Blueberries
Effects of extreme heat on blueberry pollination
During the 2018 growing season, Michigan experienced an unprecedented heat-wave on Memorial Day weekend, in late May (Figure 1). Weather stations in west Michigan reported hours-long conditions above 90 degrees Fahrenheit over that weekend. Additionally,... more »
Preparing for gall wasp emergence in Michigan blueberry fields
The Michigan Enviroweather model predicts blueberry gall wasp emergence starting later this week. Blueberry gall wasp is a small insect pest that affects some of the cultivars common in Michigan, with the greatest infestation seen... more »
Consider Gibberellin use for fruit set on blueberries
Gibberellin acid (GA) is naturally produced by blueberry seeds. In well-pollinated berries, Gibberellin is abundant and promotes normal berry growth. Without pollination and seed production, berries abort or do not size fully. When bee activity... more »
California Giant expands fresh blueberry acres in Oregon
Fields of blueberries grown for the California Giant label will increase significantly in 2019 largely due to partnerships with Oregon growers, according to a release from the company. California Giant said its summer volume from... more »
Spotted wing drosophila active in North Carolina blueberries
The first confirmed adult spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) in commercially grown blueberries for the 2019 growing season was captured early this week in North Carolina. While trap captures at this location were low, roughly three flies... more »
National Clean Plant Network berry board seeks virologist replacement
Representatives for the National Clean Plant Network Tier II Blueberries Executive Board have sought quick action for the replacement of retiring Robert Martin, USDA ARS Grape Virologist. Board Chairman Nate Nourse of South Deefield, Massachusetts,... more »
Michigan blueberry operation among MDARD grant awardees
During its regularly scheduled meeting May 15, the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) voted to approve Food and Agriculture Investment Fund grants for five food and agriculture projects in Michigan. The projects... more »
Marquez, Cilloniz join Fall Creek as commercial managers for Mexico, Peru
Ricardo Marquez Reyes has joined Lowell, Oregon-based Fall Creek Farm & Nursery as commercial manager for Mexico, responsible for establishing and developing strong relationships with the company’s blueberry nursery and genetics customers in Mexico, overseeing... more »
