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Evergreen Challenges

Recommendations for Rust Management in the Evergreen System

The evergreen production system for southern highbush blueberry (SHB) is used extensively in the south-central and central regions of Florida. Under this system, blueberry plants do not go dormant and are harvested early in the season. One of the primary management requirements in the evergreen system is to keep the foliage healthy and intact through the harvest season. A significant challenge to accomplishing this is fungal leaf disease, especially rust. This article will provide some background and information on this disease, as well as a suggested fungicide program to minimize the incidence and severity of rust.

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USHBC Developing Best-in-Class Data and Insights Program

With a goal of helping growers make data-informed business decisions, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) has launched an effort to develop a best-in-class data and insights program for the blueberry industry. 

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A Critical Time for Blueberries

 Fall/Winter Irrigation and Fertilization Are Key to Bud Formation and Cold Acclimation

Fall may seem like a quiet time in blueberry fields, but important processes are silently occurring such as flower bud formation for next year’s crop and cold acclimation for the upcoming winter. When blueberry plants enter fall, they should have developed a canopy of moderately vigorous shoots with healthy leaves that developed following postharvest pruning during the summer. 

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Right On Target

Monitoring and Managing Target Spot in Southern Highbush Blueberry

Target spot, a fungal leaf disease, is caused by the Corynespora cassiicola pathogen. It was first reported in blueberry in the US (on “Jewel” in Central Florida) in 2014. Florida growers have reported significant defoliation due to target spot on many southern highbush blueberry (SHB) cultivars since then. 

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Thrip Threat

Be On the Lookout for Chilli Thrips This Summer

Chilli thrips are a significant pest on southern highbush blueberries in Florida with the potential to cause heavy foliage damage from late spring through early fall. Although there are insecticides with efficacy on chilli thrips, the numbers of applications used and cost of products have become a significant management issue for Florida growers. 

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Publisher's Interlude: Changing Times

It’s amazing to observe how inflation, cheap imports, and labor costs are changing the landscape of agriculture across the country regardless of the crop. The swift changes are forcing farmers to think on their feet and quickly adapt in order to stay relevant and in business. Fortunately, these are traits most farmers, especially those right here in Florida, already possess. (I could rattle off a list of all the qualities our growers exhibit, but chances are good you already know them because you’re one of them.)

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Grower 411

Summer Highbush Blueberry Management Items

   

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USHBC Update

It’s Time to Put Blueberries in the Spotlight

by JENNI SPARKS, North American Blueberry Council

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President's Letter: I Hear Harvest 2022 Went Pretty Well

I have heard this common theme from a number of growers. The 2022 season was described as “decent,” “an OK year,” or “I’m pretty happy with the season.”  Not bad praise coming from a bunch of farmers. 

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Pests and Pollinators

Are We Spraying the Bees Away?

by JOHN TERNEST & DR. RACHEL MALLINGER

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It Starts at the Nursery

How to Spot Common Problems Early to Ensure a Healthy Start

by PHIL HARMON & DOUG PHILLIPS

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Striking a Balance

Proper Summer Irrigation, Fertilization Needed for Productive Fields

by JEFF WILLIAMSON & DOUG PHILLIPS

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Prudent Pruning

Strategies for New and Mature Southern Highbush Blueberries

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Plan to Celebrate and Capitalize on National Blueberry Month

It’s April, which means National Blueberry Month is just three months away! The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is gearing up for an epic celebration. 

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Top Threat

Tips to Help Mitigate Damage From Chilli Thrips

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Post-Harvest Primer

Summer Fungal Leaf Disease Management

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President's Letter: Dealing With Mother Nature and the Designs of Society

As I pen this in mid-March I’m not sure how the season will turn out, but I’m hopeful and as ready as I can be for what comes at harvest. Ever since Thanksgiving, our business has been steering through white waters I hardly expected to see till harvest. As growers, you know it’s been a bit of an odd year due to both the political and economic designs of our society and the inescapable influence of Mother Nature. Despite this, the Florida growers I talk to have all been working hard and figuring out how to adjust their operations to capture a good harvest.

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Executive Director's Letter: Showcasing Florida’s Blueberry Industry

It is harvest season 2022, and we have already had quite a packed spring in Florida!

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Publisher's Interlude: The Pursuit of Knowledge

Field days in agriculture are essentially show-and-tell for adults, and it’s every bit as exciting as it was when I was in school. Don’t get me wrong, the advanced principles, techniques, and subject matter are far from child’s play, but the principles remain the same: Share, learn, and grow

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The Wedgworth Way

By J. Scott Angle

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