Progress 09/01/06 to 08/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) is native to southern Georgia and northern Florida and can be grown organically in the southeastern United States. They are well adapted to the climate, soils and pest complexes. In the last 5 years the acreage of organic blueberries has expanded from 10 to 400 acres in Georgia alone. There is increased consumer demand associated with the widely publicized health benefits of blueberry fruit. There is also a need for alternative source of income for small- to moderate-sized farms in a region where many traditional crops are no longer profitable. Organic rabbiteye blueberries are poised to become a large industry in southern Georgia and northern Florida. The purpose of this project was to research management practices that will facilitate the organic production of blueberries in the southeastern United States. The goals of this project were to develop best management practices for organic blueberry production in the southeastern United States. Specific objectives are to: 1) evaluate establish methods for organic blueberry plantings using organic mulches or plasticulture for weed control; 2) develop fertilizer regimes using fertilizer materials that are approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI); 3) formulate strategies for organic management of key blueberry pests; 4) conduct economic analyses and develop enterprise budgets for organic blueberries. Research on organic blueberries involved: organic mulches, organic fertilizers, mummy berry, Septoria leaf spot, leaf beetle and blueberry gall midge. For more detailed information please consult the publications listed below. Each year the Co-Principal Investigators have attended the Southeastern Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Savannah, GA. Information was also disseminated at the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists Conference, the Ozeki Nursery Blueberry Growers Conference, the Ninth International Blueberry Grower's Association meeting, and the Entomological Society of America. Grower outreach, Field days and In-Service training of County Extension Agents have also been conducted from 2006-2010. Our stakeholders have included Dave and Debbie Hardage (Organic Producers, Vero Beach, FL), Alan Miles, (Organic Producer, Baxley, GA), Connie Horner (Organic Producer, Alma GA), Stanley Scarborough (Production Manager, Sunny Ridge Inc. Winter Haven, FL), Dave Trinka (MBG Marketing, Traverse City, MI) and Relinda Walker (Georgia Organics). Many of these individuals were integrally involved in this Organic Blueberry Grant by donating land and plant material for experimentation. In addition, many of these individuals have made significant contributions and appear as authors on publications pertaining to various aspects of culture and management and integrated pest management of rabbiteye blueberries(see publication list). Our target audience includes organic blueberry growers, prospective organic blueberry growers, Georgia Organics (www.georgiaorganics.org), County Extension Agents, and the interested public. Refereed and non-refereed publications are being generated for the scientific community. PARTICIPANTS: The individuals that have worked on this project include: 1) P. C. Andersen, Prof. Horticulture, Univ. FL; 2) E. G. Fonsah, Asst. Prof. Agricultural Economics, Univ. GA; 3) G. Krewer, Prof. Horticulture, Univ. GA; 4) O. E. Liburd, Assoc. Prof. Entomology, Univ. FL; 5) B. Mullinix. Prof. Statistics, Texas A and M Univ.; 6) M. Tertuliano, Post-doctoral Associate, Univ. FL; 7) H. Scherm, Prof. Plant Pathology, Univ. GA; 8) K. Plattner, MS student Agricultural Economics, Univ. GA. Collaborators and stakeholders include Jerald Larsen (County Agent, Ft. Valley State College), Dave and Debbie Hardage (Organic Producers, Vero Beach, FL), Alan Miles, (Organic Producer, Baxley, GA), Connie Horner (Organic Producer, Alma GA), Stanley Scarborough (Production Manager, Sunny Ridge Inc. Winter Haven, FL), Danny Stanaland (County Extension Coordinator, Alma, GA), Dave Trinka (MBG Marketing, Traverse City, MI) and Relinda Walker (Georgia Organics. Many of these individuals were integrally involved in this Organic Blueberry Grant by donating land and plant material for experimentation. In addition, many of these individuals have made significant contributions and appear as authors on publications pertaining to various aspects of culture and management and integrated pest management of rabbiteye blueberries(please see publication list). TARGET AUDIENCES: Each year the Co-Principal Investigators attend the Southeastern Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Savannah, GA. Presentations are given concerning the organic culture of rabbiteye blueberries in the southeastern United States (see publications below). Information was also disseminated at the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists Conference (Atlanta, GA), the Ozeki Nursery Blueberry Growers Conference (Japan), the Ninth International Blueberry Grower's Association meeting (Corvallis, OR), and the Entomological Society of America. Grower outreach, Field days and In-Service training of County Extension Agents have also been conducted from 2006 to 2009. Target audience includes organic blueberry growers, prospective organic blueberry growers, Georgia Organics (www.georgiaorganics.org), County Extension Agents, and the interested public. Refereed and non-refereed publications have been and still are being generated for the scientific community. We have also utilized the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium (SRSFC) website (www.smallfruits.org), a regional project consisting of VA, NC, SC, GA, TN, to enhance the dissemination of issues pertaining to the culture of organic blueberries in the southeastern United States. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
