By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry crop is starting to bloom across the state. Harvests will commence in just a few months. Growers need to be mindful of multiple pests and diseases that could impact this year’s production, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences blueberry Extension coordinator. “The things that growers are concerned about or …
Freeze Protection: Overhead Irrigation Efficient Strategy for Blueberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Frost protection will be an essential management plan for blueberry producers in the Southeast during the upcoming months leading up to harvest. Eric Stafne, a Mississippi State Extension/Research Professor, highlights the benefits and importance of using overhead sprinkler irrigation when temperatures drop below freezing. “The benefit of using that is it’s the most effective way to prevent …
Blueberry Gall Midge: UF/IFAS Scientists Studying Insect’s Behavioral Patterns
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are studying one of blueberries’ main pests to provide better management options for Florida growers. The blueberry gall midge has become more problematic for blueberry growers in the past two decades. Its larvae feed on southern highbush blueberry and rabbiteye floral and vegetative buds. Severe feeding …
Blueberry App to Soon be Offered in Spanish Translation
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Blueberry Growers Guide phone app pays dividends for producers needing timely information. It will soon be offered in a Spanish translation as well, according to Doug Phillips, UF/IFAS blueberry Extension coordinator at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “We know some farm managers and other …
Blueberry Referendum: Voters vote in Favor of U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
U.S. highbush blueberry producers and importers approved a national referendum that will continue the national research and promotion program. The referendum was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). In the referendum, 84% of those voting, which represented 93% of the volume of highbush blueberries, voted in favor of continuing the program. “Since joining the USHBC …
Biological Control: UF Research Testing New Measures for Mites in Blueberries
By Clint Thompson Biological applications may be Florida blueberry growers’ best management strategy for long-lasting control of mites. Oscar Liburd, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Professor and Fruit and Vegetable IPM Program leader, said resistance concerns are forcing researchers to consider alternative control measures. “One of the problems is that if we continue using the …
Florida Blueberries: Embrace the Future Now to Remain Sustainable
By Clint Thompson The future of blueberry production is now for Florida farmers hoping to remain sustainable. At least that’s how one blueberry producer views the industry as it’s currently constructed. Like other Florida blueberry growers, Ryan Atwood is not immune to the rising input costs being experienced across agriculture. Fertilizer, fuel, labor, land; all are expenses that are on …
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Details Strategic Plan Empowering Industry
FOLSOM, Calif. —The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) announced last week details around its recently approved 2021-2025 strategic plan, which charts an ambitious course to exponentially grow the volume and value of blueberries domestically and across the globe. The comprehensive plan explains how USHBC will lead demand-driving programs based on shared resources, research and insights that inspire possibilities and sustain …
Increased Blueberry Demand Helping Florida Growers
By Clint Thompson The increased marketing and promotion effort from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) has helped offset some of the lost market share by Florida growers due to increased trade from Mexico. “The Florida blueberry industry has been through the ups and downs that the rest of agriculture in the U.S. has been through. One of the most …
Blueberry Cultivar Research: It Takes Time
By Clint Thompson Pest and disease management of blueberries is a reality all Florida producers have to cope with every year. A potential solution is cultivar resistance. But that will take time, however, says University of Florida blueberry breeder Patricio Munoz. “Pests and diseases are big problems for the state, but we are a state that’s very prone to these …