Evaluation of New Northern Highbush Blueberry Varieties for Sustainable Field Production in Massachusetts
Blueberries are a vital specialty crop in Massachusetts, contributing to the state’s agricultural diversity and providing high-value fresh fruit for local markets. However, achieving consistent yields and fruit quality in the region requires careful variety selection to account for factors such as winter hardiness, disease resistance, and adaptability to local soil conditions. While traditional highbush blueberry varieties like 'Bluecrop' and 'Jersey' are widely grown, newer or underutilized cultivars may offer advantages in yield potential, fruit size, and resilience to climate variability. This project seeks to evaluate five new northern highbush blueberry cultivars—Chandler, Northland, Reka, Last Call and Bluegold—under Massachusetts growing conditions to determine their suitability for sustainable production. By assessing growth performance, fruit yield and quality, and overall adaptability, this study will generate valuable data to help growers make informed decisions when selecting varieties for commercial and small-scale blueberry farming.
The trial will be conducted in UMass Cold Spring Orchard in MA. Students will help record and manage growth performance physiological and phenological data.
The findings from this project will benefit both new and established blueberry growers in Massachusetts by expanding their knowledge of cultivar performance in local conditions. The results will be shared through extension bulletins, grower field days, and outreach programs, ensuring that Massachusetts farmers have access to the latest research on variety selection, best management practices, and market opportunities.