Source: UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA submitted to NRP
DEVELOPMENT OF LOW TO MEDIUM CHILL BLUEBERRY CULTIVARS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0206617
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Apr 1, 2006
Project End Date
Jun 30, 2012
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
The future for growth and sustainability of the Georgia blueberry industry very much depends on the continued development of high quality cultivars suitable for Georgia's climate, soils, and favorable market windows. This project will develop new rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberry cultivars for blueberry producers in Georgia and other areas having low-to-medium winter chilling.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2021120108120%
2031120108140%
2041120108120%
2051120108120%
Knowledge Area
204 - Plant Product Quality and Utility (Preharvest); 205 - Plant Management Systems; 203 - Plant Biological Efficiency and Abiotic Stresses Affecting Plants; 202 - Plant Genetic Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
1120 - Blueberry;

Field Of Science
1081 - Breeding;
Goals / Objectives
Generate and evaluate rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberry selections for usage as cultivars for blueberry production in Georgia and other areas having low-to-medium winter chilling.
Project Methods
The blueberry cultivar development program utilizes the following steps or stages: I. Seedling Stage: Seeds are obtained from desired crosses and are stored under refrigeration for 4 to 5 months. Seeds are then planted, and require 2 to 4 months for emergence. After another 3 to 6 months in the greenhouse, plants are moved to a high density seedling nursery in an outdoor environment at Griffin, Ga. Individual seedlings are grown so as to fruit the 3rd year from seed. At the first fruiting year, seedling fruit and minimal plant characteristics will be evaluated and desirable seedlings advanced. II. Advanced Seedling Stage: After evaluation, some of the plants in the seedling nursery are designated "advanced seedlings". Advanced seedlings are transplanted from the seedling nursery in Griffin to the field nursery at Alapaha, Ga. as single plants. Plant and fruit characteristics of advanced seedlings are evaluated for another 1 to 3 years. After 1 to 3 years of evaluation, selections are made for propagation. III. Selection Stage: Material for the "selection stage" is derived directly from the seedling nursery in Griffin initially and from advanced seedling plots at Alapaha. Upon selection, 10 to 15 rooted cuttings are obtained for field planting at the UGA Blueberry Research Farm near Alapaha, and at the UGA Blueberry Research Farm in Griffin. These plants are grown in a selection block for several years, where detailed evaluation of fruit, plant, and yield characteristics takes place. Multiple plants of each selection are evaluated in years 3 through 5 after planting at both locations. These data are used to make advanced selections. After year 5, the most desirable selections (maybe 3 to 5 per year) are propagated for further evaluation as "advanced selections". IV. Advanced Selection Stage: After an advanced selection is made, 100 or more rooted cuttings are obtained for multiple site evaluations as potential cultivars. In addition to Griffin and Alapaha, test sites include grower cooperators in south Georgia and sites across the Southern and Western U.S. Also, international evaluation trials are in place with various cooperators. Cuttings are distributed to cooperators along with standard cultivars. The advanced selections are grown in the field for 3 years, after which careful fruit, plant and yield data are obtained during years 3 through 6. After 5 to 6 years, data from all locations is compiled, and advanced selections are scrutinized for potential cultivar releases. The diversity of environments provides information on climatic and edaphic adaptation of advanced selections. V. New Cultivar: After extensive testing, the best advanced selections are considered for release as a new cultivar. The new cultivar must meet rigid standards of uniqueness and superior yield, fruit, and/or plant characteristics to be considered for release. Once a desirable release is obtained, the release process begins, which includes a University of Georgia release application and simultaneous increase of plant material. The estimated average time line from original seedling to a newly released cultivar is 12 to 15 years.