There is ample justification for research on organic production of blueberry. The consumer demand and the price paid to the grower for organically-grown blueberries are high. Research on conventionally-grown blueberries has shifted toward intensification, and does not necessarily emphasize alternative methods of pest control and environmental sustainability. Economic forecasts indicate that there will be an increasing demand for organically-grown produce. There are several key limitations to organic blueberry production in the deep South. Significant issues of weed, insect and disease control and optimal cultural practices remain. Perhaps the most critical limitation in the Southeastern United States is weed control; organic herbicides and mulches are expensive. One unique aspect of organic blueberry production is the low soil pH that is not amenable to cover cropping for weed control or fertility management. Prior to this project there were blanket recommendations from other crops and other states. Available information was not based on rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium virgatum) and unique pest complexes in the deep South. We now have researched-based information on best management practices for organic rabbiteye blueberries including issues of establishment, fertility, mulches, pest management and economics. Hence, the acreage of organic blueberries in Georgia alone has increased from 10 to over 400 during the last 5 years. The expansion of the acreage of organic blueberries has contributed to economic development in the economically-depressed deep South. Some of our organic research is also amenable to conventional producers. Three examples are the evaluation of blueberry cultivars, the efficacy and economics of 7 different mulching systems and the monitoring and trapping of the blueberry gall midge. Partnerships and other forms of stakeholder input contributed to the design and management of the project. There was significant stakeholder input from organic growers both during project development and project execution. Much of the research has been conducted on farm with organic growers. We partnered with Georgia Organics, a major organic farming umbrella and interest group in Georgia. Many challenges still remain for future organic research. Probably the two greatest impediments to organic blueberry production in the deep South are weed control and fertility management. The organic production of the Southern highbush blueberries (largely developed by the University of Florida) has not been adequately researched and remains more problematic because they are more sensitive to soil conditions and pest pressures. Lastly, the predictability or the future economics of organic blueberries is an important research area, particularly as it relates to the early season market.
Publications
- 2. Liburd, O.E., E.M. Sarzynki, B.J. Sampson and G. Krewer. 2007. Blueberry gall midge:A major insect pest of blueberries in the southeastern United States. UF/IFAS University of Florida IN458.
- 3. Krewer G., M. Tertuliano, P. Andersen, O. Liburd, G. Fonsah, H. Serri, and B. Mullinix. 2009. Effect of mulches on the establishment of organically grown blueberries in Georgia. Acta horticulturae Vol. 2, 810: 483-488.
- 4. Scherm H., Savalle A.T., G. Krewer, M. Tertuliano, and J.R. Clark. 2008. Control of Septoria leaf spot, Septoria albopunctata of blueberry, Vaccinium virgatum with biofungicides, 2008. Plant Disease Management Reports 2: STF037.
- 5. Roubos, C.R. and O.E. Liburd. 2009. Evaluation of emergence traps for monitoring blueberry gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) adults and within field distribution of midge infestation. J. Econ. Entomol. 103:1258-1267.
- 6. Krewer, G., R. Walker, H. Scherm, and M. Tertuliano. 2008. Organic blueberry production. 2008 Proceedings of the First Annual Ozeki Nursery Japanese Blueberry Growers Conference pp. 1-63.
- 7. Tertuliano M., G. Krewer, P. Andersen, H. Scherm, O. Liburd, E.G. Fonsah. 2009. Update on organic blueberry mulching research at Alma and comparison of organic vs conventional blueberry production at Alapaha, Ga. Georgia Fruits and Vegetables meeting. Savannah, Jan. 8-11, 2009. Proceeding of Blueberry Section, pp. 23-25.
- 8. Krewer, G., M. Tertuliano, J.E. Smith, H. Scherm, K. Plattner, J. Clark, J. Jacobs, E. Andrews, D. Stanaland, T. Varnadore, P. Andersen, O. Liburd, E.G. Fonsah and Ben Mullinix. 2009. Evaluation of seven mulching treatments for organic rabbiteye blueberry production. The Southern Assoc. of Agric. Scient. Conf., Atlanta, GA, Feb. 3-6, 2009.
