Origin: in Gainesville, Fla., by W.B. Sherman and R.H. Sharpe, Fruit Crops Dept., Univ. of Florida. Introd. in 1977. [E66 Berkeley × F-72 (Wareham × Pioneer)] × FLA. 1-3 (Michigan-USDA Highbush) × Sel. [Earliblue × Sel. (V. ashei Callaway or Coastal × V. darrowi)]; cross made in 1962; selected in 1964; tested as Fla. 4-65. Tree: spreading; slightly smaller than Flordablue; fruit set extremely heavy, pruning necessary; blossoms in late February to March. Yield medium to high; resistant to stem canker (Botryosphaeria corticis Demaree & Wilcox) and to bud mites. Fruit: oblate; light blue; firm, dry stem scar; 65 berries/cup (0.24 liter); ripens after Sharpblue in mid-May; adaptable to mechanical harvest; for shipping and local market; high quality.
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