Progress 04/01/06 to 06/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project was conducted over the past 5 years on two Ag Experiment Station Research Farms and at several commercial grower trial sites. In each year comprehensive flowering notes, cropping notes and fruit characteristic evaluations were taken for more than 400 selections per year of both rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries, as well as numerous cultivar standards at the various test sites. Also, each year 2500 to 4000 new seedlings were generated and evaluated in the breeding nursery at the Georgia Ag Experiment Station in Griffin, resulting in over 500 new selections being identified for further testing during the entire project period. In addition to the new selections, several advanced selections were made each year for more detailed future trials. Interactions with growers with on-farm trials and experiment station Field Days offered two way communication opportunities to improve the overall goals of the project in progressing toward new useful commercial blueberry cultivars. PARTICIPANTS: This project received oversight by the PI assigned to it for the past 5 years, and the overall effort was supported by a Research Coordinator I as well as several part-time laborers. These assistance helped in overall plot establishment and maintenance, as well as data collection. The project also involved undergraduate student workers who both assisted with the work, and were trained in aspects of horticulture research and application. TARGET AUDIENCES: The major target audiences for this project were commercial blueberry growers and nurseries which included women and minorities. Growers received information on blueberry variety development and performance at Field Days and technical sessions provided at grower meeting each year at the Southeastern Fruit & Vegetable Conference. Additionally, numerous phone and email consultations were provided over the course of the project to growers and commercial blueberry nurseries. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
This multi-year project was successful in enhancing the low to medium chill germplasm for current and future needs. We were able to establish research plots in the last two years that will be useful for several years to come. New commercial cultivars of both southern highbush and rabbiteye were developed during this project, and these are rapidly being adapted by the commercial industry in the southeastern US and similar areas around the world. The new varieties, and those possible in the future from this project, help to overcome grower issues of small fruit size, soft fruit, poor timing, and over reliance on hand labor. Usage of the new varieties is in the earliest stages, but initial feedback is that the varieties seem to be well received. Consumers will benefit from the new blueberry varieties as well with improved grocery shelf product in future years. As an added benefit from this effort, we were also able to begin an ornamental blueberry variety development program from the low to medium chill germplasm. This program too has been greatly enhanced by the breeding efforts of the past few years, and has established a pool of material for future evaluations and potential ornamental usage.

Publications

  • NeSmith, D.S. 2012. Fruit development period of several southern highbush blueberry cultivars. Int. J. Fruit Sci. 12: 249-255.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2012. Fruit set and berry weight of four rabbiteye blueberry cultivars following exposure to sub-freezing temperatures during flowering. Int. J. Fruit Sci. 12: 256-260.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2011. Ornamental blueberry breeding at The University of Georgia: Surround yourself with flavorful beauty. Proc. Int. Plant Prop. Soc. 61: 52-55.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2012. Recent University of Georgia Blueberry Variety Releases to Consider. Small Fruit News 12:(1) 1-3.


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The 2011 growing season was good in both Alapaha and Griffin. Chill hours (calculated from Oct. 1 thru Feb. 15) were 1206 for Alapaha and 1573 for Griffin. The Alapaha chilling was near record, since typically this area only gets 750 hours of chilling on average. Comprehensive flowering notes, cropping notes and fruit characteristic evaluations were taken for more than 400 selections of rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries, as well as numerous cultivar standards at the test sites. More than 2500 seedlings were evaluated in the nursery at the Griffin site in 2010, and more than 200 new selections were produced in 2011 for further testing. Ratings were also made for some selections at on-farm test sites in 2011. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
With regards to commercial blueberry selection evaluations, we obtained yield data for certain rabbitye selections and standards at the Alapaha and Griffin Research Farms in 2011. A notable early ripening selection is T-957, which had good fruit size and yield at both test locations in 2011. T-957 ripens several days before the standards Vernon and Alapaha in both South and Middle Georgia locations. T-968 is a mid-season rabbiteye variety that offers improved fruit size and quality over the standard Brightwell. We also obtained yield data for certain southern highbush selections and standards at the Research Farms in 2011. A notable highbush selection in South Georgia was TH-905 which was high yielding, with rapid early ripening. TH-917 had favorable yields as well at this location, although the timing of ripening was more near Camellia than the earlier standard Star. At the Griffin location TH-931 was a high yielding, late ripening highbush selection. These new selections potentially offer new material for the rabbiteye and southern highbush growers across the Southeastern US. Fruit quality on all selections at both locations was very good. We will continue to monitor these and other selections over the next few years.

