Douglas A. Phillips

0000-0001-8210-2980

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.

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

Consumer Preferences for Florida-Grown Blueberries Part 1: Florida Fresh Blueberry Consumer Behavior—Insights on Shopping Locations, Frequency, and Spending

Younghyeon Jeon, Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, Xuan Wei, andDouglas A. Phillips

Fresh blueberries have become one of Florida’s fastest-growing agricultural products. This growth aligns with growing consumer interest in local foods. Florida blueberry producers are capitalizing on demand by marketing their products with distinctive branding, particularly the Fresh From Florida logo. State production has met demand, but the Florida blueberry market faces challenges from imports from Mexico and Peru and from other US states. This publication is the first in a series designed to help local growers differentiate Florida-grown fresh blueberries in an increasingly competitive marketplace. It describes research into consumers’ purchasing preferences and awareness of locally grown fresh blueberries and identifies additional labels that can add value to existing ones to strengthen the competitive advantage of Florida-grown blueberries and attract more consumers.

Consumer Preferences for Florida-Grown Blueberries Part 2: Locally Grown Blueberries in the Marketplace—Insights into Florida Consumers' Awareness of Brand Origin and Purchasing Behavior

Younghyeon Jeon, Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, Xuan Wei, andDouglas A. Phillips

This is part 3 of the "Consumer Preferences for Florida-Grown Blueberries" series, whose objective is to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of Florida-grown fresh blueberries by analyzing consumers’ preferences for blueberry quality attributes. Audiences include Florida blueberry growers, marketers, and retailers. We identify the most significant attributes on labels and provide recommendations on how to optimize labeling to meet consumer demand and enhance market share. Part 3 focuses on health perceptions of fresh blueberries. Many US consumers seek healthy, sustainable food options like fruits and vegetables, blueberries among them, prompting increases in production, imports, and demand for fresh blueberries over the past decade. This publication aims to help those working to promote healthy dietary patterns better understand the impact of nutrition-related statements on consumer purchasing behavior, ultimately supporting efforts to encourage healthier eating patterns.

Consumer Preferences for Florida-Grown Blueberries Part 3: Berry Good for You! Unpacking Health Perceptions and Labels on Blueberries

Younghyeon Jeon, Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, andDouglas A. Phillips

This is part 3 of the "Consumer Preferences for Florida-Grown Blueberries" series, whose objective is to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of Florida-grown fresh blueberries by analyzing consumers’ preferences for blueberry quality attributes. Audiences include Florida blueberry growers, marketers, and retailers. We identify the most significant attributes on labels and provide recommendations on how to optimize labeling to meet consumer demand and enhance market share. Part 3 focuses on health perceptions of fresh blueberries. Many US consumers seek healthy, sustainable food options like fruits and vegetables, blueberries among them, prompting increases in production, imports, and demand for fresh blueberries over the past decade. This publication aims to help those working to promote healthy dietary patterns better understand the impact of nutrition-related statements on consumer purchasing behavior, ultimately supporting efforts to encourage healthier eating patterns.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Introduction to Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivation in Containers

Gerardo H. Nunez, Martin Zapien, and Douglas A. Phillips

Blueberry bushes prefer well drained, acidic soils with high organic matter content. These soil characteristics are not common in many parts of the world. Thus, blueberries are traditionally grown in soils amended with pine bark and elemental sulfur. The need to create optimum conditions for the roots of blueberry bushes has recently led to blueberry cultivation in containers filled with soilless substrates. The intended audience for this publication is commercial blueberry growers. The purpose of this publication is to complement existing information sources by introducing the materials and practices used for blueberry cultivation on container-based farms.

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.

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.

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.

Pollination Best Practices in Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

Rachel E. Mallinger and Douglas A. Phillips

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Diaprepes Root Weevil on Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

Douglas A. Phillips, Oscar E. Liburd, and Larry W. Duncan

Mite Pests of Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

Oscar E. Liburd, Lorena Lopez, and Doug Phillips

Chilli Thrips on Blueberries in Florida

Oscar E. Liburd, Babu R. Panthi, and Douglas A. Phillips

Wax Scale on Southern Highbush Blueberries in Florida

Oscar E. Liburd and Doug Phillips

Florida wax scale, Ceroplastes floridensis, is an insect pest causing damage on plants throughout much of the United States, including Florida, where it can be found infesting southern highbush blueberries. This publication is intended to inform Florida blueberry growers about this pest and to discuss management and control alternatives.

A Guide to Selecting and Using Pesticides During the Blueberry Pollination Period: How Can We Reduce Risk to Pollinators?

Rachel E. Mallinger, John J. Ternest, and Douglas A. Phillips

This publication provides blueberry growers strategies for choosing and applying fungicides and insecticides during bloom so as to minimize harm to pollinators. Insect pollinators, particularly wild and managed bees, are necessary to achieve adequate fruit set in blueberries. Without insect pollinators, berries may form, but they will be significantly smaller and misshapen and will take longer to ripen than bee-pollinated berries. Managed bees, wild bees, and other insect pollinators are susceptible to pesticides, especially when applied during bloom when pollinators are foraging in blueberry fields. Growers thus must balance disease and pest protection with pollinator protection. This publication provides information on the toxicity to pollinators and residual activity of insecticides and fungicides used during blueberry bloom, and strategies for minimizing pollinator exposure.

