By Clint Thompson Though rattled by sub-freezing temperatures during the Christmas holidays, Georgia’s blueberry crop was not severely impacted by prolonged temperatures in the 20s. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, says freeze events that occur later in the season are much more impactful. “For the vast majority, this freeze was not as big …
Florida Blueberries Escape Significant Damage from Christmas Freeze
By Clint Thompson Timing can make the difference in the success of a specialty crop. In the case of Florida blueberries, it likely has helped the crop survive one of the coldest freeze events in recent memory. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, explains how the lack of blooms in Florida’s …
Christmas Freeze ‘Not Much of an Impact’ on Florida Blueberries
By Clint Thompson Timing can make the difference in the success of a specialty crop. In the case of Florida blueberries, it likely has helped the crop survive one of the coldest freeze events in recent memory. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, explains how the lack of blooms in Florida’s …
The Risk of Warmer Winters to Fruit Production
By Pam Knox Georgia is known as “The Peach State,” but the production of blueberries is a much bigger contributor to the state’s economy than peaches. However, both types of fruit have one thing in common. They are being affected by the trend toward warmer temperatures that are being seen across the world due to increases in greenhouse gases in …
Florida Blueberry Growers ‘Back on Their Feet’ Following Two Fall Hurricanes
By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry crop is in good shape heading into the upcoming production season, all things considering. “I would say in general, folks are back on their feet,” says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. Phillips’ optimistic outlook comes on the heels of two named storms; Hurricane Ian in …
October Management Tips for Blueberries
Blueberry specialists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) remind growers about management options they need to be mindful of during October. Producers should monitor and manage leaf diseases, especially in evergreen systems. It is important to scout for algal stem blotch and selectively prune out canes infected with algal stem blotch, Botryosphaeria stem blight …
Blueberry Plant Care After Hurricane Damage
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian had varying effects on Florida’s blueberry acres. Some plants dodged the high winds and excessive rainfall while others were not as fortunate. Post-hurricane management is important for growers in preserving their crop for the following season. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, provides producers tips on how to manage …
Blueberry Management Tips Following Hurricane
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian had varying effects on Florida’s blueberry acres. Some plants dodged the high winds and excessive rainfall while others were not as fortunate. Post-hurricane management is important for growers in preserving their crop for the following season. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, provides producers tips on …
Considerations for Blueberry Farmers Following Hurricane Ian
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences blueberry specialists issued considerations for blueberry producers amid Hurricane Ian. High winds and heavy rains can cause significant damage and plant stress to blueberry fields. Below are some considerations for growers dealing with the aftermath from Hurricane Ian. Blueberries are sensitive to flood injury. Check fields for surface water drainage. Make …
Florida Blueberry Producer: We Took It on the Chin
By Clint Thompson One Florida blueberry producer “took it on the chin” from Hurricane Ian on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the situation dealt Jerod Gross in Arcadia might get worse due to rising flood waters. Early signs indicate a devastating loss for Gross, who manages all of Island Grove’s operations throughout the state. The worst impact was felt in Arcadia, not far …