New Southern Highbush: ‘Pinnacle’ (US 508)

Written by

Erick Smith

March 7, 2014

Dr. Jim Ballington, North Carolina State University blueberry breeder, announced the advanced selection ‘Pinnacle’ (US 508) is available for trials. ‘Pinnacle is a collaboration between NCSU and USDA-ARS and is a cross of NC 1408 (‘Elizabeth’ x US 75) X ‘Bluechip’ made by A. D. Draper at Beltsville, MD. ‘Pinnacle’ has demonstrated an early ripening, large sized, light blue, and firm fruit. ‘Pinnacle’ is estimated to have 500-600 hrs chilling and has been evaluated in highbush blueberry soils of eastern NC. Dr. Ballington suggests that ‘Pinnacle’ would perform well in Southern Georgia

Southern Highbush w/500-600 hrs Chill Requirement — Southern Highbush ‘Pinnacle’ (US 508) w/500-600 hrs Chill Requirement

pine bark culture.

If ‘Pinnacle’ peaks your interests contact Dr. Ballington at jrbsrb@ncsu.edu. Growers are required to sign a Trialing Agreement with NCSU and there is a $5.00 charge on each plant to cover propagation costs.

Posted in: Variety Selection

Erick Smith

Dr. Smith has an 80% extension and 20% research appointment in fruit production for southern Georgia. His responsibilities include providing leadership to the blueberry educational programs of southern Georgia. He assists county extension agents and commercial blueberry growers in production oriented material. His research interests are focused on plant nutrition, blueberry establishment, and production improvement. In blueberry and other commercial fruit crops, Dr. Smith is working to research and educate through collaborative efforts that include, but not exclusive to, leaders from the fields of plant pathology, entomology, physiology, and engineering to bring a rounded approach to problem solving.