The new Northern Highbush blueberry variety M.H.1-07, the first release from Mattivi’s new breeding program, is already attracting the attention of industry professionals. Under commercial-scale trials for two years and now in production on five hectares in the Verona area, this variety represents a significant step forward in the early segment, offering tangible advantages for growers and distributors.
An alternative to Duke, with something more
M.H.1-07 ripens in the same window as Duke but introduces distinctive traits: the fruits ripen more uniformly, allowing for more efficient harvesting, and most importantly, they can remain on the plant for two to three weeks after color change without losing firmness.
This feature enables more flexible harvest management based on labor availability and allows growers to wait for more favorable market conditions.
More time on the plant, better quality in the punnet
Extended time on the plant not only maintains quality but actually enhances it: the berries continue to increase in size and develop a stronger aroma, with notes reminiscent of fully ripe plum. From both a visual and sensory standpoint, M.H.1-07 blueberries are crunchy, sweet, and suitable for fresh consumption, including in distant markets thanks to their excellent shelf life.
Natural shelf life and competitive yield
Storage tests conducted by Mattivi confirm that after a month in a standard cold room, the berries still retain good organoleptic qualities, also thanks to the small abscission pedicel which reduces mechanical damage during harvest. The variety’s productivity is comparable to Duke even in the early years of planting, as is the average fruit size.
A variety for mid-to-high chill requirement areas
M.H.1-07 is designed for areas with mid-to-high chill requirements, where it shows excellent vigor and adaptability. Its release marks the beginning of Mattivi’s varietal portfolio in the blueberry segment, a promising debut for a line focused on practical innovation.
"We’re just getting started," the company comments, "but the enthusiasm from growers is already tangible. Those who have started cultivating it appreciate the combination of earliness, quality, and flexibility. M.H.1-07 is a variety designed for forward-thinking growers."
Photos: Mattivi (three-year-old M.H.1-07 bushes, province of Verona, Italy)
