Toro

Origin: USDA, New Jersey – Experiment Station (1987)

1. High-bush type cultivar.
2. Height is 5-6 feet. Plants are vigorous and grow upright in stature. The name “Toro” reflects the strong, stocky structure of the plant.
3. Ripening of the fruit is grouped in the early mid-season, which would be July 15 in South Haven, Michigan. The berries will have no purple backside when berries are blue on the top; this is the major concern for fresh market producers.
4. Yield of Toro is very consistent; it is a heavy producer. The fruit buds and wood seem to be very tolerant to fluctuating winter temperatures.
5. Fruit size is large. Approximately 60 berries per standard cup.
6. Quality of the fruit is excellent, having small dry scars, good color and firmness. Flavor of the fruit is very sweet with low acid.
7. Harvesting can be done by hand or mechanical harvesting. It will be a very good cultivar for mechanical harvest because of concentrated ripening. Fruit can be harvested in two harvests.
8. Marketing of the fruit is preferable fresh because of its concentrated ripening and high quality fruit. The berry can be used as process or U-Pick. Hardiness Zones 7a-4b.