‘Brightwell’ Rabbiteye Blueberry

Abstract

Abstract ‘Brightwell’ rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) is a new cultivar originating from the cooperative blueberry breeding program of the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is productive, early ripening, and has medium-size fruit with excellent color, stem scar, firmness, and pleasant flavor. ‘Brightwell’ is intended for those areas of the southern United States where rabbiteye blueberries are successfully grown. This cultivar is named in honor of W.T. Brightwell who bred rabbiteye blueberries for over 30 years at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Ga. He is known for the many excellent cultivars that he and his cooperators originated.