Blueberry Plant Named ‘CBG-23-03’

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

Variety denomination: ‘CBG-23-03’.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 18/884,792 (‘CBG-23-01’), filed Sep. 13, 2024, U.S. application Ser. No. 18/884,644 (‘CBG-23-02’), filed Sep. 13, 2024, U.S. application Ser. No. 18/885,153 (‘CBG-23-04’), filed Sep. 13, 2024, and U.S. application Ser. No. 18/885,323 (‘CBG-23-05’), filed Sep. 13, 2024, which are directed to blueberry varieties developed by the same program.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a new and distinct southern highbush blueberry variety ( Vaccinium corymbosum ). The varietal denomination of the new variety is ‘CBG-23-03’.

The new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ is a product of a hand-pollinated cross of seed parent ‘TH-1492’ (unpatented) and pollen parent ‘TH-1870’ (unpatented) made by D. Scott NeSmith in 2019 in Griffin, Georgia. The new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ was germinated from seed. The date of first planting of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ was November 2021. The new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ was selected by Gregory Willems in May 2023 in Reedley, California. Subsequent testing has demonstrated that the combination of traits disclosed herein that characterize the new variety are stable and retained true to type through successive generations of vegetative, asexual reproduction in Fresno County, California.

The new variety of blueberry ‘CBG-23-03’ is characterized by having large, firm, berries that ripen early in the season and have a long shelf life. The berries have excellent color and a sweet, aromatic flavor with mild acidity and a clean finish. Further, the berries of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ are crisp with a smooth texture. The new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ has not shown notable diseases or other pest problems beyond those also common for other blueberry varieties. The new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ has a chilling requirement of about 150-200 hours below 45° F.

The phenotype of the new blueberry variety ‘CBG-23-03’ may vary somewhat with variations in environment, such as temperature and light intensity, and cultural practices, without, however, any variance in genotype.

COMPARISON TO THE PARENTS

The new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ is distinguished from its seed parent ‘TH-1492’ (unpatented) in that the fruit of the new variety is firm, compared to a medium firmness for the fruit of ‘TH-1492’. Further, the fruit of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ is sweeter and crunchier than the fruit of ‘TH-1492’. Additionally, the fruit of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ ripens earlier, on about April 25 th , compared to a mid-season ripening on about May 1 st to 5 th for ‘TH-1492’. Lastly, the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ flowers around March 5 th , compared to about February 27 th to March 3 rd for ‘TH-1492’.

The new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ is distinguished from its pollen parent ‘TH-1870’ (unpatented) by having large to very large-sized fruit, compared to the medium to large-sized fruit of ‘TH-1870’. Additionally, the fruit of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ ripens around a similar time as the fruit of ‘TH-1870’, on about April 25 th , compared to about April 23 rd to April 28 th for ‘TH-1870’. Lastly, the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ flowers around March 5 th , compared to around February 20 th to 23 rd for ‘TH-1870’.

COMPARISON TO CLOSEST VARIETY

The new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ resembles ‘Suziblue’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,167) and ‘Emerald’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,165) in that they are early season southern highbush blueberry cultivars with the same vigor. However, the fruit of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ flowers and ripens on about March 5 th and April 25 th , respectively, compared to about February 15 th and May 1 st for ‘Emerald’ and February 28 th and May 7 th for ‘Suziblue’ in Central California. Additionally, the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ has larger sized berries than ‘Suziblue’ and ‘Emerald’. Further the fruit of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ is softer than that of ‘Emerald’, but firmer than the fruit of ‘Suziblue’.

TABLE 1

TABLE 1 is a comparison of the characteristics of ‘CBG-23-03’,

‘Suziblue’ (PP21,167) and ‘Emerald’ (PP12,165). Rating scales

are based on 1 to 10 score, with 1 being the least desirable and

10 being the most desirable.

‘Suziblue’ ‘Emerald’ ‘CBG-23-03’

Berry Size 8.0 8.0 9.0

Berry Scar 7.0 7.5 7.0

Berry Color 7.0 8.0 8.0

Berry Firmness 7.3 8.5 8.0

Berry Flavor 7.0 7.0 8.0

Cropping 8.5 8.5 4.0

Plant Vigor 8.0 8.0 8.0

Date of 50% Flowering Feb. 28 Feb. 15 March 5

Date of 50% Ripening May 7 May 1 April 25

Fruit Development Period 69 Days 60 Days 51 Days

TABLE 2

TABLE 2 shows a comparison of the characteristics between

the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ and related varieties ‘CBG-23-01’,

‘CBG-23-02’, ‘CBG-23-04’ and ‘CBG-23-05’.

