Blueberry research launches exciting new California specialty crop
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 qua...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
2005-04-01
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| Series: | California Agriculture |
| Online Access: | http://calag.ucanr.edu/archive/?article=ca.v059n02p65 |
| Summary: | 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. |
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| ISSN: | 0008-0845 2160-8091 |