Blueberry research launches exciting new California specialty crop

Abstract

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.

San Joaquin Valley blueberries evaluated for quality attributes

“…As a result, fresh blueberries are becoming a profitable specialty crop, especially in early production areas such as the San Joaquin Valley (Jimenez et al 2005). In general, a consumer's first purchase is dictated by fruit appearance and firmness (texture).…”

“…In the United States, blueberries traditionally have been grown in cooler northern regions; however, the development of new southern cultivars with low chilling-hour requirements (the accumulated number of hours below 45°F [7.2°C] necessary to break dormancy) has made possible the expansion of blueberry production to the southern United States and California (Jimenez et al 2005). …”

“…H ighbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum), native to the northeastern United States, are important commercial fruit (Jimenez et al 2005) and are the most planted blueberry species in the world (Strik and Yarborough 2005). In the United States, blueberries traditionally have been grown in cooler northern regions; however, the development of new southern cultivars with low chilling-hour requirements (the accumulated number of hours below 45°F [7.2°C] necessary to break dormancy) has made possible the expansion of blueberry production to the southern United States and California (Jimenez et al 2005).…”

Methodology for determining the suitability of land for the cultivation of highbush blueberry: a case study on a farm in southern Chile

“…The soil pH would need to be reduced to values of 4.3 -5 by sulfur application, the injection of sulfuric acid into the irrigation water, or the incorporation of pine needles into the planting ridges (Jimenez et al, 2005). Furthermore, at sites with shallow soils, ridges may be necessary to increase the effective depth of the soil (for instance, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, 2010), or techniques such as tilling the B horizon may need to be applied (Lacey et al, 2001).…”

Evaluation of <I>Beauveria bassiana</I> for Management of Citrus Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in California Blueberries

“…However, breeding efforts crossing northern highbush blueberries with several other Vaccinium species led to the development of several heattolerant highbush blueberry varieties (V. corymbosum). This enabled the establishment of a blueberry industry in the San Joaquin Valley, a region where both citrus and citrus thrips ßourish (Jimenez et al 2005, Strik and Yarborough 2005, Morse and GraftonÐ Cardwell 2012. The known host range of citrus thrips has broadened and in recent years, they have become a signiÞcant pest of blueberries planted in the San Joaquin Valley of California ).…”