They may be called “aromatic” blueberries, but they don’t just smell nice — they taste good. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientists now know why: These fruits contain just the right genetic combination to produce the chemistry required for a pleasant blueberry flavor. Growers and consumers always seek better-tasting fruit, compelling blueberry breeders like Patricio …
Finding a Fit for Blackberries in Florida
By Frank Giles Blackberries have been produced in Florida for some time, but new efforts have been made to learn more about the crop to grow production and markets in the state. Blackberries have been proven to be a popular item at U-pick operations. For farmers who grow U-pick strawberries and blueberries, blackberries offer a way to extend the picking …
Storms’ Impact on Blueberries
By Clint Thompson Last weekend’s heavy rains in South Florida reminds the state’s blueberry producers the vulnerability of their crop during hurricane season. The combination of strong winds and prolonged rain showers provide a threat to blueberries, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “It depends on whether we get wind, …
Surging Input Costs Impact Florida’s Specialty Crop Season
By Clint Thompson Strong market prices for some specialty crops have been tempered by input costs that have spiked to levels many growers had not experienced before the COVID-19 pandemic. No Florida specialty crop producer was immune from feeling the financial pinch this year from rising expenses associated with fertilizer, chemicals, diesel and freight. “Our input costs are so much …
Florida’s Blueberry Production: May Management Tips
Harvests may be nearing an end for Florida’s blueberry producers, but management should continue during May. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recommends that growers monitor for leaf diseases like rust, anthracnose, Septoria, target spot and Phyllosticta. Florida’s blueberry producers should continue with insecticide sprays for spotted wing drosophila to protect against any remaining ripe fruit …
Florida Blueberry Grower: We’re Getting Squeezed
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry producers continue to feel the sting of increased imports from Mexico. What should have been a profitable year for those growers who had a crop this season was anything but. It was due to Mexican blueberries stealing the marketing window away from Florida blueberry growers, believes Florida farmer Ryan Atwood. “Considering as little of volume …
What To Do About Anthracnose Fruit Rot in Blueberries
By Philip Harmon and Doug Phillips Anthracnose fruit rot (AFR), also known as ripe rot, is a significant disease on southern highbush blueberries. Caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on southern highbush blueberries in Florida, AFR creates sunken lesions on the surface of blueberries. This is followed by eruptions of orange- or salmon-colored spores from the lesions when the …
Early Harvest Returns: Florida’s Blueberry Growers Off to Strong Start
By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry growers are excited about the potential of this year’s harvests, which are continuing across the state. That’s the vibe being felt among producers, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “A lot of fruit has come out already, particularly in the southern part of the state. …
Spanish Version of Blueberry App a Benefit for Florida Industry
By Clint Thompson A new Spanish version of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Blueberry Growers Guide app will benefit a plethora of workers within the industry. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discusses its importance. “There’s a lot of growers, farm managers, field crew where English …
Blueberry Production in Florida
Florida’s blueberry production, harvest and shipping season is well under way. Doug Phillips, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) statewide blueberry Extension coordinator, discusses blueberry production in Florida. Q: In addition to Sentinel, what are some the latest blueberry varieties from UF/IFAS? What makes them interesting to the consumer? How about for the producer? A: …