Michigan Blueberry Commission Research Priorities for 2020
Develop management programs for native and invasive pests
Blueberry stem gall wasp, spotted wing drosophila, nematodes
Fungal disease pathogens, especially anthracnose, including development and validation of disease prediction models
Weeds, especially milkweed, horse nettle, hemp dogbane, and perennial vines
Study effects of fi eld-applied sanitizers and skin thickeners on fruit firmness, disease control, and insect control
Enhance blueberry yields and quality
Best practices for removal of low yielding fields, site preparation strategies, and field establishment techniques
Better understanding of methods to increase fruit set, fruit size, and fruit quality including planting design, pollination, pruning, nutrition, and water management
Management systems that reduce labor inputs, especially harvest labor
Breeding program to enhance selection for both plant hardiness and fruit quality
Growth regulator uses to increase quality and yields, and de-fruiting young plantings
Effectiveness of Generic Sprays and lower cost fungicides
Anthracnose reduction, possible thru lower cost fungicides? (ie. reliant, aframe)
Lowering the financial impact of chemical inputs on the farm helps the bottom line
