Blackberry breakthrough: PSG unveils first year-round primocane variety

Plant Sciences Genetics (PSG) is to launch the industry’s first year-round, low-reversion primocane blackberry variety, Rejoice, at this week’s Aneberries International Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The berry breeder described the variety as a gamechanger, delivering continuous fruit with consistent flavour, texture and in-store appeal to bring year-round demand to the category.

“For years, growers, marketers and retailers have been waiting for a one-of-a-kind blackberry: field-proven and ready to support a year-round supply of high-quality fruit with excellent shelf-life, a stunning appearance and a balanced, consistent flavour. It’s time to rejoice, because PSG’s answer is finally here,” the company said.

According to PSG, Rejoice (known as BK 6-13 or by its plant patent as PS-BK3-17.006-13) represents a new standard in blackberries. “The Rejoice brand represents the value of being a PSG blackberry licensee, which also includes access to advanced selections, early pipeline testing, agronomic support and marketing collaboration,” the company said.

“Additionally, Rejoice delivers genetics optimised for a steady annual supply, with minimal or no reversion. The high-yield varietal requires zero chill, making it adaptable to various climates, altitudes and planting dates.

“The Rejoice blackberry platform goes beyond single-variety fixes to identify, address and eliminate stress at every stage of the value chain.”

According to PSG, Rejoice gives growers more control of their timeline thanks to its strong yields, risk-reducing genetics, first year fruit and zero chill time. Those benefits are backed with hands-on agronomic support from PSG.

For marketers, the breeder said Rejoice provides a premium blackberry with a story to tell, plus robust varietal branding and co-promotion to build demand. “Marketers can offer annual programmes with no seasonal lull – and no more apologising for sour, discoloured or inconsistent blackberries,” the company stated.

For retailers, PSG said Rejoice offers a superior appearance, and an eating experience that keeps shoppers coming back. It claimed the blackberry promises to drastically reduce shrink with a shelf life of 13+ days, nearly double traditional varieties.

This variety launch is the first from the Rejoice platform which was developed by PSG’s blackberry breeding programme and led by experienced breeder, Scott Adams.

“In our breeding programmes, we’re evaluating berry traits preferred by growers, shippers or retailers,” he said. “Rejoice is a rare case where we don’t have to pick one stakeholder over the others. It fruits in the first year. It grows steadily. It’s beautiful. The shelf-life is great. Rejoice gives everyone in our business a reason to get excited.”

PSG’s berry breeding pedigree goes back more than 40 years. Known for its commercially successful strawberry and raspberry portfolio, the company also has 12 years of blueberry breeding efforts that will come to market in the next few years.

“PSG builds and propagates best-in-class genetics so berry growers and shippers can scale and differentiate their businesses,” said JP Thompson, commercial vice president of the company. “The entire supply chain has been clamouring for a blackberry with these characteristics. We’re excited to help the category reach its full potential, with Rejoice as a must in every berry programme and basket.”