| 0 | PI 687223 | 'Muffin Man' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Mississippi, United States | COR | | Not Available | 2018 | DEVELOPED | 05/18/2018 | | | | | Cultivar | 'Muffin Man', tested as MS 1190, is a new edible ornamental rabbiteye blueberry cultivar developed by the USDA-ARS Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory for homeowners, landscapers, and the nursery industry in the region. MS 1190 is adapted to the Gulf Coast region of the United States and characterize by uneven berries ripening and moderate yield of berries with good flavor. MS 1190 is an ideal choice for edible and ornamental landscape. | 1958008 | PI 687223 |
| 1 | PI 679663 | 'Bluesfest' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Mississippi, United States | COR | | Not Available | 2014 | DEVELOPED | 11/10/2014 | | | | | Cultivar | Development of two mid-late season rabbiteye bluberry selections is near completion and permission to release to nurserymen for propagation as new public domain cultivars will be requested in 1st quarter 2014. The some important attributes of one of these selections (tested as MS 282) is firm berries having small scars, very light blue color, and ripening period comparable to that of Powderblue. However berries of this selection are consistently larger than Powderblue. MS 454 is another mid-late season rabvbiteye selection that has consistently been highly productive and has also has very good berry quality characteristics. 'Bluesfest' is a productive new rabbiteye blueberry developed and released by the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). The mid-season ripening rabbiteye blueberry `Powderblue' is currently among the more popular rabbiteye blueberries mostly due to its exceptionally light blue colored fruit that like that of 'Bluesfest', result from the "bloom" or relatively thick natural waxy coating on berry skins. However, the relatively small berries of `Powderblue' may at times sell for less than larger berries of other cultivars. Important attributes of `Bluesfest' include its mid-to-late season ripening period, exceptionally light blue color, and berry size exceeding that of fruit of `Powderblue', an industry standard. | 1921770 | PI 679663 |
| 2 | PI 657217 | 'Garden Blue' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | North Carolina, United States | COR | | Not Available | 2006 | DEVELOPED | 1958 | | | | | Cultivar | | 1715535 | PI 657217 |
| 3 | PI 657219 | 'Chaucer' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 2006 | DEVELOPED | 1985 | | | | | Cultivar | | 1715537 | PI 657219 |
| 4 | PI 651625 | V. virgatum HL-2006-005 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR |  | Not Available | 2006 | COLLECTED | 05/23/2006 | North of Woods and 5 miles south of Bristol, Liberty county; at Lake Mystic Church Road and Route 12 the edge of the woodlands. | 30.37972000, -84.97623000 | 40 | Pine woods of a now overgrown blueberry plantation. | Wild material | F1 seedling from plantation of V. virgatum (V. ashei) that was transplanted from Crestwell, Florida, in the 1920s. the plantation is now overgrown with pine woods. | 1702615 | PI 651625 |
| 5 | PI 641332 | 'De Soto' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Mississippi, United States | COR | | Not Available | 2005 | DEVELOPED | 2004 | | | | | Cultivar | DeSoto. - Rabbiteye Origin: USDA ARS Small Fruit Research Station Poplarville, MS. by S. J. Stringer, J. M. Spiers, and A. D. Draper. T110 x T107; cross made in early 1970's at Beltsville, Maryland; selected in 1976, tested as MS 63; introduced in 2004. Fruit: medium - large; medium - light blue; scar and firmness good, flavor excellent; ripens about 14 days later than Tifblue, over a 6 week period or longer. Berry clusters: medium - loose. Flowering occurs approximately 21 days after Climax, providing insurance against late spring frosts. Plant: semi-dwarf, oderately spreading, medium vigor. Yield potential: medium - high. Propagation: softwood or hardwood cuttings. Adapted to the Gulf Coast and Southeastern United States.
Cultivar release by Steve J. Stringer, J. M. Spiers, and A. D. Draper ; cross was made in early 1970's tested ast MS 63, selected in 1976, introduced in 2004.
| 1684920 | PI 641332 |
| 6 | PI 657150 | 'Columbus' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | North Carolina, United States | COR | | Not Available | 2003 | DONATED | 02/25/2003 | | | | | Cultivar | cultivar release by Jim Ballington
NAMED FOR= Columbus North Carolina | 1644480 | PI 657150 |
| 7 | PI 657151 | 'Montgomery' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | North Carolina, United States | COR | | Not Available | 2003 | DEVELOPED | 1997 | | | | | Cultivar | Montgomery - An early-ripening rabbiteye blueberry. Origin: From the cross NC763 x Premier made at Raleigh, N. C. by J. R. Ballington. Introduced in 1997. Berry: larger than Tifblue, smaller than Premier. Good picking scar, good color, and aromatic flavor. Fruit firmness average, like Premier. Resistant to cracking, stemming and tearing, with shelf-life superior to Premier. Soluble solids: acid ratio equal to Tifblue. Plant: moderately vigorous, semi-upright, easy to train. Flowers partly self fertile, but needs cross pollination. A consistent producer. Propagation rights assigned to Finch Nursesry, Bailey, N. C.
cultivar release by Jim R. Ballington cross made by J. R. Ballington at Raleigh, N.C. Introduction in 1997
NAMED FOR= Montgomery County, North Carolina | 1644481 | PI 657151 |
| 8 | PI 657152 | 'Ira' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | North Carolina, United States | COR | | Not Available | 2003 | DEVELOPED | 1997 | | | | | Cultivar | Ira - A rabiteye blueberry with consistent cropping over a wide range of environments. Origin: North Carolina State University from a cross made in Raleigh, N.C. by G. J. Galletta. Centurion x NC911. Introduced in 1997. Berry: larger than Tifblue; fruit color medium blue; flavor aromatic; picking scar, firmness, and soluble solids:acid ratio equal to Tifblue. Good shelf life. Plant: outstanding for consistent production over a wide range of environments. Flowers slightly later than Tifblue and ripens early-midseason. Flowers self-fertile but would probably benefit from cross-pollination. Desirable upright growth habit; good vigor, but somewhat less vigorous than Tifblue and Premier. Propagation rights assigned to Finch Nursery, Bailey, NC.
cultivar relase by Jim Ballington cross made in Raleigh, NC by Gene J. Galletta Introduced in 1997
| 1644482 | PI 657152 |
| 9 | PI 657153 | 'Yadkin' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | North Carolina, United States | COR | | Not Available | 2003 | DEVELOPED | 1997 | | | | | Cultivar | Yadkin - A rabbiteye blueberry with excellent flavor and aroma. Origin: Developed at North Carolina State University from the cross of Premier x Centurion made by J. R. Ballington. Introduced in 1997. Berry: slightly larger than Tifblue; color medium blue; picking scar and firmness excellent; highly aromatic and excellent flavor. Shelf life superior to Premier; resistant to cracking, tearing, and stemming. Plant: medium vifor, semi-upright. Fruit concentrated on outer periphery of the bush; flowers slightly later than Tifblue and ripens with Tifblue. Flowers highly self-fertile but should be cross-pollinated where maximum earliness is important. Propagation rights assigned to Finch Nursery, Bailey, N. C.
