Blue Suede TM is the trademarked name for TH-682, a variety cooperatively developed between the USDA-ARS and the University of Georgia. TH-682 has been patented by the University of Georgia and has been licensed to McCorkle Nurseries, Dearing, Georgia.

 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20250

and

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

101 CONNER HALL

ATHENS, GEORGIA 30602

 

NOTICE OF RELEASE OF

 TH-682 SOUTHERN HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY

 

TH-682 is a cross of MS 122 x MS 6. MS 122 is a cross of G-144 x US 121; G-144 = 11-93 (a Bluecrop sibling) x Darrow; US 121 = V. darrowii ‘Fla 4B’ x Berkeley. MS 6 is a cross of G-107 x Sharpblue; G-107 = F-72 x Berkeley; F-72 = Wareham x Pioneer. The cross that produced TH-682 was made by M.K. Ehlenfeldt (USDA-ARS) at Chatsworth, NJ. A seedling population from this cross was sent to University of Georgia in Griffin, Georgia. TH-682 was selected by the University of Georgia by Scott NeSmith. The selection was subsequently evaluated by NeSmith. TH-682 is a mid-season southern highbush blueberry. Berries are large, have very light blue color, and have a small, dry picking scar. Firmness is good and flavor is excellent. The selection ripens in early June in the piedmont region and in late May in South Georgia. Plants are vigorous, with strong cane growth and an open, upright bush habit and a narrow crown. TH-682 is self-fertile to a degree. TH-682 is estimated to have a chill requirement of 500 to 550 hours. TH-682 plants can develop good fall foliage color. TH-682 is recommended primarily for areas where southern highbush is typically grown.

 

Signatures:

 

Doug Bailey                                                                                               9/29/08       

Department Head, Horticulture Department                                            Date

College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

University of Georgia                                    

 

Judith B. St. John                                                                                      10/7/08      

Deputy Administrator, Crop Production and Protection                          Date

Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

For more information about Blue Suede TM please contact: Dr. Mark Ehlenfeldt