Blackberry—APF-8 cultivar

[0001] The new and distinct variety of blackberry originated from a hand pollinated cross of Arkansas selection 1836×Arapaho (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,510) made in 1994 at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Fruit Substation at Clarksville, Ark.

[0002] Plants and fruit of this new variety differ phenotypically from its parents. In comparison to its parent Arapaho, the new variety is primocane fruiting (fruits on current-season canes) and second-year canes (floricane-fruiting) rather than only on second-year or floricane-fruiting as Arapaho, and the canes of the new variety have thorns. In comparison to its parent Arkansas selection 1836, the new variety is larger in fruit size, more vigorous in growth, and more productive. The new variety attained the primocane-fruiting trait from its parent Arkansas selection 1836, along with primocane fruiting alleles (recessive alleles not expressed) from its parent Arapaho. The primocane-fruiting trait was originally attained from a wild selection named Hillquist (not patented) that was found at Ashland, Va., which was used later in breeding at the University of Arkansas in the late 1960s. This trait was later expressed in the parent Arkansas selection 1836 in which Hillquist is in its parentage. The most outstanding trait of the new variety is its primocane-fruiting habit, a plant type not available on the commercial blackberry market at this time. The new variety also fruits on floricanes, as do all other existing blackberry varieties.

[0003] Although blackberries (Rubus sp.) are highly heterogeneous and outcrossing, and most clones contain genes from more than one species, the new variety and its progenitor lines phenotypically exhibit characters predominately of the erect eastern United States species, Rubus allegheniensis Porter (highbush blackberry) possibly introgressed with R. argutus Link. (tall blackberry).

[0004] The seeds resulting from this controlled hybridization were germinated in a greenhouse in the spring of 1995 and planted in a field on the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Fayetteville, Ark. The seedlings fruited during the summer of 1997 and one, designated APF-8, was selected for its primocane-fruiting habit, good fruit size, and good quality.

[0005] During the winter of 1997-98, the original plant selection was moved from the site of selection and propagated asexually from root cuttings, at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Fruit Substation at Clarksville, Ark., and two test rows of 20 plants each were established. Subsequently, additional test plantings have been established with asexually multiplied plants at three locations in Arkansas. Additionally, the variety has been tested at state experiment stations or U.S. Dept. of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service sites in Aurora, Oreg., Geneva, N.Y., Griffin, Ga., West Lafayette, Ind., and Poplarville, Miss. and at each location propagation was from root cuttings. Data discussed are from testing at Clarksville, Ark. unless otherwise noted.

[0006] The new variety has been asexually multiplied annually since 1997 by the use of root cuttings. It forms new plants from adventitious buds on root cuttings more readily than its parent Arapaho (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8510). During all asexual multiplication, the characteristics of the original plant have been maintained and no aberrant phenotypes have appeared.

[0007] Test plantings over a wide geographic area have shown this new variety to be adapted to differing soil and climatic conditions. The primocane-fruiting trait has been expressed consistently in plants at all test sites.

[0008] Plants of the new variety are vigorous and prolific and row establishment following planting is rapid. Both primocanes and floricanes are erect to semi-erect in growth habit, and self-supporting, requiring no trellis support. Trellis support is beneficial to support at times of high fruit loads or windy conditions, when the canes may bend due to these circumstances. The plants are thorny. Plants and fruit are moderately tolerant to anthracnose [Elsinoe veneta (Burkh.) Jenkins], and plants appear immune to orange rust [Gymnoconia nitens (Schwein.) F. Kern and H. W. Thurston.]. Plants are susceptible to double blossom/rosette [Cercosporella rubi (Wint.) Plakidas]. The only fungicide applied to the test plants was liquid lime sulfur at budbreak, for the control of anthracnose. No insecticides were applied to the test plants.

[0009] The floricane bloom period of the new variety averages 0 to 1 day later than the variety APF-12 (U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 10/815,437), and earlier than the variety Arapaho. The average 10% first bloom date is April 23.