Publications

  • Johnson, L.K., A. Malladi, and D.S. NeSmith. 2011. Differences in cell number facilitate fruit size variation in rabbiteye blueberry genotypes. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 136: 10-15.
  • MacLean, D.D. and D.S. NeSmith. 2011. Rabbiteye blueberry postharvest fruit quality and stimulation of ethylene production by 1-Methylcyclopropene. HortScience 46: 178-1281.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2011. Southern Splendour Southern Highbush Blueberry. HortScience 46: 674-675.
  • NeSmith, D.S. and M.K. Ehlenfeldt. 2011. Summer Sunset: A New Ornamental Blueberry Variety. HortScience 46: 1560-1561.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2011. Current season winter chilling: Where are we and what can we expect. Dixie Blueberry News 11(1): 10-13.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2011. Blueberry variety releases from the University of Georgia. Posted at http://www.smallfruits.org/Blueberries/production/UGABlueberryVarieti esandpicturesUpdated2009.pdf
  • NeSmith, D.S. and M.K. Ehlenfeldt. 2011. Summer Sunset: A new ornamental blueberry variety. HortScience 49(9) : S263 (Abstr.)


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The 2010 growing season was good at both Alapaha and Griffin, GA test sites even though record cold delayed flowering and ripening at both locations compared to recent years. Chill hours (calculated from Oct. 1 thru Feb. 15) were 968 for Alapaha and 1457 for Griffin, which were well above average for the two locations. Comprehensive flowering notes, cropping notes and fruit characteristic evaluations were taken for more than 400 selections of rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries, as well as numerous cultivar standards at the test sites. More than 2500 seedlings were evaluated in the nursery at the Griffin site in 2010, resulting in 200 new selections being identified for further testing. In addition to the new selections, several advanced selections were made in 2010 for more detailed future trials. Ratings were also made for some advanced selections at on-farm test sites in 2010 that were established in the past 2 years. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The ornamental blueberry selection T-885 was submitted for release to the CAES Cultivar Release Committee in 2010 and was approved as Summer Sunset. This new release is expected to become an edible ornamental variety aimed at homeowner markets seeking flavorful beauty. The colorful berries of Summer Sunset', along with the attractive foliage and tasty berries have attracted interest from several ornamental nurseries. This new product should bring notoriety to our entire new edible ornamental effort. With regards to commercial rabbiteye selections, we obtained yield data for certain rabbiteye selections and standards at the Alapaha Research Farm in 2010. The most notable selection was T-959 for its high yield and large berry size. Yields for T-959 at Alapaha (more than 23 lbs/plant) were the highest we have ever recorded for 4 year old plants. Yield and berry size data from Griffin showed a similar trend for T-959. The large berry size (more than 3 g) is a great advancement for rabbiteyes since typical berry sizes are small (< 1.5 g). A larger berry facilitates increased harvest efficiency and has greater consumer appeal. T-959 was submitted and approved for release in August 2010. T-965 also continues to look good, with large berry size and good yield. We will evaluate this selection further.

Publications

  • NeSmith, D.S. 2010. Suziblue southern highbush blueberry. HortScience 45: 142-143.
  • NeSmith, D.S. and M.K. Ehlenfeldt. 2010. Blue Suede: A southern highbush blueberry for the home gardener. HortScience 45: 302-303.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2010. Some comments on UGA southern highbush blueberry varieties Rebel and Camellia following 2009. Dixie Blueberry News 10(1): 10-11.
  • NeSmith, D.S.. 2010. Suziblue: A new southern highbush blueberry variety from The University of Georgia. Small Fruit News 10: 2-3.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2010. Southern highbush blueberries 2010: When will they ripen. Dixie Blueberry News 10(2): 4-6.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2010. Using fruit development period and degree days to estimate ripening dates for rabbiteye blueberries. Dixie Blueberry News 10(3): 10-12.
  • Brannen, P., J. Smith, J. Garner, and S. NeSmith. 2010. Phytotoxicity danger of phosphorous acid generating fungicides and fertilizer products applied to blueberries and grapes. Phytopathology 100: S16.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2010. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia. A progress report for 2010. Posted at http://www.smallfruits.org/Blueberries/production/alap10rep.pdf
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2010. Ornamental blueberry variety development at the University of Georgia. A progress report for 2010. Posted at http://www.smallfruits.org/Blueberries/production/OrnamentalBlueberry Report2010.pdf


Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The 2009 growing season was good in both Alapaha and Griffin, even though some severe freezes did occur at both sites. Chill hours (calculated from Oct. 1 thru Feb. 15) were 858 for Alapaha and 1167 for Griffin, which were above average for the two locations. Comprehensive flowering notes, cropping notes and fruit characteristic evaluations were taken for more than 350 selections and advanced seedlings of rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries, as well as numerous cultivar standards at the test sites. More than 2500 seedlings were evaluated in the nursery at the Griffin site in 2008, resulting in more than 100 new selections being identified for further testing. In 2008 and 2009, several selections were identified as advanced selections and were propagated. These rabbiteye and southern highbush advanced selections were distributed to grower-cooperators to begin the final phase of testing for their potential as cultivar releases. Evaluations of these advanced selections will include fruit characteristics, plant growth characteristics, flowering times, and yields (when possible). In 2008 and 2009 we established a special trial that is an early ripening rabbiteye advanced selection block. This is a high priority need we recognize in the industry. The larger field plot planted with key selections will hopefully facilitate identification of cultivars to fill these needs. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The southern highbush selections TH-664 and TH-665 were evaluated for final decisions concerning release in 2009. TH-664 was submitted for release was approved with the name Southern Splendour. This new release is expected to become an early season variety aimed at markets seeking exceptional flavor. Also, Southern Splednour is expected to offer growers the possibility of mechanical harvest for the fresh market, which is non-existent with most southern highbush in production to date. TH-665 was declined for release as it continues to have an unknown leaf spot disorder that would likely cause problems for growers. With regards to rabbiteye selections, we obtained yield data for certain selections and two rabbiteye standards in 2009. Two notable selections were T-743 for its early ripening and T-959 for its high yield. Of additional interest was the very large berry size of T-959 and T-965. Both of these selections had initial berry size near or exceeding 3 g/berry, and they both maintained large berry size (more than 2 g) over the entire season. The larger berry size is a great advancement for rabbiteyes since typical berry sizes are small (< 1.5 g). The larger berries facilitate harvest efficiency and have greater consumer appeal. We have propagated additional plants of these selections and will establish advanced selections trials in 2010.

Publications

  • Nunez Barrios, A., E. Sanchez Chavez, J. Ruiz Vega, A. C. Gonzalez Franco, D.S. NeSmith. 2008. Postharvest quality of blueberry cultivars (Vaccinium sp.) as affected by prestorage time and temperatures. Agric. Tecnicia en Mexico 34: 453-457.
  • Brannen, P.M., P. Harmon, and D.S. NeSmith. 2009. Utility of phosphonate fungicides for management of phytopthora root rot of blueberry. Acta Hort. 810: 331-340.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2009. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia. Acta Hort. 810: 79-86.
  • Haralson, J.C., P.M. Brannen, S. Scherm, and D.S. NeSmith. 2009. Evaluation of fungicides for the control of Cylindrocladium root rot in blueberry cuttings, 2008. Plant Disease Management Reports 3:SMF039.
  • Haralson, J.C., P.M. Brannen, S. Scherm, and D.S. NeSmith. 2009. Evaluation of fungicides for the control of Rhizoctonia root rot in blueberry cuttings, 2008. Plant Disease Management Reports 3:SMF038.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2009. Some comments on UGA rabbiteye blueberry varieties following 2009. Dixie Blueberry News 9: 11.
  • NeSmith, D.S.. 2009. UGA Blueberry Field Day. Ga. Fruit & Veg. Growers News 14: 5.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2009. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia. A progress report for 2009. Posted at www.smallfruits.org/Blueberries/production/alap09Report.pdf .
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2009. Blueberry variety releases from the University of Georgia. Posted at http://www.smallfruits.org/Blueberries/production/UGABlueberryVarieti esandpicturesUpdated2009.pdf .


Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The 2008 growing season was very good at the UGA Blueberry Research Farms in both Alapaha and Griffin, Ga., especially following the disastrous freeze of 2007 that caused total crop losses at both locations for the breeding program. There were significant freezing temperatures at both locations in 2008, some of which occurred during the flowering period of some selections. Chill hours (calculated from Oct. 1 thru Feb. 15) were 743 for Alapaha and 1049 for Griffin, which were average for the two locations. Comprehensive flowering notes, cropping notes and fruit characteristic evaluations were taken for more than 350 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 2008. This resulted in more than 100 new selections being identified for further testing. In 2007 and 2008, several selections were identified as advanced selections and were propagated. These rabbiteye and southern highbush advanced selections were distributed to grower-cooperators to begin the final phase of testing for their potential as cultivar releases. Evaluations of these advanced selections will include fruit characteristics, plant growth characteristics, flowering times, and yields (when possible). Also in 2008 we established a special trial at the UGA Alapaha Blueberry Research Farm that will be an early ripening rabbiteye advanced selection block. This is a high priority need we recognize in the industry. The larger field plot planted with key selections will hopefully facilitate identification of cultivars to fill these needs. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for this project include commerical blueberry growers in Georgia and across the southeastern U.S. Additionally, improvements in blueberry fruit quality are targeted to blueberry consumers world wide. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The southern highbush advanced selections TH-730 and TH-707 were evaluated for final decisions concerning release in 2008. TH-730 performed very well and was approved for release by the UGA CAES Cultivar Release Committee. This new release is expected to become a main season southern highbush variety for Georgia. Its productivity has been very good when compared to the industry standard Star and the recently released Rebel from our own program. Additionally, it has larger berry size and better fruit firmness than these two standards, although Rebel still has the advantage of earlier ripening fruit. The decision was made to not release TH-707 due to its inadequate performance during final testing. With regards to rabbiteye selections, we have many new early ripening selections that continue to perform well. Of particular note are selections T-743 and T-786 that ripen 5 to 7 days before any of the current industry standards. We have propagated additional plants of these and established plantings in on-farm trials in 2008. The most exciting discovery among new rabbiteye selections in 2008 was the large fruited selection T-959. The berry size for this selection is the largest rabbiteye fruit we have developed to date, and this is a major break through for enhancing grower and consumer acceptance of rabbiteye. Its very large size of over 4 g per berry is 2 to 3 times larger than any existing cultivars. The selection also has a fairly early ripening window, but it may have some problems with fruit cracking under rainy conditions. We have propagated this selection to enter in on-farm trials in 2009.

