Blueberry plant named ‘CBG-23-03’

Abstract

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.

Description

[0001] Latin name of the genus and species claimed: Vaccinium corymbosum.

[0002] Variety denomination: ‘CBG-23-03’.REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] 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

[0004] Disclosed herein is a new and distinct southern highbush blueberry variety (Vaccinium corymbosum). The varietal denomination of the new variety is ‘CBG-23-03’.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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

[0008] 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 25th, compared to a mid-season ripening on about May 1st to 5th for ‘TH-1492’. Lastly, the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ flowers around March 5th, compared to about February 27th to March 3rd for ‘TH-1492’.

[0009] 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 25th, compared to about April 23rd to April 28th for ‘TH-1870’. Lastly, the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ flowers around March 5th, compared to around February 20th to 23rd for ‘TH-1870’.COMPARISON TO CLOSEST VARIETY

[0010] 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 5th and April 25th, respectively, compared to about February 15th and May 1st for ‘Emerald’ and February 28th and May 7th 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’.

[0011] TABLE 1TABLE 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 Size8.08.09.0Berry Scar7.07.57.0Berry Color7.08.08.0Berry Firmness7.38.58.0Berry Flavor7.07.08.0Cropping8.58.54.0Plant Vigor8.08.08.0Date of 50% FloweringFeb. 28Feb. 15March 5Date of 50% RipeningMay 7May 1April 25Fruit Development Period69 Days60 Days51 Days

[0012] TABLE 2TABLE 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’SeasonEarlyEarlyEarly to Early to Early to mid-mid-mid-seasonseasonseasonHarvestApril 18th-April 18th-April 28th- May 3rd-May 3rd-dateMay 12thMay 12thMay 28thJune 1stJune 1stFruit Large,Large,Large,Large,Very large,size18 mm-20 mm-19 mm-18 mm-19 mm-21 mm24 mm24 mm21 mm22 mmFlavorBalancedSweet,BalancedVery sweetSweet sweetnessaromaticsweetness with mildwithand acidityand acidityacidity andmoderate floralacidityundertonesFruitCrispSmooth, Crisp, firmCrispSmooth, TexturecrispcrispFruit Light toDeep blueMedium Medium Medium Colormedium blueblueblueblueBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS

[0013] 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’.

[0014] FIGS. 1-4 show the berries of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ on the plant ready for harvest.

[0015] FIGS. 5-6 show the growth pattern of the plants of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’.

[0016] FIGS. 7-8 show the plants of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ during bloom.

[0017] FIG. 9 shows the flowers of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’.

[0018] FIG. 10 shows the average berry size of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’.

[0019] FIG. 11 shows the average berry weight of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’.

[0020] FIG. 12 shows the fruit of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ cut in half.

[0021] FIG. 13 shows the fruit of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ as a whole.DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] General: The new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ produces fruit from about April 18th to May 12th. Measurements were taken on 2.5-year-old plants.

[0025] Plant:

[0026] Size.—About 3 feet 10 inches tall, 9-inch plant base / crown.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Productivity.—About 1.50 pounds per plant.

[0029] Cold hardiness.—Similar to other early ripening southern highbush varieties in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b.

[0030] Chilling requirements.—Approximately 150 to 200 hours of temperatures at or below 45° F. to induce normal leafing and flowering during the spring.

[0031] Leafing.—Plants readily break numerous leaf buds simultaneously with anthesis.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Foliage:

[0035] Leaf color of mature leaves.—Top side color: About Dark Green NN137A. Under side color: About Light Green 138D.

[0036] Leaf arrangement.—Alternate simple.

[0037] Leaf shape.—Elliptic.

[0038] Leaf venation.—Pinnate with slight netting (or slightly reticulated).

[0039] Leaf apices.—Broadley acuminate.

[0040] Leaf base.—Cuneate to acute.

[0041] Leaf length.—Approximately 65 to 70 mm.

[0042] Leaf width.—Approximately 35 to 40 mm.

[0043] Leaf margin.—Entire.

[0044] Leaf surface.—Glaucous (waxy) on the top of the leaf, while the bottom of the leaf has a smooth texture without the glaucous coating.

[0045] Petiole size.—Small, approximately 3 mm long and 1 mm wide.

[0046] Petiole color.—About Light Yellow-Green 145C.

[0047] Petiole leaves margin.—The leaf margin is smooth or occasionally ciliate, with stalked glands present on the petiole or along the leaf margin.

[0048] Flower:

[0049] Date of 50% anthesis.—About March 5th in Central California.

[0050] Flower shape.—Urceolate.

[0051] Flower bud number.—Medium (4-6 buds per fruiting shoot).

[0052] Flowers per cluster.—Approximately 4 to 5.

[0053] Flower fragrance.—Yes.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Peduncle.—Length: About 10 to 15 mm. Color: About Medium Yellow-Green 144A. Diameter: Approximately 4 mm. Texture: Slightly woody.

