Blueberry Culture and Pest, Disease, and Abiotic Disorder Management during Nursery Production in the Southeastern U.S.: A Review

Abstract

The genus Vaccinium represents an increasingly important group of plants for the U.S. green industry. In 2012, blueberries (Vaccinium sp.) ranked the second most important berry crop in the U.S. with a total crop value over $780 million. The popularity of blueberries creates opportunities as well as challenges for nursery crop producers. This article presents a review of current nursery production practices of blueberry and explores the challenges and opportunities for nursery crop producers, including pesticide use during nursery production of an edible crop, and discusses current research relevant to the green industry. Needs for additional research and opportunities for breeding are presented. Blueberries are Ericaceous plants and have very specific cultural requirements. This review presents the culture, as well as insect, mite, and disease control from an integrated pest management (IPM) approach for several blueberry species. A serious threat to the blueberry market, spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii Matsumura) is discussed to provide information needed by commercial producers and landscape managers to address client and customer questions. This review also highlights the most relevant blueberry selections for container production in the southeastern United States.