Source: UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA submitted to NRP
DEVELOPMENT OF BLUEBERRY CULTIVARS ADAPTED TO THE DEEP SOUTH
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0188523
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Apr 1, 2001
Project End Date
Mar 31, 2006
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
200 D.W. BROOKS DR
ATHENS,GA 30602-5016
Performing Department
HORTICULTURE
Non Technical Summary
Research is needed to further improve and stabilize production of southern highbush cultivars that have high quality, early season fruit, but can be produced on soils more typical for rabbiteye production. This project will generate and evaluate blueberry selections to be considered for release as a new cultivar. This new cultivar must meet rigid standards of uniqueness and superior yield, fruit, and/or plant characteristics.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
10%
Applied
50%
Developmental
40%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
20411201080100%
Knowledge Area
204 - Plant Product Quality and Utility (Preharvest);

Subject Of Investigation
1120 - Blueberry;

Field Of Science
1080 - Genetics;
Goals / Objectives
Generate and evaluate rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberry selections for usage as cultivars for blueberry production in Georgia and across the Deep South.
Project Methods
The blueberry cultivar development program will utilize the following steps or stages: I. Seedling Stage: Seeds will be obtained from desired crosses and will be stored under refrigeration for 1 to 4 months. Seeds will be planted, and should require 2 to 4 months for emergence. After another 3 to 6 months in the greenhouse, plants will be moved to a high density seedling nursery in an outdoor environment at Griffin, Ga. Individual seedlings will then be grown so as to fruit the 2nd year from seed. At the first fruiting year, seedling fruit and minimal plant characteristics will be evaluated and desirable seedlings advanced (Galletta, 1975; Galletta and Ballington,1996). An estimated 25 to 30 seedlings per 1000 (2 to 3%) will be advanced. Approximately 3000 seedlings will be generated annually by UGA personnel and some cooperative effort with USDA breeders. II. Advanced Seedling Stage: Advanced seedlings will be transplanted from the seedling nursery in Griffin to the field nursery at Alapaha, Ga. as single plants. The remaining seedlings will be discarded. Plant and fruit characteristics (Galletta, 1975; Galletta and Ballington,1996) of Advanced Seedlings will be evaluated for another 1 to 3 years. After 1 to 3 years of evaluation, selections will be made for propagation. An estimated 3 to 5% of advanced seedlings likely will become selections. III. Selection Stage: Upon selection, 10 to 15 rooted cuttings will be obtained for field planting. A duplicate planting of selections will be made at the UGA Blueberry Research Farm near Alapaha, and at the UGA Blueberry Research Farm in Griffin. These rooted cuttings will be grown in a selection block for 3 years, after which detailed evaluation of fruit, plant, and yield characteristics begins. Multiple plants of each selection will be evaluated in years 3 through 5 after planting at both locations. These data will be used to make advanced selections. After year 5, the most desirable selections (maybe 3 to 5 per year) will be propagated further. IV. Advanced Selection Stage: After an advanced selection is made, 100 or more rooted cuttings will be obtained for multiple site evaluations as potential cultivars. In addition to Griffin and Alapaha, test sites will include Savannah (Bamboo Garden Station) and Blairsville (Georgia Mountain Station). Additional evaluations will occur at sites across the Southern Region, including Mississippi (USDA-ARS, Poplarville), North Carolina (NC State Research Farm, Wilmington), and Arkansas (Univ. of Ark Experiment Station, Clarkesville) as part of a Cooperative Southern Region Blueberry Evaluation effort. Cuttings will be distributed to cooperators along with standard cultivars. The advanced selections will be grown in the field for 3 years, after which careful fruit, plant and yield data will be obtained during years 3 through 5 (Galletta, 1975; Galletta and Ballington,1996). After 5 years, data from all locations will be compiled, and advanced selections will be scrutinized for potential cultivar releases. The diversity of environments will provide information on climatic and edaphic adaptation of advanced selections.

Progress 04/01/01 to 03/31/06

Outputs
This project began in 2001 and was completed in 2006. Over the course of the effort, more than 10,000 new blueberry seedlings were produced from numerous crosses of both rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberry germplasm. These seedlings were evaluated, and more than 250 new selections were made over the entire project period. These selections were planted in research plots at both Griffin, Ga. and Alapaha, Ga. Each year, detailed observations were made for various fruit and plant characteristics of the selections. More than 20 advanced selections were made from the material being evaluated. These advanced selections were given further evaluation on both University Research and commercial farms. While some of these evaluations are still on-going, the effort has led to development of several new blueberry cultivars. There have been 3 new rabbiteye cultivars released since 2001, these being Alapaha, Ochlockonee, and Vernon. In addition to these, 3 new southern highbush blueberry cultivars have also been released from this program. These are Palmetto, Camellia, and Rebel. In addition to these new cultivars, a number of seedlings and selections remain that will continue to be evaluated for their potential as new blueberry cultivars for the Deep South.

