New Zealand releases 11 blueberry varieties for growers

New Zealand's Plant & Food Research has made 11 new large and export-oriented blueberry varieties available for the country's growers. Three of the varieties are from the organization’s own breeding program and eight licensed from Fall Creek Farm & Nursery in the U.S. Of the new varieties, three are Southern Highbush, seven are Northern Highbush and one is Rabbiteye. The varieties produce large fruit with good flavour, with a range of seasonality across the collection. All show good adaptability to New Zealand conditions in trials to date. “These new varieties offer a significant opportunity for New Zealand growers to improve their blueberry production and offer new, tasty blueberries to consumers at home and overseas,” says Dr Gavin Ross, Group General Manager Marketing & Innovation “The new varieties produce tasty berries with high consumer appeal, and grow well in New Zealand conditions. We hope the addition of these new varieties to the suite of plants available to growers ...