New Early, Low-Chill Blueberry Varieties from Oregon Blueberry Farms and Nursery
-
-
1 of 6
Calypso
‘Calypso’ is the newest northern highbush release from Michigan State University. This variety is gaining popularity in the blueberry industry because of its high-yielding potential and opportunity for growers to maximize their return on investment in the later-season market. Our observations have shown that the fruit from ‘Calypso’ blueberry plants stores extremely well in a controlled atmosphere, providing the unique ability to not only offer fruit in the fresh market but also in the process and IQF markets.
-
2 of 6
MegasBlue®
MegasBlue® (‘OBF0604’) is the newest release from Oregon Blueberry Farms and Nursery for mid-season northern highbush varieties. This exceptional blueberry plant offers a consistent, heavy yield of extremely high-quality fruit that is both hand pick-able and machine harvest-able. Our observations have shown MegasBlue® (‘OBF0604’) will outperform its closest competitor, Bluecrop. Not only does the fruit rarely red-back, it also requires less picking, giving growers the opportunity to cut labor costs significantly.
-
3 of 6
Meadowlark™ (‘FL01-173’)
Meadowlark™ (‘FL01-173’) is one of the newest southern highbush releases from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences blueberry breeding program. This variety is one of the earliest-ripening blueberry varieties currently available (approximately 10 days before Star). With its ability to leaf strongly during flowering, high yields of excellent fruit, and machine-harvest potential; Meadowlark™ (FL01-173’) is sure to provide growers with a strong option for the early season market.
-
4 of 6
Miss Lilly™ (‘TH-948’)
Miss Lilly™ (‘TH-948’) is a new southern highbush release from the University of Georgia. This main-season cultivar is expected to offer growers rather large fruit that ripens without the requirement of frost protection. The per plant yields are slightly less than other cultivars; however, the yields are steady from year to year due to the late flowering habit. The lower per-plant yield can be compensated for by higher-density planting, since the plant is typically very narrow and upright. Regardless, growers looking for an easier-to-manage, early ripening southern highbush should consider trying Miss Lilly™.
-
5 of 6
Osorno
‘Osorno’ is a highly productive northern highbush cultivar from Michigan State University. It is likely best adapted to production areas where winters are not severe, as the plant has the potential to not be as hardy as other mid-season northerns. Plants of ‘Osorno’ are vigorous and are likely to be more productive than its competitor ‘Draper.’ Its high-quality berries are large, light blue in color and have excellent firmness and flavor. ‘Osorno’ is being marketed as a more heat-tolerant alternative to ‘Draper,’ because the vigor of ‘Draper’ has become an issue for growers.
-
6 of 6
Titanium® (‘OBF0622’)
Titanium® (‘OBF0622’) is the newest release from Oregon Blueberry Farms and Nursery for growers looking to take advantage of the early season trend. This northern highbush variety offers a unique combination of superior quality and sustainability that is currently unmatched. We highly recommend Titanium® (‘OBF0622’) for not only the fresh market, but also in process, IQF, and U-Pick operations because of the plant’s versatility and ability to store exceptionally well. The extremely high-quality fruit is easily harvested by both machine and hand for premium prices.
View all
Calypso
MegasBlue®
Meadowlark™ (‘FL01-173’)
Miss Lilly™ (‘TH-948’)
Osorno
Titanium® (‘OBF0622’)
For more information on these varieties, contact Oregon Blueberry Farms and Nursery
Oregon Blueberry Farms and Nursery
8474 Hazelgreen Rd. NE
Silverton, OR
503-873-1200; Fax 503-873-1300
Email: [email protected]
Website: OreBlueberry.com
Subscribe Today For
Christina Herrick is former Editor of American Fruit Grower magazine and Western Fruit Grower magazine, published by Meister Media Worldwide. See all author stories here.