cultivar release by Jim R. Ballington cross made by J. R. Ballington Introduced in 1997
NAMED FOR= Yadkin River, North Carolina | 1644483 | PI 657153 |
| 10 | PI 657154 | 'Onslow' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | North Carolina, United States | COR | | Not Available | 2003 | DEVELOPED | 2001 | | | | | Cultivar | Onslow - A late-ripening rabbiteye blueberry. Origin: from the cross of Premier x Centurion made by Gene J. Galletta. Full Sibling to Yadkin. Selected as Castle Hayne, North Carolina by James Ballington. Tested as NC2013. Introduced in 2001 by North Carolina State University. Fruit: Large, has excellent picking scar and firmness. Resistant to stemming, fruit-scar tearing, and cracking. Color medium-blue flavor is pleasant and aromatic when allowed to fully ripen. Oustanding for high percent marketable fruit and low percent soft and decayed fruit even after seven days storage at 21 C. Ripens with Powderblue. Plant: very upright, high vigor, ripens late midseason to late. Flowers at about the same time as Tifblue; could be used to cross-pollinate Powderblue and Tifblue. Self-fruitful. Appears to tolerate somewhat higher soil pH than the typical blueberries and is more cold tolerant than most rabbiteye varieties.
cultivar release by Jim Ballington cross made by Gene J. Galletta selected at Castle Hayne by J. Ballington Tested as NC2013, introduced in 2001
WHY NAMED= Onslow is "Heartland of Coastal North Carolina"
NAMED FOR= Onslow County, North Carolina | 1644484 | PI 657154 |
| 11 | PI 618169 | 'Austin' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Maryland, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1997 | DEVELOPED | 1996 | | | | | Cultivar | 'Austin', previously tested as T-339, was selected at Alapaha, Ga., in 1978 by Arlen D. Draper and Max E. Austin from a cross of T110 ('Woodard' x 'Garden Blue') x 'Brightwell' (Fig. 1) and was evaluated there in replicated yield trials. It has also been tested in the Southern Regional Blueberry Evaluation Trials and observed in growers' fields in southern Georgia. Results indicate that 'Austin' is adapted to those areas where rabbiteye blueberries are successfully grown.Fruit: large, lightblue, scar, firmness, and flavor good. Plant: at Poplarville, Miss and Tifton, Georgia, it flowers and ripens about the same time as Climax. Plant: upright, yield high. Yields well and leafs out well as far south as Gainesville, Florida. - Register of New Fruit and Nut Varieties, Brooks and Olmo, ASHS Press 1997. p. 174
Arlen Draper cultivar release
NAMED FOR= Max E. Austin, Retired Blueberry Breeder, Univ. of Georgia | 1544545 | PI 618169 |
| 12 | PI 614071 | V. virgatum Arkansas | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Arkansas, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1996 | COLLECTED | 10/1996 | Between El Dorado and Calion, Union county. | 33.31667000, -92.58333000 | 0 | Growing in wet soil. | Wild material | Received as V. arkansanum Ashe. Rhodora 33:195 1931. But because it is hexaploid (6x) it is most likely V. virgatum. | 1536568 | PI 614071 |
| 13 | PI 613572 | V. virgatum [V. amoenum] NC 95-6-1 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | South Carolina, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1995 | COLLECTED | 06/13/1995 | South Carolina, Richland county. Vacinity of Congaree Swamp National Monument. | 33.94694000, -79.97750000 | 0 | Pine flatwoods (abandoned, overgrown old fields with a hardwood understory). Slopes and swampland within the nat'l monument, w/ occasional openings throughout. | Wild material | Jim Ballington and Jerry Payne collection
| 1508036 | PI 613572 |
| 14 | PI 618129 | V. virgatum FL83-40 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1994 | COLLECTED | 1968 | | 30.25000000, -80.00000000 | 200 | St. Marys River between McClenny, FL and St. George, GA | Cultivated material | Observation data from University of Florida Horticultural. Unit in login notes. | 1482929 | PI 618129 |
| 15 | PI 618130 | V. virgatum FL84-49 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1994 | COLLECTED | 1984 | | 30.25000000, -82.00000000 | 200 | St. Marys River between McClenny, FL and St. George, GA | Cultivated material | Observation data from University of Florida Horticultural. Unit in login notes. | 1482870 | PI 618130 |
| 16 | PI 618131 | V. virgatum FLW78-69 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1994 | COLLECTED | 06/27/1978 | | 30.25000000, -82.00000000 | 200 | St. Marys River between McClenny, FL and St. George, GA | Cultivated material | Observation data from University of Florida Horticultural. Unit in login notes. | 1482871 | PI 618131 |
| 17 | PI 618132 | V. virgatum FL84-52 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR |  | Not Available | 1994 | COLLECTED | 06/27/1978 | | 30.25000000, -82.00000000 | 200 | St. Marys River between McClenny, FL and St. George, GA | Cultivated material | Observation data from University of Florida Horticultural. Unit in login notes. | 1482872 | PI 618132 |
| 18 | PI 618133 | V. virgatum FL83-41 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1994 | COLLECTED | 1978 | | 31.20000000, -82.41667000 | 200 | Satilla River at sand mine on Hwy 82 near Waycross, Georgia | Cultivated material | Observation data from University of Florida Horticultural. Unit in login notes. | 1482873 | PI 618133 |
| 19 | PI 618134 | V. virgatum FLW78-70 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1994 | COLLECTED | 06/27/1978 | | 30.25000000, -82.00000000 | 200 | St. Marys River between McClenny, FL and St. George, GA | Cultivated material | Observation data from University of Florida Horticultural. Unit in login notes. | 1482874 | PI 618134 |
| 20 | PI 618135 | V. virgatum FL85-114 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1994 | COLLECTED | | | | | | Breeding material | Observation data from University of Florida Horticultural. Unit in login notes. | 1482875 | PI 618135 |
| 21 | PI 618136 | V. virgatum FLW78-75 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | | | Historic | 1994 | COLLECTED | 07/08/1978 | | 30.75000000, -118.96667000 | 200 | Interstate 10 near Crestview (2km east of Harold, FL) at old seedling plantation. | Cultivated material | Observation data from University of Florida Horticultural. Unit in login notes. | 1482876 | PI 618136 |
| 22 | PI 618137 | V. virgatum FLW78-66 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1994 | COLLECTED | 06/27/1978 | | 30.25000000, -82.00000000 | 200 | St. Marys River between McClenny, FL and St. George, GA | Cultivated material | Observation data from University of Florida Horticultural. Unit in login notes. Hexaploid, compact growth. | 1482930 | PI 618137 |
