uga blueberry breeding: developing and sustaining an industry d. scott nesmith dept. of horticulture...
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UGA Blueberry Breeding: Developing and Sustaining an Industry
D. Scott NeSmith
Dept. of Horticulture
Univ. of Georgia
Griffin, GA
UGA Blueberry Breeding Program Has Rich History
• Program got small start in 1930’s
• Dr. W. Thomas Brightwell 1945, a visionary.
• Great example of long term impact of Ag research!!
Today
• Today, program has research farms at Alapaha and Griffin.
Blueberry acreage explosive growth
Georgia Blueberry Farm-gate Value
Year Value (million $)
2000 22
2002 30
2004 48
2006 60
2008 75-80
2010 90-110
2012 150 <
Georgia blueberry commercial industry
Florida
Georgia
NC
Calif.
NJ
Mich.
OR
20-Mar 9-Apr 29-Apr 19-May 8-Jun 28-Jun 18-Jul 7-Aug 27-Aug 16-Sep
Breeding Program Overview
Breeding Program Overview
Blueberry Cultivar Development Timeline
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Yea
rs
Seedling Selection AdvancedSelection
NewVariety
BAD NEWS
Takes 12 or more Years
GOOD NEWS
HAVE PROGRAM CONTINUITY
Breeding to meet commercial industry challenges
• Increased fruit size for blueberries– increased consumer
acceptance– increased harvest
efficiency
Breeding to meet commercial industry challenges
• Early ripening varieties– higher market
prices
2011 Prices Per Flat (12) of 6 oz. containers
05
10
15202530
3540
9-Apr 16-Apr 23-Apr 30-Apr 7-May 14-May
Dolla
rs
Low price
High price
8-Apr 18-Apr 28-Apr 8-May 18-May 28-May 7-Jun
TH-819
Emerald
Rebel
Star
Estimated Harvest Interval
Breeding to meet commercial industry challenges
• Short ripening periods and later flowering times– decreases frost risk,
reducing usage of overhead irrigation, saving water and energy
Breeding to meet commercial industry challenges
• Increase fruit firmness– increases shelf life, long
distant shipping– potential for mechanical
harvest, saving labor
New products, new businesses
Ornamental Blueberries:Surround yourself with flavorful beauty!!
Support staff, facilities, and equipment
On-Farm Trials
Blueberry Field Day
Visitors from around the world
Recent Georgia Blueberry Variety Releases
VARIETY YEAR RELEASED PATENT
Alapaha 2001 USPP 16,266
Ochlockonee 2002 USPP 17,300
Palmetto 2003 USPP 16,756
Rebel 2004 USPP 18,138
Camellia 2005 USPP 18,151
Vernon 2006 USPP 18,291
Blue SuedeTM 2007 USPP 21,222
Suziblue 2008 USPP 21,167
Southern Splendour 2009 USPP 22,692
Summer SunsetTM 2009 USPP 23,374
TitanTM 2010 USPPAF
Georgia DawnTM 2011 USPPAF
Summary
• UGA blueberry breeding program is rich in history.
• Blueberry variety development is a long term process.
• Our breeding goals are aimed at solving ever-changing grower needs.
• In addition to commercial blueberries, and program has expanded to include an ornamental component too.
• Varieties are having significant and immediate impact in Georgia, across the U.S. and around the world.
Thanks for your support!!!!