Florida blueberries are normally in peak pollination season this time of the year. But that isn’t the case this season, however, says Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and is one of the state’s blueberry leaders. “We’re starting to get some flower emergence. Normally by now we’re in peak pollination season. I don’t think we’re there yet in …
How Many Hives Are Best for Florida Blueberries?
By Karla Arboleda University of Florida (UF) researchers are working to establish honeybee hive recommendations specific to Florida blueberries. Right now, Florida blueberry growers rely on honeybee hive recommendations from research based in other states. Rachel Mallinger, an assistant professor in entomology at UF and part of the research team, said the amount of honeybees available to pollinate blueberries is …
Managing Pests in Florida Blueberries
By Karla Arboleda Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are working on techniques for managing pests in Florida blueberries. Both blueberry gall midge and chilli thrips are problematic for several blueberry varieties. Oscar Liburd, a professor of entomology at UF/IFAS, shared findings from the past season on managing pests. PEST ACTIVITY AND IDENTIFICATION …
Citrus Root Weevil Invades Florida Blueberries
The Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) and the University of Florida (UF) are warning Florida blueberry growers to be on the lookout for citrus root weevil. A pest that has been an issue in citrus for years has made its way on to another crop entirely, causing significant damage in central and south central Florida. Historically, citrus root weevils are …
New Genetic Finding Could Pave Way for Fall Blueberries in Florida
Fall is not normally when you would find Florida-grown blueberries at the grocery store. But that may change, thanks to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers. This comes as good news for consumers and growers, who could expand their market window by several months. The fruit normally grows and is harvested from February through May …
Courtesy of UF/IFAS: Florida Blueberry Season Means Yummy Fruit for Consumers
Ready to pick your own blueberries or buy them at the grocery store? Florida’s blueberry season is here, so you’ll likely find a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) variety near you. When consumers travel to the supermarket, they will not find blueberries labeled as UF/IFAS varieties. Chances are, however, if you are buying Florida-grown blueberries, …
UF/IFAS Research: Nitrogen Recommendations for Evergreen Blueberries Being Studied
By Clint Thompson Nitrogen recommendations for evergreen blueberry production in Florida are still a relative unknown for growers. Lauren Goldsby, graduate research assistant at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), hopes to provide some clarity with research at the UF/IFAS Citra location. “We’re aware that we can produce evergreen production in the state of Florida. …
Attention Blueberry Producers: SWD Spotted on Multiple Central Florida Farms
Florida blueberry producers should be wary that spotted wing drosophila (SWD) has been spotted on multiple farms in central Florida, which is earlier than normal compared to previous years. The Florida Blueberry Growers Association issued an alert to its members on Monday, including recommendations from University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension personnel that producers scout for …
Florida Blueberry Grower: Roller Coaster of Warm, Cold Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Weather challenged Florida blueberry production this year. It continues to disrupt harvest plans for growers who have already started picking this year’s crop. “It’s been a roller coaster of warm and then cold; warm and then cold. By the time it gets going, it gets shut down,” said Gary Smith, producer located in Winter Haven, Florida, who …
Florida Blueberry Producer: Expect Full Bloom Maybe By Saturday
By Clint Thompson One Florida blueberry producer expects full bloom by the end of this week. The timing is comparable to previous years, says Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of blueberries and manages another 350 acres. “I’m expecting to be in full bloom maybe by Saturday. There’s no such thing as a typical …