| 23 | PI 618138 | V. virgatum FLW78-68 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1994 | COLLECTED | 06/27/1978 | | 30.25000000, -82.00000000 | 200 | St. Marys River between McClenny, FL and St. George, GA | Cultivated material | Observation data from University of Florida Horticultural. Unit in login notes. | 1482877 | PI 618138 |
| 24 | PI 618139 | V. virgatum FL83-42 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1994 | COLLECTED | 1978 | | 30.25000000, -82.00000000 | 200 | St. Marys River between McClenny, FL and St. George, GA | Cultivated material | Observation data from University of Florida Horticultural. Unit in login notes. | 1482878 | PI 618139 |
| 25 | PI 618140 | V. virgatum FL83-43 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1994 | COLLECTED | 1978 | | 30.75000000, -85.53333000 | 200 | Old seedling plantation in Bondifay, Florida | Cultivated material | Observation data from University of Florida Horticultural. Unit in login notes. | 1482879 | PI 618140 |
| 26 | PI 618141 | V. virgatum FL84-51 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1994 | COLLECTED | 1984 | | 30.25000000, -82.00000000 | 200 | St. Marys River between McClenny, FL and St. George, GA | Cultivated material | Observation data from University of Florida Horticultural. Unit in login notes. Earliest ripening plant collected by P. Lyrene. | 1482880 | PI 618141 |
| 27 | PI 618128 | V. amoenum Clone C | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR |  | Not Available | 1993 | COLLECTED | | | | | | Wild material | Tall plant like V. asheii | 1011782 | PI 618128 |
| 28 | PI 638759 | V. virgatum Washington Park Arboretum | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | United States | COR | | Not Available | 1992 | COLLECTED | | | | | | Cultivated material | Tim Hohn collection
| 1011018 | PI 638759 |
| 29 | PI 554959 | 'Aliceblue' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1991 | DEVELOPED | 1970 | | | | | Cultivar | Originated by the Fruit Crops Department, University of Florida. Selected in 1970. Fruit: medium-small, round, firm; medium-blue; flavorful with medium-dry small scars; ripens late May early-June; recommended for shipping or local market use. Plant: vigorous; tall, spreading, similar to Tifblue; not self-fertile and should be interplanted with other rabbiteyes for cross-pollinations; some resistance to powdery mildew. Aliceblue has a lower chilling requirement than Bluegem does. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press p. 174.Interplant with Beckyblue for pollination of the latter. Fruits firm, medium blue, flavorful Developer Wayne Sherman says the name of this cultivar is from a song that he knew as a child in Mississippi:ALICE BLUE GOWN'In my sweet little Alice blue gown,When I first wander'd down into townI was both proud and shy,As I felt ev'ry eye,But in ev'ry shop window I'd primp, passing byThen in a manner of fashion I'd frownAnd the world seemed to smile all around,Till it wilted I wore it,I'll always adore it,My sweet little Alice blue gown.'Aliceblue (early season) was released from Florida in 1978 from an open-pollinated seed lot of 'Beckyblue' (Sherman and Sharpe 1978). 'Aliceblue' was selected for north and central Florida. Plant growth is vigorous, tall, open, and spreading with a small crown. Young plant stems are linber, therefore pruning is required to keep stems strong enough to support a fruit load. With its low chilling requirement of 300 hours and with little delay in flowering in warn weather, it is quite susceptible to early frost. 'Climaz' pollinates it well, but 'Beckyblue' does not. It is no longer recommended in Florida because of fruit set problems Anthesis to 50% ripe fruit is 94 days. Berries are firm, medium to small in size with medium dry , small stem scars. The average age seed number is undetermined. - M.E. Austin, 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science, Inc. Auburndale, FL. p. 16.
W. B. Sherman and R. H. Sharpe release selected in 1970
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as Fla. A
NAMED FOR= a child' song in Mississippi "Alice Blue Gown" | 1449931 | PI 554959 |
| 30 | PI 554960 | 'Beckyblue' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR |  | Not Available | 1991 | DEVELOPED | 1968 | | | | | Cultivar | Produces in high and low winter chilling, yields well. Earliest of all the rabbiteye cultivars
Sherman and Sharpe cultivar
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as Fla. X
| 1449932 | PI 554960 |
| 31 | PI 554958 | V. virgatum NC 3084 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | North Carolina, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1990 | DEVELOPED | | | | | | Breeding material | Tetraploid 'rabbiteye type' hybrid, leafhopper resistant. Vaccinium ashei hybrid. Pentaploid. Result of F2 generation of 2 pentaploids. Notes from Jim Ballington 3/28/2012 | 1449930 | PI 554958 |
| 32 | PI 554718 | 'Bluegem' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1990 | DEVELOPED | 1970 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: rabbiteye type; size medium, averaging 110 berries/cup; skin light blue, heavily waxed; picking scar very small and dry; flesh firm; recommeded as a homegarden variety and as a commercial variety; ripens mid-June, fruit tends to ripen at one time, a good characteristic for mechanical harvesting. Bush: size medium, moderately spreading; productive; vigor between Woodard and Tifblue; should be cross-polinated, recommeded that Woodard be interplanted in alternate rows. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 176.Spreading, vigorous, good for early Pick-your-own. Fruit medium sized, very firm, very light blue. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Bluegem (early season) was released from Florida in 1970 from an open-pollinated selection of T-31 ('Ethel' X 'Callaway'). It flowers about the same time as 'Woodard', but ripens about a week after 'Climax'. Plants are intermediate in vigor, few suckers, moderately spreading, and high yielding. It has a chilling requirement of 300 to 400 hours below 45 degrees F. Berries are medium in size, very firm, light blue in color, have small, dry stem scars, but not too flavorful. As with 'Briteblue', berries have a long retention on the plant in firm condition. Harvest season in Florida is from 20 June to 25 July; however, about 90% of the berries can be harvested in a single picking. This cultivar is not recommended for commercial production. -M. E. Austin, 1944. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science, Inc. Auburndale, FL. p.14.