[0010] Floricane fruit of the new variety begins ripening 2 days later than the Arapaho, and 3 days later than the variety APF-12, and has a similar floricane fruiting period to these varieties of average 28 days, all based on testing at Clarksville, Ark.. Average floricane first ripening date is June 10 in west-central Arkansas. Floricane fruit yields of the new variety are usually 5 to 7 lb/plant and are usually comparable to the variety APF-12 and significantly higher than the Arapaho variety (with yields of 3 to 4 lb/plant) at all test locations. Floricane yields are consistent from year to year, unless cold damage in winter or spring occurs that damages floricanes or floricane buds.

[0011] Primocane first bloom date of the new variety averages June 16, near that of variety APF-12. Primocanes continue to bloom to varying degrees until frost at Clarksville, Ark. Primocane first bloom date in Aurora, Oreg., occurrs in late July, and continues consistently until frost in the fall.

[0012] Primocane fruit of the new variety ripens at different dates depending on location. At Clarksville, Ark., first ripe fruit on primocanes occurs on average July 18, near that of variety APR-12. Flowering and fruiting continues to varying degree until the end of the growing season which is terminated usually in mid October (but can extend to late November) by frost at this location. At Aurora, Oreg., first primocane fruits ripen on average September 1, and are similar in ripening date to the variety APF-12. The plants continue to fruit and flower heavily until the termination of the growing season due to frost. Primocane fruit yields at Clarksville, Ark. average 1.5 lb/plant, approx. 0.5 lb plant more than variety APF-12 at this location. Primocane fruit yields at Aurora, Oreg. range from 2.3 to 9.5 lb/plant depending on plant age, near that of yields of the variety APF-12.

[0013] The fruit is conic/ovate to oblong in shape, glossy black in color and attractive. Some differences between primocane and floricane fruit have been observed, particularly based on location of where the plants are grown and temperature differences during the growing season for these locations. The floricane fruit is medium-large (5-6 g), similar to or occasionally larger than the variety APF-12, and usually 1.0 g larger than the size of the Arapaho variety. Floricane fruit size of the new variety is maintained well throughout the entire harvest season. The new variety exhibits excellent floricane fruit fertility with full drupelet set. The floricane fruit is firm at maturity, rating more firm than the Shawnee (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,686) and Choctaw (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,678) varieties, but not as firm as the Arapaho variety.

[0014] Primocane fruit averages 5.0 g/berry for the new variety, comparable to 0.8 g larger than variety APF-12 in Clarksville, Ark. Fruit quality is often lower than that of floricane fruits at this location, with the occurrence of poorer fruit color (more reddening and sunburn) and occasional double-fruited berries observed. Primocane fruit of the new variety in Aurora, Oreg. had an average size of 9 g, 1 g smaller than that of variety APF-12. Fruit quality is consistent at this location, with uniform berry color and no double fruits as observed in Arkansas. The differences in fruit weight, yields, and quality among the two test locations is attributed to the continuous very high daytime temperatures at Clarksville, Ark. (in excess of 90° F. for continuous days in August and early September) compared to Aurora, Oreg. where daytime maximum temperatures are lower. The high heat appears to impact fruit set and berry development, in addition to berry quality.

[0015] The fresh fruit rates good in flavor, being comparable to varieties APF-12 and Arapaho. The flavor is sweet and mildly subacid, with a distinct blackberry aroma. The soluble solids concentration of floricane fruit averages 9.6%, and primocane fruit 10.2%, with floricane fruit soluble solids higher than the varieties APF-12 and similar to variety Arapaho, and primocane fruit lower in soluble solids than variety APF-12. Floricane fruit dry seed weight averages 3.2 mg/seed, larger than varieties APF-12 and Arapaho.

[0016] Floricane fruit clusters are medium-large, cymose, and are mostly borne on the periphery of the plant canopy, providing easy access to harvest. Flower fertility is high and clusters are well filled.

[0017] Primocane flowers bloom and subsequent fruits usually are borne first on the cane terminus, and fruiting continues down the primocane during the season. Canes usually attain a cane length of 4.5 to 5 ft. prior to the appearance of flower buds. The number of nodes down the cane that develop flowers is largely dependent on the length of the growing season.

[0018] The new variety has been named the APF-8 cultivar.

[0020] The following is a detailed description of the botanical and pomological characteristics of the subject blackberry. Color data are presented in Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart designations.

