1. UGA Blueberry Breeding: Developing and Sustaining an Industry
D. Scott NeSmith
Dept. of Horticulture
Univ. of Georgia
Griffin, GA

2. 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!!

3. Today
Today, program has research farms at Alapaha and Griffin.

4. Blueberry acreage explosive growth

5. Georgia Blueberry Farm-gate Value
Year
Value (million $)
2000 22
2002 30
2004 48
2006 60
2008
75-80
2010
90-110
2012
150 <

6. Georgia blueberry commercial industry

8. Breeding Program Overview

9. Breeding Program Overview

10. Blueberry Cultivar Development Timeline

11. BAD NEWS Takes 12 or more Years

12. GOOD NEWS HAVE PROGRAM CONTINUITY

13. Breeding to meet commercial industry challenges
Increased fruit size for blueberries
increased consumer acceptance
increased harvest efficiency

14. Breeding to meet commercial industry challenges
Early ripening varieties
higher market prices

15. 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

16. Breeding to meet commercial industry challenges
Increase fruit firmness
increases shelf life, long distant shipping
potential for mechanical harvest, saving labor

17. New products, new businesses

18. Ornamental Blueberries: Surround yourself with flavorful beauty!!

19. Support staff, facilities, and equipment

20. On-Farm Trials

21. Blueberry Field Day

22. Visitors from around the world

23. Recent Georgia Blueberry Variety Releases
Year Released
Patent
Alapaha
2001
USPP 16,266
Ochlockonee
2002
USPP 17,300
Palmetto
2003
USPP 16,756
Rebel
2004
USPP 18,138
Camellia
2005
USPP 18,151
Vernon
2006
USPP 18,291
Blue SuedeTM
2007
USPP 21,222
Suziblue
2008
USPP 21,167
Southern Splendour
2009
USPP 22,692
Summer SunsetTM
USPP 23,374
TitanTM
2010
USPPAF
Georgia DawnTM
2011

26. 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.

27. Thanks for your support!!!!