UGA Blueberry Breeding: Developing and Sustaining an Industry

D. Scott NeSmithDept. of Horticulture

Univ. of GeorgiaGriffin, 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 222002 302004 482006 602008 75-802010 90-1102012 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

Year

s

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

10152025303540

9-Apr 16-Apr 23-Apr 30-Apr 7-May 14-May

Dolla

rs

Low priceHigh 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 16,266Ochlockonee 2002 USPP 17,300Palmetto 2003 USPP 16,756Rebel 2004 USPP 18,138Camellia 2005 USPP 18,151Vernon 2006 USPP 18,291Blue SuedeTM 2007 USPP 21,222Suziblue 2008 USPP 21,167Southern Splendour 2009 USPP 22,692Summer SunsetTM 2009 USPP 23,374TitanTM 2010 USPPAFGeorgia 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!!!!