VARIETY SPOTLIGHT
‘SWEET-ARK™’ cv. ‘PONCA’
U.S. Plant Patent Applied for
Propagation prohibited by law
Looking for the perfect blackberry variety? This latest release from the premier blackberry breeder, Dr. John Clark, at University of Arkansas, might be it! One of thesweetest and most flavorful blackberry varieties tried yet, it will appeal to commercial growers for its yield potential and post-harvest fruit quality. Ponca ripens shortly after Natchez and before Caddo; meeting an important early ripening window. In trials, plants have shown excellent cane health, with no unusual susceptibility to rusts nor anthracnose. Winter hardiness is comparable to Ouachita with very limited injury to a low of 1’F. Zones 6-9. Supply is limited to trial quantities.
CADDO Blackberry
(U.S. Plant Patent to be applied for)
Caddo is is a recent release from a series of erect growing, high quality, productive floricane-fruiting black berry cultivars intended for fresh market use by John Clark at the University of Arkansas. “It has overall high fruit quality, excellent postharvest fruit-handling potential, consistent high yields and excellent plant health,” as indicated by Dr. Clark. Early results show Caddo ripening between Natchez and Osage with comparable yields to both Osage and Ouachita. Size has been larger than both Osage and Ouachita; holding size through the harvest season. We highly recommend that growers trial this new variety. Hardiness is anticipated in zones 5 – 9.
MAPEMA® Raspberry
The fourth and earliest in a series of varieties from the Advanced Berry Breeding program in The Netherlands, Mapema® is an early fruiting and easy to grow primocane with a high yield. Ripening time is similar to Polka. This variety produces large, conical fruit with a beautiful, deep color. The berries are excellent quality and easy to pick. Our trial results have shown Mapema® to be the earliest fruiting of the ABB varieties with superb quality and flavor. As with the other ABB varieties, special licensing requirements include a 200 plant minimum. Please call us for pricing and details on placing an order. Zones 5-9.