R. H. Sharpe and W. B. Sherman selected in 1954; introduced in 1970
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as Fla. 6-164
NAMED FOR= blue "gem" fruit | 1449690 | PI 554718 |
| 33 | PI 554719 | 'Bonita' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1990 | DEVELOPED | 1985 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: medium-large; light blue; excellent scar; firm; flavor tart until fully ripe. Early ripening, mechanically harvestable rabbiteye blueberry. Self-incompatible. Moderately susceptible to phytophthora root rot. Chilling requirement same as for Climax. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 177.Upright, vigorous, good for early Pick-your-own. Fruit large, firm, light blue, good scar. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Bonita was probably named after Bonita Springs Florida, where Pat Hartmann, a blueberry grower friend of Arthur Elliott, had relatives. - per. comm. from Paul Lyrene 11 September 2003.Bonita (early season) was released from Florida in 1985 (Lyrene et al. 1985A). The original plant, known as 'Big Blue', is located on the Hartmann Blueberry Plantation, formally owned by Dr. Arthur Elliott. Its origin in unknown, but it could be from a selection planted in Alapaha, Georgia. Plants are vigorous, but appear to be less upright in growth than 'Tifblue', but somewhat more vigorous than those of 'Aliceblue', 'Beckyblue', and 'Climax'. Its crown is medium in diameter (2 ft). It may be hard to grow on wet sites. Bonita's chilling requirement is thought to be 350-400 hours. Anthesis to 50% ripe fruit has not been determined. It is a sleeper because the plant has to grow three to four years before it produces an economical yield. Berries are large, firm, bright blue in color. They are borne in loose clusters on long pedicels and have a small, dry stem scar. Berries within a cluster tend to ripen together. Similar to 'Woodard', berries are tart until five days after they turn blue. The average seed number in undetermined. -M.E. Austin, 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science. Inc. Auburndale, FL. p. 18.Bonita - A 1985 release from the University of Florida which can be mechanically harvested for the fresh market. Fruit ripen about three days after Climax and have good size, color, and firmness with a dry picking scar. Plants are moderately vigorous and develop a dense bush with many canes. It generally has the same problems as Beckyblue with leaf diseases, early defoliation, and poor flower bud initiation. It requries 350 - 400 chill hours.
P. M. Lyrene and W. B. Sherman
NAMED FOR= Bonita Springs, Florida | 1449691 | PI 554719 |
| 34 | PI 554720 | 'Choice' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR |  | Not Available | 1990 | DEVELOPED | 1985 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: size medium; light blue; excellent scar; firm; very good flavor; late-ripening; machine-harvestable. self-in-compatible. Somewhat susceptible to phytophthora root rot. Chilling requirement similar to Tifblue. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit an Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 178-179Medium size, darker blue fruit, 80-90 berries per cup. Fruit medium sized, light blue, firm, good flavor. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Choice was a rabbiteye with unusually good flavor. One of the Florida growers named it 'Choice' when it was an experimental selection and it seemed like a good name to maintain. - per. comm. Paul Lyrene 11 September 2003.Choice (late season) was released from Florida in 1985 (Lyrene et al. 1985C). 'Choice' originated from open-pollinated seeds obtained in 1954 from fruit of T-31 ('Satilla' x 'Callaway'). It is vigorous, but less upright than 'Tifblue'. 'Choice' has better than average leaf disease resistance. Plants are somewhat susceptible to root rots, therefore it should be planted on well-drained soils. In the Ginesville, Florida area. it is more reliable in production than 'Tifblue', which yields well after cold winters ( at least 650 hours below 45 degrees F. but yield are poor after mild winter.). 'Choice' requires 550 chilling hours, but anthesis to 50% ripe fruit has not been determined. Berries are light blue in color, firm, smaller in size than most rabbiteye cultivars, have a small dry scar, and good in flavor after fully ripe. 'Choice' is late ripening, but suitable for fresh shipment as well as for pick-your-own markets. - M.E. Austin. 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science, Inc. Auburndale, FL. p.20.
P. M. Lyrene and W. B. Sherman cultivar release introduction in 1985
NAMED FOR= a "choice" rabbiteye cultivar with good flavor | 1449692 | PI 554720 |
| 35 | PI 554721 | 'Powderblue' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | North Carolina, United States | COR |  | Not Available | 1990 | DEVELOPED | 1963 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: using Tifblue as the standard, Powderblue is in the same season and has better fruit color, more foliage disease resistance, similar yields and mechanical harvesting characteristics. Powderblue is similar enough to Tifblue in appearance, quality and season that the two can be harvested together and used as pollinators for each other. Plant: vigorous; productive; should be interplanted with a suitable pollinizer variety. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 185.Recommended for home use, fresh market and Pick-your-own. Fruit light blue, high quality, will x-pollinate w/Tifblue. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Powderblue (mid to late season) was released from North Carolina in 1978 from a cross of 'Tifblue' x 'Menditoo' (Galletta 1978). Plants are vigorous and consistently productive with an upright to semi-upright plant growth with small-medium crowns. Time of flowering, fruit appearance, and maturety are similar to 'Tifblue', but anthesis to 50% ripe fruit is 82 days, four days sooner than 'Tifblue'. The chilling requriement is reported to be 550-650 hours. Berries are medium in size, but generally smaller than 'Tifblue'. They are light blue in color with a small, dry stem scar, very firm, with a sweet flavor, but not aromatic. Fruit is less prone to cracking than 'Tifblue' in very wet soil conditions. The average seed number is undetermined. -M.E. Austin, 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science, Inc. Auburndale, FL. p. 21.
George M. Darrow cultivar release selected in 1963
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as NC-901
NAMED FOR= the white bloom on the dark blue fruit | 1449693 | PI 554721 |
| 36 | PI 554956 | 'Beckyblue' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1990 | DEVELOPED | 1968 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: round, medium; firm; medium-blue; flavorful with dry, small scars; recommended for shipping or local market use; blooms in late February to early March, 1 week before Bluegem; ripens late May to early June. Plant: vigorous; tall; spreading; similar in size to Tifblue; not self-fertile and should be interplanted with other rabbiteyes for cross-pollination; some resistance to powery mildew. -- Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 175.Produces in high and low winter chilling, yields well. Earliest of all the rabbiteye cultivars Beckeyblue (early season) was released from Florida in 1978 from a cross of a Vaccinium ashei selection with an unnamed tetraploid highbush selection (Sherman and Sharpe 1978). 'Beckyblue' does not fit the norm for a phenotypically pentaploid, therefore, it is possible that it is pure V. ashei. Plants are mederately vigorous, and upright with a small crown. It has a low chilling requirement of 300 hours and will flower immediately after a period of warm weather, generally in mid-Febrauary in south Georgia. Anthesis to 50% ripe fruit is 82 days. Flowers are not self-fertile, but are cross fertile with other rabbiteye blueberry cultivars. 'Climax' is a good pollinator for 'Beckyblue' but 'Aliceblue' is not. It is very productive and extra pruning is recommended for good fruit set. Berries are medium in size, firm, medium blue in color, have small, dry stem scars and are flavorful. The average seed number is undetermined. It can be mechanically harvested for the fresh market. -M.E. Austin, 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science, Inc. Auburndale, FL. p. 17.Beckyblue - A 1977 release from the University of Florida which can be mechanically harvested for the fresh market. Fruit have good color, size, and firmness and a dry picking scar. Problems with early defoliation due to leaf diseases can reduce flower bud initiation. Older plants have benefitted from rejuvenation pruning to maintain adequate flower bud initiation. A low chilling requirement of 300 - 400 chill hours often results in very early flowering and susceptibility to spring freezes.
