Missouri State University William H. Darr College of Agriculture

3/20/2017

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Establishing Blueberries

Jennifer MorganthalerMissouri State University College of Agriculture

State Fruit Experiment Station Mountain Grove, MissouriMarch 17, 2017

United States Blueberry Production

• 2014

• U.S. total production 5.67 million pounds

• Nationwide average yield was 6,700 pounds per acre

• Valued at approximately $200 Billion

• Production use is divided between fresh and processed, with 55% sold for fresh consumption

• Total production increased 5% and continues to rise

USDA, 2017

Blueberries

•Major Types Grown In The United States

• Lowbush

• Northern Highbush

• Southern Highbush

• Half-highs

• Rabbiteye

Northern Highbush Blueberry(Vaccinium corymbosum)

• Primary type grown commercially

• Performs the best in Missouri climatic conditions

• Adapted to USDA cold hardiness zone 5 -7

• Perennial woody shrub can reach 6-10’ tall

• Chilling requirement from 650-900 hours

• Fruit ripens 60-100 days after petal fall

• Produces large, high quality fruit with thin skins

• Production ranges from 4,000-10,000 pounds per acre

Missouri State University William H. Darr College of Agriculture

3/20/2017

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Pros and Cons of Blueberry Production

Pros

• Native to North America

• Long-lived perennial shrub• 20-30 years in Missouri

• Cold hardy to -20°F during midwinter

• Fruit is less perishable and stores for short periods of time

Cons

• Higher initial investment• Specific soil requirements• Bird & Critter Management• Waiting period between

planting and production• Labor intensive• Winter injury can occur

during fluctuating spring temperatures

Pre-plant Considerations

• Cultivars

• Site Selection

• Site Preparation

• Cultural Practices

• Market for your crop

• Establishment Costs

Cultivar Selection

• Select cultivars that are adapted to the area’s climatic conditions (Zone)

• Consider bloom time and pollination

• Choose cultivars with optimal ripening season for your farm schedule

• Marketable in the area

Adam’s Berry Farm – Charlotte, Vermont

Cultivars for Missouri

Ripening Season

Early Mid Season Late Season

Bluetta Berkeley Nelson Chandler

Collins Bluecrop Ozarkblue Coville

Duke Bluejay Reka Darrow

Earliebue Blueray Sierra Elliot

Nui Brigitta Summit Jersey

Patriot Legacy Lateblue

Bluecrop, Blueray and Duke are the three cultivars that make up 54% of Missouri production by Blueberry Council Members.

Critical Cold Temperatures for Blueberries

Growth StageCritical Cold Temperature

Fahrenheit Celsius

Bud Swell 10° to 15° F -12° to -9° C

Tight Cluster 20° to 23° F -7° to -5°C

Early Pink Bud 23° to 25° F -5° to -4°C

Late Pink Bud 24° to 27° F -4.4° to -2.8° C

Full Bloom 28° F -2.2° C

Petal Fall 32° F 0° C

Table Adapted from Midwest Blueberry Production Guide

Blueberry Bud Growth StagesDormant Bud Swollen Bud Buds open Individual Flowers

with visible flowers

Source: Michigan State University

Missouri State University William H. Darr College of Agriculture

3/20/2017

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Blueberry Fruit Growth Stage

Source: Michigan State University

Site Selection

• Location

• Type of operation

• Air flow

• Water drainage

• Light exposure

• Access to water

• Elevation

• Soil Characteristics

Site SelectionLocation, Type of Operation, Air Flow

• Location• Easy access to customers and owners/workers

• Type of Operation• U-pick, truck farm, contracts

• Air Flow• Good air circulation; avoid areas where air flow is

impeded

Site Selection Water Drainage and Light Exposure

• Water drainage• Blueberries will not grow on

sites that are poorly drained • Avoid flood prone areas

• Light Exposure• Suitable site has full sun• Blueberries require at least 8

to 10 hours of sunlight per day

http://www.dahlias.net/dahwebpg/Soil/Soil_07.htm

Site SelectionWater Accessibility and Elevation

• Access to water• Blueberries require irrigation for profitable production• Adequate, clean water is essential• Keep in mind potential microbial contamination of

irrigation source• Test water source

• Elevation• Elevated sites are preferred over lower sites• Elevated sites reduce risk of spring frost damage• Cold air moves from elevated to lower sites

Site Selection – Soil Characteristics

• 1st step - SOIL TEST, SOIL TEST, SOIL TEST!

