Prime-Ark® 45 Brand (APF 45 cv.)

Fruit & Plant Characteristics

The University of Arkansas’ plant breeder, Dr. John Clark, selected the APF 45 blackberry variety for its consistent fruit size and high flavor. This cultivar is a primocane type variety. Depending on latitude and production environment, APF 45 promises to extend the fresh fruit market window late into the season. Fruit and plants of the APF 45 variety are sold under the prestigious Prime-Ark® 45 brand.

Fruit of the APF 45 blackberry variety is highly flavored, yet firm. Its long shelf life supports shipping to distant markets. The fruit’s attractive, elongated shape displays well in a variety of packaging alternatives.

The APF 45 blackberry plant is thorny, erect growing and very vigorous. The variety adapts to a wide range of environments and management practices. When cultivated in mild winter regions, growers can achieve both floricane and primocane production in a given season.

 

Primocane Management

The APF 45 variety offers a late season alternative to contemporary floricane blackberry production in cold, continental climates. Growers adjust the harvest window through timely pruning over the course of the season. Mowing the canes to the ground at the end of the season effectively eliminates winter cold damage common with floricane type varieties under severe winter conditions.

In low chill, subtropical and tropical high elevation environments, the APF 45 cultivar offers growers a broad season of highly productive, commercial grade blackberry fruit. The genetics of the APF 45 variety extend the potential range for commercial production of high quality blackberry fruit.

 

Disease Resistance

In plantings to date, no orange rust has been observed. The APF 45 variety has shown only slight susceptibility to anthracnose root infections.

 

*Characteristics may vary depending on weather conditions, day length, soil type and location.