Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum x Vaccinium darrowii) STAR

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum hybrid) 'Star'

Global quality standard with exceptionally firm fruits and a star-shaped calyx.

'Star' (patent US PP10675) is one of the most significant Southern Highbush varieties, released by the University of Florida in 1996. It has long served as the global industry benchmark against which newer varieties are measured. It earned its name from the fruit's calyx, which forms a distinct five-pointed star upon ripening. It is prized for its healthy growth habit and superior market qualities.

Key Highlights:

• Extraordinary firmness: Fruits are ideal for shipping and long shelf life.
• Healthy growth: Produces strong foliage before full bloom, enhancing overall resilience.
• Concentrated harvest: Most of the crop ripens within a short 3-week window.
• Superior quality: Large berries with a small, dry stem scar and excellent flavor.
• Unique star-shaped appearance of the calyx.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: USA (University of Florida). Released in 1996, patented.
• Genetics: Cross of O'Neal variety x Fla. 80-31 selection.

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Semi-erect with good vigor.
• Foliage: The variety has the ability to establish a strong canopy before full flowering, providing the plant with ample energy for fruit development.
• Chill hours: Low (approximately 400 hours below 7°C).

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Large berries, average weight around 1.6 g.
• Shape and Color: Spherical with a star-shaped calyx, blue with a waxy bloom.
• Quality: Exceptionally firm fruit with a small, dry stem scar.
• Taste: Pleasantly sweet with balanced acidity.

Resistance and Requirements

• Resistance: Early leaf development significantly reduces the risk of stem blight (Botryosphaeria). Shows good overall disease resistance.
• Pollination: For maximum yield and fruit size, cross-pollination with another Southern Highbush variety is required.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early.
• Harvest nature: Highly concentrated, lasting about 3 weeks, which facilitates efficient harvesting.