Impacts
Blueberry growers across the Southeast will benefit directly from improved cultivars introduced by this breeding effort. Improvements in both production potential and fruit quality were made. Since this project's beginning, three new rabbiteye and three new southern highbush cultivars have been released. These new cultivars are rapidly being propagated and planted by growers across the Southeast.

Publications

  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith, 2006. Blueberry cultivars for new plantings. pp. 34-58. Proc. Georgia Blueberry Conf. Jan. 5-8, Savannah, GA.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2006. New southern highbush blueberry varieties from the University of Georgia. pp. 110-113. Proc. 10th North American Blueberry Res. & Ext. Workers Conf. , June 4-8, Tifton, GA.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2006. New rabbiteye blueberry varieties from the University of Georgia. pp. 206-210. Proc. 10th North American Blueberry Res. & Ext. Workers Conf. , June 4-8, Tifton, GA.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2006. New blueberry varieties from the University of Georgia. Posted at www.smallfruits.org/Blueberries/production/NewBlueberryVarietiesandpi cturesUpdated_2_8_06.pdf
  • NeSmith, D. S. 2006. Camellia southern highbush blueberry. Small Fruit News. Vol. 6(1): 5.
  • NeSmith, D. S. 2006. Rebel southern highbush blueberry. Small Fruit News. Vol. 6(1): 4-5.
  • NeSmith, D. S. 2006. Performance of southern highbush blueberries in high density pine bark beds in south Georgia during 2006. Dixie Blueberry News. Vol. 6(2): 5-7.


Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
The 2005 growing season at Alapaha, GA was generally highlighted by very poor fruit set across most cultivars and selections, especially rabbiteye material. This was primarily due to poor pollinator activity. However, there was little crop reduction due to poor pollination weather or freeze damage in Griffin, GA. Comprehensive flowering notes, cropping notes and fruit characteristic evaluations were taken for more than 300 selections and advanced seedlings of rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries, as well as numerous cultivar standards at the test sites. Additionally, more than 2500 seedlings were evaluated in the nursery at the Griffin site in 2005. This resulted in several advanced seedlings and selections being identified for further testing. Evaluations were made for some selections at on-farm test sites in south Georgia during 2005. Yields were taken for several southern highbush blueberry selections grown at the Alapaha test site since 2003. The highest yielding selection was TH-707, and this selection will be further evaluated for potential release. The ripening date is later than `Star' but earlier than `O'Neal'. TH-730 was a notable selection that was early in production, and had good yields and fruit quality. The selection TH-642 was the earliest ripening of all selections, and it also had favorable fruit attributes and good yield. This selection was approved for release in 2005 as `Rebel'. Several rabbiteye selections were evaluated for their quality in terms of berry size, berry splitting, and berry firmness. The situation of berry splitting is becoming increasingly important. Growers need selections that are resistant to splitting so that berry quality can be maintained during periods of heavy rainfall during ripening. Also, large fruit size is highly desirable for rabbiteye selections. We will continue to monitor fruit quality issues as we develop new rabbiteye cultivars.

Impacts
Blueberry growers across the Southeast will benefit directly from improved cultivars introduced by this breeding effort. Improvements in both production potential and fruit quality are being made. Since this project's beginning, three new rabbiteye and three new southern highbush cultivars have been released.

