CAES Newswire

 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
Menu
Published on 02/25/98

Mild Winter Aids Blueberry 'Fake Chill' Research

This winter's mild temperatures have blueberry farmers wondering if their plants will bear a full crop this year. But two University of Georgia scientists say the low chill hours could aid research that could greatly help future crops.

"Dormex is a plant growth regulator that can replace some of the chill hours blueberries need but don't get in many years," said Gerard Krewer, an Extension Service horticulturist with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

"We don't like having a low-chilling winter," Krewer said. "But it's been a great research year."

Blueberries, like most fruits, need a certain number of chill hours (below 45 degrees) to break their dormancy and produce flowers to make a crop.

Following a low-chilling winter, Krewer said, some blueberry varieties bloom and set fruit before leafing. Once the berries begin to grow, this further suppresses leaf bud development.

But the leaves are just as important as the flowers, said Scott NeSmith, a UGA research horticulturist at the Georgia Experiment Station in Griffin, Ga.

"If the plant flowers, it can set fruit," he said. "But without leaves, the plants can't photosynthesize and make energy to keep and support the berries."

NeSmith said Dormex "retrofits" many blueberry varieties "instead of forcing farmers to wait for new varieties with lower chilling requirements."

Developing new varieties can take upwards of 15 years and thousands of dollars, he said, for the research alone.

"For now, this is a good solution," NeSmith said.

For the most part, he said, Dormex will help assure growers of having blueberries when prices are higher. For shoppers, it means having the high-quality Georgia blueberries they want.

Dormex leaves no residue, either, Krewer said. It simply breaks down into fertilizer and water.

NeSmith, Krewer and a number of county Extension Service agents have been studying Dormex for 10 years. "Results on peaches have varied," Krewer said. "But blueberries have responded very well."

The Environmental Protection Agency has approved Dormex only for experimental use. But Krewer is optimistic farmers will be able to use the product during the 1999 season.

"This is just about a miracle compound for poor-leafing, early-season blueberries," he said.

Experts/Sources:
Gerard W. Krewer
Scott NeSmith
University and state leaders cut the ribbon during the Science and Ag Hill dedication ceremony. (Chamberlain Smith/UGA) CAES News
UGA dedicates first phase of Science and Ag Hill modernization 11/01/24
The University of Georgia held a dedication ceremony on Oct. 30 to celebrate the completion of the first phase of renovations to modernize research and instruction facilities and infrastructure on UGA’s Science and Ag Hill. This area of campus, located just south of Sanford Stadium, includes buildings dedicated to a variety of scientific disciplines such as biology, physics, geology and agricultural sciences.
CAES doctoral students Sofia Varriano and Leniha Lagarde follow farmer Clay Brady to the pasture where many of his chickens are kept. CAES News
UGA researchers study how free-range chickens influence farm sustainability 10/31/24 Maria M. Lameiras
Researchers in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are studying how pastured and free-range chickens impact ecosystems on integrated crop-livestock farms. Supported by a $749,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, entomology doctoral student Sofia Varriano and her thesis advisor, agroecologist and systems biology Professor Bill Snyder, are testing the promise of integrated crop-livestock agriculture to increase the sustainability of smaller farms.
Kaytlyn Cobb is now spearheading a historic partnership between the University of Georgia and Fargo, North Dakota-based Grand Farm as regional assistant director. CAES News
Kaytlyn Cobb joins UGA Grand Farm to boost agricultural innovation in Georgia 10/30/24 Sean Montgomery
Growing up in north Georgia’s Franklin County, Kaytlyn Cobb knew her aspirations in agriculture would always lead her to new opportunities. Inspired by her dedicated community and diverse background, Cobb is now spearheading a historic partnership between the University of Georgia and Fargo, North Dakota-based Grand Farm as regional assistant director. Hired in August, Cobb hit the ground running to continue development of the fast-forming ecosystem between Grand Farm, the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and global strategic partners.
Kevan Lamm teaching undergraduate students CAES News
CAES researchers prepare students to address complex challenges of the future 10/29/24 Emily Cabrera
Over the next three years, researchers in the University of Georgia’s Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication aim to transform undergraduate education in agricultural and environmental sciences by integrating systems thinking — an approach that encourages students to see the bigger picture by understanding how different components within a system interact.
Thermal imaging technology could improve the production of fruits and vegetables. CAES News
Thermal imaging may help fruits, veggies stay fresher longer 10/28/24 Savannah Peat
Before your favorite produce arrives at the grocery store, it must be carefully harvested and maintained across long stretches of time. A recent University of Georgia review suggests new temperature measuring technologies could make that process much simpler, amid growing agricultural challenges fueled by fluctuating climates. Maintaining temperature, humidity and light is critical to ensuring fruits and vegetables don’t spoil or deteriorate rapidly. Temperature spikes are the root of adverse outcomes, so monitoring these changes quickly and accurately is key.
At the 2024 Georgia Life Sciences Summit held Oct. 21-22 in Atlanta, Professor Quingguo “Jack” Huang of the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences received the Golden Helix Innovation Award for his research in technologies to mitigate “forever chemicals” in water resources. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker) CAES News
Georgia Bio awards recognize UGA inventor, corporate partners 10/25/24 Carson McAfee
University of Georgia Professor Quingguo “Jack” Huang, Delta Innovation Hub resident Dalan Animal Health, and Athens manufacturer Meissner Corporation were recognized for their achievements in the life science industry at Georgia Bio’s Georgia Life Sciences Summit, held Oct. 21-22 in Atlanta. The Golden Helix Awards celebrate the contributions of Georgia legislative, academic, corporate, and advocacy leaders working to grow the life science industry and foster strategic partnerships that create a healthier world.