15 May 2018

Blueberry growers in cooler climates have been waiting patiently for new quality blueberry varieties. When we say cooler climates, we are really talking about traditional blueberry growing areas. These are places where Northern Highbush blueberry plants have been grown for generations now, areas that attract in excess of 1000 hours chill units per year.

You can only imagine therefore that our phone lines have been alive and inboxes full since it was announced some 12 months ago, that Global Plant Genetics was appointed to manage the Intellectual Property for the blueberry variety MegasBlue® from Oregon Blueberry Farms and Nursery in a multitude of territories.

MegasBlue® is certainly a great growers’ variety. A mid-season blueberry cultivar requiring 1000 hours plus of chill units, producing large yields of

firm, light coloured berries that are mild in flavour with a small scar. MegasBlue® has a concentrated ripening period and therefore offers lower harvesting costs as well as being ideal for those who wish to machine harvest. Music to your ears, I know.

Already this is becoming one of the most talked about developments for a number of years in the high chill blue blueberry sector. Once you have seen it you will understand why.