INCORPORATING SELECTIVE PRUNING TO ENHANCE BLUEBERRY PRODUCTION IN THE SOUTHEAST

The major goalof this proposal is to increase the economic sustainability of blueberry production systems in Georgia and Floridaby incorporating selective pruning techniques. To accomplish this goal, our proposed objectives are 1. Determine the impact of selective pruning techniques and pruning timings on the physiological and phenological traits of blueberry plants. 2. Evaluate the impact of selective pruning and different pruning timings onfruit quality, harvest efficiency, and disease control. 3. Quantify the economic return of incorporating selective pruning techniques into blueberry production systems. 4. Develop and disseminate multiple educational materials for blueberry producers and county agents.