The North Carolina State University caneberry breeding program is excited to introduce ‘Ervin’, a new thornless floricane-fruiting blackberry developed for growers and consumers who value exceptional flavor, consistency, and adaptability across the southeastern United States. 'Ervin' was trialed as NC 740.
NC 740 is named 'Ervin' in honor of Ervin Lineberger, a pioneering North Carolina grower who played a critical role in advancing the regional blackberry industry, ‘Ervin’ reflects both innovation and gratitude to the farming community that helped make modern blackberry production in the southeastern region of the US possible.
Ervin Lineberger
Why grow 'Ervin'?
Consumer demand for premium-tasting fruit continues to grow, and blackberry flavor is increasingly becoming a key market attribute. ‘Ervin’ was selected with flavor in mind, prioritizing eating quality first, while maintaining the agronomic traits growers need for commercial success.
Key Attributes
Outstanding flavor — rich, sweet, and balanced with low acidity
High soluble solids (SSC) — contributes to excellent eating quality
Firm berries with good postharvest life — suitable for fresh-market shipping
Attractive glossy black fruit — visually appealing for retail markets
Plant Performance in the Field
‘Ervin’ performs comparably to the widely grown cultivar ‘Von’ in terms of plant vigor and disease resistance. While its yields are best described as moderate rather than high, this is largely offset by its superior fruit quality and strong market appeal.
Key Highlights
Thornless canes — easier and safer to manage for labor crews
Floricane-fruiting type — compatible with existing southeastern production systems
