University of Georgia

A website from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium

Small Fruit News

The Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium posts articles and sends the SMALL FRUIT NEWS to subscribers four times annually.
 

  • Postharvest Quality and Sensory Evaluation of Blackberries

    Blackberry production and consumption have increased in the United States over the past decade. Similarly, blackberry production acreage in Georgia has increased from 300 acres in 2009 to 1,858 acres in 2024 (NASS-USDA, 2024). Even though consumers prefer fruit with a good external appearance, repeat purchases depend on flavor.

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  • Meet Sarah Lowder: Viticulture Specialist at UGA

    Dr. Sarah Lowder, University of Georgia Viticulture Specialist

    Dr. Sarah Lowder started as the Extension Viticulture Specialist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture for the University of Georgia in March 2023. Learn about her work!

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  • Improving the Utility of Sulfur for Grapevine Powdery Mildew Management

    phytotoxicity observed on hybrid grapes (Vitis vinifera × American grape species): scorch

    This article explores the effectiveness of surfactants in improving sulfur application efficacy and the potential problem of sulfur-induced phytotoxicity in grapevines.

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  • Fungicide Resistance Testing in the Gray Mold Pathogen

    Gray mold caused by Botrytis in strawberries

    The Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium (SRSFC) allocated $5000 for fungicide resistance testing in Botrytis spp. through Clemson’s Molecular Plant Pathogen Detection Lab. Learn how to submit samples.

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  • June 2025 Events

    Interested in field tours? Take a look at opportunities to attend southern regional events during June 2025.

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  • Blueberry Quality Following Postharvest Cold Storage

    Picking blueberries from the bush

    This article, Postharvest Keeping Quality of Southern Highbush, Rabbiteye, and Northern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars in Cold Storage: Taste Traits and Health Benefits, is the second in a series on work comparing fruit quality traits of major commercial cultivars in southern highbush (SHB), rabbiteye (RE), and northern highbush (NHB) cultivars.

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  • Meet Annie Vogel: Fruit Specialist at UTK

    Annie Vogel, Fruit Extension Specialist at University of Tennessee, Knoxville

    Meet Annie Vogel, Fruit Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). She joined UTK as an assistant professor on January 1. 2025.

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  • Neopestalotiopsis Leaf Spot and Fruit Rot Disease

    Colony morphology of Neopestalotiopsis sp. on artificial media after 14 days of incubation at 25°C

    Strawberry production in the southeastern United States has faced significant challenges in recent years. Among these, Neopestalotiopsis leaf spot and fruit rot has become one of the most pressing issues.

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  • Mississippi Blueberry Workshops in 2025

    Fresh blueberries spilling from a wooden bucket

    The Mississippi State University Extension Service will host two blueberry workshops — an in-person workshop on January 29th and a virtual seminar on February 7th. Both events are free.

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  • 2025 Mid-Atlantic Strawberry Programs, Feb. 24-25

    Fresh strawberries in a clear plastic container

    The 2025 Mid-Atlantic Strawberry Programs will be held in Virginia Beach, VA, on February 24 and 25, 2025. All programs are offered at no cost to the growers.

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