Jeffrey G. Williamson

Specialist

Jeffrey G. Williamson

Specialist

professor (retired), UF/IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences

Horticultural Sciences Profile

Publications

Alternative Opportunities for Small Farms: Peach and Nectarine Production Review

Ali Sarkhosh, Mercy Olmstead, Jeff Williamson, Jose Chaparro, and Juanita Popenoe

Florida’s Commercial Blueberry Industry

Jeffrey G. Williamson andDouglas A. Phillips

This publication provides background, statistics, and other information about the commercial blueberry industry in Florida.

thumbnail for publication: Establishment and Production Costs for Southern Highbush Blueberry Orchards in Florida: Enterprise Budget and Profitability Analysis

Establishment and Production Costs for Southern Highbush Blueberry Orchards in Florida: Enterprise Budget and Profitability Analysis

Ariel Singerman, Ariel Singerman, Marina Burani-Arouca, Marina Burani-Arouca, Jeffrey G. Williamson, Gary K. England, andGary K. England
Other Contacts: Douglas A. Phillips

Production and Marketing of Chestnuts in the Southeastern United States

Robert C. Hochmuth, Robert D. Wallace, Peter J. Van Blokland, and Jeffrey G. Williamson

How to Calculate Fertigation Injection Rates for Commercial Blueberry Production

Guodong Liu, Jeffrey Williamson, Gary England, and Alicia Whidden

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

What Is Urea-Triazone Nitrogen?

Guodong Liu andJeffrey G. Williamson

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars from the University of Florida

Douglas A. Phillips, Jeffrey G. Williamson, P. M. Lyrene, andPatricio R. Munoz

Cultivar selection involves weighing the advantages and disadvantages of a cultivar relative to the grower’s needs. Unfortunately, there are no perfect cultivars suited for every location and management system. The following discussion categorizes southern highbush cultivars into three groups: (1) new cultivars; (2) established cultivars; and (3) secondary and obsolete cultivars.

Citrus Propagation

Ute Albrecht, Mongi Zekri, and Jeffrey Williamson

This publication explains the different methods of citrus propagation and includes detailed descriptions and photographs of the grafting process and other principles of propagation.

Impacts of Hurricane Damage on Southern Highbush Blueberries

Douglas A. Phillips, Jeffrey G. Williamson, andPhilip F. Harmon

This publication discusses the types of hurricane damage that can be incurred in blueberry production operations, the impacts of these damages, preparations to make before the storm arrives, and suggestions on best management practices in the aftermath of a storm.

Variedades de Durazno y Nectarina en la Florida

Mercy Olmstead, Ali Sarkhosh, Mercy A. Olmstead, Jose X. Chaparro, Peter C. Andersen, Jeffrey G. Williamson, andTatiana Sanchez

Nutrition and Fertilization Practices for Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

Douglas A. Phillips andJeffrey G. Williamson

This publication provides guidance and management suggestions to Florida growers of southern highbush blueberry (SHB) for monitoring, supplying, and maintaining proper plant nutrition in commercial production operations.

Pruning Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

Douglas A. Phillips andJeffrey G. Williamson

Pruning is an essential part of blueberry production and is used to help establish new plantings; promote postharvest growth of new foliage and fruiting wood; balance vegetative and reproductive growth; reduce disease and certain insect pressure; assist in harvesting efficiency; and promote new cane growth and plant longevity. The following is a discussion of pruning practices on southern highbush blueberry in Florida.

Evergreen Production System for Southern Highbush Blueberries in Florida

Douglas A. Phillips, Jeffrey G. Williamson, andPatricio R. Munoz

In central and south-central Florida, many southern highbush blueberries are grown in an evergreen system, where the plants do not go dormant, and are managed to retain their leaves from the previous year through harvest the following spring in order to support early flowering and fruit set. The evergreen system has also been used under tunnels in north-central Florida. This publication provides an overview of the evergreen production system for SHB in Florida.

Calendar for Southern Highbush Blueberry Management in Florida

Douglas A. Phillips, Jeffrey G. Williamson, Philip F. Harmon, Oscar E. Liburd, Peter J. Dittmar, andRachel E. Mallinger

Southern highbush blueberries (SHB) are commercially grown throughout Florida in both deciduous and evergreen systems. This calendar addresses the monthly general management requirements for Florida commercial blueberry growers in conventional (nonorganic) systems and should be used in coordination with other Ask IFAS publications.

Cultivo de ciruelas en Florida

Ali Sarkhosh, Mercy Olmstead, Mercy A. Olmstead, E. P. Miller, Peter C. Andersen, andJeffrey G. Williamson
Translated by Tatiana Sanchez

Oportunidades alternativas para fincas pequeñas: revisión de la producción de duraznos y nectarinas

Ali Sarkhosh, Mercy Olmstead, Mercy A. Olmstead, Jeffrey G. Williamson, Jose X. Chaparro, andJuanita Popenoe
Translated by Eva M. Pabon

El suave clima invernal de Florida y el comienzo de la temprano de primavera ofrecen oportunidades únicas para la producción de duraznos y nectarinas de temporada temprana. Actualmente, Florida produce algunos de los duraznos y nectarinas de florecida temporada para producción comercial en América del Norte.

