Blueberry plant named ‘BB06-50FL-1’

A new and distinct cultivar of blueberry plant named ‘BB06-50FL-1’ as described and shown herein. ‘BB06-50FL-1’ is a new and distinct low chill tetraploid Southern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium) variety of complex ancestry, based largely on V. corymbosum with over 13% V. darrowii and small contributions of V. angustifolium, V. tenellum, and V. ashei. ‘BB06-50FL-1’ is a productive mid-season variety that ripens at a similar time as ‘Star’, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,675. ‘BB06-50FL-1’ is intended for areas that successfully grow lower chill Southern highbush varieties. The fruit of ‘BB06-50FL-1’ are large, typically 18 mm or more in diameter with an average berry weight of 2.9 gram per berry, well exposed on a medium upright bush with a small crown. The fruit of ‘BB06-50FL-1’ has very good flavor with a balanced amount of sugar and acidity and is also firm and juicy.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed:Vaccinium corymbosum.

Variety denomination: BLUEBERRY PLANT NAMED ‘BB06-50FL-1’.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Blueberries are a well-known fruit enjoyed by many throughout the world. One example of an existing, patented blueberry variety is ‘Star’, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,675. Another example of an existing, patented blueberry variety is ‘Emerald’, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,165.

Comparing ‘BB06-50FL-1’ to ‘Star’, the immature summer cane color of ‘BB06-50FL-1’ is olive green compared to yellow for ‘Star’; the fruit of ‘BB06-50FL-1’ is appreciably larger in size and more rounded than ‘Star’; and, the mature leaves of ‘BB06-50FL-1’ are shorter and less wide than the mature leaves of ‘Star’.

Comparing ‘BB06-50FL-1’ to ‘Emerald’, ‘BB06-50FL-1’ ripens 7 days later and has a more concentrated ripening season than ‘Emerald’; the bush shape of ‘BB06-50FL-1’ is more upright than Emerald; ‘BB06-50FL-1’ has much fewer upright canes than ‘Emerald’; and, the mature leaf shape and size of ‘BB06-50FL-1’ is narrower and smaller in size than ‘Emerald’.

The present cultivar, ‘BB06-50FL-1’, provides one or more advantages compared to these and/or other blueberry varieties.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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. The descriptions reported herein are largely based on an individual bush observed in successive years through 2012, followed by three bush advanced trials in fields near Interlachen, Fla., Manor, Ga., and Homerville, Ga., in 2013, then field observations in 2015 on 5-year old plants located in advanced trial plots near Interlachen, Fla., and Manor, Ga. Laboratory analysis of fruit characteristics were done in Grand Junction, Mich. All of the bushes have retained the characteristics of the original selection.Cultivar name: ‘BB06-50FL-1’.Classification:Family.—Ericaceae.Botanical name.—Vaccinium corymbosum.Common name.—Blueberry.Parentage:Female parent:Name: ‘Jewel’ (parents unknown).U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,807. Compared to ‘Jewel’, ‘BB06-50FL-1’ averages 7 to 10 days later for the date of 50% ripening, ‘BB06-50FL-1’ has a much larger, heavier and firmer berry than ‘Jewel’, and the flavor of ‘BB06-50FL-1’ is much sweeter and less acidic.Male parent:Name: ‘Sweetcrisp’ (parents: Southern Belle U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,931 x FL95-3 unpatented).U.S. Plant Pat. No. 20,027. Compared to ‘Sweetcrisp’ ‘BB06-50FL-1’ is two weeks later for the date of 50% ripening, has a heavier berry, has less sugar content and is less firm than ‘Sweetcrisp’. ‘BB06-50FL-1’ originated as a seedling selected from a cross of ‘Jewel’ x ‘Sweetcrisp’. The seed was germinated and plants of that cross were grown in Grand Junction, Mich., for 1 year and then planted in a seedling evaluation plot near Interlachen, Fla. The plant was first selected in the spring of 2009 based on excellent morphological and fruit characteristics and was given the number ‘BB06-50FL-1’ and was tested under this number in succeeding years. The individual bush was observed in successive years through 2012. Three bush advanced trials were planted in commercial fields near Interlachen, Fla., Manor, Ga., and Homerville, Ga., in 2013. These trials were evaluated in successive years. All of the observed bushes have retained the characteristics of the original selection. Softwood cuttings of ‘BB06-50FL-1’ were first taken in 2010 and rooted in Grand Junction, Mich., and Interlachen, Fla. ‘BB06-50FL-1’ has been propagated several times in succeeding years, and tissue culture microshoots have been grown in 2013 and 2015. All propagated plants have retained the original characteristics. Softwood cuttings root readily as do tissue cultured microshoots.General description of ‘BB06-50FL-1’: ‘BB06-50FL-1’ is a new and distinct low chill tetraploid Southern highbush variety (Vaccinium) variety of complex ancestry, based largely onV. corymbosum, V. asheiandV. darrowii, with a limited contribution fromV. tenellumandV. fuscatum. It is a very productive mid-season variety with high quality fresh market characteristics and also has excellent bush growth, vigor and bush longevity. It is intended for areas which successfully grow lower chill Southern highbush varieties. Winter chilling requirements for successful flowering and leafing are approximately 350 hours (<7° C.). Plants of ‘BB06-50FL-1’ are medium upright in bush habit with a modest number of primary canes and laterals. Flowering and leafing are synchronous. Flowering is early in northern Florida and southern Georgia and may require frost protection for successful pollination and maximum yields. Plant vigor is excellent and the plants appear to not be overly susceptible for foliar and soil diseases if normal horticulture practices are followed. The berries are well exposed, large to very large with a small and dry picking scar, with excellent medium blue color with a medium amount of bloom, which is modestly maintained during handling. The flavor is very good with a balance of medium amounts of sweetness and acidity. The berries are very firm with a crunchy and juicy texture with medium storage ability of 3 to 4 weeks.