- 9. Tertuliano M., G. Krewer, H. Scherm, J.E. Smith, J. Clark, K. Plattner, P. Andersen, O. Liburd, E.G. Fonsah, D. Stanaland, J. Jacobs, T. Varnedore, and E. Andrews. 2009. Update on leaf beetle control and organic mulching experiment. Georgia Fruits and Vegetables meeting. Jan. 8-11, 2009. Proceeding of Blueberry Section; pp. 23-25.
- 10. Krewer G., C. Horner, R. Horner, E. Andrews, M. van Iersel, A. Ogden, M. Rieger, M. Tertuliano and B. Mullinix 2009. Evaluation of high tunnels for organic southern highbush production in South Georgia. Georgia Fruits and Vegetables meeting. Jan 08-11, 2009. Proceeding of Blueberry Section; pp. 26-31.
- 11. Tertuliano, M., G. Krewer, P. Andersen, O. E. Liburd and E. G. Fonsah 2008. Blueberry leaf beetle, Colaspis pseudofavosa Riley, IPM In: Organic blueberry systems. The 2008 Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting Abstract. Reno NV, Nov. 16-19, 2008.
- 1. Liburd, O.E., A.J. Arevalo, E. Andrews and G. Krewer. 2007. Control of flea beetles in southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries. Proc. 13th Biennial Southeast Blueberry Conf. 3 pp.
- 12. Krewer G., M. Tertuliano, P. Andersen, O. Liburd, G. Fonsah, H. Serri, and B. Mullinix. 2008. Effect of Mulches on the Establishment of Organically Grown Blueberries in Georgia. Proceeding of 9th International Vaccinium Symposium. Corvallis, Oregon, USA, Jul. 13-16, 2008).
- 13. Roubos, C.R. and O.E. Liburd. 2010. Pupation and emergence of blueberry gall midge, Dasineura oxycoccana (Piptera: Cecidomyiidae), under varying temperature consitions. Florida Entomologist 93:283-290.
- 14. Tertuliano, M., G. Krewer, J.E. Smith, K. Plattner, J. Clark, J. Jacobs, E. Andrews, D. Stanaland, T. Varnadore, P. Andersen, O. Liburd, G. Fonsah and H. Scherm. 2011. Growing organic blueberries in Georgia, USA: Results of two field experiments. International Journal of Fruit Production (in press).
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Progress 09/01/08 to 08/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Each year the Co-Principal Investigators attend the Southeastern Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Savannah, GA. Presentations are given concerning the organic culture of rabbiteye blueberries in the southeastern United States (see publications below). Information was also disseminated at the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists Conference (Atlanta, GA), the Ozeki Nursery Blueberry Growers Conference (Japan), the Ninth International Blueberry Grower's Association meeting (Corvallis, OR), and the 2008 Entomological Society of America (Reno, NV). Grower outreach, Field days and In-Service training of County Extension Agents have also been conducted in 2008. PARTICIPANTS: The individuals that have worked on this project include: 1) P. C. Andersen, Prof. Horticulture, Univ. FL; 2) E. G. Fonsah, Asst. Prof. Agricultural Economics, Univ. GA; 3) G. Krewer, Prof. Horticulture, Univ. GA; 4) O. E. Liburd, Assoc. Prof. Entomology, Univ. FL; 5) B. Mullinix. Prof. Statistics, Texas A and M Univ.; 6) M. Tertuliano, Post-doctoral Associate, Univ. FL; 7) H. Scherm, Prof. Plant Pathology, Univ. GA; 8) K. Plattner, MS student Agricultural Economics, Univ. GA. Collaborators and stakeholders include Jerald Larsen (County Agent, Ft. Valley State College), Dave and Debbie Hardage (Organic Producers, Vero Beach, FL), Alan Miles, (Organic Producer, Baxley, GA), Connie Horner (Organic Producer, Alma GA), Stanley Scarborough (Production Manager, Sunny Ridge Inc. Winter Haven, FL), Danny Stanaland (County Extension Coordinator, Alma, GA), Dave Trinka (MBG Marketing, Traverse City, MI) and Relinda Walker (Georgia Organics. Many of these individuals were integrally involved in this Organic Blueberry Grant by donating land and plant material for experimentation. In addition, many of these individuals have made significant contributions and appear as authors on publications pertaining to various aspects of culture and management and integrated pest management of rabbiteye blueberries(see publication list). TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience includes organic blueberry growers, prospective organic blueberry growers, Georgia Organics (www.georgiaorganics.org), County Extension Agents, and the interested public. Refereed and non-refereed publications are being generated for the scientific community. We also plan to utilize the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium (SRSFC) website (www.smallfruits.org), a regional project consisting of VA, NC, SC, GA, TN, to enhance the dissemination of issues pertaining to the culture of organic blueberries in the southeastern United States. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Research on organic blueberries involve: organic mulches, fertilization, mummy berry, leaf spot, leaf beetle and blueberry gall midges. Data generated from these studies will be invaluable toward establishing best management practices of organic blueberries in the southeastern U.S. A six year study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mulches on the performance of organically-grown Brightwell rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Aiton). Treatments were plastic woven ground cover, pine straw, pine bark, and an unmulched control. It was necessary to reapply pine straw in years three and six, and reapply pine bark in year five. Weeds were suppressed with organic burn down compounds and by hand hoeing. Only limited additional weed control was required with the mulch treatments in the first two years. Over time the amount of supplemental weed control increased, especially for the ground cover treatment. By years five and six pine straw and pine bark produced the largest plants and the highest yields (7,500 kg per hectare). Powderblue and Brightwell blueberries were grown in 20 liter containers in loamy sand soil amended with composted pine bark (pH 4.5 to 5.0). Plants were subjected to the following OMRI-approved organic nitrogen treatments at low (2 g N) and high (4 g N): Cotton seed meal 6-2-1, Nature Safe 8-5-5, Blood Meal 12-0-0, Feather Meal 13-0-0 and Fish Meal 10-0-0. Fertilizer was applied ever six weeks at low (2 g N) and (4 g N) per container. Plant growth, yield berry size, berry soluble solids were recorded and are now being statistically analyzed. A subset of plants will be destructively sampled for leaf and stem dry weight. Leaf anaylses will also be performed. The following treatments were initiated for mummy berry (Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi) control for Brightwell and Tifblue blueberries: 1) Actinovate; 2) Micro Sulf; 3) Oranocide; 4) PlantShield HC; 5) Prev-Am; 6) Serenade Max; 7) Indar WSP (non organic treatment) and an untreated control. The incidence of mummy berry was very low and the results will be discussed after statistical analyses. The management of foliar diseases (Phyllosticta vaccinii and Septoria albopunctata) is sometimes required to prevent premature defoliation and reductions in subsequent yield. Omega Grow (2%), SeaCide (1%) + Therm X70 (2 fl oz/A), Organic Gem (2%), Organocide (2%), Sporan EC (2.5 pt/Acre, Serenade (1.5 lbs/A) and an untreated control. These organic fungicides were applied four times during late summer. Treatments effect on disease severity were limited; only Organocide was significantly better than the control. None of the treatments affected percent defoliation or return bloom. Effective leaf beetle (Colaspis pseudofavosa) control was accomplished with Entrust (80W), PyGanic EC 5.0 and Diatomaceous Earth for two studies conducted in 2007 and 2008. Four emergence traps were tested for monitoring the blueberry gall midge (Dasineura oxycoccana) including a jar trap, a wheat blosson midge trap, petri dish trap, and a bucket trap. The latter two traps captured the highest number of adults in 2007 and 2008. Blueberry gall midge infestation was not uniform throughout the grove.
Publications
- Krewer G., M. Tertuliano, P. Andersen, O. Liburd, G. Fonsah, H. Serri, and B. Mullinix. 2009. Effect of mulches on the establishment of organically grown blueberries in Georgia. Acta horticulturae Vol. 2, 810: 483-488.
- Scherm H., Savalle A.T., G. Krewer, M. Tertuliano, and J.R. Clark. 2008. Control of Septoria leaf spot, Septoria albopunctata of blueberry, Vaccinium virgatum with biofungicides, 2008. Plant Disease Management Reports 2: STF037.
- Roubos, C.R. and O.E. Liburd. 2009. Evaluation of emergence traps for monitoring blueberry gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) adults and within field distribution of midge infestation. J. Econ. Entomol. (submitted).
- Krewer, G., R. Walker, H. Scherm, and M. Tertuliano. 2008. Organic blueberry production. 2008 Proceedings of the First Annual Ozeki Nursery Japanese Blueberry Growers Conference pp. 1-63
- Tertuliano M., G. Krewer, P. Andersen, H. Scherm, O. Liburd, E.G. Fonsah. 2009. Update on organic blueberry mulching research at Alma and comparison of organic vs conventional blueberry production at Alapaha, Ga. Georgia Fruits and Vegetables meeting. Savannah, Jan. 8-11, 2009. Proceeding of Blueberry Section, pp. 23-25.
