Variety Mars

Mars (also Arkansas 1508, Mars Seedless) is a seedless variety bred in Arkansas (USA; Campbell Early × Arkansas 1339). Registered in 1984. It ripens in 130–140 days, in the mid-season. The cluster is medium, about 200–300 g, conical, moderately dense to dense. The berries are round, dark blue (almost black), 4–5 g, resistant to cracking, with a tough skin that separates from the slippery pulp and a bright strawberry aroma. Seedlessness is of the 3rd class, with occasional small rudiments; gibberellin has no effect on the variety. Sugar content 16–20%, acidity 5–7 g/dm³.

The bush is very vigorous, the shoots ripen well, the flower is hermaphroditic, 85–95% of shoots are fruitful, yields are high, so the inflorescences are regulated. The variety is frost-hardy (down to −25…−26 °C) and has high resistance to fungal diseases. It grows best on arbors. The berries are eaten fresh, dried and used for wine.