Publications

  • NeSmith, D.S., A. Nunez-Barrios, S.E. Prussia, and A. Aggarwal. 2005. Postharvest berry quality of six rabbiteye blueberry cultivars in response to temperature. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 59: 13-17.
  • Nunez-Barrios, A., D.S. NeSmith, M. Chinnan, and S.E. Prussia. 2005. Dynamics of rabbiteye blueberry fruit quality in response to harvest method and postharvest handling temperature. Small Fruit. Rev. 4: 73-81.
  • Brevis, P.A., D.S. NeSmith, L. Seymour, and D.B. Hausman. 2005. A novel method to quantify transport of self- and cross-pollen by bees in blueberry plantings. HortScience 40: 2002-2006.
  • Brevis, P.A. and D.S. NeSmith. 2005. Transport of cross-pollen by bumblebees in a rabbiteye blueberry planting. HortScience 40: 2007-2010.
  • NeSmith, D.S., A.D. Draper, and J.M. Spiers. 2005. Vernon rabbiteye blueberry. HortScience 40: 2200-2201.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2005. Muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia Michx.) response to drip irrigation rate. HortScience 40: 799-801.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2005. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia. A progress report for 2004. pp. 50-66. Proc. Georgia Fruit & Veg. Growers Conference Jan. 7-9, Savannah, GA.
  • Brevis, P.A. and D.S. NeSmith. 2005. Effective pollination period for rabbiteye blueberries. pp. 67-70. Proc. Georgia Fruit & Veg. Growers Conference Jan. 7-9, Savannah, GA.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2005. Response of muscadine grapes to drip irrigation. pp. 6-11. Proc. Georgia Fruit & Veg. Growers Conference Jan. 7-9, Savannah, GA.
  • NeSmith, D.S., A. Draper, and J.M. Spiers. 2005. `Vernon': A new early season rabbiteye blueberry cultivar. HortScience 40: 886 (Abstract for SR-ASHS).
  • Brevis, P., D.S. NeSmith, and H. Wetzstein. 2005. Stigmatic receptivity and pollen tube growth in rabbiteye blueberry. HortScience 40: 891 (abstract for SR-ASHS).
  • Brevis, P., D.S. NeSmith, and L. Seymour. 2005. Pollen dispersion in rabbiteye blueberry. HortScience 40: 874 (abstract for SR-ASHS).
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2005. Dormex to enhance fruit ripening of certain southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries. pp. ???. In P. Guillebeau (ed.), Georgia pest control handbook. Coop. Ext. Serv., Univ. of Georgia, Athens.
  • Krewer, G., D. Stanaland, O. Liburd, D.S. NeSmith, R. Hepp, and B. Mullinix. 2005. Organic blueberry experiments and observations in Georgia. HortScience 40: 891 (abstract for SR-ASHS).
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2005. Drip irrigation rates for muscadines. HortScience 40: 892 (abstract for SR-ASHS).
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2005. Regionalization and fruit crops in the southern region: Introduction. HortScience 40: 890 (abstract for SR-ASHS).
  • Brevis, P., and D.S. NeSmith. 2005. Transport of cross-pollen by bumble bees in a rabbiteye blueberry planting. HortScience 40: 1127. (abstract for ASHS, Las Vegas).
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2005. Response of three southern highbush blueberry cultivars to CPPU. Res. Rep. to Valent Biosciences.
  • NeSmith, D.S. and P. Brevis. 2005. Evaluation of Fruit Cracking in Rabbiteye Blueberry Germplasm Grant Prog. Rep., Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2005. Update of blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia: A progress report for 2004 Southern Blueberry Worker's meeting. Southern Blueberry Worker's Meeting, Southern Region Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., Little Rock, AR.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2005. Rabbiteye blueberry aid for fruit set in poor pollination situations. pp. ???. In P. Guillebeau (ed.), Georgia pest control handbook. Coop. Ext. Serv., Univ. of Georgia, Athens.


Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
The 2004 growing season was generally highlighted by favorable yields across most cultivars and selections. There was little crop reduction due to poor pollination weather or freeze damage. Comprehensive flowering notes, cropping notes and fruit characteristic evaluations were taken for more than 300 selections and advanced seedlings of rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries, as well as numerous cultivar standards at various test sites. Additionally, more than 2000 seedlings were evaluated in the nursery at the Griffin, Ga. site in 2004. This resulted in several advanced seedlings and selections being identified for further testing. Yield of the early season rabbiteye standard Climax has been inferior to the selections T-451 and T-584 over the past few years. T-584 was submitted for release in 2004 and was named Vernon. The 7-year average yields for Vernon are nearly twice that of Climax in south Georgia. Vernon also performed well across several environments, yielding more than Climax at two of three locations. Berry size of Vernon was considerably greater than Climax at multiple locations. As for T-451, the 7-year average yields are nearly 2.5 times that of Climax. The large berry size of T-451 (2.6 to 2.9 g/berry) tends to give high total yields even when cropping is low. However, the selection is plagued by a fruit splitting problem. T-451 is being considered for release in 2005 for the homeowner and smaller, pick-your-own grower due to its tremendous berry size; however, the commercial potential may be limited.

