Blueberry plant named ‘DrisBlueThree’

This invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of blueberry plant primarily characterized by medium-large berries with strong sweetness, weak acidity, and a nearly spherical berry shape and berries that have green flesh, is disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention relates to a new and distinct blueberry cultivar designated ‘DrisBlueThree’ and botanically known asVaccinium corymbosum. This new blueberry cultivar was discovered in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, Calif. in September 2000 as a result of a hybridization between the female parent, ‘FL98-11’ an unpatented variety and the male parent, ‘FL89-152’ an unpatented variety. The female and male parents are no longer available for comparison with the instant plant.

The original seedling of the new cultivar was asexually propagated at a nursery in Watsonville, Monterey, Calif. ‘DrisBlueThree’ was subsequently asexually propagated and underwent further testing at a nursery in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, Calif. for seven years. ‘DrisBlueThree’ has been asexually propagated via softwood cuttings. The present invention has been found to be stable and reproduce true to type through successive asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of this new cultivar when grown under normal horticultural practices in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, Calif.1. Medium-large berries with strong sweetness;2. Weak acidity and a nearly spherical berry shape; and3. Berries that have green flesh.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW CULTIVAR

The following description of ‘DrisBlueThree’ is based on observations taken from the 2007 growing season in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, Calif., where the age of the ‘DrisBlueThree’ plants was 7 years, while the age of the O'Neal plants were 12 years old. All descriptions are in accordance with UPOV terminology. Color designations, color descriptions, and other phenotypical descriptions may deviate from the stated values and descriptions depending upon variation in environmental, seasonal, climatic and cultural conditions. ‘DrisBlueThree’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. Color terminology follows The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, London (R.H.S.) (2001).

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

Table 1 shows plant characteristics of the new variety compared with plant characteristics of blueberry plant ‘O'Neal’ (unpatented). Table 1 includes plant, canopy and cane characteristics.

Table 2 shows plant characteristics of the new variety compared with plant characteristics of blueberry plant ‘O'Neal’ (unpatented). Table 2 includes bud, calyx, corolla, flower and pedicel characteristics. Where “n/a” appears for a characteristic, it indicates a characteristic is not available.

Table 3 shows plant characteristics of the new variety compared with plant characteristics of blueberry plant ‘O'Neal’ (unpatented). Table 3 includes leaf and shoot characteristics.

Table 4 shows plant characteristics of the new variety compared with plant characteristics of blueberry plant ‘O'Neal’ (unpatented). Table 4 includes berry, skin, peduncle and seed characteristics.

Table 5 shows plant characteristics of the new variety compared with plant characteristics of blueberry plant ‘O'Neal’ (unpatented). Table 5 includes the reproductive organs.