Advancements in genomics and statistical modeling are reducing the time required for breeding programs for blueberry growers. According to Brad Moore, Head of MBG Marketing, "What we would consider legacy varieties, second and third generation cultivars from the 1950s and '60s, would take seven to 10 years for full maturity for northern highbush." Nowadays, fruit loads appear by the third year.
The 90-year-old grower-owned entity has shifted its research focus towards consumer preferences, with newer cultivars becoming available this season. "It's really been a 10-year transition for our organization," shares Moore. This transition has been financially intensive, but it offers consumers a larger selection.
At DeGrandchamp Farms, early adoption is visible. Katelyn Craig notes, "It does take a while for the blueberries to grow and mature in the field before we can harvest them and get them out to consumers." She mentions success with firm, large berries that are expected to perform well in the marketplace.
Moore highlights that machine harvestability remains a priority moving forward. "Technology is improving at a rapid rate, and I suspect that in 10 years from now, we'll probably see somewhere in the neighborhood of 90 per cent less hand labor in our industry than what we see today." The industry aims for these advancements to encourage consumers to prefer domestic berries.
These insights were shared during the Naturipe Farms' Berry Blue Breeding Media Tour in Grand Junction, Michigan.
Source: BrownField
