9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

**Pollinator Protection

Berry crops are visited by many types of pollinators, and we need to do our best to protect them. This talk will cover some steps you can take to help.

Leah Fronk, Penn State Extension

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

There IS NO Perfect Blueberry Variety, But There ARE Many, Many Choices: Some Advice

This talk will give attendees a look at both traditional and newer varieties, with some insights about their performance in the North Atlantic region.   

Dr. Mark Ehlenfeldt, USDA-ARS, Marucci Center for Blueberry & Cranberry Research

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

*The Blueberry Cane Pathogen Complex and Approaches to Understanding Soil Health

The complex of pathogens that cause blueberry cane diseases, such as Stem Blight, will be discussed. Root, and ultimately plant health, is tied to soil health. Our current approach to assay soil health will be presented.

Dr. James Polashock, USDA

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

How Blueberry Cultivars with Southern Highbush Backgrounds Access Nutrients Differently than Standard Varieties in Upland Soils

Blueberry PYO growers struggle to establish plants in upland mineral soils even after adjusting soil pH.  Southern highbush varieties contain lower levels of certain nutrient elements in their leaves, which may indicate that they or that northern-southern hybrid varieties may better tolerate upland soil conditions.  These differences will be discussed.

Dr. Chris Walsh, University of Maryland