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The goal of this project is to develop best management practices and economic budgets for organic blueberry production in the southeastern United States. <p>Specific objectives are: 1) evaluate establish methods for organic blueberry plantings using organic mulches or plasticulture for weed control; 2) develop fertilizer regimes using fertilizer materials that are approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI); 3) formulate strategies for organic mamgement of key pests in blueberry plantings; 4) conduct economic analyses and develop risk rated enterprise budgets for organic blueberries. <p>We will utilize various outreach mechanism to reach clientele
Non-Technical Summary: The demand for organic production of fruits and vegetables is increasing by about 20er year. Organic blueberries can be grown sucessfully in the southeastern United States after best management practices are developed. The purpose of this project is to research materials and cultural practices that will facilitate the organic production of blueberries in the southeastern United States. <P> Approach: Non-idegenous crops such as peaches, apples and strawberries have limited potential for commercial production in the southeastern United States due to high pest pressure and a long hot humid growing season. By comparison, rabbiteye blueberries are native to the region and are well adapted to the climate, soils and extensive pest complexes. The acreage of organic blueberries is expanding. There is increased consumer demand associated with the widely publicized health benefits of blueberry fruit. There is also a need for alternative source of income for small to moderate sized farms in a region where more traditional crops are no longer profitable. If some important production limitations can be solved, organic blueberry will become a significant industry in south Georgia and north Florida.