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!!!!