A sweet, light-colored, thornless blackberry: a new release from the University of Arkansas small fruit breeding program aims to win over growers and consumers with a truly unique profile.
The new white blackberry cultivar developed by the University of Arkansas has been named Sweet-Ark® Immaculate, from one of the most active U.S. institutions in blackberry and small fruit research. This new variety represents a true commercial novelty: it is a light-colored blackberry, completely thornless, with a sweet and delicate aromatic profile, designed for the fresh market.
A variety that breaks the mold
The most striking feature of Sweet-Ark® Immaculate is its creamy white coloration, which clearly sets it apart from traditional black or red blackberries. The result of years of selection within the breeding program led by Prof. John R. Clark, this blackberry belongs to the Sweet-Ark® series, known for its organoleptic quality and cultivar adaptability.
The new selection was obtained in 2010 from a cross between Arkansas Selection A-2453 and APF-259TN and has shown remarkable genetic stability over the years. After more than a decade of field evaluations, it was officially released in early 2026.
Pre-commercial planting of Sweet-Ark® Immaculate™ in central Arkansas. 18 June 2025. Photo credit: Carmen Johns, UADA Research Scientist, Assistant Fruit Breeder.
Focus on flavor and harvest
Beyond its color, Sweet-Ark® Immaculate stands out for its sweet, aromatic flavor, without the pronounced acidity typical of some wild blackberries. The fruits ripen mid-season, are medium-sized and detach easily from the receptacle, making harvest simple and efficient.
Another major advantage for growers is the complete absence of thorns, which facilitates both pruning and harvesting, improving working conditions and reducing management costs.
Fruit in early stages of ripening with primocanes beginning to grow through the canopy. 18 June 2025. Photo credit: Carmen Johns UADA Research Scientist, Assistant Fruit Breeder.
An unprecedented option
According to Clark, Sweet-Ark® Immaculate is intended exclusively for the fresh market. “It is not designed for processing or freezing, but for those seeking a new consumer experience that is visually appealing and pleasant on the palate,” the researcher said.
The white blackberry can represent a niche product with high added value, ideal for small farms, local markets, agritourism operations and direct sales, where product originality can make the difference.
Future prospects
With the introduction of Sweet-Ark® Immaculate, the table blackberry landscape gains a novelty that could stimulate new trends among both growers and consumers. The growing interest in varieties with an original visual profile and a sweeter taste opens interesting scenarios for European breeding as well.
The release of this cultivar marks another step forward in the genetic diversification of blackberries and could inspire new crosses and selections, even beyond the United States.
Text and images source: smallfruits.org
