Ongoing research in our program is evaluating the potential use of sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum) as a rootstock for southern highbush blueberry (SHB). Blueberry plants are shallow-rooted and require soils with low pH and high organic matter content. Under current management systems in the southeastern U.S., SHB is frequently subjected to a variety of stresses including periodic drought stress, and adverse soil conditions such as insufficient soil organic matter and/ or high soil pH. Moreover, the multi-cane SHB crown is not adapted to the current mechanical harvester designs because catch plates do not seal effectively around the base of plants. The result is fruit dropping to the ground during machine harvesting (see Figure 1).

<strong>Beetles vs Blueberries</strong>

Post-harvest foliage management is important for blueberries produced in both deciduous and evergreen systems in Florida.  Healthy leaves maintained through flower bud differentiation in fall will ensure sufficient carbohydrate (sugar) reserves for uniform, early, berry production and leafing the following spring in deciduous production.  In evergreen systems, foliar diseases that carry over on leaves reduce the vigor of plants, but also can produce spores that infect fruit.  Anthracnose and rust pathogens infect both leaves and fruit and can lead to post harvest fruit rot (ripe rot) and fruit quality issues (rust infection of fruit).  Some varieties are more susceptible to summer foliar diseases than others.  Jewel is an older variety still widely grown that suffers from several foliar fungal diseases during the hot humid Florida summers.

<strong>Helping Farmers Develop Efficient Water Practices</strong>

It appears that specialty crops – including blueberries – are taking a back seat in the current negotiations over the North American Free Trade Agreement as arguments over tariffs and other higher priority items are being discussed.

Researchers share Initial Findings of Disease and What to Do if Detected in Your Crops

width="300"] Figure 1[/caption]

At the Heart of the Cost Share Program, ‘My Florida Farm Weather,’ Are Valuable Decision-Making Tools

The Florida Blueberry Growers Association SPRING FIELD DAY will be held Tuesday, March 12th, 2019 at the University of Florida-IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm in Citra, FL.  The day will consist of presentations, field tour, a group lunch as well as the opportunity to visit with 20 vendors to the blueberry industry.  Lunch is included in your paid registration (name badge will be used as your meal ticket.)

Florida southern highbush blueberries need freeze protection to minimize damage to flower buds, blooms, and young fruit. This is typically done using overhead irrigation, which involves putting out large volumes of water to reduce the impact of cold temperatures on susceptible floral and fruit tissues.

March Blueberry Festival a Draw for Blueberry Fans Near and Far

by MARY TOOTHMAN

Updated Research Regarding the Latest Disease in Florida Blueberries

by Phil Harmon, Ph.D. UF IFAS Blueberry Pathologist and Extension Specialist and

New Block Grant Could Help Predict Yields

by TIM CRAIG