Patent Grant
PP32574
Latin name: Vaccinium corymbosum.
Blueberries are a well-known fruit enjoyed by many throughout the world. One example of an existing, patented blueberry variety is ‘Bluecrop’, unpatented. Another example of an existing, patented blueberry variety is ‘Liberty’, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,146.
Compared to ‘Bluecrop’, ‘BB05-259MI-15’ is more upright, the leaves are much larger in size, the date of 50% ripe fruit is 12 days later and the date of 50% open flowers is 3 days before ‘Bluecrop’.
Compared to ‘Liberty’, ‘BB05-259MI-15’ is more spreading, the berry size and average weight is greater, the date of 50% ripe fruit is 5 days later, the berry firmness is greater, the date of 50% open flowers is 3 days earlier and ‘BB05-259MI-15’ has a rounder berry shape than ‘Liberty’.
The present cultivar, ‘BB05-259MI-15’, provides one or more advantages compared to these and/or other blueberry varieties.
Note: statements of characteristics herein represent exemplary observations of the cultivar herein and will vary depending on time of year, location, annual weather, etc. Where dimensions, sizes, colors, and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood that such characteristics are approximations and averages. All field observations herein were made in 2018 on 7-year-old plants located in advanced trials in Grand Junction, Mich. from plants propagated from the original selected plant. Laboratory analysis of fruit characteristics were done at Grand Junction, Mich. in 2018. All progeny have retained the characteristics of the original selection, as appropriate for the various locations cited.
Cultivar Name: ‘BB05-259MI-15’.
Classification:
Parentage:
FEMALE PARENT
Name: ‘Brigitta’.
USPP: Unpatented.
Compared to ‘Brigitta’, ‘BB05-259MI-15’ is more upright, the weight per berry is less, the date of 50% maturity is 5 days later, the berry firmness is greater and the date of 50% open flowers is 3 days later.
MALE PARENT
‘Ozarkblue’.
USPP: U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,035.
Compared to ‘Ozarkblue’, ‘BB05-259MI-15’ has a more upright bush shape, a lighter blue colored berry, the date of 50% ripe fruit is 4 days earlier, a much firmer berry and the date of 50% flowering is 3 days earlier.
‘BB05-259MI-15’ originated as a seedling selected from the cross of ‘Brigitta’ (female) x ‘Ozarkblue’ (male). The seed that gave rise to ‘BB05-259MI-15’ was produced by hand pollination in a greenhouse in South Haven, Mich. in 2005, grown for 18 months and shipped to Muskegon, Mich. where it was planted in an observation nursery in 2007. The plant was evaluated for 3 years and first selected in 2010, based on its excellent fruit and morphological characteristics; i.e. maturity date, bush habit, berry quality, flavor, and storage ability. The bush was given the designation ‘BB05-259MI-15’. ‘BB05-259MI-15’ was first asexually propagated by vegetative cuttings in Grand Junction, Mich. in 2010 for additional plantings in 2011. Additional plants have been propagated by softwood cuttings and tissue culture. Five and ten plants were placed in advanced trials in Grand Junction, Mich., South Haven, Mich., and Bloomington, Mich. in 2011 and 2013. All of the propagated plants have retained the original characteristics stated herein, as appropriate for the various locations cited.
‘BB05-259MI-15’ was first asexually propagated by vegetative cuttings for additional plantings in 2010 in Grand Junction, Mich. Micropropagation of ‘BB05-259MI-15’ by tissue culture was also first initiated in Middleton, Wis. in 2014. All of the propagated plants have retained the original characteristics stated herein, as appropriate for the various locations cited. This variety roots readily from hardwood or softwood cutting and as well as tissue-cultured microshoots.
All field observations were made in 2018 on plants located in advanced trials in Grand Junction, Mich. from plants propagated from the original selected plant. Laboratory analysis of fruit characteristics were done at Grand Junction, Mich. in 2018.
General comments: ‘BB05-259MI-15’ is a new and distinct high chill tetraploid Northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium) variety consisting of primarily V. corymbosum, with a limited contribution of genes from V. ashei and V. darrowi. It is a very productive late midseason maturing variety. It is characterized as having large fruit, light blue in color, and is very firm with a very small and dry picking scar. The fruit is well exposed on a vigorous medium upright bush. Along with a small sized crown, a loose fruit cluster, concentrated ripening, and very firm fruit that is easily detachable, the variety displays characteristics suitable for mechanical harvest. It is intended for areas that successfully grow high chill Northern highbush varieties. Ripe fruit are large, nearly 3 grams per berry. The mean date of 50% open flowers for ‘BB05-259MI-15’ in Grand Junction, Mich. is May 20. Frost protection may be needed for successful pollination and fruit set. Winter chill requirement for successful flowering and leafing is at least 1000 hours below 7° C. Leaves emerge a few days before flowering commences. The mean 50% ripening date for ‘BB05-259MI-15’ is about July 25 in Grand Junction, Mich. The fruit shape is oblate with a medium heavy amount of waxy bloom that is rather persistent following handling. It has very good flavor, a balance of sweetness and acidity and is very juicy with a crunchy texture. It has a medium long storage capability of 3 weeks or more in refrigeration with little decline in quality.
References to color refer to The Pantone Book of Color, Eisemann and Herbert, Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers, New York, ISBN 0-8109-3711-5, 1990.
Color measurements were taken with a SpectraMagic NX Model CR410, Konica Minolta, Japan.
Morphological characteristics reference: Plant Systematics, Jones and Luchsinger, 2 Ed., McGraw Hill, New York, ISBN 0-07-032796-3, 1986.
Firmness readings: BioWorks FirmTec2, Wamena, Kans.
