Key Characteristics of Caddo Thorn-free Blackberry:
-
Origin: 'Caddo' is a thorn-free, erect-growing blackberry cultivar (Rubus fruticosus) developed by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture fruit breeding program under the direction of Dr. John R. Clark. It was selected in 2008 and released in 2023. It is the result of a cross between 'APF-45' and 'Prime-Ark® 2020'. 'Caddo' was bred for its excellent flavor, large berry size, early ripening, consistent high yields, and thorn-free canes.
-
Patent Status: 'Caddo' Blackberry is protected by U.S. Plant Patent PP33,115, held by University of Arkansas at Little Rock until 2039-12-31. This patent restricts unauthorized asexual reproduction and sale of the cultivar.
-
Berry Production: Produces large berries, even larger than 'Osage' and 'Ouachita', with a very good, sweet flavor and desirable aromatics. It exhibits overall high fruit quality and excellent postharvest fruit-handling potential. The berries have a firm texture and a good shelf life, retaining flavor even after seven days of storage.
-
Ripening Time: 'Caddo' is an early-ripening floricane-fruiting blackberry. Its average first harvest date is around June 8th, placing it about two days later than 'Natchez' and two days earlier than 'Osage'.
-
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Caddo' features erect, thorn-free canes.
-
Flowers: Produces typical blackberry flowers in the spring on floricanes (second-year canes). It is self-pollinating.
-
Hardiness: 'Caddo' is recommended for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9 and requires approximately 300 chill hours. Its hardiness is comparable to other Arkansas releases like 'Ouachita'.
-
Pollination: 'Caddo' is self-fertile and does not require another blackberry variety for fruit set.
-
Growing Conditions:
-
Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal fruit production.
-
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil.
-
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development.
-
Pruning: Requires annual pruning of old floricanes after harvest to encourage new primocane growth. Primocanes can be tipped to encourage lateral branching.
-
Uses: Excellent for fresh eating due to its flavor and size. Suitable for other uses like jams, preserves, and freezing due to its good fruit quality and handling potential. Intended for fresh market use.
-
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
-
Ornamental Value: The thorn-free canes and fruit production can add value to the edible landscape.
-
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Caddo' exhibits excellent plant health and has shown no incidence of orange rust or cane/leaf rust/anthracnose in research trials.
Yield: 'Caddo' is a high-yielding cultivar. In trials at the Clarksville experiment station, it has produced around 19,000 lbs per acre.