• Minimum of six months prior to planting

• Missouri soil will require amendments to be suitable for Blueberry production

• Soil test results give you:

• the pH, acidity, cation-exchange capacity, soil organic matter, nutrient levels both micro and macro

• A nematode test can also be beneficial

• Blueberries grow best in an acidic soil with the pH between 4.8 and 5.2

Missouri State University William H. Darr College of Agriculture

3/20/2017

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Site Preparation

• Adjust pH

• Add Organic Matter

• Add Fertilizer

• Eradicate Perennial weeds

• Form Raised Beds

Peat Moss being incorporated into bed. http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID210/ID210.pdf

Site Preparation – Soil pH

• Begin at least 6 months prior to planting

• Adjust the soil pH

• If pH is high apply elemental sulfur to lower pH

• If pH is low apply lime to raise pH

• Keep in mind that soil pH is also affected by Calcium in the soil

• If Calcium is greater than 2,500 pounds per acre it will be difficult to maintain a low pH in the desired range

Influence of Soil pH on Nutrient Availability

pH 4.8 to 5.2

Site Preparation – Adding Organic Matter

• Optimal organic matter should be around 3%

• Incorporate peat moss, pine bark or composted sawdust

• Additional Nitrogen application may be necessary because soil nitrogen becomes temporarily unavailable as the wood products decompose

• Preplant cover crops year before planting

• Cover crops provide nutrients and organic matter, however, cover crops may raise the pH

• Monitor Regularly

Peat Moss

Site Preparation – Weed Management

• Weed Management

• Ideally want to manage persistent weeds before planting

• Herbicides can be used prior to planting

Planting

• Obtain plant material• Use a reputable Nursery to avoid disease

• Place order at least 6 months in advance

• Plan for correct size and proper arrival time• Typically plants are 1-3 years old and available bare root or container plants

• Container plants more expensive, but have higher transplant success rate

• Bare root are shipped dormant and must be kept refrigerated until planted

• Planting Time• Late fall – mid October to mid November

• Spring – Mid February to end of April

• Late fall is ideal as spring rains or cold weather can delay planting

Missouri State University William H. Darr College of Agriculture

3/20/2017

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Bare Root vs. Container Plant Planting Layout

• Design planting to achieve the following goals:

• Prevent soil erosion

• Use land area efficiently

• Optimize plant performance

• Facilitate management and equipment operation

• Utilize your farm for the type of operation you intend

Plant Spacing

• Between Row Spacing 10 to 12’

• Within Row Spacing 4-5’

• Do not plant too deep

• Plant at same depth as they were growing at the Nursery

Nourse Farms. https://www.noursefarms.com/how-to-grow/blueberries/

Cultural Practices

• Mulching

• Irrigation

• Fertilizing

• Weed Management

• Disease Management

• Harvesting

• Pruning

Mulching

• Typically 4-6 inches

• Benefits of Mulch

• Keeps soil cool

• Retains moisture

• Adds organic matter

• Improves soil structure

• Assists in preventing annual weeds

• Maintain every 2-3 years or as needed

• Add 2-3 inches

• 3-4’ band under plants

• Types of Mulch

• Composted Sawdust

• Peat Moss

• Black Plastic

Irrigation

• Drip irrigation is typically used in Missouri

• Constructed of rigid or semi-rigid black plastic lines rated 7-10 yrs.

