Summer 2026
SMALL FRUIT NEWS – Vol. 26, No. 3
Published four times annually, Small Fruit News is sponsored by the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium (SRSFC), smallfruits.org.
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Spotted lanternfly continues to expand across the southern United States, posing new risks to vineyards, nurseries, and specialty crops. Learn how to identify this invasive pest, understand its life cycle, and help prevent its spread through monitoring and reporting.
Posted in: Summer 2026 -
A three-year study found that the time of day has little effect on grapevine tissue nutrient concentrations, giving growers more flexibility when collecting samples while supporting consistent nutrient management practices.
Posted in: Summer 2026 -
Dr. Stephan Sommer joins the University of Tennessee as an Extension Specialist for Enology and Fermentation, bringing decades of experience in winemaking, research, and education to support Tennessee’s growing wine industry.
Posted in: Summer 2026 -
Viruses can significantly reduce berry crop productivity, especially in blackberries. Learn why starting with clean plants is the most effective strategy for preventing virus infections and protecting long-term plant health.
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Auburn University researchers evaluated early-ripening blueberry cultivars grown in open-field and high tunnel systems in central Alabama. High tunnels advanced harvest timing, increased yields, improved fruit quality, and provided valuable protection from spring frost, helping growers extend their marketing window and reduce production risks.
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The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture has released its first muscadine grape cultivars, Mighty Fine™ and Altus™, after nearly 20 years of breeding and evaluation. Developed for fresh-market and processing uses, these self-fertile cultivars combine excellent fruit quality, strong productivity, and enhanced cold tolerance for growers across the Upper South.
Posted in: Summer 2026 -
View some opportunities to attend Southern regional events during August 2026.
Posted in: Summer 2026