‘CBG-23- ‘CBG-23- ‘CBG-23- ‘CBG-23- ‘CBG-23-

03’ 01’ 02’ 04’ 05’

Season Early Early Early to Early to Early to

mid- mid- mid-

season season season

Harvest April 18th- April 18th- April 28th- May 3rd- May 3rd-

date May 12th May 12th May 28th June 1st June 1st

Fruit Large, Large, Large, Large, Very large,

size 18 mm- 20 mm- 19 mm- 18 mm- 19 mm-

21 mm 24 mm 24 mm 21 mm 22 mm

Flavor Balanced Sweet, Balanced Very sweet Sweet

sweetness aromatic sweetness with mild with

and acidity and acidity acidity and moderate

floral acidity

undertones

Fruit Crisp Smooth, Crisp, firm Crisp Smooth,

Texture crisp crisp

Fruit Light to Deep blue Medium Medium Medium

Color medium blue blue blue

blue

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS

The accompanying color photographic illustrations taken in Reedley, California in 2024 pertain to 2.5 year old plants, and show the overall appearance and distinct characteristics of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’. The colors in the photographs are as true as possible but may differ slightly from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description, which accurately describes the colors of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’.

FIGS. 1 - 4 show the berries of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ on the plant ready for harvest.

FIGS. 5 - 6 show the growth pattern of the plants of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’.

FIGS. 7 - 8 show the plants of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ during bloom.

FIG. 9 shows the flowers of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’.

FIG. 10 shows the average berry size of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’.

FIG. 11 shows the average berry weight of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’.

FIG. 12 shows the fruit of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ cut in half.

FIG. 13 shows the fruit of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ as a whole.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following traits have been consistently observed in the original plant of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ and in asexually propagated progeny via vegetative cuttings in Fresno County, California. The descriptive matter which follows pertains to 2.5-year-old ‘CBG-23-03’ plants grown in the vicinity of Reedley, California during 2023, with supplemental irrigation, and is believed to apply to plants of the variety grown under similar conditions of soil and climate elsewhere. The dimensions, sizes, colors, and other characteristics given are to be understood to be approximations and averages set forth as accurately as practicable.

Throughout this specification, color names beginning with a small letter signify that the name of that color as used in common speech is aptly descriptive. Color names beginning with a capital letter designate values based upon The R.H.S. Colour Chart published by The Royal Horticultural Society, London, England, Sixth Edition, 2019 reprint. The colors and other phenotypic attributes may deviate from the stated values and descriptions depending upon variation in environmental, seasonal, climatic and cultural conditions.

• General: The new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ produces fruit from about April 18 th to May 12 th . Measurements were taken on 2.5-year-old plants. • Plant:

•

• Size .—About 3 feet 10 inches tall, 9-inch plant base/crown. • Habit .—Some spreading with vertical canes, dense foliage and open leave clusters. Plants have 1-3 main canes with branches spreading within 15 cm of the surface of the soil. • Productivity .—About 1.50 pounds per plant. • Cold hardiness .—Similar to other early ripening southern highbush varieties in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b. • Chilling requirements .—Approximately 150 to 200 hours of temperatures at or below 45° F. to induce normal leafing and flowering during the spring. • Leafing .—Plants readily break numerous leaf buds simultaneously with anthesis. • Canes .—Main Cane: Diameter: Approximately 21 mm. Color: About Medium Grey-Brown 199B. Length: Approximately 1.1 m to 1.5 m. Texture: Woody. First Major Branch: Diameter: Approximately 15 mm. Color: About Medium Yellow-Green N144C. Length: Approximately 0.9 m-1.1 m. Texture: Woody. 2-year-Old Cane: Diameter: Approximately 14 mm. Color: About Medium Grey-Brown 199B. Length: Approximately 0.6 m to 0.9 m. Texture: Mostly woody. Current Season Wood: Diameter: Approximately 5 mm. Color: About Medium Yellow-Green 144C. Length: Approximately 0.6m to 0.9 m. Texture: Smooth. • Fruiting wood .—Numerous twigs approximately 15 to 25 cm in length and internode lengths of approximately 15 to 25 mm are common. The diameter is approximately 3 mm to 4 mm, and the texture is smooth. • Foliage:

