By Maegan Beatty
Blueberries are a popular commodity throughout the state of Florida and the entire southeast region. Scientists and researchers are working to create new cultivars that can sustain hard freezes during those difficult winter months, especially throughout the North Florida area.
Dr. Jeff Williamson is a part of the Horticulture Sciences Department at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Recently during an Orchard Field Day held at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida, Williamson described a few different varieties of blueberries that are in development to better survive damaging Florida freezes.
FLORIDA’S CLIMATE
While the Sunshine State has a warmer climate, farmers experience unexpected disasters, such as intense freezes and hurricanes.
“Weather may be the greatest challenge for fruit growers in Florida,” Williamson said.
Blueberries require a certain amount of chilling hours in order to produce the most yield. The chilling range for Florida blueberries is typically between 42 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the chilling hours help the blueberries to know when it is time for harvest. Williamson words it as “a natural way to keep its own calendar.”
Late freezes are the ones that cause the most damage to Florida blueberries, which is why scientists are looking to develop new varieties that are less susceptible to these freezes.
NEW CULTIVARS
Williamson focused on two main varieties that Florida blueberry growers should think about investing in.
The first was the southern highbush variety. This specific kind of blueberry can give farmers an earlier ripening season, but is more expensive and difficult to maintain. The other variety that was discussed was the rabbiteye variety. This variety had a later ripening season, but is proven to be less susceptible to freezes. Additionally, the rabbiteye variety is less expensive to grow and maintain.
Within the southern highbush varieties, the Sentinel is a cultivar that was developed in 2020 and has performed well in North Florida. It is high-yielding and there are currently no known diseases. The Colossus blueberry is another new cultivar that is proven to be well adapted in the north-central Florida area.
Within the rabbiteye variety, the Beckyblue, Bonita and Climax are three early-season rabbiteye cultivars that are widely grown throughout Florida. However, they are not as productive as mid-to-late season cultivars.