Blueberries
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Drip, trickle, microemitters, and subsurface irrigation systems are considered low-volume irrigation. Low-volume irrigation systems are designed to improve irrigation efficiency, delivering water to the crop accurately with minimal water loss. Irrigation efficiency can be categorized into two main concepts: water loss and uniform application. If water loss is significant, or application uniformity is poor, efficiency will be low. Generally, the most significant loss of irrigation water is from overwatering, where the water percolates below the root zone, or from runoff. With good management, losses due to leaks, system drainage, and flushing of filters and lateral lines should not exceed 1%. Low-volume systems have the opportunity to achieve efficiency, and under careful management, will minimize losses from overirrigation. However, using low-volume systems requires increased irrigation frequency and soil moisture monitoring should be used to improve water-use efficiency. This publication covers system design, system efficiencies, components, chemical applications, diseases related to irrigation, and soil moisture monitoring.
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To be more competitive, Georgia blueberry producers have to increase their yields to match or better the average U.S. values. This increase can occur through an improvement of the agricultural practices and a better mastery of blueberry cultivation. This publication contains information to help Southern Highbush blueberry growers in Georgia maximize their profits.
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This publication outlines the sampling procedure for irrigation water to be used in blueberry production. Follow the outlined steps to provide a certified lab with a sample that is representative of the irrigation water to be used for growing blueberry plants.
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This publication provides 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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Both rabbiteye and highbush blueberries are produced
in Georgia. The plants can produce a commercially viable
crop for years. The long-term nature of the investment in
the blueberry orchard calls for periodic updates on the
situation of the blueberry industry. Information about the
location of plants, varieties, plant age, and the use of cultural
practices are important in decisions to allocate
resources. This report provides insights otherwise unavailable
to the industry yet of important practical
consequences. An overview of the Georgia blueberry
industry helps to shape the production and marketing
strategies that extend beyond the state boundaries. The
major portion of the annual crop is shipped to markets
outside the region. Furthermore, the increasing value of
blueberry plants implies that any damage to the commercial
blueberry industry has financial implications for
growers and shippers. Summaries included in this report
help in accurate assessment of potential economic losses
from damages to blueberry plants and the feasibility of
programs protecting the value represented by orchards.|
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Grower experiences have proven milled pine bark to be an excellent growing substrate for southern highbush blueberries. Although milled pine bark shares many characteristics with good blueberry soil, fundamental differences exist and need to be understood for rapid growth of young plants and high blueberry yields.
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