Gupton and pearl, two highbush blueberry cultivars developed by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, could benefit Southern
growers. These berries give Southern growers early-ripening
fruit, according to the USDA. The early ripening starts in April
and May. Gupton was released in 2006, and pearl was released in
2010. Previously, there was limited acreage of Southern highbush
blueberries because their lack of vigor has made them difficult
to grow, said Stephen Stringer, a geneticist with USDA’s
Agricultural Research Service. Many nurseries have requested
pearl, while some Mississippi growers have already planted
gupton in small plots, according to the USDA. Because of the
year-round demand for blueberries Southern growers will have a
chance to provide more to the market because of the early-
ripening berries.