[0021] Where dimensions, sizes, colors and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood that such characteristics are approximations of averages set forth as accurately as practicable.

[0022] The descriptions reported herein are from specimens grown at Clarksville, Ark. unless otherwise noted.

• [0023] Plant:
  • • [0024] Size.—Medium.
    • [0025] Growth habit.—Canes erect to semi-erect; suckers from crowns and roots.
    • [0026] Growth rate.—Primocanes reach height of 107 cm (42 in.) in 50 days from emergence.
    • [0027] Productivity.—Floricane — 5-7 lb/plant, comparable to APF-12 and more productive than Arapaho (3-4 lb/plant). Primocane — 1.5 lb/plant, approx. 0.5 lb/plant more than APF-12; primocane yield/plant at Aurora, Oreg. of 2.3 to 9.5 lb/plant, near that of APF-12 at this location.
    • [0028] Cold hardiness.—Hardy; floricane hardy to a mid-winter low of 10° F. (lowest temperature recorded during evaluation at Clarksville, Ark.).
    • [0029] Canes.—Thorny, erect to semi-erect. Floricane Cane diameter: base 1.6 cm, midpoint 1.0 cm, terminal 0.7 cm. Internode length: base 3.8 cm, midpoint 5.1 cm, terminal 2.7 cm. Floricane (winter cane) color: base— Greyed Orange Group (166A); midpoint— Yellow Green Group (146B); terminus — Yellow Green Group (146B). Thorn density (per 30 cm of cane length): base 30.5, midpoint 23.5, terminus 32. Primocane Cane diameter: base 0.9 cm, midpoint 0.7 cm, terminal 0.4 cm. Internode length: base 5.7 cm, midpoint 6.5 cm, terminal 2.6 cm. Primocane color: base— Yellow Green Group (146A); midpoint— Yellow Green Group (146B); terminus— Yellow Green Group (146C). Thorn density (per 30 cm): base 30.5, midpoint 23.5, terminus 32.0. Date of first primocane emergence from soil: April 7 (Julian 98).
    • [0030] Disease resistance.—Moderate resistance to anthracnose; immune to orange rust; susceptible to double blossom/rosette.
• [0031] Foliage:
• [0032] Primocane:
  • • [0033] Leaves.—Mature compound leaf width 14.2 cm; length 13.8 cm.
    • [0034] Leaflet.—Width 5.5 cm; length 7.4 cm; shape ovate-cordate with acute apex and subcordate base; margin serrated, serration teeth length 0.3 cm, and width at base 0.4 cm; light pubescence on abaxial and adaxial surfaces. Number of leaflets per compound leaf: 5. Color: Base abaxial — Yellow Green Group (147B); adaxial — Green Group (137A); midpoint abaxial — Yellow Green Group (146C); adaxial — Green Group (137B); terminal abaxial — Yellow Green Group (146B); adaxial — Green Group (137A).
    • [0035] Petioles.—Length: 4.9 cm. Color: Yellow Green Group (147C).
    • [0036] Petiolules.—Length: 2.3 cm. Color: Yellow Green Group (147C).
    • [0037] Stipules.—Length: 0.7 cm. Width: 0.03 cm.
• [0038] Floricane:
  • • [0039] Leaves.—Mature compound leaf width 11.1 cm; length 12.0 cm. Leaflet: width 5.4 cm; length 7.3 cm; shape ovate-cordate, with acute apex and subcordate base; margin serrated, with serration teeth length 0.3 cm and width at base 0.3 cm; very light pubescence on abaxial and adaxial surfaces. Number of leaflets per compound leaf: 3. Color: base abaxial — Yellow Green Group (147C); adaxial — Yellow Green Group (147A); midpoint abaxial — Yellow Green Group (147B); adaxial — Yellow Green Group (147A); terminal abaxial — Yellow Green Group (147B); adaxial-Yellow Green Group (147A).
    • [0040] Petioles.—Length: 3.9 cm. Color: Yellow-Green Group (146D).
    • [0041] Petiolules.—Length 1.6 cm. Color: Yellow-Green Group (146D).
    • [0042] Stipules.—Length: 0.7 cm. Width: 0.2 cm.
