Blueberry plant called `Southmoon`

Abstract

A new and distinct low-chill, tetraploid highbush blueberry (Vaccinium) variety of complex ancestory, based largely on V. corymbosum L. with some genes from V. darrowi Camp, V. ashei Reade, and V. angustifolium Ait. Its novelty consists of the following unique combination of features: 1. The ability to flower and leaf vigorously in an area where the mean temperature of the coldest month is 58 degrees F. 2. The ability to retain dormancy during warm periods in January and February. 3. The ability to produce ripe fruit 70 days after flowering in north-central Florida. 4. The ability to ripen 80% of its crop between May 1 and Jun. 1 in north-central Florida. 5. Produces fruit that is large and firm with good flavor and firmness, and a small pedicel scar. 6. Produces a vigorous, upright-growing plant with tolerance to Phytophthora cinnamoni and Botryosphaeria dothedia. 7. Can readily be propagated from softwood cuttings.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct highbush blueberry plant, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its low chilling requirement, large fruit, high fruit quality, early ripening, and resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Botryosphaeria stem blight, having the ability to be asexually propagated by softwood cuttings.