• Place emitters 12-24 inches apart

• Blueberries require 1.5 – 2 inches of water per week during the growing season

• If using black plastic make sure to place drip line underneath it first

Missouri State University William H. Darr College of Agriculture

3/20/2017

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Fertilizers

• Fertilize according to soil and tissue test reports

• Soil test – tells you what is available in the soil

• Tissue test – tells you what the plant has actually taken up

• Blueberry plants are sensitive to readily soluble fertilizers

• Excessive amounts can cause plant injury or death

Fertilizers

• Nitrogen deficiency most common in Missouri

• Apply properly and broadcast evenly

• Annual Nitrogen applications are necessary

• Blueberries require 50 to 120 lbs. actual Nitrogen per year (always consult soil and tissue test for amount needed)

• Use Ammonium form of nitrogen

• Nitrate can injury plants

• Ammonium sulfate if pH is above 5.0

• Urea if pH is below 5.0

Nitrogen Application Rate Based On Plant Age

Age of Plant

Application Timing

NewlyPlanted

2 applications of 10 lbs. actual Nitrogen per acre

Once at Bloom and again at 3 weeks

Young plants

10 lbs. actual Nitrogen per acre at each broadcast application

Broadcast in mid-April, mid-May, and mid-Juneduring years 2-4

Mature Plantings

50 to 70 lbs. actual Nitrogen (should refer to tissue test –Leaf Nitrogen levels should be between 1.7 and 2.1 %)

½ mid-April and ½ mid May to mid-June

Weed Management

• Eliminate perennial weeds prior to planting

• Between Rows• Once beds are established

maintain plant cover or grass in the row middle. A mix of fescue or creeping red fescue and ryegrass may be used• Too much cultivation can

lead to erosion• Within Rows

• Use mulch, weed barrier fabric, herbicides

Disease and Pest Management

• Diseases can impact plant health and yield

• Proper site selection and cultural practices can reduce disease and pest pressures

• Cultivar selection important

• Implement the use of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program

• Refer to Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide

Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide

• Recommended Spray schedule for Blueberries

• Includes Fungicides, Insecticides and Herbicides

• Guide is available at:• https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/hort/p

ages/sfg_sprayguide.aspx

Missouri State University William H. Darr College of Agriculture

3/20/2017

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What is Integrated Pest Management?

• Multiple tools that use preventative strategies where possible

-Cultural -Biological -Chemical

• Progresses from procedures with lowest – highest environmental

impacts

• Treat only if need (observe thresholds)

• Combines procedures until safe, effective and economical pest control

is attained

Phytopthora Root Rot

• Soil borne pathogen

• Caused by water mold (oomycete)

• Symptoms

• Causes root decay

• Yellowing or reddening of leaves

• Eventual stunted growth, lack of new growth and plant death

Photos from Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook.

Botrytis Blight

• Fungal Disease

• Symptoms• Blossoms turn brown• Water soaked

appearance• Moves rapidly• Can move to wood• Green fruit starts

to rot

Photos from Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook.

Twig Blight

• Fungal Disease

• Symptoms

• Dieback of flowers, twigs and shoots

• Cankers are sometimes present at the base of infected canes

Photos from Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook.

Godronia Canker

• Fungal Disease

• Symptoms

• Reddish brown lesions on current year stems

• Gets larger each year, may girdle stem

Photos from Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook.

Mummy Berry• Fungal Disease

• Symptoms

• Infected flowers turn brown and wither

• Stems and shoots turn dark brown

• Brownish gray mass of spores develops on blighted flower stalks leaves

Photos from Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook.

Missouri State University William H. Darr College of Agriculture

3/20/2017

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Anthracnose

• Fungal Disease

• Symptoms

• Blighting of shoot tips

• Flowers can turn brown or black

• Leaf spots

• Ripe berries may soften and pucker

Photos from Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook.

Prevention of Fungal Diseases

• Open canopy to promote good air flow and adequate light

• Proper application of Nitrogen

• Proper use of fungicides

• Remove blighted blossoms or shoots

• Remove mummified berries

• Clean up any debris that spores could overwinter on

• Select resistant cultivars

Pruning

• Require annual pruning

• Prune while Dormant - Best in late winter or early spring before bud break

• Differs by cultivar and type

• Planting – remove 1/2 to 2/3 of top growth, remove flower buds, remove any damaged canes

• First 3 years – leave thicker shoots and remove spindly canes, remove any damaged canes

• After 3rd year – prune bush into an open vase shape, remove inward facing branches, remove 40-50% flower buds, any damaged canes

