With Lisa Devetter, Washington State University Associate Professor of Horticulture. Moderated by Zack Williams, Bacon County Extension Coordinator & Agricultural Agent.
Get an update on the latest machine harvest trials for fresh market blueberry conducted in the Pacific Northwest. This presentation will also review important pre- and post-harvest factors that are important to consider when harvesting high-quality blueberry.
With Rad Yager, Co-Owner of Certified Ag Resources. Moderated by Tony Barnes, Akinson County Extension Coordinator & Agricultural Agent.
More farmers are using sensors to monitor weather conditions, soil moisture and other variables. They can provide meaningful insight into yearlong management of the blueberry crop. This presentation will cover many topics such as installation strategies, data interpretation and sensor maintenance. Examples from commercial farms will demonstrate how to make sensor data the most useful.
With Liz Freeman, OSHA Assistant Area Director. Moderated by Zack Williams, Bacon County Extension Coordinator & Agricultural Agent.
This presentation will include guidance on OSHA requirements for blueberry growers and discuss findings from recent OSHA inspections in the fruit and vegetable growers business sector to help blueberry growers improve on-farm occupational safety and health.
With Pam Knox, Director, UGA Weather Network, Agricultural Climatologist. Moderated by Tony Barnes Akinson County Extension Coordinator & Agricultural Agent.
In this talk, we will look back at the unusual weather conditions in spring 2020 and its impacts on blueberries. We’ll also look ahead to this coming winter and spring to see how the current La Nina might affect our climate.
With Dr. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia Tifton Campus, Fruit Pathologist. Moderated by Tony Barnes Akinson County Extension Coordinator & Agricultural Agent.
This session will provide up-to-date information on the diseases affecting blueberry production in Georgia during the 2020 growing season as well as recommendations for management of important blueberry disease issues.
With Dr. Jason Schmidt, University of Georgia. Moderated by Zack Williams, Bacon County Extension Coordinator & Agricultural Agent.
Dr. Schmidt will present recent research on natural enemies in Georgia blueberries. His presentation will focus first on parasitoids observed in organic and conventional systems. The second portion of his talk will focus on a new NRCS collaboration to help build habitat management concepts for blueberry growers to improve natural pollination and pest management services.
With Dr. Rachel Itle, University of Georgia Griffin Campus, Research Scientist, Fruit Production & Genetics. Moderated by Kim Kester Post, UGA Extension Clinch and Lanier Counties.
Fruit quality instrumental measurements, consumer acceptability, and postharvest fresh storage of southern highbush, rabbiteye, and northern highbush blueberry cultivars has recently been evaluated. I will be presenting our findings and summarizing results.
With Dr. Eric Stafne, Mississippi State University, Extension and Research Professor, Fruit Crops Specialist, Moderated by Tony Barnes, Akinson County Extension Coordinator.
The blueberry industry in Mississippi has been going strong for nearly 50 years. However events in recent years have brought about a reassessment of where the future lies for blueberry growers. Discussion of the obstacles encountered and the paths forward will be covered.
With Dr. Ash Sial, University of Georgia Associate Professor & IPM Coordinator. Moderated by Zack Williams, Bacon County Extension Coordinator.
[Dr. Ahmad’s presentation will include detailed information on monitoring and management of spotted wing drosophila (SWD) in conventional as well as organic blueberries using biological, cultural and chemical strategies. The recent pest status and management of secondary pests such as gall midge, thrips, and scales will also be discussed.]
Presented by Sushan Ru, Auburn University
