Small Fruits

Small fruits issues are addressed by conducting research and outreach programs for commercial grape and blueberry growers. Examples of outreach efforts include:

• Grape Expectations – An annual meeting for the commercial grape growers is held in March.
• Blueberry Open House – An annual meeting for commercial blueberry growers is held in February.

Homeowners growing blueberries, grapes, and brambles are also supported by outreach efforts.

Special Projects

Vineyards

New vineyards have been established throughout New Jersey. Dr. Pavlis has imported grape varieties from Italy and is currently cooperating with a nursery to propagate plants in an effort to make them available to vineyard owners.

Blueberries

Dr. Pavlis has changed the methodology of fertilizing commercial blueberries. His research has changed the timing of application, computerized fertilizer recommendations and introduced fertilizing through trickle systems (fertigation) to blueberry growers. The result has been higher yields, better fruit quality and healthier plants.

Blueberry Integrated Pest Management

Cultivated blueberry production in New Jersey ranks second in the nation behind Michigan.  Atlantic county is the center of production with almost 80% of the total crop produced here.  Growers in our county have always been progressive and tend to adapt to practices which often result in better efficiency.  More information about blueberry integrated pest management.

Frequently Requested Information

Small Fruits: Commercial

• Bramble (Raspberries & Blackberries) Weed Control Recommendations for New Jersey, 2007
• Commercial Blueberry Pest Control Recommendations for New Jersey
• Commercial Bramble Pest Control Recommendations for New Jersey – See Chapter 8 of the Mid-Atlantic Berry Guide
• Commercial Cranberry Pest Control Recommendations for New Jersey
• Commercial Grape Pest Control Recommendations for New Jersey
• Extraction of Blueberry Maggot Larvae from Harvested Blueberry Fruit
• Fescue Grasses as Permanent Cover Between Rows of Blueberry
• New Jersey Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide

Small Fruits: Gardening and Landscaping

• Establishing Blueberries in the Home Garden
• Grape Growing in the Home Garden: Pest Control

NOTE:  Other commercial and homeowner small fruit related fact sheets and bulletins are available through RCE publications or by contacting our office at 609-625-0056.

Other Resources

For the Grape/Wine Enthusiast

 American Wine Society, a non-profit national organization supplying information on grape growing and wine making.