• Older plants – remove any diseased or injured wood, remove 20% of oldest canes, weak, low limbs

Fruit Buds – each bud will produce a cluster of 5-8 flowersVegetative buds – will produce leaves

https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2253e/

Harvesting

• Harvest season occurs mid June through July

• Can vary with early, mid and late season ripening cultivars

• First crop typically during the third growing season

• 6-15 lbs. yield per bush; 4,000-10,000 lbs. per acre

• Blueberries ripen over several weeks – 60 to 100 days after petal fall

• Pick berries when fully ripen – about 3 days after they turn blue

• Make sure there is no pink or red left on the berry

• A ripe berry can remain on the bush for almost a week

• Cool berries soon after picking

Hand Harvest Typically Used in Missouri

• Harvest at least every 7 days

https ://cookbookshelf.wordpress.com/2014/11/16/blueberry-ice-cream/

MSU Fruit Experiment Station Photo Credit: Marilyn Odneal

Missouri State University William H. Darr College of Agriculture

3/20/2017

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Labor

• Harvest labor

• 15-20 pickers per acre on a 5-7 day harvest schedule $2000-5000/acre

• Mechanical Harvest is better suited for larger acreage to justify machine cost

Marketing • Vary by type of operation➢Upick

• On farm – customers pick fruit➢Direct

• Pre-picked for farmers market, CSA, roadside stand➢Wholesale Market

• Produce Auctions• Grocery Stores• Schools

• Advertise via newspaper, flyers, email, social media, word of mouth• Look for Agritourism opportunities in your area

Establishment Costs

• Investment Costs

• Perennial crop that requires investment before crop matures

• Establishment cost for 1 acre of blueberries is typically $6,000-$10,000 per acre

• No crop revenue until at least year 3

• Average payback around 7 years

Budgets

• Estimate a budge so you have a benchmark to go by

• Determine initial investment and start up cash required

• Cash flow needed to operate

• Sample Budgets:• University of Maine Extension• https://extension.umaine.edu/blueberries/factsheets/marketing-and-

business-management/blueberry-enterprise-budget/• Penn State Cooperative Extension• http://extension.psu.edu/business/ag-alternatives/files/budgets/highbush-

blueberry-production/Sample%20Highbush%20Blueberry%20Budget%20-Establishment.pdf

Thank You!

Jennifer MorganthalerClinical Instructor

Missouri State UniversityWilliam H. Darr College of Agriculture

State Fruit Experiment Station9740 Red Spring Road

Mountain Grove, Mo 65711417-547-7515

jennifermorganthaler@missouristate.edu

References

• Adams Berry Farm. 2017. http://www.adamsberryfarm.com/.

• Blueberry Council of Missouri. 2009. http://agebb.missouri.edu/hort/blueberry/newsletter/archives/2009/apr.htm.

• Cline, Bill. North Carolina Blueberry Journal. Feb 2012. http://ncblueberryjournal.blogspot.com/2012/02/blueberry-irrigation-methods.html.

• Fall Creek Nursery. 2017. http://www.fallcreeknursery.com/gardeners/variety/gardener_northern_highbush.

• Michigan State University Extension. 2016. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/blueberries/growing_blueberries/spring_critical_temperatures.

• Midwest Blueberry Production Guide, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Publication ID-210.

• Missouri Grown. 2017. University of Missouri Extension Center and Lincoln University.

• Meadors Blueberry Farm. 2015. http://www.visitspacecoast.com/listings/meadors-blueberry-farm/936/

• Norris Blueberry Farms. 2017. http://www.norrisblueberryfarms.com/.

• Nourse Farms. 2014. https://www.noursefarms.com/how-to-grow/blueberries/.

• Pscheidt J.W. and Ocamb, C.M. 2017. Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook. https://pnwhandbooks.org/node/2318/print.

• Soil and Bed Preparation for Growing Dahlias. 2017. http://www.dahlias.net/dahwebpg/Soil/Soil_07.htm.

• USDA. 2017. https://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/results/852074A8-6238-39B6-89C4-8198F852A1F2.

• University of Maine Extension. 2008. Bulletin #2253. https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2253e/