- Krewer, G., M. Tertuliano, J.E. Smith, H. Scherm, K. Plattner, J. Clark, J. Jacobs, E. Andrews, D. Stanaland, T. Varnadore, P. Andersen, O. Liburd, E.G. Fonsah and Ben Mullinix. 2009. Evaluation of seven mulching treatments for organic rabbiteye blueberry production. The Southern Assoc. of Agric. Scient. Conf., Atlanta, GA, Feb. 3-6, 2009.
- Tertuliano M., G. Krewer, H. Scherm, J.E. Smith, J. Clark, K. Plattner, P. Andersen, O. Liburd, E.G. Fonsah, D. Stanaland, J. Jacobs, T. Varnedore, and E. Andrews. 2009. Update on leaf beetle control and organic mulching experiment. Georgia Fruits and Vegetables meeting. Jan. 8-11, 2009. Proceeding of Blueberry Section; pp. 23-25.
- Krewer G., C. Horner, R. Horner, E. Andrews, M. van Iersel, A. Ogden, M. Rieger, M. Tertuliano and B. Mullinix 2009. Evaluation of high tunnels for organic southern highbush production in South Georgia. Georgia Fruits and Vegetables meeting. Jan 08-11, 2009. Proceeding of Blueberry Section; pp. 26-31.
- Tertuliano, M., G. Krewer, P. Andersen, O. E. Liburd and E. G. Fonsah 2008. Blueberry leaf beetle, Colaspis pseudofavosa Riley, IPM In: Organic blueberry systems. The 2008 Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting Abstract. Reno NV, Nov. 16-19, 2008.
- Krewer G., M. Tertuliano, P. Andersen, O. Liburd, G. Fonsah, H. Serri, and B. Mullinix. 2008. Effect of Mulches on the Establishment of Organically Grown Blueberries in Georgia. Proceeding of 9th International Vaccinium Symposium. Corvallis, Oregon, USA, Jul. 13-16, 2008).
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Progress 09/01/07 to 08/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Classroom presentations: G. Krewer. Results of organic blueberry mulching trials. Southeastern Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Organic Blueberry section. Savannah, GA 12 Jan. 2008. Scientific meetings: G. Krewer. Effect of mulches on the establishment of organically-grown blueberries in Georgia. 9th International Symposium on Vaccinium culture. Corvallis, OR 16 June 2008. G. Fonsah. Discussion on emerging organic and natural markets. Southern Outlook Conference Atlanta, Georgia 24-26 September 2007. Plattner, K., E.G. Fonsag, C. Escalante, G. Krewer, H. Scherm, P.C. Andersen and M. Tertuliano. Economics of Organic Blueberry Establishment in Georgia. Food Distribution Research Society, New Orleans 3-7 Nov. 2007. Field days: University of Georgia Blueberry Field Day. Alapaha, GA 1 May 2008. County Agent Training: Tour of Alma Research Plots for County Agents. Alma GA. 25 June 2008. Organic Small Fruit Production. Georgia Organics Dalton, GA 29 Feb. 2008 Organic blueberry and small fruit production. Statesboro, GA 7 Feb. 2008. 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
Research on organic blueberry is underway. Experiments involve mulches, fertilization, mummy berry, leaf spot and leaf beetles. Data generated from these studies will be invaluable toward determing best management practices of organic blueberries in the southeastern United States.
Publications
- Krewer, G., M. Tertuliano, H. Scherm, J.E. Smith, J. Clark, J. Jacobs, T. Varnedore, E. Andrews, K. Plattner, P.C. Andersen, O. Liburd, G. Fonsah, and H. Serri. 2008. Results of organic mulching trials at UGA Alapaha and UGA Bacon Co. blueberry stations-2007 update In; G. Krewer (ed.) Proc. of the Georgia Blueberry Conference (S.E. Regional Fruit and Vegetable Convention). Savannah, GA, pp. 18-19.
- Tertuliano, M., G. Krewer, O. Liburd, P. Andersen, G. Fonsah, S. NeSmith, and J.E. Smith. 2008. Blueberry leaf beetle, Colaspis pseduofavosa, control in organic systems. In: G. Krewer (ed.) Proc. of the Georgia Blueberry Conference (S.E. Regional Fruit and Vegetable Convention). Savannah, GA, pp. 20-21.
