Blueberry plant called ‘Southern Belle’

Abstract

‘Southern Belle’ is a new southern highbush blueberry variety that originated as a seedling selected from the University of Florida recurrent selection program, in which genes from Vaccinium corymbosum and V. darrowi were being combined and selected to obtain varieties that are adapted to mild-winter regions and produce large, high-quality berries early in the harvest season. ‘Southern Belle’ has been tested in clonal plots in south Georgia and north Florida since 1984. ‘Southern Belle’ produces a vigorous, low-chill bush that sprouts abundantly from the base, and produces a heavy crop of fruit on stout, upright stems that can reach 4 to 5 m tall if not pruned. The berries, which ripen in late April and early May in north Florida, are large and have a very small, dry picking scar, as well as good firmness and a mild, subacid flavor. The berry picks free of stems and adhering dried corollas and has excellent post-harvest life if stored at 32° F. The plant propagates readily from softwood cuttings. It is only moderately resistant to stem blight and Phytophthora root rot, and should be planted on good blueberry ground with irrigation and annual pruning to maintain plant health and vigor.

I claim:  
     
       1. A new and distinct highbush blueberry plant, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its low chilling requirement, large, firm berry, small, dry picking scar, and high yield potential.