Impacts
Blueberry growers across the Southeast will benefit directly from improved cultivars introduced by this breeding effort. Improvements in both production potential and fruit quality are being made.

Publications

  • NeSmith, D.S. 2004. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia: A progress report for 2004. Progress Rep. to Michigan Blueberry Growers Association.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2004. Response of southern highbush blueberries to CPPU. Res. Rep. to Valent Biosciences.
  • NeSmith, D.S. and P. Brevis. 2004. Identifying the limiting factor for effective pollination period and fruit set of rabbiteye blueberries. Grant Prog. Rep., Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium
  • Brevis, P.A. and D.S. NeSmith. 2004. Rabbiteye blueberry pollination and fruit set. Southern Blueberry Workers Workshop. Feb. 14. Tulsa, OK.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2004. Predicting fruit development period of rabbiteye blueberry cultivars using growing degree days. Small Fruit News. Vol. 4 (2): 4-8.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2004. Multi-year performance of old and new rabbiteye blueberry cultivars from the University of Georgia breeding program. Dixie Blueberry News. Vol. 4: 3-6.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2004. Drip irrigation rates for muscadine grapes. Small Fruit News. Vol. 4(4): 1-4.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2004. Drip irrigation rates for muscadine grapes. Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Grower News. 9(4): 18-20.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2004. Palmetto: A new southern highbush blueberry cultivar. Small Fruit News. Vo. 4(4): 4-5.
  • Tetteh, M.K., S.E. Prussia, D.S. NeSmith, B.P. Verma, and D. Aggarwal. 2004. Modeling blueberry firmness and mass loss during cooling delays and storage. Trans. Amer. Soc. Agri. Engin. 47: 1121-1127.
  • NeSmith, D.S., A.D. Draper, and J.M. Spiers. 2004. Palmetto southern highbush blueberry. HortScience 39: 1774-1775.
  • NeSmith, D.S. and H.M. Adair. 2004. Rabbiteye blueberry field trials with the growth regulator CPPU. Small Fruit Rev. 3: 183-191 .
  • Krewer, G., D. Stanaland, D.S. NeSmith, and B. Mullinix. 2004. Post-harvest hedging and pruning of Climax and Tifblue rabbiteye blueberry. Small Fruit Rev. 3: 203-212. NeSmith, D.S. 2004. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia. A progress report for 2003. pp. 95-111. Proc. Georgia Fruit & Veg. Growers Conference Jan. 9-10, Savannah, Ga.
  • Brevis, P.A. and D.S. NeSmith. 2004. Pollination discoveries on rabbiteye blueberries. pp. 125-131. Proc. Georgia Fruit & Veg. Growers Conference Jan. 9-10, Savannah, Ga.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2004. Rabbiteye blueberry aid for fruit set in poor pollination situations. pp. 351-352. In P. Guillebeau (ed.), Georgia pest control handbook. Coop. Ext. Serv., Univ. of Georgia, Athens.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2004. Dormex to enhance fruit ripening of certain southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries. pp. 353. In P. Guillebeau (ed.), Georgia pest control handbook. Coop. Ext. Serv., Univ. of Georgia, Athens.
  • Krewer, G., D.S. NeSmith, J. Williamson, B. Maust, and B. Mullinix. 2005. Ethephon for bloom delay of rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries. Small Fruit Rev. 4: 43-57.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2004. Reminder: Propagation of new blueberry varieties requires a license. Dixie Blueberry News. Vol. 4: 8-9.
  • NeSmith, D.S., A. Draper, and J.M. Spiers. 2004. Palmetto: A new southern highbush blueberry cultivar. HortScience 39: 649.
  • Brevis, P. and D.S. NeSmith. 2004. Brightwell: A more self-fertile rabbiteye blueberry cultivar. HortScience 39: 650.
  • NeSmith, D.S.. 2004. Performance of old and new rabbiteye blueberry cultivars from the University of Georgia blueberry breeding program. 8th International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture, Oeiras, Portugal, Seville, Spain. May 2-9.
  • NeSmith, D.S.. 2004. Fruit development period of several rabbiteye blueberry cultivars. 8th International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture, Oeiras, Portugal, Seville, Spain. May 2-9.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2004. New PGR's and new uses for PGRs: Response of blueberries to the growth regulator CPPU. HortScience (addendum abstract for ASHS).
  • Brevis, P. And D.S. NeSmith. 2004. The effective pollination period in rabbiteye blueberry. HortScience 39: 825 (abstract for ASHS).
  • Krewer, G., P. Brannen, M. Czarnota, D.S. NeSmith, and D. Horton. 2004. Calendar for high density southern highbush blueberry production in pine bark beds. http://www.smallfruits.org/Blueberries/production/03highdensity.pdf
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2004. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia. A progress report for 2003. Posted at www.smallfruits.org/Blueberries/production/alap03Report.pdf .


Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
The 2003 growing season at the UGA Blueberry Research Farm near Alapaha was highlighted by reduced yields across most all cultivars and selections due to poor pollination weather and excessive rain fall. Comprehensive flowering notes, cropping notes and fruit characteristic evaluations were taken for more than 300 selections and advanced seedlings of rabbiteye (RE) and southern highbush (SHB) blueberries, as well as numerous cultivar standards at Alapaha, Griffin, and Blairsville test sites. Additionally, some on farm test sites in south Georgia were rated for the first time in 2003. The RE selection T-451 continues to be of great interest due to its very large berry size. This trait alone would make this a desirable cultivar for the homeowner and pick-your-own grower. T-451 yields have generally been as good or better than Brightwell and Climax. T-459 is a later season RE with excellent berry size, especially as compared to Tifblue. T-584 shows great promise with respect to an early season RE. When compared to Climax, berry size of T-584 is generally larger and yield was greater at 2 of 3 locations. Also, T-584 blooms 6 to 8 days later than Climax, yet ripens with it. The later bloom time is very advantageous in avoiding spring frost problems, yet, the ripening time is still suitable for obtaining higher early season prices. This selection will be under strong consideration for release in 2004. As for SHB, the selection TH-471 was released in 2003. This early season blueberry has performed well in south Georgia during 6 years of evaluation, and is expected to be of great interest to the ever expanding SHB industry. Named Palmetto, this is only the second SHB to be released by the UGA program since its beginning in 1945.

Impacts
Blueberry growers across the Southeast will benefit directly from improved cultivars introduced by this breeding effort. Improvements in both production potential and fruit quality are being made.

