Commercialization and Licensing - Other Fruit
University of Minnesota research scientists and breeders have been experimenting to develop cold hardy, disease resistant fruit since 1887. Many of these varieties are available from your favorite nurseries.
Unique fruit developed by the U of M are protected. Propagation of protected varieties without a license is prohibited, even if you want to propagate one plant.
Licensed Through the U of M
Pink Popcorn® blueberry Itasca™, Mesabi™, and Winona™ strawberries are protected by United States Plant Patents or Plant Variety Rights in other countries. Nurseries must be licensed to propagate and sell these protected varieties.
 | Pink Popcorn® BlueberryPink Popcorn® is protected under the US Plant Patent Act and by Plant Breeders Rights in other countries. In 2014, Briggs Nursery was granted an exclusive license from the University of Minnesota to propagate Pink Popcorn®. |
 | Itasca™ StrawberryItasca™ Strawberry is hardy to zone 3B and features richy colored tart berries. Itasca™ is currently available to license through the Office of Technology Commercialization. |
 | Mesabi™ StrawberryMesabi™ Strawberry is winter hardy and shows impressive disease resistance. Features large, bright red fruit and melting texture. Mesabi™ is currently available to license through the Office of Technology Commercialization. |
 | Winona™ StrawberryWinona™ Strawberry is hardy and disease resistant. Its large fruit has a hint of peach flavor. Winona™ is currently available to license through the Office of Technology Commercialization. |
Supported Through the MNRC
 | Chippewa, Northblue, Northcountry, Northsky, Polaris, St. Cloud, and Superior BlueberriesChippewa, Northblue, Northcountry, Northsky, Polaris, St. Cloud, and Superior Blueberries are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating these varieties support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC). Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries. |
 | Summercrisp PearSupercrisp Pear is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC). Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries. |
 | Alderman PlumAlderman Plum is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC). Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries. |
Pink Popcorn® is a registered trademark of the University of Minnesota and Itasca™, Mesabi™, and Winona™ are trademarks of the University of Minnesota.