W. B. Sherman and R. H. Sharpe cross made in 1965, selected in 1968
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as Fla. X
| 1449928 | PI 554956 |
| 37 | PI 554717 | 'Premier' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | North Carolina, United States | COR |  | Not Available | 1990 | DEVELOPED | 1965 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: using Tifblue as the standard, Premier is earlier by 2 to 3 weeks, larger-fruited, better-flavored, and similar in other characteristics. Plant: vigorous; productive; should be interplanted with a siutable pollinizer vairety; highly susceptible to blueberry gall midge in Florida. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 185.Large, light blue fruit, 70-80 berries per cup, leafhopper. Resis. Early to midseason. Fruit excellent dessert quality. Received as Vaccinium ashei.Premier - a release from North Carolina State University which is vigorous and productive with excellent fruit color, size, and flavor. Canes on young plants may not support heavy crop loads. It is highly susceptible to blueberry gall midge and should not be planted without a spray program to control this insect. Its chilling requirement is estimated at 550 chill hours. - University of Florida Extension
George M. Darrow cultivar release introduced in 1965
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as NC-898
WHY NAMED= High quality, very productive
| 1449689 | PI 554717 |
| 38 | PI 554711 | 'Clara' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1990 | DEVELOPED | 1930 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: skin medium blue; flavor good. Bush: rabbiteye type; vigorous, to 10 ft. high. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Fruit hold up well after picking - Darrow, 1947, Yearbook of Agriculture p. 301
J. T. Bush Introduction Discovered in 1929, introduced in the 1930's
| 1449683 | PI 554711 |
| 39 | PI 554712 | 'Early May' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1990 | DEVELOPED | | | | | | Cultivar | Received as Vaccinium ashei.
| 1449684 | PI 554712 |
| 40 | PI 554713 | 'Walker' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1990 | DEVELOPED | 1944 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: small; skin meidum light blue; flesh tart until fully ripe; scar small, dry. Bush: upright; weak; slow growth for rabbiteye type, grow to 6 ft; disease resistant. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 187Disease resistant. Received as Vaccinium ashei.
W. M. Walker discovered Introduced in 1944 selected from the Satilla River where Mr. Walker liked to fish
NAMED FOR= W.'Billy' M. Walker, discoverer of the plant | 1449685 | PI 554713 |
| 41 | PI 554714 | 'Suwannee' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1990 | DEVELOPED | 1930 | | | | | Cultivar | Origin along the Suwannee River in Georgia near the Georgia-Florida boundary line. Rabbiteye type, fruit smaller than Clara. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 187.
J. T. Bush discovered this along the River
NAMED FOR= Suwanee River, where it was discovered | 1449686 | PI 554714 |
| 42 | PI 554715 | 'Centurion' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | North Carolina, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1961 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: using Tifblue as the standard, Centurion is later by 1-2 weeks, better-flavored, darker in fruit color, slightly less firm, and yields as well; Centurion adds one full week or more to the rabbiteye ripening season. Plant: vigorous; productive; should be interplanted with a suitable pollinator variety. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 178.Late midseason. Fruit medium blue, moderately firm, excellent dessert quality. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Centurion (late season) was released from North Carolina in 1978 from a cross of W-4 x 'Callaway' (Ballington 1991). Plants are vigorous, very narrowly upright with limited suckering and have a small crown. Young plants often appear to be poorly anchored and fall over in high winds. It blooms late and the flowers are self-fertile. The chilling requirement is 550-600 hours. Anthesis to 50% ripe fruit is 99 days. Ripening season begins a good week after 'Tifblue' and extends a month or more if hand harvested. Berries are medium in size, medium to dark blue in color with good aromatic flavor. Berry firmness is less than 'Tifblue'. The average seed number is undetermined. Fruit cracking can be a problem with very wet soil conditions during ripening. It is recommended for pick-your-own market where late season is desired.
George M. Darrow cultivar release selected in 1961
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as NC-854
| 1449687 | PI 554715 |
| 43 | PI 554694 | 'Ethel' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1944 | | | | | Cultivar | Received as Vaccinium ashei.
Satilla is a synonym for Ethel
Cultivar Synonym= Ethel
NAMED FOR= Satilla River, Georgia | 1449666 | PI 554694 |
| 44 | PI 554695 | 'Hagood' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR |  | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | | | | | | Cultivar | This is one of the original rabbiteye cultivars that was selected from Crestview, Florida. In 1937, this clone was planted at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Georgia, where it was evaluated. - M. E. Austin.1994. Rabbiteye blueberries. Agscience, Inc. Auburndale, FL. p. 2.
Selected by Reverend H. H. Hagood of Crestview, Florida
| 1449667 | PI 554695 |
| 45 | PI 554696 | 'Delite' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR |  | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1969 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: large; round; skin light blue; flavor excellent, are not tart before fully ripe as are most varieities of rabbiteye blueberries; ripens a few days later than Briteblue. Bush: upright with numerous canes from the crown. Adapted to the Gulf Coast and southeastern U.S. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. APS Press. p. 180.Adapted to Gulf Coast and Southeast USA. Fruit large, round, light blue, excellent flavor. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Delite (mid season) was released from Georgia in 1969 from a cross of the Georgia selections T-14 x T-15 (T-14 later was named 'Bluebelle' and T-15 is a selection from 10-144 x W-8) (Brightwell 1969). The plant is moderately vigorous producing upright growth, with a small to medium size crown. Plant growth appears to be more sensitive to soil variations than most other rabbiteye blueberry cultivars. As with 'Climax', flower buds require less chilling than leaf buds. Many times 'Delite' will blossom and set fruit before many of its leaves develop. The chilling requirement of flower buds is 500 hours below 45 dregrees F. Anthesis to 50% ripe fruit is 98 days. In general, leaf color is yellowish-green, but higher rates of fertilizer containing nitrogen will create deeper green color. Berries are large, round, light blue in color, have a small dry stem scar, very firm, and not tart before they ripe. The flavor is preferred by many people over that of most other cultivars. The sugar-acid ratio is higher in 'Delite' than any other rabbiteye blueberry cultivar. Berries ripen late, a few days later than 'Briteblue'. Due to the firmness and ease of separation, it is an excellent cultivar to machine harvest. However, berry color is reddish-brown before fully ripe and there is a tendency to harvest before ripening is complete, making a red tinge to the pack. The average seed count is 68 seed per berry. -M. E. Austin, 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science,Inc. Auburndale, FL p. 20.