•

• Leaf color of mature leaves .—Top side color: About Dark Green NN137A. Under side color: About Light Green 138D. • Leaf arrangement .—Alternate simple. • Leaf shape .—Elliptic. • Leaf venation .—Pinnate with slight netting (or slightly reticulated). • Leaf apices .—Broadley acuminate. • Leaf base .—Cuneate to acute. • Leaf length .—Approximately 65 to 70 mm. • Leaf width .—Approximately 35 to 40 mm. • Leaf margin .—Entire. • Leaf surface .—Glaucous (waxy) on the top of the leaf, while the bottom of the leaf has a smooth texture without the glaucous coating. • Petiole size .—Small, approximately 3 mm long and 1 mm wide. • Petiole color .—About Light Yellow-Green 145C. • Petiole leaves margin .—The leaf margin is smooth or occasionally ciliate, with stalked glands present on the petiole or along the leaf margin. • Flower:

•

• Date of 50% anthesis .—About March 5 th in Central California. • Flower shape .—Urceolate. • Flower bud number .—Medium (4-6 buds per fruiting shoot). • Flowers per cluster .—Approximately 4 to 5. • Flower fragrance .—Yes. • Corolla .—Color: About Medium White NN155A for both the inner and outer surfaces. Length: Approximately 8 to 9 mm. Width: Approximately 6 to 8 mm. Aperture Width: Approximately 3 to 5 mm. • Peduncle .—Length: About 10 to 15 mm. Color: About Medium Yellow-Green 144A. Diameter: Approximately 4 mm. Texture: Slightly woody. • Pedicel .—Length: Approximately 5 to 6 mm. Color: About Medium Yellow-Green 145B. Diameter: Approximately 2.5 mm to 3 mm. Texture: Smooth. • Calyx .—Calyx (with sepals) Diameter: Approximately 5 to 6 mm. Color center of calyx: About Medium Green 138C. Color of sepals: About Medium Yellow-Green 144B. Average sepals per calyx: About 5. Sepal length: Approximately 3 mm. Sepal width: Approximately 2 mm. • Stamen .—Length: Approximately 6 to 7 mm. Number per flower: About 10. Filament color: About Medium Green White 157B. • Style .—Length: Approximately 6 to 7 mm. Color: About Medium Yellow-Green 145A. • Pistil .—Length: Approximately 7 to 7.5 mm. Ovary color: About Medium Green 138B. • Anther .—Length: Approximately 4.5 to 5 mm. Number: About 10.Color: About Medium Greyed-Orange 163B. • Pollen .—Abundance: Medium. Color: About Medium White NN155A. • Self - compatibility .—The cultivar has demonstrated a small degree of self-compatibility. • Fruit:

•

• Date of 50% maturity .—About April 25 th . • Fruit development period .—About 51 days. • Berry color .—About Light Violet-Blue 95D with wax, and about Dark Black 203C without wax. • Berry flesh color .—About Light Green 141D. • Berry surface wax abundance .—Medium to high. • Berry weight.— 1 st Harvest: Approximately 4 g. 2 nd Harvest: Approximately 4 g. • Berry size .—Height from Calyx to Scar: Approximately 15.6 mm. Diameter: Approximately 20.2 mm. • Berry shape .—Semi-spherical to spherical. • Fruit stem scar .—Medium, dry and with no tears. • Calyx .—Approximately 1 mm deep and 10 mm wide. • Sepals .—Typically not visible; slightly turned inward and flat when present. • Berry firmness .—Firm, 8/10 on berry rating scale. • Berry flavor .—Sweet aromatic flavor with mild acidity and clean finish. • Berry texture .—Crisp. • Average brix .—Approximately 18.16. • Seed .—Seed Abundance in Fruit: High. Seed Color: About Medium Greyed-Orange 165B. Seed Dry Weight: Approximately 34 mg per 100 seeds. Seed Size: Approximately 1.2 to 1.8 mm. Seed Quantity Average per Berry: About 35. Seed Shape: Ovate to slightly flattened, with a smooth surface. • Suitability for mechanical harvesting .—Yes. • Storage qualities .—Shelf life of ‘CBG-23-03’ is fair to good. The fruit of ‘CBG-23-03’ was tested for storage longevity in a 39° F. refrigerated environment with low humidity for 21 days. The berries maintained quality throughout the trial, retaining firmness with minimal shrivel or leakage. • Use/market .—The berries of ‘CBG-23-03’ can be used as fresh fruit for shipping, customer-pick and processing markets. • Disease resistance .—Resistant to fungal diseases, but otherwise no noticeable disease resistance or susceptibility has been observed for ‘CBG-23-03’.