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Observational trials at the UC Kearney Research and Extension Center indicate that new southern highbush blueberry cultivars, which require fewer "chill hours" to produce fruit, are well adapted to the San Joaquin Valley climate. In a replicated cultivar evaluation, we quantified yields and identified several productive and flavorful varieties. These initial trials and ongoing studies on irrigation, plant spacing, mulches and pruning will improve the likelihood of establishing this promising new crop in the semiarid valley. Because blueberries are acid-loving, the soil must be extensively treated before planting, at considerable expense. Growers considering planting or expanding blueberry acreage should develop sound business plans, accounting for lower future prices and improved growing, harvesting and packing efficiencies. * Productivity represents third-year harvest: low < 5 lb., moderate 5-10 lb., high > 10 lb. † Harvest period indicates initiation of harvest: early = initial harvest; early/midseason = 7 days later; midseason = 14 days later; late = 21 days later. ‡ Fruit size represents the number of berries per 6 oz. cup. Although fruit size is genetically predetermined, pruning and other cultural practices can affect fruit size significantly. Field trials showed that Southern highbush blueberry cultivars are well adapted to the San Joaquin Valley. These new cultivars, such as 'Reveille', above, begin flowering in late winter and open a harvest window from early May through the Fourth of July.

Fresh market summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) production can be found in almost all areas of California, particularly in the southern desert areas of the Imperial Valley, the Central Valley from Kern to Merced Counties, and the south-central coast from Santa Barbara north. Summer squash, which are eaten immature, include zucchini, crookneck, straightneck, and scallop types. The main production occurs in the spring and summer months. Acreage is significantly reduced in the fall when plants are damaged by aphid-transmitted viruses and silverleaf whitefly problems. Counties with the largest acreage of summer squash in 1996 included

Sinqua and moqua, better known as Luffa actuangula and Benincasa hispida var. chiehgua, are but a few of the 70 or so Asian vegetables being grown in Fresno, CA. These little-known vegetables are very common to the 1300 Hmong, Mien, Lao, and Chinese farmers growing them for the specialty and wholesale markets in Fresno. This article discusses 24 Asian vegetables commonly grown on farms and sold to more than a dozen specialty crop packing houses in Fresno and at farmers markets in California. Cultural information, pest problems, and culinary uses are also briefly discussed.