The Arkansas Fruit Breeding Program has unveiled a new late-season blackberry variety, Sweet-Ark® ImmaculateTM, designed to provide growers with a premium option after the peak harvest season. This development marks a significant addition to the agricultural sector, particularly for those involved in berry production and sales. Here are four key takeaways from this release:
- Late-Season Harvesting: Sweet-Ark® ImmaculateTM ripens later than many other varieties, extending the blackberry season and offering growers the opportunity to market fresh berries at a time when supply typically dwindles.
- Enhanced Berry Quality: This new variety boasts medium to large, thornless, floricane-fruiting berries known for their exceptional post-harvest firmness and longevity, setting it apart from other late-season offerings.
- Grower-Friendly Characteristics: With features like shorter canes and reduced internode length, Sweet-Ark® ImmaculateTM is designed to ease the cultivation and harvesting process, potentially reducing labor costs and simplifying management practices.
- Availability for Commercial Propagation: Commercial scale propagators now have access to licensing and material for Sweet-Ark® ImmaculateTM, making it possible for widespread adoption in the 2024 planting season.
Sweet-Ark® ImmaculateTM
Developed by the Arkansas Fruit Breeding Program, Sweet-Ark® ImmaculateTM is a standout thornless, floricane-fruiting blackberry variety. It produces medium to large berries that are not only delicious but also demonstrate superior post-harvest performance. Floricane varieties, such as Sweet-Ark® ImmaculateTM, bloom and bear fruit on the second-year canes, providing a unique advantage in the lifecycle of berry production.
Advantages Over Other Varieties
Margaret Worthington, director of the Fruit Breeding Program, highlights the variety’s late ripening season, exceptional berry quality, and high yield potential as its primary advantages. Sweet-Ark® ImmaculateTM has shown better fruit firmness compared to other cultivars in post-harvest trials, which is crucial for maintaining quality during storage and shipping, especially during the challenging late-season conditions.
Meeting Industry and Local Grower Needs
Late-season blackberry varieties like Sweet-Ark® ImmaculateTM are invaluable for growers aiming to achieve a premium in the market when the availability of fresh berries is low. This variety also benefits local growers and pick-your-own operations by extending the availability of fresh, quality berries well into the late season, enhancing their market offering.
Agricultural Impact and Availability
The release of Sweet-Ark® ImmaculateTM is part of the Arkansas Fruit Breeding Program’s ongoing commitment to innovation in agriculture. As one of 22 publicly released blackberry varieties, with 16 being floricane fruiting, it represents the program’s dedication to developing high-quality, adaptable, and grower-friendly fruits. This variety is now available for licensing to propagators, signaling a promising addition to the 2024 planting season and beyond.
The introduction of Sweet-Ark® ImmaculateTM by the Arkansas Fruit Breeding Program is a significant achievement in the field of agricultural research and berry cultivation. Its late-season ripening, outstanding berry quality, and cultivation benefits offer a valuable new option for growers and an extended season for berry enthusiasts. As the agricultural community embraces this new variety, it stands to make a positive impact on the market and local economies, reinforcing the importance of continuous innovation in fruit breeding.