Publications

  • NeSmith, D. S. 2008. Perfect weather brings out record attendance at 2008 UGA blueberry field day. Small Fruit News. Vol. 8(3): 3-4.
  • Brannen, P.M. and D.S. NeSmith. 2008. Use of soil fumigants and foliar applied phosphites to overcome replant disorders of blueberry. Ga. Fruit & Veg. Grower News. Vol. 13(2): 14-17.
  • NeSmith, D. S. 2008. Some brief observations of the blueberry industry in Argentina following a 2008 trip. Small Fruit News. Vol. 8(4): 6-8.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2008. Review of using gibberellic acid to improve rabbiteye fruit set. Dixie Blueberry News. Vol. 8 (1): 6-9.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2008. Rebel southern highbush blueberry. HortScience 43: 1592-1593.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2008. Effects of timing of CPPU applications on rabbiteye blueberries. HortScience 43: 1446-1448.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2008. Response of three southern highbush blueberry cultivars to CPPU. HortScience 43: 628 (Abstract SR-ASHS).
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2008. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia. Abstract for 9th International Vaccinium Symposium, July 13-16, 2008, Corvallis, OR.
  • Tertuliano, M., G. Krewer, O. Liburd, P. Andersen, G. Fonsah, S. NeSmith, and J.E. Smith. 2008. Blueberry leaf beetle control in organic systems. pp. 20-21, Georgia Fruit & Veg. Conf. Proceedings, Savannah, Ga., Jan. 11-13, 2008.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2008. A summary of current and past blueberry cultivars grown in Georgia. pp. 53-64, Palestras e Resumos, IV Simposio Nacional do Morango, Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Aug 13-14, 2008.
  • Haralson, J.C., P.M. Brannen, H. Scherm, and D.S. NeSmith. 2008. Evaluation of fungicides for the control of Cylindrocladium root rot in blueberry cuttings, 2007. Plant Disease Management Reports 2: SMF038.


Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: In 2007 five on-farm grower trials were established throughout Georgia using new advanced selections from the UGA Blueberry Breeding Program. These trials will be monitored in the next few years to determine suitability of test material for release as cultivars. Grower involvement will expedite evaluations, and their input will be used to determine the best blueberry selections for cultivars. This will result in rapid technology transfer of the new cultivars developed as growers will readily know their performance on their own farms. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for this project include commercial blueberry growers in Georgia and homeowners. Also, a target audience for improved blueberry fruit quality is consumers of blueberries.

Impacts
In 2006, the new southern highbush blueberry cultivar Rebel was released from this program. This new cultivar has been favorably and rapidly received by the Georgia blueberry industry. Rebel is a very early season cultivar, and more than 50,000 plants were established in 2007. It is expected that another 100,000 or more plants will be established in 2008. Growers are finding Rebel easy to grow, and the time of ripening is appealing. In addition to Rebel, a new mid-season southern highbush blueberry cultivar named Camellia was also recently released. Camellia is finding considerable grower acceptance due to its high quality fruit and plant vigor. It is expected that 25,000 plants or more of Camellia will be established in 2008. Finally, a new early season rabbiteye blueberry named Vernon was released in the last two years, and it is being readily planted by growers. More than 30,000 plants were established in 2007, and growers are waiting for increased plant numbers to establish more. Likely more than 75,000 Vernon will be planted in 2008.