Benefits of Mixed Cultivar Plantings for Cross-Pollination in Blueberry: A Guide to Maximize Yields

Clement Larue, Stan Chabert, Douglas A. Phillips, andRachel E. Mallinger

The purpose of this publication is to provide Florida blueberry growers with information on the benefits of cross-pollination in southern highbush blueberry production systems and advice on how to plant a highly productive orchard optimized for cross-pollination and fruit production.

Managing Spotted Wing Drosophila in Florida Blueberries

Oscar E. Liburd, Arden R. Lambert, andDouglas A. Phillips

Since its first detection in 2009, spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is common in all of Florida’s fruit-producing counties. Surveys indicate that SWD are active year-round in Florida’s warm climate, with peak activity from April to May when the blueberry harvest is highest. Although this is a significant pest of blueberries in Florida, with good cultural practices, proper monitoring, and appropriate pesticide applications it can be successfully managed. This publication is intended to be used as a resource for Florida blueberry growers to successfully identify and manage SWD.

Blueberry Gardener's Guide

Jeffrey G. Williamson andDouglas A. Phillips

Home gardeners: Use this guide to successfully grow blueberries in Florida.

Anthracnose on Southern Highbush Blueberry

Douglas A. Phillips, Maria C. Velez-Climent, Philip F. Harmon, andPatricio R. Munoz

Algal Stem Blotch in Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

Douglas A. Phillips, Norma C. Flor, andPhilip F. Harmon

Botryosphaeria Stem Blight on Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

Norma C. Flor, Douglas A. Phillips, andPhilip F. Harmon

Stem blight is the most common disease that kills our blueberry bushes in Florida. In most cases, stem blight finishes the job, but other stresses play a lead or contributory role. When stem blight starts showing up in a production field, first check for all of the above discussed stressors, diseases, and pests. Once identified, developing an integrated and comprehensive disease management plan will help you stay one step ahead of stem blight.

Florida Blueberry Leaf Disease Guide

Douglas A. Phillips, Norma C. Flor, andPhilip F. Harmon

Southern highbush blueberry (SHB) cultivars are commercially grown throughout much of Florida in both deciduous and evergreen production systems. Growers in deciduous production should strive to keep leaves healthy through flower bud differentiation in fall to ensure optimum yield potential. In evergreen production, it is critical to maintain the prior year’s foliage through winter months to support early fruit production the following season. In both systems, leaves can be damaged by many factors, such as environmental conditions, chemical applications, insects, and diseases. This publication includes basic information to assist growers in determining 1) the likely cause (fungal, viral, algal, or bacterial) of leaf symptoms, 2) when specific leaf spots are likely to occur, 3) characteristic symptoms of common leaf problems, and 4) some of the available management options.

Blueberry Advisory System: A Disease Alert System for Blueberry Anthracnose Fruit Rot

André B. Gama, Douglas A. Phillips, Vinícius A. Cerbaro, Philip F. Harmon, Clyde Fraisse, andNatalia A. Peres

The weather conditions favoring Blueberry anthracnose fruit rot disease incidence and development can be difficult to predict, and it can significantly impact yield under conducive weather patterns. For that reason, the authors of this new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department developed and validated a web-based disease alert system for blueberry AFR, the Blueberry Advisory System (BAS), to help blueberry growers in Florida identify weather conditions favorable for the disease and improve disease management. Written by André B. Gama, Douglas A. Phillips, Vinícius A. Cerbaro, Phillip F. Harmon, Clyde W. Fraisse, and Natalia A. Peres.

Phytophthora Root Rot on Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

Norma C. Flor, Douglas A. Phillips, and Philip F. Harmon

Roots serve the vital function of water and nutrient uptake for plants. Healthy roots provide the foundation for productive blueberry bushes and require the right horticultural inputs and soil environment to thrive. Less-than-ideal conditions can result in unhealthy, rotten roots, sometimes caused by disease. The most common and destructive root rot disease of southern highbush blueberry (SHB) in Florida is Phytophthora root rot (PRR), caused by the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. Oomycetes, or “water molds,” favor water-saturated environments. The distinction between oomycetes and fungi is important for disease management, because many fungicides work for only one group, not both. Worldwide, P. cinnamomi is a devastating pathogen of approximately 5,000 woody plant host species. For blueberry growers in Florida, PRR is a persistent problem that is currently managed through careful site selection, preparation, and routine Phytophthora-specific fungicide applications. 

Leaf Rust Disease of Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

Philip F. Harmon, Christ Mane Belizaire, andDouglas A. Phillips

Leaf rust is an important disease of southern highbush blueberries (SHB) in Florida and can be particularly costly in the evergreen production system. Severe leaf rust causes defoliation in the fall or early winter, which can decrease floral bud differentiation, photosynthesis, and the next season’s fruit yield. Florida blueberry growers consistently list leaf rust among their top-three disease concerns in UF/IFAS surveys. This publication will present information for Florida blueberry growers on the disease cycle, symptoms, and integrated management of this fungal leaf disease.