Blueberry
Seasonal climate variation affects chilling during dormancy, the accumulation of heat units during fruit development, threat from freeze damage, and impacts from diseases and pests.
In the Southeast, El Niño years tend to have more chilling and more rain during the dormant season than normal, while La Niña years have less chilling and may require additional irrigation during berry maturation. Damaging freezes are more common during Neutral years.
Check the following topics for more information:
- Chill Accumulation Tool:
- Forecasts of biweekly and seasonal chill accumulation based on climate forecast and location. The results are based on a chilling units model with values specific for Tifblue and Aliceblue. An option for 45 °F chill hours is also available.
- Regional Chill Maps:
- Provides regional maps for chill accumulation during different parts of the winter. The maps indicate the probability that chill accumulation in each county will be more than the expected to normal amount based on the current ENSO phase.
- Extension Resources:
- Links to online extension publications with information for blueberry growers, as well as links to external web sites, including growers' associations, industry organizations, and market related web sites.