Finding Comfort in the Silver Lining

Mites can be a significant pest in Florida southern highbush blueberry fields, particularly southern red mites, in addition to flat mites (false spider mites) and blueberry bud mites. Southern red mites, which tend to flourish during hot dry conditions, typically infest the lower side of leaves, inserting their mouthparts into the leaf and removing cell contents. This results in a characteristic bronze discoloration of the leaves, which can cause a decline in photosynthesis rates and defoliation in the case of significant infestations. 

Florida experiences hot, humid, and wet weather throughout summer and early fall, which is favorable for the development of certain diseases in southern highbush blueberries (SHB). These include several fungal leaf diseases, as well as a parasitic alga infection known as algal stem blotch. Being aware of these diseases, the environmental conditions that favor pathogen spread and infection, and establishing an effective management plan will help to mitigate their effect on Florida blueberry orchards.

The summer growth that occurs in Florida blueberry fields following post-harvest pruning contains most of the fruiting wood for next year’s crop. Therefore, it is important that conditions are suitable to support strong, healthy, vegetative growth throughout the summer.  Irrigation and fertilization are two important practices that contribute to healthy summer growth and the likelihood of good fruit production the following year. 

2020 Updates:

1. Save the Date! Spring Field Day: March 10th, 2020
UF/IFAS Citra Research & Education Center and Straughn Farms to view advanced variety selections 
Look for a registration email soon!

2. As reported in the Blueberry News and previous emails, FDACS has approved a special permit to ship fresh blueberries from Florida to California which previously has been prohibited under California law. 

3. EPA has now approved a supplemental label for Portal Miticide! This supplemental label is good for all crops within the Bushberry subgroup and includes highbush and low bush blueberries. (See attached)

4. You should have received information regarding the new Blueberry Advisory System - this is an invaluable tool available to you, to incorporate in your growing practices to predict and prevent anthracnose root rot.

5. Please note our updated phone number and P.O. Box listed below.

This blog post is sponsored by PerkinsPower and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association.

As we embark upon a new year, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association Board wishes you, your family and your farm a prosperous 2020 season! 

The holidays have come and gone, but two things remain the same—the season ahead will bring its own challenges and hopefully rewards, and The Blueberry News is here to help Florida growers like yourself prepare and spread the news about the latest and greatest news in the industry.

Check Out The Newly Released Pesticides and Application Advice

Blueberry Advisory System a Web Based Tool for Timing Anthracnose Fruit Rot Controls

Learn More About the Presentations Featured at FBGA’s Fall Meeting

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) the global average temperature in 2019 (January to October) was about 2.0 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius) above the pre-industrial period. The year 2019 concludes a decade of exceptional global heat, retreating ice and record sea levels driven by greenhouse gases from human activities. Average temperatures for the five-year (2015-2019) and ten-year (2010-2019) periods are almost certain to be the highest on record. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also reports a positive trend for the contiguous U.S. annual average temperature (+0.15°F per decade) from 1895 to 2018.

UF Breeding Program Releases Colossus, a Highly Versatile Southern Highbush Blueberry 

Innovators, Trailblazers Amid Blueberry Hall of Fame’s Inaugural Class

Surge in Mexican Blueberry Imports Stifling Florida’s Blueberry Profits

Brittany Lee Is Honored for Her Dedication, Tireless Advocacy for UF/IFAS

Positive Changes Strengthen Our Impact on the Industry

Reflecting on the Highs and Lows of the 2019 Florida Blueberry Season

A notable win was being included in the recently signed disaster relief funds which retroactively applies to our Blueberry growers affected by Hurricane Irma. You will finally be able to apply for the much needed relief after suffering losses from the devastating storm.

Irrigation and Fertilization Practices for the Summer Months

Southern highbush blueberries (SHB) experience a significant amount of canopy growth during the summer months following post-harvest pruning. Most of the fruiting wood for next year’s crop is produced during the summer months. Careful irrigation and fertilization management is needed to ensure that the plants have sufficient water and nutrients to support this growth. 

UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program Update

Florida producers continue to face major challenges as global production during the historical “Florida window” puts downward pressure on prices. As a land grant university, the University of Florida’s mission is to help Florida growers, nurseries, marketers, retailers, and ultimately Florida consumers.