W. T. Brightwell and D. H. Scott cultivar release cross made in 1954, selected in 1959 introduced in 1969
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as T-94
| 1449668 | PI 554696 |
| 46 | PI 554697 | 'Bluebelle' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1974 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: large; round; skin light blue; excellent flavor; ripens over a relatively long period beginning in midseason. Bush: upright; moderately vigouous; productive; self-unfruitful. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. p. 175.Midseason, ripens over a relatively long period. Fruit large, round, light blue, excellent flavor. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Bluebelle (mid season) was released from Georgia in 1974 from a cross of 'Callaway' x 'Ethel' (Brightwell and Draper 1975). Plants are upright, moderately vigorous with medium crowns and very productive even at a very young age in the field. Enough new stems are produced to renew the plant each year. 'Bluebelle' is sensitive to soil conditions and drainage. Estimates of the chilling requirement for flower buds is 450-500 hours below 45 degrees F. Anthesis to 50% ripe fruit is 112 days. Berries are large, round, light red in color before ripening, then light blue upon ripening, and have good flavor, but are tart until fully ripe. Fruit ripening begins in mid-season and extends over a relatively long period. Under favorable environmental conditions, the berries size well throughout the harvest season, thus being an excellent pick-your-own cultivar. Berries get soft rapidly after ripening and tend to tear a little when harvested, therefore because of this and the red background color, 'Bluebelle' is not recommended for shipment. Berries do not sink in the wash tank for freezing, therefore there is much waste to the quantity harvested. The number of seeds average 66 per berry. -M.E. Austin, 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science, Inc. Auburndale, FL. p. 17.
C. M. Darrow and W. T. Brightwell cross made in 1946, selected in 1951
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as T-14
NAMED FOR= the good fruit | 1449669 | PI 554697 |
| 47 | PI 554698 | 'Tifblue' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1955 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: skin a very light blue; flesh firm; flavor very good; scar very small and dry. Bush: rabbiteye type; vigorous. For many years, the most widely planted rabbiteye blueberry vairiety in the world. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 187.Rabbiteye type, vigous, a standard variety, widely adapted. Accounts for over 50% of acreage in rabbiteye blueberries. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Tifblue (mid to late season) was released from Georgia in 1955 from a cross of 'Ethel' x 'Clara' (Brightwell1963). It is still the most popular rebbiteye blueberry cultivar today from the standpoint of appearance, productivity, harvesting, and shipping qualitites. It has become the standard in comparing other rabbiteye selections and cultivars. Plants make vigorous upright growth with small-medium crowns, producing sufficient suckers to replace old stems, and widely adapted. The chilling requirement for flower bud growth is 550-650 hours below 45 degrees F. (Austin and Bondari 1987A). Anthesis to 50% ripe fruit is 86 days. Berries are medium to large, light blue in color , berry firm with a small, dry stem scar. Berries appear to be ripe several days before fully ripe. Fruit cracking can be a problem with very wet soil conditions or after rain. The average seed number is 44 seeds per berry. Much research has been done with 'Tifblue' on fertilization, pruning , and general growth patterns. It grows and produces the best when grown at a soil pH range (4.6 to 5.3). At the extreme soil pH's, plants exhibit nutrient deficiencies. Late freezing temperatures sometimes occur during bloom which injures or kills flowers making them more susceptible to the disease, Botrytis. Sometimes cold injury is less visible, but it may affect the pistil or the ovules destroying the potential of fuit set or reduce the potential berry size. On the other hand, in a season with inadequate chilling, flowering occurs sporadically and fruit size is generally much smaller. What we thought was frost damage in the past may be a lack of pollination. -M.E. Austin, 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science, Inc. Auburndale, FL p. 22.
W. T. Brightwell and George M. Darrow cultivar release cross made in 1945, introduced in 1955
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as T-9
NAMED FOR= Tifton, Georgia | 1449670 | PI 554698 |
| 48 | PI 554699 | 'Callaway' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1949 | | | | | Cultivar | Introduced by the Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station and the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Selected in 1943. Introduced in 1949. Fruit: large, skin medium-dark blue; flesh soft; flavor good; scar medium-large; moist. Bush: slow upright growth, few new stems produced; productive; rabbiteye type; being replaced by new varieties - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties, 1997, p. 178.Plants are upright and spreading but growth is slow on young plants. Berries of 'Callaway' are medium soft, dark blue in color, with medium rated scar. Texture and flavor are good. Berries have small soft seeds. - Max Austin. 1994. Rabbiteye blueberries: development, production and marketing. p. 16Received as Vaccinium ashei. Callaway ('Myers' x 'Black Giant') was released in 1950 (Brightwell 1966). Plants are upright and spreading, but growth is slow on young plants. Berries of 'Callaway' are medium soft, dark blue in color, with medium rated scar. Texture and flavor are good. Berries have small soft seeds. -M.E. Audtin. 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science, Inc. auburndale, FL. p. 16.
W. T. Brightwell cultivar release selected in 1943
| 1449671 | PI 554699 |
| 49 | PI 554700 | 'Climax' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1974 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: size medium; skin medium dark blue; flesh good flavor; ripens early over short period, about 80% may be harvested at one time; recommended for mechanical harvest. Bush: upright, spreading, with stems originating in a relatively small area; produces only enough new stems to renew plant; self-unfruitful. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. APS Press. p. 179.Early ripening, concentrated ripening, good flavor. Flowers earlier than Tifblue. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Climax (early season) was released from Georgia in 1974 from a cross of 'Callaway' x 'Ethel' (Brightwell and Draper 1975). Plants are upright-spreading with stems originating in relatively narrow crowns. Plants produce only enough stems to renew the plants. Heavy pruning or taking cuttings for propagation from young plants stunt growth and contributes to plant decline when plants are under stress such as drought, wet feet, etc. Observations have indicated that flower buds require less chilling hours than leaf buds. The chilling requirement of flower buds is 450-500 hours below 45 degrees F. (Austin and Bondari 1987A). Due to the time of flowering, late spring freezes greatly reduced yields. Asthesis to 50% ripe fruit is 78 days. Berries are medium in size, medium to light blue in color, have a small stem scar, excellent firmness, and aromatic flavor. Early ripening, three to five days before 'Woodard'. Ripening is concentrated. About 60% of the berries may be harvested at one time with minimum shriveled or overripe. Later ripening berries have much reduced fruit size, tough skin, and excessive seediness. It has proven to be especially well-adapted to mechanical harvest and is excellent for fresh pack. The average seed number is 73 seeds per berry. -M.E. Austin, 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science, Inc. Auburndale, FL. p.20.Climax - a 1976 release from the University of Georgia which has concentrated ripening and can be machine harvested for the fresh market. Fruit are medium in size and have a small scar and good flavor. Climax flowers more heavily and reliably than Beckyblue or Bonita. It is highly susceptible to the blueberry gall midge. It requires 450 - 500 chill hours.