[0056] Pedicel.—Length: Approximately 5 to 6 mm. Color: About Medium Yellow-Green 145B. Diameter: Approximately 2.5 mm to 3 mm. Texture: Smooth.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Stamen.—Length: Approximately 6 to 7 mm. Number per flower: About 10. Filament color: About Medium Green White 157B.

[0059] Style.—Length: Approximately 6 to 7 mm. Color: About Medium Yellow-Green 145A.

[0060] Pistil.—Length: Approximately 7 to 7.5 mm. Ovary color: About Medium Green 138B.

[0061] Anther.—Length: Approximately 4.5 to 5 mm. Number: About 10.Color: About Medium Greyed-Orange 163B.

[0062] Pollen.—Abundance: Medium. Color: About Medium White NN155A.

[0063] Self-compatibility.—The cultivar has demonstrated a small degree of self-compatibility.

[0064] Fruit:

[0065] Date of 50% maturity.—About April 25th.

[0066] Fruit development period.—About 51 days.

[0067] Berry color.—About Light Violet-Blue 95D with wax, and about Dark Black 203C without wax.

[0068] Berry flesh color.—About Light Green 141D.

[0069] Berry surface wax abundance.—Medium to high.

[0070] Berry weight.—1st Harvest: Approximately 4 g. 2nd Harvest: Approximately 4 g.

[0071] Berry size.—Height from Calyx to Scar: Approximately 15.6 mm. Diameter: Approximately 20.2 mm.

[0072] Berry shape.—Semi-spherical to spherical.

[0073] Fruit stem scar.—Medium, dry and with no tears.

[0074] Calyx.—Approximately 1 mm deep and 10 mm wide.

[0075] Sepals.—Typically not visible; slightly turned inward and flat when present.

[0076] Berry firmness.—Firm, 8 / 10 on berry rating scale.

[0077] Berry flavor.—Sweet aromatic flavor with mild acidity and clean finish.

[0078] Berry texture.—Crisp.

[0079] Average brix.—Approximately 18.16.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Suitability for mechanical harvesting.—Yes.

[0082] 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.

[0083] Use / market.—The berries of ‘CBG-23-03’ can be used as fresh fruit for shipping, customer-pick and processing markets.

[0084] Disease resistance.—Resistant to fungal diseases, but otherwise no noticeable disease resistance or susceptibility has been observed for ‘CBG-23-03’.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]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.

[0023]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 col...

[0001] Latin name of the genus and species claimed: Vaccinium corymbosum.

[0002] Variety denomination: ‘CBG-23-03’.REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] 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

[0004] Disclosed herein is a new and distinct southern highbush blueberry variety (Vaccinium corymbosum). The varietal denomination of the new variety is ‘CBG-23-03’.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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

[0008] 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 25th, compared to a mid-season ripening on about May 1st to 5th for ‘TH-1492’. Lastly, the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ flowers around March 5th, compared to about February 27th to March 3rd for ‘TH-1492’.

[0009] 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 25th, compared to about April 23rd to April 28th for ‘TH-1870’. Lastly, the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ flowers around March 5th, compared to around February 20th to 23rd for ‘TH-1870’.COMPARISON TO CLOSEST VARIETY

[0010] 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 5th and April 25th, respectively, compared to about February 15th and May 1st for ‘Emerald’ and February 28th and May 7th 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’.

[0011] TABLE 1TABLE 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 Size8.08.09.0Berry Scar7.07.57.0Berry Color7.08.08.0Berry Firmness7.38.58.0Berry Flavor7.07.08.0Cropping8.58.54.0Plant Vigor8.08.08.0Date of 50% FloweringFeb. 28Feb. 15March 5Date of 50% RipeningMay 7May 1April 25Fruit Development Period69 Days60 Days51 Days

[0012] TABLE 2TABLE 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’SeasonEarlyEarlyEarly to Early to Early to mid-mid-mid-seasonseasonseasonHarvestApril 18th-April 18th-April 28th- May 3rd-May 3rd-dateMay 12thMay 12thMay 28thJune 1stJune 1stFruit Large,Large,Large,Large,Very large,size18 mm-20 mm-19 mm-18 mm-19 mm-21 mm24 mm24 mm21 mm22 mmFlavorBalancedSweet,BalancedVery sweetSweet sweetnessaromaticsweetness with mildwithand acidityand acidityacidity andmoderate floralacidityundertonesFruitCrispSmooth, Crisp, firmCrispSmooth, TexturecrispcrispFruit Light toDeep blueMedium Medium Medium Colormedium blueblueblueblueBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS

[0013] 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’.

[0014] FIGS. 1-4 show the berries of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ on the plant ready for harvest.

[0015] FIGS. 5-6 show the growth pattern of the plants of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’.

[0016] FIGS. 7-8 show the plants of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ during bloom.

[0017] FIG. 9 shows the flowers of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’.

