`Ozarkblue' Southern Highbush Blueberry

Abstract

‘Ozarkblue’ is the first cultivar released from the Univ. of Arkansas blueberry breeding program, which began in the late 1970s and has involved cooperative efforts with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA). A major emphasis of this program is the development of blueberry cultivars adapted to the climate and soils of the Upper South (lat. 33° to 36°) of the United States. ‘Ozarkblue’ is a southern highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivar and produces high yields of quality fruit that ripen later than midseason northern highbush (V. corymbosum) and most southern highbush cultivars but earlier than rabbiteye (V. ashei Reade) cultivars. ‘Ozarkblue’ is vigorous and has produced consistent crops each year of evaluation compared to other southern highbush and rabbiteye cultivars that often sustain yield reductions due to spring freezes. ‘Ozarkblue’ likely will be adapted to the Upper South and can be hand-harvested for commercial shipment or pick-your-own marketing.