W. T. Brightwell cultivar release Introduced in 1974 tested as T-90
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as T-90
| 1449672 | PI 554700 |
| 50 | PI 554701 | 'Southland' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1969 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: medium large; skin light blue; flesh firm; flavor good; ripens late midseason, with Tifblue. Adaped to the Gulf Coast and southeastern U.S. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 186.Adapted to Gulf Coast and Southeast USA. No longer planted commercially. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Southland ('Ethel' x 'Garden Blue') was named and released in 1969 (Brightwell 1969). The plant is moderately vigorous and produces a dense and compact plant. The plant suckers produsely and fruiting branches are generally short and at right angles to the main stem. You can scratch your hand while picking berries. The period of flowering coincides with 'Tifblue' making it a good companion cultivar for cross pollinating. Berries are light blue in color, medium to large in size, firm and of good flavor when fully ripe. -M.E. Austin, 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science, Inc. Auburndale, FL. p. 16.
W. T. Brightwell and George M. Darrow cultivar release cross made in 1946, selected in 1951, introduced in 1969
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as T-20
NAMED FOR= the southern part of the United States | 1449673 | PI 554701 |
| 51 | PI 554702 | 'Briteblue' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1969 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: large; skin light blue; flavor fair; very firm, handling well for distant marketing; ripens later than Tifblue. Bush: open-headed and spreading; produces only enough new canes from the crown for renewal of the top. Adapted to the Gulf Coast and southeastern U. S. Adapted to Gulf Coast and Southeastern United States. Fruit large, bright blue, very firm, fair flavo. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Briteblue (mid to late season) was released from Georgia in 1969 from a cross of 'Ethel x 'Callaway' (Brightwell 1969). The plant is moderately vigorous and spreading with a medium crown (2 ft). As with one of its parents, 'Callaway' , plants grow slow the first few years, and the growth habit in 20 years has not required heavy pruning. Its rate of flower bud development avoids early spring frost. Its chilling requirement is about 600 hours below 45 degrees F. ( Austin and Mullinix 1984). Anthesis to 50% ripe fruit is 96 days. Berries are very firm with a waxy bloom giving the berries a light blue color. Berries are large, especially early in the harvest season. Flavor is very tart until fully ripe. Berries should not be harvested until the red color has disappeared from around the stem end. The season of ripening is generally with or after 'Tifblue'. Berries are easily hand picked because they grow in clusters. Mature berries have a long retention on the plant. The firmness, heavy bloom, and dry scar combine to make this excellent for shipping. Some growers machine harvest these berries for the fresh market with minimum loss. Berries are more seedy than many of the blueberry cultivars. They average 110 seeds per berry.
W. T. Brightwell and G. M Darrow cultivar release
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as T-71
NAMED FOR= bright blue color of the fruit; also for W. T. Brightwell | 1449674 | PI 554702 |
| 52 | PI 554703 | 'Brightwell' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1981 | | | | | Cultivar | Berry: medium; skin blue, small dry scars; flavor good; ripens after Climax, about same season as Woodard. Plant: productive; vigorous, upright; new cane production adequate; self-unfruitful. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 177.Recommended as an alternative to Woodard, disease resistant. Flowers later than Climax, leafhopper resistant. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Brightwell (early season) was released from Georgia in 1983 from a cross of 'Tifblue' x 'Menditoo' (Austin and Draper 1983). Plants are vigorous and upright with a small crown and produce enough new stems to renew the plant. The ease of berry separation from the plant adapt it for mechanical harvest for the fresh market. The plant is low chilling (350-400 hrs) (Austin and Bondari 1987B), but flowering is delayed sometimes after a late freeze giving it the ability to withstand late cold weather better than most other rabbiteye blueberry cultivars. It is an excellent cultivar to plant with 'Climax' for cross pollination. 'Brightwell' plants are very productive in the southeastern United States, southern France and northern Spain. The berries are medium to large in size, firm, light blue in color, have a small, dry stem scar and good flavor. 'Brightwell' ripens over a relatively short period beginning after 'Climax' and about the same season as 'Woodard'. Anthesis to 50% ripe fruit has not been determined. It is the most consistent produce of any rabbiteye blueberry cultivar for fresh market. Also, it is an excellent berry for the fresh market. Berries do not tend to crack after rain as with some cultivars. The average seed number is 78 seeds per berry.
Max Austin and Arlen Draper cultivar release cross made in 1963, introduced in 1981
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as T-99
NAMED FOR= W. T. Brightwell, Vaccinium breeder | 1449675 | PI 554703 |
| 53 | PI 554704 | 'Woodard' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1960 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: large, averaging 91 berries/half-pint cup; skin light blue, appearance excellent; flavor mild, slightly more acid than Homebell or Tifblue; earlier ripening than Tifblue, but later than Climax. Not suitable for shipping due to soft berry and wet scar. Bush: more spreading and generally productive at a younger age than Homebell or Tifblue; cross-pollination necessary for fruiting. Named in honor of Otis Woodard, in chargh of fruit work at the Georgia Coastal Plain Expt. Sta. for many years before his retirement in 1960. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 188.No longer planted commercially, good for home use and pick-your-own. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Plants of WOODARD are more spreading and generally are productive at a younger age than those of either Homebell or Tifblue.Berries of WOODARD' are larger than other rabbiteye varieties, averaging 91 berries to a half-pint cup. The berries are oblate or somewhat tangerine shaped, light blue in color, and of excellent quality and appearance. Flavor is slightly more acid than Tifblue or Homebell making WOODARD preferable for pie and similar uses though highly acceptable for fresh consumption. WOODARD ripens earliest of the modern rabbiteye varieties, being 6 to 8 days earlier than Homebell and 12 to 14 days before Tifblue. The stem scar is larger for a rabbiteye blueberry rating 7 on a scale of 1 - 10 whereas Tifblue rates 10; however, the sear is dry. WOODARD has held up well in shipping tests carried on during several seasons. The fruit has not cracked in rainy weather following a dry period.Cross-pollination is essential for fruiting of rabbiteye blueberries. Because of its early maturity, attractive light blue color, productiveness and fine quality. WOODARD in suggested as a companion variety to Tifblue for trial in southeastern United States for general market use. The variety is named in honor of Mr. Otis Woodard who was in charge of the fruit work at the Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station for many years before his retirement earlier this year.Woodard (early season) was introduced by Georgia in 1960 from a cross of 'Ethel' x 'Callaway' (Austin 1979). Plants are slow growing and spreading. The plant produces many stems over a crown area of 3 to 4 feet in 6 to 10 years. Leaves are medium thick and gray-green in summer truning to reddish-green in the fall. It is susceptible to powery mildew. It is low chilling (350 hrs) (Austin and Bondari 1987A) and flowers immediately after a period of warm weather, therefore it does not do well at higher elevations such as the Georgia mountains. Berries are large, light blue, early ripening in the season, and excellent quality when fully ripe, but are very tart until ripe. Seeds are very small and soft. The stem scar is shallow and dry, but large. Also, berries tend to stick to the plant during hot afternoon harvests. Anthesis to 50% ripe is 92 days. The number of seeds average 71 per berry. -M.E. Austin, 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science, Inc. Auburndale, FL. p. 23.