Publications

  • Williamson, J.G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2007. Effects of CPPU applications on southern highbush blueberries. HortScience 42:1612-1615.
  • Krewer, G., D.S. NeSmith, and B. Mullinix. 2007. Effects of various soil amendments on growth of Reveille southern highbush blueberry. HortScience 42: 456 (Abstract for SR-ASHS).
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2007. Evaluation of fruit cracking and berry firmness in rabbiteye blueberry germplasm. HortScience 42: 457 (Abstract SR-ASHS).
  • Brannen, P.M., S. NeSmith, and P. Harmon. 2007. Use of phosphonates for control of phytopthora root rot of blueberry. Phytopath. 97(7): S13.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2007. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia. A progress report for 2006. pp. 60-73. Proc. 13th Biennial Southeast Blueberry Conf. Jan. 5-7, Savannah, GA.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2007. Update for 2006 from the University of Georgia blueberry breeding program. Proc. North Carolina Blueberry Growers Conf. Jan. 9-10, Clinton, NC.
  • Brannen, P.M., S. NeSmith, and P.F. Harmon. 2007. Fungicidal control of Phytophthora root rot of blueberry in a bark-bed, high-density planting in north Georgia, 2006. Plant Disease Management Reports 1: SMF038.
  • Brannen, P.M., S. NeSmith, and P.F. Harmon. 2007. Fungicidal control of Phytophthora root rot of blueberry in a bark-bed, high-density planting in south Georgia, 2006. Plant Disease Management Reports 1: SMF039.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2007. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia: A progress report for 2006. Progress Rep. to Michigan Blueberry Growers Association.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2007. Update of blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia: A progress report for 2006. Southern Blueberry Workers Meeting, Southern Region Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., Mobile, AL.
  • Brannen, P.M. and S. NeSmith. 2007. Use of phosphite materials for control of pythium species in high density blueberry production systems. 2006 IR-4 Biopesticide Grant Program Res. Rep.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2007. Evaluation of southern highbush blueberry advanced selections for mechanical harvesting for fresh market sales. Res. Report to Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium.
  • Brannen, P. and S. NeSmith. 2007. Is fumigation prior to replanting old blueberry sites of value? Res. Report to Ga. Fruit & Veg. Growers.
  • Brannen, P.M., and S. NeSmith. 2007. Use of soil fumigants and foliar-applied phosphites to overcome replant disorders of blueberry. Res. Report to Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2007. 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.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2007. 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.
  • NeSmith, D. S. 2007. UGA blueberry field day a great success. Small Fruit News. Vol. 7(3): 9-10.
  • NeSmith, D. S. 2007. UGA blueberry field day. Ga. Fruit & Veg. Grower News. Vol. 12(3): 8.
  • NeSmith, D.S. and A. Draper. 2007. Camellia southern highbush blueberry. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 61: 34-37.
  • Williamson, J.G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2007. Evaluation of flower bud removal treatments on growth of young blueberry plants. HortScience 42: 571-573.


Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
The 2006 growing season at Alapaha, Ga. was generally characterized by a very good crop across most cultivars and selections, contrasting sharply to the previous season which was plagued by poor pollination and fruit set. The blueberry crop in Griffin, Ga. was also good in 2006, although drought conditions did cause some problems with fruit sizing during late May and early June. 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 2006. This resulted in several advanced seedlings and selections being identified for further testing. Ratings were also made for some selections at on-farm test sites in 2006. Performance data were taken for several southern highbush blueberry selections that were planted in 2003 at Alapaha, thus, 2006 was the third cropping season for these plants. Generally all selections and the standard cultivars had suitable plant vigor in this system. All selections flowered at least 7 days earlier than usual and ripening dates were earlier as well. Star was early ripening, and yields were good. O'Neal yields were low, and fruit were small and lacked firmness. Rebel(released in 2005) was the earliest ripening selection, and yield was 30% greater than Star, although berry size was a little smaller than Star. TH-707 was the highest yielding selection in this test, and ripening date was later than Star, but earlier than O'Neal. The selections TH-710 and TH-730, had very high yields and ripened just after Star. TH-730 had good berry size along with the high yields and it looked very good under field conditions at Alapaha and Griffin.

Impacts
Blueberry growers in low-to-medium chill areas such as the Southeastern U.S. need new cultivars to remain competitve in coming years. This blueberry breeding project is long-term in nature, with continuous develpment and evaluation of new rabbiteye and southern highbush germplasm. It is expected that new cultivars from this program will be high yielding, with high quality fruit.