- Krewer, G., M. Tertuliano, P. Andersen, O. Liburd, G. Fonsah, H. Serri, and B. Mullinix. 2008. Effect of mulches on the establishment or organically grown blueberries in Georgia. In: Book of Abstracts for the 9th International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture. Acta Horticulturae (accepted for publication).
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Progress 09/01/06 to 08/31/07
Outputs
The most important limitation to successful organic blueberry production is weed control. Several experiments have been initiated since September 2006. Experiment 1 was established 30 Nov. 2006 and is a mulch study incoporating pine bark, pine straw, wheat straw, peanut shells, landsacpe fabric, white on black plastic and a control. The experiment is a randomized complete block with 4 replications per treatment and 7 plants per replication. The cultivar is Brightwell. We are collecting leaf analysis data and plant growth data in 2007 and yield data in 2007. Native soils for rabbiteye blueberries are typically low in phosphate. Experiment 2, also initiated 30 Nov. 2006, is a phospate requirement study on Powderblue. UGA recommendations are to till in 300 pounds per acre of superphosphate if P is less than 20 pounds per acre. This relates to 2.87 grams per square foot. Phosphate sources include triple superphosphate (0-46-0), bone meal (1-13-0), Lonfonsco colloidal
phospate (0-2-0) and Florida rock phosphate (0-3-0). Phosphate was applied in the planting hole at establishment. The experimental design is a randomized complete block with four replications of 5 plants per replication. Experiment 3 is a organic nitrogen study of mature Brightwell, Premier and Powderblue rabbiteye blueberries at the Miles farm. All treatments received 30 pounds of nitrogen (190 pounds of Nature Safe (8-5-5))in late winter and again just after harvest. Treatments are suplemented with 45, 60 and 75 pounds of feather meal (13-0-0) in the spring and again just after harvest. Yield data was compromised by a late spring frost. The experiment will be repeated for 2008. Experiment 4 involves mummy berry control in organic blueberries. This was a test on a mature planting of Brightwell and Tifblue near Alma Georgia. The following materials were evaluated: 1) Actinovate; 2)Micro Sulf; 3) Organocide; 4) PlantShield HC; 5) Prev-Am; 6) Serenade Max; 7) Indar 75WSP (non-organic
treatment) and an untreated control. Experiment 5 involves leaf spot management conducted this summer in Bacon County. The treatments include: 1) Pristine (non-organic industry standard); 2) Koicide 2000; 3) Actinovate; 4) Milstop; 5) Serenade Max plus Biotune surfactant; 6) Proud, and; 7) untreated control. The gall midge and leaf beetle were investigated in Gainesville FL and Alma Georgia, respectively. Three trap designs (adhesive coated petri dish, inverted funnel glass jar and oil coated plastic lid) were placed on the soil and tested for the gall midge. The petri dish caught 7 times the number of insects as the plastic lid traps and 3 times as many as the jar trap. The seasonal distribution of the gall midge was also assessed in flower buds collected from different locations of a blueberry planting. The efficacy of organic isceticides was tested on the leaf beetle (Colaspsi pseudofavosa). The insecticides were Entrust, PayGanic, Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and a control. The highest
efficacy was for Entrust followed by DE and PayGanic. When insects were allowed to feed on leaves of different cultivars of blueberry for 48 hours Oneal sustained the most damage followed by Austin, Climax, Emerald and Star.
Impacts
Experiments involving mulches, fertility, mummy berry, leaf spot leaf beetle are underway. Data generated from these studies will be invaluable toward determining best management practices of organic rabbiteye blueberries in the southeastern United States.
Publications
- Liburd, O.E., A.J. Arevalo, E. Andrews and G. Krewer. 2007. Control of flea beetles in southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries. Proc. of 13th Biennial Southeast Blueberry Conference. 5-7 January 2007. 3pp.
- Liburd, O.E., E.M. Sarzynki, B.J. Sampson and G. Krewer. 2006. Blueberry gall midge: A major insect pest of blueberries in the southeastern United States. EDIS UF/IFAS University of Florida IN458.
- Plattner,K., E.G. Fonsah, C. Escalante, G. Krewer, H. Scherm, P.C. Andersen and M. Tertuliana. 2007. Economics of Organic Blueberry Establishment in Georgia. Food Distrubtion Research Society New Orleans LA 3-7 Nov. 2007.
- Fonsah, E.G. 2007. Discussion on Emerging Organic and Natural Markets. Southern Outlook Conference Atlanta 24-26 September
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