Organic Blueberry Production in Florida

Douglas A. Phillips, Peter J. Dittmar, Philip F. Harmon, Oscar E. Liburd, Danielle D. Treadwell, and Jeffrey G. Williamson

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). Published by Plant Systems

Irrigation Practices for Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

Douglas A. Phillips andJeffrey G. Williamson

This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department provides guidance on irrigation requirements and practices to Florida Southern highbush blueberry growers. Written by Douglas A. Phillips and Jeffrey G. Williamson.

Preparing a Southern Highbush Blueberry Field for Machine Harvesting

Jeffrey G. Williamson and Douglas A. Phillips

Blueberries are grown commercially in Florida for the early-season fresh fruit market. The majority of Florida’s blueberry crop is currently harvested by hand to ensure high quality standards for fresh fruit production. However, hand harvesting is the single greatest annual production cost for Florida blueberry growers, and mechanization of berry harvests could greatly reduce production costs. This is particularly important when considering the volume of fruit imported into the United States from countries where labor rates are significantly lower. Also, at times the availability of harvest labor when needed may be an issue for Florida growers; mechanization could help address that issue. This publication provides information for commercial blueberry growers interested in adopting machine harvesting.

Government Agency Resources for Florida Blueberry Growers

Douglas A. Phillips and Jeffrey G. Williamson

Several federal, state, and local government offices and agencies offer assistance and resources to Florida blueberry growers. These include the University of Florida and IFAS Extension, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), and various Florida water management districts. This publication summarizes some of the resources and assistance available from each of these agencies, along with website links as a starting point for growers to use in learning more about and accessing that assistance.

A Step-by-Step Fertigation Guide for Blackberry Growers in Florida

Nurjahan Sriti, Elena Máximo-Salgado, Zhanao Deng, Jeffrey G. Williamson, andGuodong Liu

Blackberry cultivation offers significant opportunities for fruit producers in subtropical regions. Effective fertilizer management is essential for maximizing production. However, determining the optimal fertilizer application can be challenging as a result of variations in soil types and climate. To achieve the best results, it is important to follow the 5Rs of nutrient stewardship. (There are usually 4 Rs outside the unique environmental conditions of Florida.) These principles focus on applying the right fertilizer source at the right rate, at the right time, in the right place, and with the right irrigation. This guide provides Florida blackberry growers with practical recommendations for efficient fertigation practices to boost blackberry yields and improve nutrient use efficiency. It is intended for commercial growers, agricultural consultants, farm managers, Extension agents, Extension specialists, and others interested in blackberry production and sustainable farming.

Establishing New Southern Highbush Blueberry Plantings in Florida

Douglas A. Phillips, Jeffrey G. Williamson, Gerardo H. Nunez, Philip F. Harmon, Peter J. Dittmar, andDiego F. Cabezas

There are many steps to consider when establishing a new southern highbush blueberry field. The purpose of this publication is to assist Florida blueberry growers with critical management practices for establishing a new field. We assume that any irrigation wells, overhead irrigation, and farm equipment are already in place. Therefore, establishing those items is not addressed here.

Protecting Blueberries from Freezes in Florida

Jeffrey G. Williamson, Philip F. Harmon, andDouglas A. Phillips

Blueberries bloom in late winter or early spring in Florida, making the flowers and young fruit highly susceptible to freeze and frost injury. Killing freezes can occur as late as mid to late March throughout much of Florida, long after the initiation of bloom, especially for early-ripening southern highbush blueberry cultivars. This publication describes conditions that often occur in commercial blueberry fields during and after bloom when the potential for freeze damage exists. Practices that growers can use to minimize freeze damage are also discussed.

Growing Plums in Florida

Ali Sarkhosh, Mercy Olmstead, Mercy A. Olmstead, E. P. Miller, Peter C. Andersen, andJeffrey G. Williamson

La Manzana (Malus domestica, Rosaceae)

Ali Sarkhosh, T. E. Crocker, W. B. Sherman, Jeffrey G. Williamson, andJuanita Popenoe

La granada

Ali Sarkhosh, Jeff Williamson; traducido por Eva Pabon.

A UF/IFAS numbered Translation. In support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

2024 Florida Blueberry Integrated Pest Management Guide

Philip F. Harmon, Oscar E. Liburd, Peter Dittmar, Jeffrey G. Williamson, and Doug Phillips

This publication is intended to be a resource for Florida blueberry growers to use in scouting for disease and insect/mite pest damage; managing disease, insect/mite pests, and weeds; and application of certain plant growth regulators.