2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Hops, Humulus lupulus, is a dioecious, herbaceous perennial vine belonging to the Cannabinaceae family, along with the genre of Cannabis (hemp) and Celtis (hackberry). Hop flower or cone initiation is day length sensitive, therefore growth and development is most successful between the 35^th and 50^th latitude north and south. Hops has many consumptions other than for its most commonly known use of adding flavor and aroma to beer. Some of these uses include medicinal and cosmetic products, ornamental value, as well as a delicacy. Native hops, along with cultivars, grow successfully in North Dakota; however, there is a lack of research on the yield and quality of hop cultivars grown in the state. Desired acid and oil profiles of the hops are what give them marketability in the beer making process. The objectives of this project were to conduct and assess yield and quality of hop cultivars, and to recommend the best variety adaptations for our upper Midwestern climate. This investigation evaluated 12 different commercially available cultivars grown on a standard trellis. Variety adaptation for yield and quality was assessed for two growing seasons. The top yielding variety was ‘Challenger’. The variety ‘Spalt Select’ was the least adapted to the western growing region in terms of both production and quality.