Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum x Vaccinium darrowii) OZARKBLUE

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum hybrid) 'Ozarkblue' (PBR)

Exceptionally high-yielding late variety with large fruits and an extended harvest period.

'Ozarkblue' is a top-tier late variety from the American breeding program that outperforms the global standard 'Bluecrop' in several aspects. It is an interspecific hybrid, which grants it better adaptability to various environments. It stands out for its extraordinary productivity and very rapid onset of fruit bearing. It offers an excellent sweet flavor, and its major asset is a long harvest window spanning 5 to 6 weeks, ensuring a steady supply of fruit throughout late summer.

Key Highlights:

• Extended harvest period: Gradual ripening lasts 5 to 6 weeks.
• Exceptional yield: Very early onset of bearing and consistently high harvests.
• Premium quality: Firm, large, sweet, and aromatic fruits with a dry stem scar.
• Broad adaptability: Handles various conditions well thanks to its specific genetics.
• Good winter hardiness (down to -23 °C).

Origin and Registration

• Origin: USA (University of Arkansas). Breeders: J. N. Moore and J. R. Clark. Patented in 1997.
• Genetics: Cross of selections 'USDA G-144' x 'Florida 4-76'. Contains genes from classic V. corymbosum as well as southern species.

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Strong and vigorous. Produces a large number of canes.
• Habit: Shoots grow upright but have a tendency to bend under the weight of the extremely heavy crop (may require support or careful pruning).
• Flowering: Buds swell early, but actual blooming occurs at the standard time, concurrent with 'Bluecrop'.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Large, uniform, spherical berries (average weight 2.0 – 2.5 g). They slightly decrease in size toward the end of harvest.
• Color and Quality: Light blue with a whitish bloom. The flesh is very firm (firmer than 'Bluecrop'), and the picking scar is small and dry.
• Flavor: Excellent. Sweet, mildly tart, with a good aroma. Sweeter than 'Bluecrop'.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Good frost resistance, comparable to 'Bluecrop' (down to -23 °C).
• Diseases: Resistant to powdery mildew, but shows mild susceptibility to stem blight.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late. Begins ripening approximately 9 days after 'Bluecrop'.
• Harvest duration: Very gradual harvesting over 5 to 6 weeks.
• Usage: Versatile – excellent as fresh table fruit and for processing.