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.
  • Krewer, G., D.S. NeSmith, P. Brannen, K. Harrison, B. Boland, and D. Stanaland, 2006. Suggestions for establishing highbush and rabbiteye blueberries in Georgia. pp. 59-86. 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.
  • Krewer, G., D.S. NeSmith, and B. Mullinix. 2006. Response of Reveille southern highbush blueberry to various amounts of pine bark incorporated into a typical Georgia flatwoods soil. pp. 114-120. Proc. 10th North American Blueberry Res. & Ext. Workers Conf. , June 4-8, Tifton, GA.
  • NeSmith, D.S (editor). 2006. Proceedings 10th North American Blueberry Research & Extension Workers Conference. 225 pp. http://www.smallfruits.org/Blueberries/production/10th
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2006. Blueberries in Georgia. pp. 219-221. In, N.F. Childers and P.M. Lyrene (eds.), Blueberries for growers, gardeners, and promoters. E.O. Painter Printing Co., Inc., DeLeon Springs, FL 32130.
  • Prussia, S.E., M.K. Tetteh, B.P. Verma, and D.S. NeSmith. 2006. Apparent modulus of elasticity from FirmTech 2 firmness measurements of blueberries. Trans. Amer. Soc. Agri. & Biol. Engin. 49: 113-121.
  • Nunez-Barrios, A., G. Hoogenboom, and S. NeSmith. 2005. Drought stress and the distribution of vegetative and reproductive traits of a bean cultivar. Scientia Agricola 62: 18-22.
  • Nunez-Barrios, A., S. NeSmith, E. Sanchez, S. Prussia, and J. Soto. 2005. Effects of harvest methods and storage temperatures on the quality of blueberry (Vaccinium ashei R.). Rev. Fitotec. Mex. 28: 385-388.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2005. Use of plant growth regulators in blueberry production in the Southeastern U.S.: A review. Int. J. Fruit Sci. 5 (3): 39-52.
  • Brevis, P.A., D.S. NeSmith, and H.Y. Wetzstein. 2006. Flower age affects fruit set and stigmatic receptivity in rabbiteye blueberry. HortScience 41: 1537-1540.
  • Brevis, P.A., D.S. NeSmith, H.Y. Wetzstein, and D.B. Hausman. 2006. Production and viability of pollen and pollen-ovule ratios in four rabbiteye blueberry cultivars. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 131: 181-184.
  • Carpio, C. And D.S. NeSmith. 2006. Economic Assessment of Irrigation Management in Muscadine Grapes. HortTechnol. 16: 478-482.
  • NeSmith, D.S. and A. Draper. 2006. Camellia: A new southern highbush blueberry cultivar. HortScience 41: 512-513.
  • NeSmith, D.S.. 2006. Rebel: A new early ripening southern highbush blueberry cultivar. HortScience 41: 512.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2006. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia. A progress report for 2005. pp. 87-98. Proc. Georgia Blueberry Conf. Jan. 5-8, Savannah, 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. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia: A progress report for 2006. Progress Rep. to Michigan Blueberry Growers Association.
  • NeSmith, D. S. 2006. Performance of southern highbush blueberries in high density pine bark beds in south Georgia during 2006. Small Fruit News. Vol. 6(3): 1-2.
  • 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. North American Blueberry Research & Extension Workers Conference a success. Small Fruit News. Vol. 6(2): 1-2.
  • 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.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2006. Update of blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia: A progress report for 2005. Southern Blueberry Workers Meeting, Southern Region Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., Orlando, FL.
  • NeSmith, D.S. 2006. Evaluation of fruit cracking and berry firmness in rabbiteye blueberry germplasm Grant Prog. Rep., Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium.
  • Brannen, P. and D.S. NeSmith. 2006. Use of phosphite materials for control of pythium species in high-density blueberry production systems. Grant Prog. Rep., Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium.
  • Brannen, P.M. and S. NeSmith. 2006. Fungicidal control of Pythium root rot of blueberry in a bark-bed, high-density planting, 2005. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests Reports 61:SMF016.
  • Krewer, G., B. Cline, and D.S. NeSmith. 2006. Southeast regional blueberry horticulture and growth regulator guide. To be posted on SRSFC web-site.
  • Krewer, G. and D.S. NeSmith. 2006. Blueberry cultivars for Georgia. http://www.smallfruits.org/Blueberries/production/06bbcvproc_Nov0206. pdf
  • NeSmith, D. S. 2006. Weed-free area requirement for establishment of blueberries. Small Fruit News. Vol. 6: 2-3.
  • Brannen, P., D. Stanaland, and D.S. NeSmith. 2006. Use of phosphite fungicides for control of blueberry diseases in Georgia. pp. 129-138. 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. Blueberry cultivar development at the University of Georgia. A progress report for 2005. Posted at www.smallfruits.org/Blueberries/production/alap05Report.pdf .