Global Plant Genetics (GPG) announced the international launch of four new varieties of blueberries Developed by the Oregon breeding program outside the United States and Canada: OBG-Astoria, OBG-Sirocco™, OBG-Belair™, and OBG-Raptor™. Commercial plantings are already underway.

The four varieties cover different chilling requirement categories and production systems. OBG-Astoria is a high chilling requirement, early to mid-season variety, geared towards the premium fresh fruit market, with large berries, balanced flavor, and high firmness.

OBG-Sirocco™ is adapted to regions with low to medium chilling requirements and was specifically developed for intensive production systems and substrate cultivation. It combines large berries, outstanding firmness, and a compact plant habit.

OBG-Belair™ is also a low- to medium-chill variety. It stands out for its vigorous growth, high yield potential, and good performance in the fresh fruit market.

OBG-Raptor™, on the other hand, is a rabbiteye variety, developed to produce large, uniform berries with excellent firmness, very low seed content, and a consumption quality comparable to that of highbush varieties, while maintaining the vigor and resilience characteristic of the blueberries rabbiteye.

Jamie Petchell, director of Global Plant Genetics, pointed out that these varieties respond to the type of advancement that the industry is seeking. blueberry needs to.

“These varieties represent exactly the kind of progress the industry needs in blueberryThese aren't simply new names being added to the market; they are varieties with the potential to drive it forward. Each one has a clear commercial purpose, whether it's high performance in the fresh fruit market in cold climates, adaptability to regions with low or medium chilling requirements, suitability for substrate production, or a true reformulation of the blueberries “Rabbiteye,” he stated.

Petchell added that the new varieties have shown very positive results in trials and commercial evaluations.

“These varieties have shown remarkable progress in trials and commercial evaluations. The response so far has been extremely encouraging, and we believe they will have an impact from the outset. Our goal now is to work with the right partners, in the right territories, to build long-term success around this genetics,” he said.

GPG will manage the international launch through its global network, developing commercial and testing opportunities territory by territory, subject to licensing, plant availability and suitability to each market.