ARS | Publication request: A blueberry by cranberry hybrid derived from a Vaccinium darrowi x (V. macrocarpon x V. oxycoccus) intersectional cross

Submitted to: International Society for Horticultural Science Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: February 8, 2008
Publication Date: March 1, 2009
Citation: Vorsa, N., Johnson-Cicalese, J., Polashock, J.J. 2009. A blueberry by cranberry hybrid derived from a Vaccinium darrowi x (V. macrocarpon x V. oxycoccus) intersectional cross. Proceedings of the Ninth International Vaccinium Symposium, July 14-16, 2008, Corvallis, Oregon. p.187-189.

Technical Abstract: Variation for specific traits within a species (the primary gene pool) may be limited or not present. Related species within the genus (secondary gene pools) typically provide the next best opportunity for development of unique traits. For example, there is interest in a cranberry with lower titratable acidity and higher soluble solids (sugars) for the development of new cranberry products, as well as possible fresh fruit consumption. Blueberry offers traits such as higher soluble solids, lower fruit acidity, and fruit volatiles, while the cranberry offers polyphenolic constituents not present in blueberry. V. corymbosum by V. macrocarpon hybridizations have failed to produce viable offspring. The intersectional cross between the Florida evergreen blueberry, V. darrowi (sect. Cyanococcus), and diploid small-fruited cranberry, V. oxycoccus (sect. Oxycoccus), has yielded some weak offspring which failed to thrive. We have recovered a viable hybrid between V. darrowi and a V. macrocarpon x V. oxycoccus interspecific hybrid. Morphologically, the initial plant phenotype was dwarf-like with diminutive structures including very small leaves (3 mm x 1.5 mm) and short internodes. After a number of years, a vigorous shoot was produced which had morphology intermediate to the parents, with leaves ranging 12 mm to 17 mm in length and about 5 mm in width. Stems of each phenological type have been asexually propagated and maintain the respective phenotypes. RAPD fingerprints from tissues of the two phenotypes appear identical. Floral inflorescence buds have been set on the ‘intermediate’ phenotype stems. Flower morphology and fertility will be examined spring 2008.