[0018] FIG. 10 shows the average berry size of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’.

[0019] FIG. 11 shows the average berry weight of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’.

[0020] FIG. 12 shows the fruit of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ cut in half.

[0021] FIG. 13 shows the fruit of the new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ as a whole.DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] General: The new variety ‘CBG-23-03’ produces fruit from about April 18th to May 12th. Measurements were taken on 2.5-year-old plants.

[0025] Plant:

[0026] Size.—About 3 feet 10 inches tall, 9-inch plant base / crown.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Productivity.—About 1.50 pounds per plant.

[0029] Cold hardiness.—Similar to other early ripening southern highbush varieties in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b.

[0030] Chilling requirements.—Approximately 150 to 200 hours of temperatures at or below 45° F. to induce normal leafing and flowering during the spring.

[0031] Leafing.—Plants readily break numerous leaf buds simultaneously with anthesis.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Foliage:

[0035] Leaf color of mature leaves.—Top side color: About Dark Green NN137A. Under side color: About Light Green 138D.

[0036] Leaf arrangement.—Alternate simple.

[0037] Leaf shape.—Elliptic.

[0038] Leaf venation.—Pinnate with slight netting (or slightly reticulated).

[0039] Leaf apices.—Broadley acuminate.

[0040] Leaf base.—Cuneate to acute.

[0041] Leaf length.—Approximately 65 to 70 mm.

[0042] Leaf width.—Approximately 35 to 40 mm.

[0043] Leaf margin.—Entire.

[0044] Leaf surface.—Glaucous (waxy) on the top of the leaf, while the bottom of the leaf has a smooth texture without the glaucous coating.

[0045] Petiole size.—Small, approximately 3 mm long and 1 mm wide.

[0046] Petiole color.—About Light Yellow-Green 145C.

[0047] Petiole leaves margin.—The leaf margin is smooth or occasionally ciliate, with stalked glands present on the petiole or along the leaf margin.

[0048] Flower:

[0049] Date of 50% anthesis.—About March 5th in Central California.

[0050] Flower shape.—Urceolate.

[0051] Flower bud number.—Medium (4-6 buds per fruiting shoot).

[0052] Flowers per cluster.—Approximately 4 to 5.

[0053] Flower fragrance.—Yes.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Peduncle.—Length: About 10 to 15 mm. Color: About Medium Yellow-Green 144A. Diameter: Approximately 4 mm. Texture: Slightly woody.

[0056] Pedicel.—Length: Approximately 5 to 6 mm. Color: About Medium Yellow-Green 145B. Diameter: Approximately 2.5 mm to 3 mm. Texture: Smooth.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Stamen.—Length: Approximately 6 to 7 mm. Number per flower: About 10. Filament color: About Medium Green White 157B.

[0059] Style.—Length: Approximately 6 to 7 mm. Color: About Medium Yellow-Green 145A.

[0060] Pistil.—Length: Approximately 7 to 7.5 mm. Ovary color: About Medium Green 138B.

[0061] Anther.—Length: Approximately 4.5 to 5 mm. Number: About 10.Color: About Medium Greyed-Orange 163B.

[0062] Pollen.—Abundance: Medium. Color: About Medium White NN155A.

[0063] Self-compatibility.—The cultivar has demonstrated a small degree of self-compatibility.

[0064] Fruit:

[0065] Date of 50% maturity.—About April 25th.

[0066] Fruit development period.—About 51 days.

[0067] Berry color.—About Light Violet-Blue 95D with wax, and about Dark Black 203C without wax.

[0068] Berry flesh color.—About Light Green 141D.

[0069] Berry surface wax abundance.—Medium to high.

[0070] Berry weight.—1st Harvest: Approximately 4 g. 2nd Harvest: Approximately 4 g.

[0071] Berry size.—Height from Calyx to Scar: Approximately 15.6 mm. Diameter: Approximately 20.2 mm.

[0072] Berry shape.—Semi-spherical to spherical.

[0073] Fruit stem scar.—Medium, dry and with no tears.

[0074] Calyx.—Approximately 1 mm deep and 10 mm wide.

[0075] Sepals.—Typically not visible; slightly turned inward and flat when present.

[0076] Berry firmness.—Firm, 8 / 10 on berry rating scale.

[0077] Berry flavor.—Sweet aromatic flavor with mild acidity and clean finish.

[0078] Berry texture.—Crisp.

[0079] Average brix.—Approximately 18.16.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Suitability for mechanical harvesting.—Yes.

[0082] 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.

[0083] Use / market.—The berries of ‘CBG-23-03’ can be used as fresh fruit for shipping, customer-pick and processing markets.

[0084] Disease resistance.—Resistant to fungal diseases, but otherwise no noticeable disease resistance or susceptibility has been observed for ‘CBG-23-03’.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]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.

[0023]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 col...

Claims

1. A new and distinct variety of blueberry plant named ‘CBG-23-03’ as illustrated and described herein.

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