This winter’s mild temperatures have blueberry farmers wondering if their plants
will bear a full crop this year. But two University of
Georgia scientists say the low chill hours could aid research that could greatly help
future crops.
"Dormex is a plant growth regulator that can replace some of the chill hours
blueberries need but don’t get in many years," said
"We don’t like having a low-chilling winter," Krewer said. "But it’s
been a great research year."
Blueberries, like most fruits, need a certain number of chill hours (below 45 degrees)
to break their dormancy and produce flowers to make a crop.
Following a low-chilling winter, Krewer said, some blueberry varieties bloom and set
fruit before leafing. Once the berries begin to grow, this further suppresses leaf bud
development.
But the leaves are just as important as the flowers, said
horticulturist at the Georgia Experiment
Station in Griffin, Ga.
"If the plant flowers, it can set fruit," he said. "But without leaves,
the plants can’t photosynthesize and make energy to keep and support the berries."
NeSmith said Dormex "retrofits" many blueberry varieties "instead of
forcing farmers to wait for new varieties with lower chilling requirements."
Developing new varieties can take upwards of 15 years and thousands of dollars, he
said, for the research alone.
"For now, this is a good solution," NeSmith said.
For the most part, he said, Dormex will help assure growers of having blueberries when
prices are higher. For shoppers, it means having the high-quality Georgia blueberries they
want.
Dormex leaves no residue, either, Krewer said. It simply breaks down into fertilizer
and water.
NeSmith, Krewer and a number of county Extension Service agents have been studying
Dormex for 10 years. "Results on peaches have varied," Krewer said. "But
blueberries have responded very well."
The Environmental Protection Agency has approved Dormex only for experimental use. But
Krewer is optimistic farmers will be able to use the product during the 1999 season.
"This is just about a miracle compound for poor-leafing, early-season
blueberries," he said.