Publications

  • NeSmith, D.S., A.D. Draper, and J.M. Spiers. 2003. Ochlockone rabbiteye blueberry. HortScience 38: 1448-1449.
  • Aggarwal, D., A.J. Prussia, S.E. Prussia, A. Nunez, D.S. NeSmith, W. Florkowski, and D.E. Lynd. 2003. Predicting fresh produce quality in supply chains. Acta Hort. 604: 179-188.
  • NeSmith, D.S., A. Draper, and J.M. Spiers. 2003. Ochlockonee: A new late season rabbiteye blueberry cultivar. HortScience 38: 1282.
  • Brevis, P. and D.S. NeSmith. 2003. Pollen production and viability of four rabbiteye blueberry cultivars. HortScience 38: 1282.
  • Nunez, A., D.S. NeSmith, and S.E. Prussia. 2003. The effect of storage time and temperature on mass loss and firmness of several rabbiteye blueberry cultivars. HortScience 38: 1282.
  • Nunez, A., D.S. NeSmith, M. Chinnan, and S.E. Prussia. 2003. The effect of machine and hand harvesting on firmness, mass deterioration, and fruit respiration of two rabbiteye blueberry cultivars. HortScience 38: 1283.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Development of southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberry cultivars adapted to Georgia. A progress report for 2002. pp. 31-46. Proc. 11th Biennial Southeast Blueberry Conference, Jan. 10-11, Savannah, GA.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Experimental trials with the growth regulator CPPU in rabbiteye blueberries. pp. 47-56. Proc. 11th Biennial Southeast Blueberry Conference, Jan. 10-11, Savannah, GA.
  • Nunez,A. and D.S. NeSmith. 2003. Light interception in dry beans as related to leaf area, paraheliotropic leaf movements, and dry matter production. Annual Rep. Bean Improvement Cooperative. 46: 91-92.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2003. Rabbiteye blueberry aid for fruit set in poor pollination situations. pp. 327-328. In P. Guillebeau (ed.), Georgia pest control handbook. Coop. Ext. Serv., Univ. of Georgia, Athens.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2003. Dormex to enhance fruit ripening of certain southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries. pp. 329. In P. Guillebeau (ed.), Georgia pest control handbook. Coop. Ext. Serv., Univ. of Georgia, Athens.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia: A progress report for 2003. Progress Rep. to Michigan Blueberry Growers Association.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Response of southern highbush blueberries to different rates and timings of CPPU. Res. Rep. to Valent Biosciences.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Optimum timing of CPPU applications in rabbiteye blueberry. Res. Rep. to Valent Biosciences.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Split applications of CPPU in rabbiteye blueberry. Res. Rep. to Valent Biosciences.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Chill out! Effects of winter chilling on rabbiteye blueberry bloom time. Small Fruit News. Vol. 3 (1): 1-3.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Ochlockonee: A new rabbiteye blueberry. Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Grower News 8 (2): 20.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Evaluation of high density production systems for southern highbush blueberries. Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Grower News 8 (2): 15.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Frequently asked questions concerning new UGA blueberry varieties. Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Grower News 8 (3): 22-24.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Influence of different pollen sources on Fry muscadine grape. Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Grower News 8 (4): 20-21.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Fry muscadine grape response to different pollenizers. Small Fruit News. Vol. 3 (4): 1-2.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Frequently asked questions concerning new UGA blueberry varieties. Dixie Blueberry News. Vol. 3 (4): 2-4.
  • Krewer, G., P. Brannen, M. Czarnota, D.S. NeSmith, and D. Horton. 2003. Calendar for high density southern highbush production. Dixie Blueberry News. Vol. 3 (4): 6-17.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. UGA blueberry cultivar development program. A brief report for 2002. Dixie Blueberry News. Vol. 3 (1): 3-6.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2003. Rabbiteye blueberry aid for fruit set in poor pollination situations. Georgia Blueberry Growers Association Newsletter, 3(1): 16-18.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2003. Dormex to enhance fruit ripening of certain southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries. Georgia Blueberry Growers Association Newsletter, 3(1): 19.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Chilling out important for blueberry varieties. UGA CAES Garden Packet, 28 (1): 10-11.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Ochlockonee: A new rabbiteye blueberry. Small Fruit News. Vol. 3 (2): 3-4.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Frequently asked questions concerning new UGA blueberry varieties. Small Fruit News. Vol. 3 (3): 1-3.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Chill out! Effects of winter chilling on rabbiteye blueberry bloom time. Dixie Blueberry News. Vol. 3 (2): 28-30.


Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
The 2002 growing season at the UGA Blueberry Research Farm near Alapaha, GA was highlighted by a severe freeze (20F) on February 28. Many early season selections and cultivars had reduced fruit set due to the cold weather, depending on their stage of bloom at the time. Comprehensive flowering notes, cropping notes and fruit characteristic evaluations were taken for more than 200 selections and advanced seedlings of rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries, as well as numerous cultivar standards at Alapaha. Ratings were made for some selections at Griffin for the first time in 2002, and some establishment and plant vigor ratings were made for advanced selections at Savannah and Blairsville for new plantings. At Alapaha, the southern highbush selection TH-471 had yield superior to Georgiagem and Sharpblue during 2002. TH-471 produced 85% of its crop by the second week in May, compared to only 30 to 50% production by that time for the standard cultivars. The early season rabbiteye standard Climax yielded only 5.2 lbs/bush in 2002 at Alapaha, which was the lowest in 5 years. The selection T-451 had high yield in 2002 (14.0 lbs/bush), but not as high as in previous years. Another early rabbiteye with moderate to high yield in 2002 was T-584 (13.0 lbs/bush). Both of these selections had considerably greater 5 year average yields than Climax. As for mid-season blueberries, Brightwell yielded 11.4 lbs/bush in 2002, which was generally less than in previous years. In comparison, the selection T-431 yielded 17.8 lbs/bush in 2002, and is being considered for release in 2003. Tifblue (late season rabbiteye) yield for 2002 was only 6.7 lbs/bush. Late season selections that continue to show more consistent cropping than Tifblue are T-105 and T-459, which also had good yields this year. T-105 was the highest yielding of all late season selections averaged over the 5 years. T-105 was approved for release in 2002, and was named Ochlockonee.

Impacts
Blueberry growers across the southeastern U.S. will benefit directly from improved cultivars derived by this breeding effort. Improvements in both production potential and fruit quality are being made.

