Blueberries not only taste great, but they're also a good source of vitamin C, iron, and fiber. They're cholesterol-free, sodium-free, and an important source of potassium. Best of all, blueberries contain only 80 calories per cup.
Research concludes that the antioxidants in blueberries help protect the body against chronic diseases associated with aging. The folic acid may help guard against cervical cancer and may benefit the fetus during pregnancy. Blueberries, like cranberries, also help prevent urinary tract infections.
Rabbiteye blueberries are native to Georgia and make up most of our commercial production. Blueberries are harvested in Georgia from late May through mid-July. In Georgia blueberries are grown commercially primarily in the southern part of the state. And some are grown in the north Georgia mountains.
Under good management, blueberry bushes will produce some fruit the second or third year after transplanting. By the sixth year, they will yield as much as two gallons each. The yield will continue to increase for several years as the plants get larger.
Our Programs and Services
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Lab Testing and Analysis Services Testing for soil, plant tissue, water quality, animal waste, feeds and forages, pesticides, and much more!
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On-Site and Telephone Consultation Available in many county offices for ag producers.
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Pesticide Safety Education Program Topics include pest identification, storage and disposal, pesticide drift and runoff prevention, water quality protection, and food safety.
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Production Meetings Updates on local issues for growers and producers.
Recent Publications
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Natural Enemies of Pests in the Southeast Blueberry Systems of Georgia (B 1562) Blueberries are becoming the state fruit of Georgia with considerable acreage planted. Blueberries have many pest challenges and a current invasive pest challenge from spotted wing drosophilia (SWD). …
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Recognizing Flower and Vegetative Buds in Blueberries: Blueberry Phenology (C 1293) Phenology refers to the sequential developmental stages, also called growth stages, that may occur in perennial plants every season. The growth stages of blueberry plants are affected by temperature, …
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2024 Southeast Regional Organic Blueberry Pest Management Guide (AP 125-4) This publication provides updated (2024) Southeast-specific information on approved National Organic Program (NOP) disease and pest management options for blueberry production and addresses the issues…
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Blueberry Fruit Set, Development and Ripening (C 1294) This publication will inform growers about the factors that can affect blueberry fruit set, development, and ripening. As weather patterns are shifting, it is important to keep in mind that environmen…
Websites
UGA-affiliated sites
UGA Blueberry Blog Scientific information about blueberry production from the UGA Blueberry Team.
UGA Small Fruit Program Strives to increase the efficiency of production systems by improving small fruit production management practices in Georgia.
Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium Newsletters and growing guides related to the production and marketing of blueberries.
Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics IPBGG faculty actively engage in the training of graduate students, the development of new crop varieties, and basic research on the genetics and understanding of crop traits important to agriculture and humankind.
Sustainable Agriculture at UGA Brings together information on sustainable agriculture including organic agriculture, pollinators, and other resources.
UGA Department of Horticulture Learn more about the horticulture department at the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
UGA Department of Plant Pathology Learn more about the plant pathology department at the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Commodity Teams at CAES Teams made up of research scientists and extension specialists work together to provide the latest technology and information for efficient, profitable production of some of Georgia's most valuable commodities.
External sites
Georgia Blueberry Commission Supports research, education, and promotion programs on behalf of the state's growers.
North American Blueberry Council Industry members provide industry news and supplier contacts and administer product seal programs.
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40 Under 40 Two faculty members in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and UGA Cooperative Extension were named to the Fruit and Vegetable 40 under 40 Class of 2023.
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Blueberry Breeding Georgia is well-known as the Peach State, but since 1949 plant breeders at the University of Georgia have been on a blue streak, bringing more than 50 blueberry varieties to market.
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Blueberry Quality Study seeks to identify possible causes for postharvest quality loss in rabbiteye blueberries.