• [0043] Flowers:
• [0044] Floricanes:
  • • [0045] Date of bloom.—10% — April 23 (Julian 114); 50% — April 29 (Julian 120); Last — May 19 (Julian 140).
    • [0046] Petal color.—White Group (155C).
    • [0047] Reproductive organs.—Stamens — numerous. Pistils — numerous. Pollen — fertile and abundant.
    • [0048] Flower diameter.—4.4 cm.
    • [0049] Petal size.—Length: 2.1 cm. Width: 1.4 cm.
    • [0050] Average number flowers per cluster.—6.1.
    • [0051] Average number of petals per flower.—5.
    • [0052] Number of sepals per flower.—4 most common, occasionally 5.
    • [0053] Peduncle length.—2.1 cm.
    • [0054] Peduncle color.—Yellow-Green Group (146C).
    • [0055] Cyme type.—Corymbiform.
• [0056] Primocanes:
  • • [0057] Date of bloom.—First — June 16 (Julian 168); Last — November 23 (Julian 328).
    • [0058] Petal color.—White Group (155C).
    • [0059] Reproductive organs.—Stamens — numerous. Pistils — numerous. Pollen — abundant.
    • [0060] Flower diameter.—3.6 cm.
    • [0061] Petal size.—Length: 1.7 cm. Width: 1.0 cm.
    • [0062] Average number flowers per cluster.—14.4.
    • [0063] Average number of petals per flower.—5.4.
    • [0064] Number of sepals per flower.—5.
    • [0065] Peduncle length.—1.7 cm.
    • [0066] Peduncle color.—Yellow-Green Group (146C).
    • [0067] Cyme type.—Corymbiform.
• [0068] Fruit:
• [0069] Floricane:
  • • [0070] Maturity.—Average first ripe date is June 10. Average period of ripening is June 10 to July 10.
    • [0071] Size.—Average 6.0 g. Diameter: Fruit at primary position on inflorescence: equator 2.2 cm, base pole 2.1 cm, terminal pole 1.9 cm; fruit at secondary positions on inflorescence: equator 2.1 cm., base pole 2.0 cm, terminal pole 1.8 cm. Length (Primary fruit) 2.9 cm.
    • [0072] Shape.—Conic/ovate to oblong.
    • [0073] Color.—Glossy black; Black Group (202A).
    • [0074] Drupelet size.—Medium, 0.6 cm.
    • [0075] Seed weight.—3.2 mg (dry wt., individual seed).
    • [0076] Soluble solids.—9.6%.
    • [0077] pH.—3.3 (as measured by pH meter on undiluted juice from a sample of 25 fully-ripe berries).
    • [0078] Acidity.—0.97 g tartaric acid/100 ml.
    • [0079] Processed quality.—Not evaluated in processing.
    • [0080] Uses.—Fresh is main use but can be processed for jellies, jams, juice, wine.
• [0081] Primocane:
  • • [0082] Maturity.—Average first ripe date is July 18 (Julian 200). Average period of ripening is July 18 until frost at approximately October 15 to late November depending on year at Clarksville, Ark.
    • [0083] Size.—Average 5.0 g. Diameter: Fruit at primary position on inflorescence: equator 2.1 cm, base pole 2.1 cm, terminal pole 1.7 cm; fruit at secondary positions on inflorescence: equator 2.1 cm, base pole 2.0 cm, terminal pole 1.5 cm. Length (Primary fruit) 2.1 cm.
    • [0084] Shape.—Conic-ovate.
    • [0085] Color.—Glossy black; Black Group (202A).
    • [0086] Drupelet size.—Medium, 0.6 cm.
    • [0087] Seed weight.—3.1 mg (dry wt., individual seed).
    • [0088] Soluble solids.—10.2%.
    • [0089] pH.—3.4 (as measured by pH meter on undiluted juice from a sample of 25 fully-ripe berries).
    • [0090] Acidity.—0.94 g tartaric acid/100 ml.
    • [0091] Processed quality.—Not evaluated in processing.
    • [0092] Uses.—Fresh is main use but can be processed for jellies, jams, juice, wine.
• [0093] The variety: The most distinctive features of the variety are its primocane-fruiting habit, potential high yields, medium to large fruit size, and good fruit quality.