More than 2000ha of Ozblu blueberries bred by David Mazzardis have been planted on 40 farms across 19 countries, bringing a healthy royalty stream back to Western Australia. Mazzardis, who with wife Leasa runs a 10ha breeding and evaluation plot at their property, Yanchep Springs, started breeding blueberries in the 1980s.
His breeding program, which uses only natural cross-pollinating methods to create patented varieties, has resulted in a range of blueberries that are bigger, sweeter, crispier and juicer than the traditional varieties found in supermarkets.
Flagship varieties include Oz Magnifica, Oz Boninta, Oz Magica and Oz Julieta, which are now grown extensively in South America and South Africa.
But there are already 15 named varieties and hundreds of other selections in the very early stages of commercialising, in the program that can take at least nine years for fruit to reach the commercial market.
The Mazzardis are also developing blueberries that are quicker and easier to pick, the ultimate aim being to bring costs down for consumers. “Harvesting is a massive part of the cost with blueberries — up to 50 per cent in some cases,” Mr Mazzardis told thewest.com.au. “Nice clusters of berries that come off the bush easily will mean much lower costs, ultimately making blueberries a more affordable fruit that more people can enjoy.”
