Blueberries
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This publication provides updated (2025) Southeast-specific information on approved National Organic Program (NOP) disease and pest management options for blueberry production and addresses the issues most commonly encountered under the unique growing conditions of the Southeast U.S. This publication is not intended to provide all details on organic blueberry production, although it does include the production methods that reduce the impact of plant disease and pest issues. Emphasis in an organic system should be on cultural practices that reduce disease and pest pressure rather than pesticide applications. NOP-approved pesticides are usually less efficacious than conventional products. The pesticide label is the law and supersedes any information on pesticide use contained in this guide. Because environmental conditions and grower application methods vary widely, suggested use does not imply that the performance of the pesticide will always conform to the pest control standards indicated by experimental data.
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The 2025 edition of this publication covers integrated pest management information for blueberry producers in the Southeastern U.S. Recommendations are based on information from the manufacturer’s label and performance data from research and Extension field tests. This publication is intended for use only as a guide. Specific rates and application methods are on the pesticide label, and these are subject to change at any time.
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A grower survey was carried out in January 2023 during the annual blueberry update event held in Alma, Georgia. Survey responses were collected from 26 growers from eight Georgia counties. The results indicated the cultivar preference of south Georgia growers and major production constraints of blueberry production in southeast Georgia.
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Blueberries are becoming the state fruit of Georgia with considerable acreage planted. Blueberries have many pest challenges and a current invasive pest challenge from spotted wing drosophilia (SWD). While efforts are underway to release new biocontrol agents for SWD, we still know little about the natural enemies in blueberry systems. Here we provide an overview of common natural enemies and conservation strategies for preserving beneficial species in blueberry systems. The work was funded by the NRCS to provide new information on natural enemies and pollinators and help with design and implementation of habitat management concepts.
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Phenology refers to the sequential developmental stages, also called growth stages, that may occur in perennial plants every season. The growth stages of blueberry plants are affected by temperature, light intensity, and light duration (photoperiod). Erratic weather can impact the plant’s developmental phases. The different types of cultivated blueberries—northern highbush, southern highbush, lowbush, and rabbiteye—all possess a similar response to temperature, light levels, and photoperiod. Yield is directly related to flower bud initiation and differentiation. Therefore, growers must identify and differentiate flower buds from vegetative buds and understand their functions in order to apply the best practices from planting to harvesting.
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This publication provides updated (2024) Southeast-specific information on approved National Organic Program (NOP) disease and pest management options for blueberry production and addresses the issues most commonly encountered under the unique growing conditions of the Southeast U.S. This publication is not intended to provide all details on organic blueberry production, although it does include the production methods that reduce the impact of plant disease and pest issues. Emphasis in an organic system should be on cultural practices that reduce disease and pest pressure rather than pesticide applications. NOP-approved pesticides are usually less efficacious than conventional products. The pesticide label is the law and supersedes any information on pesticide use contained in this guide. Because environmental conditions and grower application methods vary widely, suggested use does not imply that performance of the pesticide will always conform to the pest control standards indicated by experimental data.
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This publication will inform growers about the factors that can affect blueberry fruit set, development, and ripening. As weather patterns are shifting, it is important to keep in mind that environmental factors influence plants’ physiological and developmental processes and understand how that translates into fruit quality each harvest season.
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Propagating disease-free blueberry plants is important for the future sustainability of the blueberry industry in Georgia and the Southeast. Over the past two to three decades, the Georgia blueberry industry has experienced remarkable growth and has become a national leader in blueberry production. To remain competitive, Georgia blueberry producers need a supply of healthy plants to replace older plantings and obsolete varieties. This publication helps producers understand how to best address many cultural and disease issues observed in developing disease-free transplants from softwood cuttings.
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Autora adicional: Natalia Espinoza, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Esta circular cubre los principios básicos de cosecha, manipulación y almacenamiento en frío poscosecha de arándanos para el mercado fresco para garantizar la mayor vida útil y calidad posibles y, al mismo tiempo, minimizar las pérdidas poscosecha. Los arándanos se cosechan en Georgia desde finales de abril hasta finales de junio. Las variedades de arbusto alto del sur se cosechan temprano en la temporada, mientras que los ojos de conejo maduran hacia el final de la temporada. Es importante recordar que la calidad de las bayas está ligada tanto al precio como a la aceptación del consumidor, por lo que brindarles fruta de buena calidad es clave para el éxito de su operación. Es posible la recolección mecánica, especialmente para variedades resistentes a los magulladuras; Los costos de recolección manual son un gasto importante en las operaciones de arándanos. Aunque las cosechadoras mecánicas requieren una cantidad significativa de capital, la inversión es rentable a largo plazo para la mayoría de los productores. Es importante tener en cuenta que no todas las variedades de arándanos son aptas para la cosecha mecánica. En Georgia, la mayoría de las variedades de ojo de conejo se cosechan a máquina, especialmente para el mercado procesado. Los arándanos son un producto altamente perecedero y su vida útil a menudo está limitada por altas tasas de respiración, ablandamiento, pérdida de agua, pérdida de sabor, daños mecánicos y descomposición. Por ello, reducir la temperatura de la fruta nada más ser cosechada es crucial. [This publication is the Spanish-language version of C 1269, Blueberry Harvesting and Postharvest Handling]
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