Blueberry and Blackberry Cultivar Evaluation in Missouri, 2011-2016

Thirteen highbush blueberry and fourteen erect to semi-erect blackberry cultivars were evaluated for productivity at Mountain Grove in south-central Missouri. The planting was established starting in 2009 on a Viraton silt loam soil. Soil was amended with organic matter and lime or sulfur to adjust pH. Plant spacing was 1.5 m (5 ft) in-row and 3.7 m (12 ft) between rows. Drip irrigation was installed and rows mulched with shredded bark. The highest yielding highbush blueberry cultivars were ‘Aurora’, ‘Bluegold’, ‘Elliott’, ‘Legacy’, and ‘Liberty’ at 3.4 kg (7.6 lb) per plant average (2011-2016). ‘Bluecrop’, a standard cultivar in Missouri, yielded just under 1.9 kg (4.2 lb) per plant average (2011-2016). Average fruit weight was 1.6 g for the thirteen cultivars. The highest yielding blackberry cultivars were ‘Chester’ and ‘Triple Crown’ at 3.9 kg (8.6 lb) per plant average (2011-2016). Average fruit weight was 5.9 g for the fourteen cultivars.