Dr. Olmstead began his remarks with a review of the various steps and conditions that are followed in the UF breeding program and how, after release, Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc. (FFSP) handles commercialization for UF. His comments also reviewed the utilization of royalties realized through the sale of released plant materials. His comments then focused on FL 98-325 (Indigocrisp™) “an early maturing crisptextured genotype best adapted to areas with chilling requirements similar to or higher than Gainesville.”
“The key positive attributes of the new variety are: • Very firm, crisp texture similar to Bluecrisp and Sweetcrisp • Earlier maturing than either Bluecrisp or Sweetcrisp • Higher yields than existing crisp textured genotypes • Potential for machine harvest for fresh market production • Reduced postharvest bruising or pathogen damage • Good flavor and size • Good vegetative budbreak with high crop loads
Potential problems with the new variety include higher chill requirements, meaning limited potential from I-4 south; propagation by softwood stem cuttings has often resulted in low rooting percentages, susceptibility to Botryosphaeria stem blight and darker fruit color. “We hope to minimize the problem of unreliable propagation by making tissue culture plantlets available at the time licenses are offered,” Olmstead said. “Initial budwood distribution will be limited with breeder stock maintained at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit at Citra,” he noted. Interested growers are directed to the FFSP for license information at telephone: 352/273-3656 or at its website: www.ffsp.net. The afternoon session included a presentation regarding “Food Safety Audits” by Travis Tucker of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and “Summer Pruning Southern Highbush Blueberries in Florida by Al Kovaleski, a graduate student in the UF Horticultural Sciences Department. The day’s proceedings concluded with a panel discussion of “This Year’s Experiences with Hydrogen Cyanamide” and it included incoming association president Calfee, outgoing president Braswell, Farm Manager Gary Smith of Haines City; Groveland Grower Dustin Lowe and Extension Specialist Dr. Williamson. For association information and access to winter meeting presentations, visit: http:// floridablueberrygrowers.com.
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2014
71