W. T. Brightwell and George Darrow cultivar release cross made in 1945, introduced in 1960
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as T-1
NAMED FOR= Otis Woodard, head of fruit work at Tifton | 1449676 | PI 554704 |
| 54 | PI 554705 | 'Coastal' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1949 | | | | | Cultivar | 'Fruit: medium-large; skin medium-dark blue thin, splits easily in adverse weather; flavor good; scar medium-small. Bush: vigorous; medium upright, producing several stems for plant renewal; height up to 6 ft; productive; rabbiteye type; being replaced by newer varieties. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. APS Press. p. 179Received as Vaccinium ashei. ('Myers' x 'Black Giant') was released in 1950 (Brightwell 1966). Plant growth is vigorous and spreading. Berries of 'Coastal' are soft dark blue in color. They are subject to cracking under wet soil conditions. Flavor is good, but has a wild taste. -M.E. Austin, 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag. Science, Inc. Auburndale, FL. p.16.
W. T. Brightwell cultivar release selected in 1943, introduced in 1949
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as 9-109
NAMED FOR= Coastal Plain Experiment Station | 1449677 | PI 554705 |
| 55 | PI 554706 | Satilla | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1944 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: large; skin light blue; flavor fair when fully ripe; scar very small, dry. Bush: very compact growth; low, spreading type of growth up to 5 ft; very productive; rabbiteye type. Not grown commercially. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 181.Rabbiteye type, not grown commercially, leafhopper resistant. Received as Vaccinium ashei.
W. 'Billy' M. Walker cultivar release introduced in 1944
Cultivar Synonym= Satilla
NAMED FOR= Mrs. W. M. Walker, Ethel Walker wife of the discoverer | 1449678 | PI 554706 |
| 56 | PI 554707 | 'Owen' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | | | | | | Cultivar | Received as Vaccinium ashei.
| 1449679 | PI 554707 |
| 57 | PI 554708 | 'Black Giant' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1920 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: one of the largest of the wild selections; skin black; flesh soft; flavor good. Bush: extremely vigorous; about 15 ft high x 15 ft wide. No longer propagated. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 175. W. B. Sapp, who selected this cultivar, was Mr. Moses A. Sapp's son. Moses was a logging contractor for a northeast Florida sawmill, and was the first to start commercial production of rabbiteye blueberries near Crestview, Florda in 1887. The fields that he established were productive for more than 35 years. Black Giant was planted in 1937 at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, GA. This cultivar was a parent of 'Callaway' 'Coastal' and 'Homebell'. - Max E. Austin. 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Agscience, Inc., Auburndale, FL. p. 2.
W. B. Sapp, Mr. Moses A. Sapp's son, selected this cultivar in Crestview, Florida This cultivar was a selection from the wild.
WHY NAMED= named by Moses Sapp's son, W. B. Sapp
NAMED FOR= large black fruit | 1449680 | PI 554708 |
| 58 | PI 554709 | 'Homebell' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1955 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: medium large; skin medium-dark blue; flesh firm; flavor mild. Bush: rabbiteye type; very vigorous; productive; easy to propagate. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. ASHS Press. 1997. p. 182.Rabbiteye type, very vigorous, easy to propagate. Received as Vaccinium ashei. Homebell ('Myers' x 'Black Giant') was named and released in 1955 (Brightwell 1963). It is a vigorous upright-spreading plant with enough new shoots to renew the plants. Leaves are thin and medium green in color. Harvest season is early to midseason and the plant is very productive. Berries are medium dark blue, medium to large in size, good eating quality, and resists cracking under wet soil conditions. - M. E. Austin, 1994. Rabbiteye Blueberries. Ag Science, Inc. Auburndale, FL. p. 16.
W. T. Brightwell and George M. Darrow cultivar release cross made in 1940, introduced in 1955
Cultivar Synonym= Tested as 9-112
NAMED FOR= Belle of the home | 1449681 | PI 554709 |
| 59 | PI 554710 | 'Myers' | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | DEVELOPED | 1937 | | | | | Cultivar | Fruit: size medium; skin dark blue; flavor good. Bush: rabiteye type; productive. - Brooks and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties. 1997. ASHS Press. p. 184.Rabbiteye type, productive. Received as Vaccinium ashei.
J. T. Bush, a railroad engineer from Valdosta, Georgia discovered this cultivar. It was planted in 1937 at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, GA, and was selected as a superior variety.
| 1449682 | PI 554710 |
| 60 | PI 346495 | V. virgatum Kanuchi GA | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Georgia, United States | COR |  | Not Available | 1983 | COLLECTED | | Kanuchi River Valley | | | | Breeding material | Received as Vaccinium ashei. | 1258499 | PI 346495 |
| 61 | PI 346510 | V. virgatum 1967 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | Florida, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | COLLECTED | 1967 | Okalossa County | 30.83333000, -86.83333000 | | Okalossa County | Wild material | Plants 1.8 to 4.6 m tall. Received as Vaccinium ashei. (This accession was part of the PL,SD 'breakout' - 1992) | 1258500 | PI 346510 |
| 62 | PI 554693 | V. virgatum NC 79-70-1 | Vaccinium virgatum Aiton | North Carolina, United States | COR | | Not Available | 1983 | COLLECTED | 08/15/1979 | Chatham Co., dry sand ridge | 32.00000000, -81.00000000 | | Chatham Co., dry sand ridge | Breeding material | Tall suckering plant, pubescent stems, non-glaucous leaves. Received as Vaccinium ashei. | 1449665 | PI 554693 |