Publications

  • NeSmith, D.S. 2002. Response of rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) to the growth regulators CPPU and gibberellic acid. HortScience 37: 666-668.
  • Ngugi, H., H. Scherm, and D.S. NeSmith. 2002. Distribution of pseudoslcerotia of Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi and risk of apothecial emergence following mechanical cultivation. Phytopathology 92: 877-883.
  • NeSmith, D.S., A.D. Draper, and J.M. Spiers. 2002. Alapaha rabbiteye blueberry. HortScience 37: 714-715.
  • Grey, T.L., D.C. Bridges, and D.S. NeSmith. 2002. Transplanted pepper (Capsicum annuum) tolerance to selected herbicides and method of application. J. Veg. Crop Prod. 8: 27-39.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2003. Survival and vigor of southern highbush blueberry cultivars with and without pine bark mulch. Small Fruit Rev. 2 (2): 81-86.
  • NeSmith, D.S., S.E. Prussia, M. Tetteh, G. Krewer. 2002. Firmness losses of rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei Reade) during harvesting and handling. Acta Hort. 574: 287-293.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2002. The Georgia blueberry industry: Its history, present state, and potential for development in the next decade. Acta Hort. 574:101-106.
  • Krewer, G., J. Ruter, D.S. NeSmith, J. Clark, T. Otts, S. Scarborough, B. Mullinix. 2002. Performance of low cost organic materials as blueberry substrates and soil amendments. Acta Hort. 574: 273-279.
  • Duval, J.R. and D.S. NeSmith. 2001. Resistance to gas diffusion through the seedcoat and hilum of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Matsum & Nakai). Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 114: 323-326.
  • Williamson, J.G., B.E. Maust, and D.S. NeSmith. 2001. Timing and concentration of hydrogen cyanamide sprays affect bud development, flower mortality and hasten fruit maturity of blueberry. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 114: 27-30.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2002. Development of southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberry cultivars adapted to Georgia. A progress report for 2001. pp. 34-35. Proc. Georgia Blueberry Conference, Jan. 11-12, Savannah, GA.
  • Tetteh, M.K., S.E. Prussia, D.S. NeSmith, and B.P. Verma. 2002. Modeling blueberry firmness and mass loss during cooling delays and storage. ASAE Paper No. 02-6009. American Society Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2002. Uso de reguladores de crecimiento en produccion de arandanos. pp. 58-71. In R.Hepp (ed.), El cultivo del arandano: Tecnologias y avances. Oct 24, Termas de Chillan, Chillan, Chile.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2002. Rabbiteye blueberry aid for fruit set in poor pollination situations. pp. 296-297. In P. Guillebeau (ed.), Georgia pest control handbook. Coop. Ext. Serv., Univ. of Georgia, Athens.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2002. Dormex to enhance fruit ripening of certain southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries. pp. 298. In P. Guillebeau (ed.), Georgia pest control handbook. Coop. Ext. Serv., Univ. of Georgia, Athens.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2002. Evaluation of southern highbush blueberry varieties with and without pine bark mulch. Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Grower News 7 (2): 19-20.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2002. Evaluation of southern highbush blueberry varieties with and without pine bark mulch. Small Fruit News. Vol. 2 (1): 1-3.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2002. Pondering southern highbush blueberry production in Georgia? Food for thought! Small Fruit News. Vol. 2 (2): 1-3.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2002. Rabbiteye blueberry aid for fruit set in poor pollination situations. Dixie Blueberry News, 2(1): 6-7.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2002. Dormex to enhance fruit ripening of certain southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries. Dixie Blueberry News, 2(1): 1.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2002. Pondering southern highbush blueberry production in Georgia? Food for thought! Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Grower News Vol 7 (3): 20-21.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2002. Some considerations for those pondering southern highbush blueberry production. Dixie Blueberry News. Vol. 2 (3): 2-4.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2002. Development of blueberry cultivars adapted to Georgia. A progress report for 2002. Small Fruit News. Vol. 2 (4): 2-3.
  • Krewer, G., D.S. NeSmith, and B. Mullinix. 2002. Effect of composted yard waste on ONeal southern highbush blueberry. Univ. of Georgia Fruit Pub. 02-2.
  • Krewer, G., D. Stanaland, D.S. NeSmith, and B. Mullinix. 2002. Preliminary trials with plastic and organic mulches for blueberry establishment. Univ. of Georgia Fruit Pub. 02-3.
  • NeSmith, D.S., A. Draper, and J.M. Spiers. 2002. Alapaha: A new early season rabbiteye blueberry. HortScience 37: 749 (Abstract for SR-ASHS).
  • Prussia, A.J., D. Aggalwal, S.E. Prussia, W. Florkowski, A. Nunez, and D.S. NeSmith. 2002. Predicting fresh produce quality in supply chains. Quality in Chains. An integrated view on fruit and vegetable quality. Third International and Multidisciplinary Conf. Wageningen, The Netherlands. 6-9 July 2003. (Abstract).
  • NeSmith, D.S. and H.M. Adair. 2002. Rabbiteye blueberry field trials with the growth regulator CPPU. 9th North Amer. Blueberry Res. & Ext. Workers Conf. Halifax, NS, Canada. Aug. 18-21. (Abstract).
  • Krewer, G., D. Stanaland, D.S. NeSmith, and B. Mullinix. 2002. Post-harvest hedging and pruning of Climax and Tifblue rabbiteye blueberry. 9th North Amer. Blueberry Res. & Ext. Workers Conf. Halifax, NS, Canada. Aug. 18-21. (Abstract).


Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
The 2001 growing season provided excellent growing conditions at Alapaha. Comprehensive flowering, cropping, and fruit characteristic evaluations were taken for more than 200 selections and 100 advanced seedlings of rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries, as well as numerous cultivar standards at Alapaha. Yields were taken for several early, mid, and late season rabbiteye selections. The early season standard `Climax' yielded only 7.9 lbs/bush in 2001, which was down from 2000, but similar to yields in 1998 and 1999. `Austin' had extremely high yields in 2000 (21.5 lbs/bush) and 1999 (17.6 lbs/bush), but yields were much lower in 2001 (7.5 lbs/bush). The selection T-451 had an extremely high yield in 2001 (23.8 lbs/bush), which is similar to yields in 1999 and 2000. Other early rabbiteyes with moderate to high yields in 2001 were T-256 (12.5 lbs/bush) and T-584 (22.5 lbs/bush). T-256 was approved for release in 2001 and was named `Alapaha'. This new cultivar, along with `Austin', had considerably greater 4 year average yields than `Climax'. As for mid-season blueberries, `Brightwell' yielded 20.2 lbs/bush in 2001, but yielded only moderately well in previous years. In comparison, the selection T-431 yielded 13.3 lbs/bush in 2001, and had more consistent yields in the previous 3 years. T-431 fruit quality is also far superior to `Brightwell'. `Tifblue' (late season rabbiteye) yield for 2001 (16.8 lbs/bush) was far greater than in 1998 and 1999. Late season selections that continue to show more consistent cropping than `Tifblue' are T-105 and T-459, which also had good yields this year. T-105 was the highest yielding of all late season selections over the four year period. This selection is strongly being considered as a potential release for the `Tifblue' season.

Impacts
Blueberry growers across the southeastern U.S. will benefit directly from improved cultivars derived by this breeding effort. Improvements in both production potential and fruit quality are being made.

Publications

  • Williamson, J.G., B.E. Maust, and D.S. NeSmith. 2001. Timing and concentration of hydrogen cyanamide affect blueberry bud development and flower mortality. HortScience 36: 922-924.
  • Scherm, H., D.S. NeSmith, D.L. Horton, and G. Krewer. 2001. A survey of horticultural and pest management practices of the Georgia blueberry industry. Small Fruit Rev. 1: 17-28.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2001. Development of southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberry cultivars adapted to Georgia. pp. 27-36. Proc. 10th Biennial Southeast Blueberry Conference, Jan. 4-5, Savannah, GA.
  • Krewer, G., D.S. NeSmith, and B. Mullinix. 2001. Ethephon: A potential tool for delaying bloom of rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries. pp. 1-11. Proc. 10th Biennial Southeast Blueberry Conference, Jan. 4-5, Savannah, GA.
  • Tetteh, M.K., S.E. Prussia, B.P. Verma, and D.S. NeSmith. 2001. Blueberry firmness measurements by FirmTech II and Hertz contact theory. ASAE Paper No. 01-6089. American Society Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2001. Rabbiteye blueberry aid for fruit set in poor pollination situations. pp. 304-305. In P. Guillebeau (ed.), Georgia pest control handbook. Coop. Ext. Serv., Univ. of Georgia, Athens.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2001. Dormex to enhance fruit ripening of certain southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries. pp. 306. In P. Guillebeau (ed.), Georgia pest control handbook. Coop. Ext. Serv., Univ. of Georgia, Athens.