity and flavour.0.84
recommendation_contextSelection 6-24-18 was the only one of the six tested selections reported here that both bloomed at the right time and was compatible with ‘Tundra’ and ‘Borealis’.0.95
breeder_referenceThe selection came from the University of Saskatchewan haskap breeding program.0.86
release_year_referenceContracts were drawn up in the winter of 2010/2011, and ‘Honey Bee’ was available to the public by spring 2011.0.98
selection_origin_reference‘Honey Bee’ was the renamed release of selection 6-24-18.0.99
breeder_referenceReferenced within the University of Saskatchewan haskap breeding and production report, indicating release from that breeding context.0.79
release_year_referenceReleased in 2011.0.98
description_snippetIdentified as a pollinator variety in the University of Saskatchewan breeding program.0.97
caption_contextReferenced in two figure-list entries about plant productivity and fruit shape.0.95
fruit_sizeA listed figure states that 'Honey Bee's fruit is cylindrical.0.98
productivityA listed figure describes 'Honey Bee' as showing productive branches.0.97
description_snippetThe table of contents indicates a report section titled 'Honey Bee' Description on page 54.0.84

History Events

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No history events.