By Clint Thompson Labor remains a contentious issue for specialty crop producers in the Southeast. It will be highlighted during the upcoming Florida Blueberry Growers Association Conference and Trade Show. “It’s a topic with some really high interest among growers,” said Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. It has been widely …
What’s Needed to Ensure a Sweet Future for Georgia Blueberries
By Clint Thompson One of the largest and most productive blueberry growers in Georgia is concerned about the obstacles that will challenge his ability to remain sustainable in the future. That is why Kevin Eason voices his concerns to those who will listen. He aims to educate legislative leaders about the issues that challenge his sustainability as a farmer. Eason …
Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference Taking Place Oct. 25
By Clint Thompson Blueberry producers should mark their calendars for Wednesday, Oct. 25, for the annual Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference and Trade Show at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discussed the significance of the meeting this fall and why producers and industry …
Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference, Trade Show Scheduled for Oct. 25
By Clint Thompson Blueberry producers should mark their calendars for Wednesday, Oct. 25, for the annual Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference and Trade Show at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discussed the significance of the meeting this fall and why producers and industry …
NABC Applauds Reduction of Tariffs on U.S. Blueberry Exports to India
The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) is applauding the reduction of tariffs on U.S. blueberry exports to India. United States Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai announced on Friday that India has agreed to reduce tariffs on fresh, frozen and dried blueberries. NABC President Kasey Cronquist released the following statement in response to the announcement by the USTR: “We applaud the …
Algal Stem Blotch Observed on Georgia Blueberry
Various instances of algal stem blotch on blueberry have been reported in Georgia in recent days, according to the University of Georgia Blueberry Blog. Growers should be aware that since the disease is caused by an alga rather than a fungus, it is highly unlikely that fungicides will be an effective management option. University of Florida recommendations suggest that sprays …
The Role of Root and Leaf Age in Blueberry Water Relations
By Gerardo H. Nunez Blueberry bushes have a complicated relationship with water. Too little water can limit blueberry growth and productivity, while too much water can lead to root diseases and loss of vigor. This article focuses on the role that leaf and root age plays in irrigation success. WATER UPTAKE AND ROOTSBlueberry bushes take up water through their shallow …
Blueberry Meeting Road Show Addressed Leaf Rust
By Frank Giles The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry team took to the road in July for their summer educational seminars. Meetings were held in four locations in blueberry production areas. Doug Phillips, UF/IFAS blueberry Extension coordinator, help planned the meeting. He said the meetings went well and touched on local concerns. “The genesis …
UF/IFAS Research: Ammoniacal Nitrogen Preferred in Blueberries
By Clint Thompson Nitrogen is an element that blueberry plants require most. One University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher believes there is room for improvement in how growers distribute that essential element. Gerardo Nunez, assistant professor in the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, discusses nutrient research in blueberries. “It is an element where we believe there …
Leaf Rust Problematic for Florida Blueberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …