Pender

A highbush blueberry for mechanical harvesting. <b>Origin:</b> North Carolina State Univ. from the cross Bluechip × B-1 (wild V. corymbosum) made by J.R. Ballington. Sel. in 1981; tested as NC2161; introd. in 1997. Berry: size smaller than Reveille and Croatan; color excellent, flavor good; very good picking scar; fruit firmness equal to Croatan. Resistant to cracking; good shelf life at 7 C. <b>Plant:</b> vigorous, semi-upright. Flowers synchronously with Croatan, ripens midseason; consistent in production. Can be mechanically harvested for the fresh market. Flowers are self-fertile. Propagation rights assigned to Finch Nursery, Bailey, N.C.