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Producing a Blueberry Crop in North Texas

Reference Material Growing Conditions Those we control Those we cannot control Biotic and Abiotic Stress Birds, Frost, Hail Profitability Genetics, Varieties, Patents Propagation By Jim Heitholt, Crop Physiologist, Texas A&M Univ. - Commerce

Rabbiteye Blueberries. 2010. Monte Nesbitt, Jim Kamas, and Larry Stein Extension Fruit Specialist Texas Cooperative Extension http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/files/2010/10/blueberries.pdf

Sources of Information Blueberries for Texas, 2005 Jim Kamas & Jerry Parsons Professors and Extension Horticulturists, Texas Cooperative Extension http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/publications/blueberries/blueberries.html

Commercial Blueberry Production. 1999. E. Earl Puls, Jr. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonlyres/BBA23B58-BC7F-477A-9151-BCE126AF2E7D/68621/pub2363blueberry2.pdf

Krewer and Cline, 2003. Propagation http://www.smallfruits.org/Blueberries/production/03BlueberryPropagationSuggestions.pdf Softwood and Hardwood http://ncblueberryjournal.blogspot.com/2011/08/collecting-softwood-cuttings.html

Information found on the Stephen F. Austin University website (paraphrased) In 2010, Texas blueberry acreage approximately at 1100 acres. The Texas Blueberry Marketing Association operates primarily in southeast Texas. There are nearly 22 producers and 150 acres. Species used is generally the southern highbush with early production in mind. Growers face late spring frosts which reduce yield. Sprinkler irrigation and large wind-generating fans are employed when forecast is below 30°F.

Health Benefits from Consuming Blueberry Reduces cancer Reduce bladder infections

Antioxidants

Majority of fruit is hand-harvested and used for fresh consumption. Numerous publications support the claims for blueberry and nutritional benefits.

Conditions that Promote Yield and Quality Low soil pH (4.0 to 5.5) Some operators grow plants in 30-gallon pots with peat without soil Good soil moisture in the upper profile Better than average drainage, sand Healthy bee populations

Conditions that Inhibit Yield and Quality High Na (sodium) Water with 50 ppm Na or greater is detrimental Too much soil moisture in the upper profile Producer may want to purchase an EC meter

Blueberry Diseases

Blueberry Stunt Phytoplasma Stem Canker Phytophthora Cylindrocladium (black rot, root rot, and leaf spot) Rhizoctonia Fusarium Control measures vary but are limited for organic producers.

Keys to Profitability

Market plan Pick-Your-Own How many neighbors compete? What are the population demographics? The Miss Lou Coop is used to exist in the mid-South (no active website now though). Where does the competition come from and when? Locally, regionally, or nationally North Carolina – mid May New Jersey – mid June South Louisiana – mid June Texas – June

Keys to Profitability

Labor Although hand-harvesting is not cheap, mechanical harvesting is very expensive, too, and one needs large acreage to afford equipment. Post‐harvest handling equipment for sorting and cleaning can add to equipment costs. Plus, differential ripening is not consistent with a once‐over harvest.

Launching and Operational Costs

According to Puls, 1999 $3,000 per acre in Year One $1,000 per acre in following years Our experience has been that operational costs are much higher, especially if you want your place to look nice.

Chilling Requirement and CR Index Cool temperatures are required for differentiation of vegetative buds into reproductive buds. An index for can be used but one that is common is the number of hours that temperatures are below 45°F. For rabbiteye, 400 hours is required as compared to 725 for highbush.

Our Grove in Late May 2010

Anecodotal Observation Two Orchards with varieties differing in maturity extends the season and spreads the risk in case a cold snap reduces yield of early maturing varieties.

Anecdotal Observation One In has been mentioned that Woodard is a good variety to have as a pollinator. I am not sure of the basis for that statement, though. Clearly, a variety that blooms in-between the earliest and latest flowering varieties will promote cross-pollination.

Propagation A great source of information for this is: Krewer and Cline, 2003 http://www.smallfruits.org/Blueberries/production/03BlueberryPropagationSuggestions.pdf Clearly, cost-effect propagation is critical to establishing a successful operation. Factors: Softwood vs. Hardwood Diseases Watering (mist system, water quality) Legality – Plant Variety Protection Cuttings are slow to root

Softwood vs. Hardwood http://ncblueberryjournal.blogspot.com/2011/08/collecting-softwood-cuttings.html Recently developed shoots are the prime candidates to establish a cutting. If too young, however, they tend to dry beyond recovery. If too old, new growth may be in the form of blooms rather than roots. If easily broken, then too young. Typically, the softwood cuttings are gathered in late spring. Shoot may be 12 inches at cutting but can be trimmed to six inches before “sticking.”

When Propagating, keeping the proper moisture is the very critical. Ideal temperature is 70°F. Misting systems that kick on four times per hour are common. Soil mixes, perlite, peat, sand. Obviously, needs to drain well. One source recommends inserting at two inches deep. Some use rooting compound such as Rootone or TakeRoot Establishing plants in pots before going directly into the final resting spot allows you to prevent overwatering.

Blueberry Species Adapted to North Texas Rabbiteye – Vaccinium ashei (may be seen as V. viratum) Heat and drought tolerant Other species Northern highbush (tetraploid) V. corymbosum Northern latitudes in US Low bush, V. angustifolium, Midwest to Atlantic Coast At least 18 other Vaccinium species.

The first plantings at TAMU, Overton, Texas, were primarily variety trials that included: Bluegem Briteblue Garden Blue Menditoo Southland Tifblue Woodard Varieties we use at Twin Oaks Blue Jay Brightwell Climax Delite Premier Tifblue Woodard Alapaha, Powderblue

Thank you for watching and listening. Questions?