1) A field day was held at the North Alabama Horticulture Research Center to educate people about blueberry varieties and culture based on an ongoing variety trial. 2) Master gardeners conducted a taste test of the varieties where 'Yadkin' was rated the best, followed by 'Alapaha' and 'Climax'. 3) Presenters discussed topics like establishment, pruning, fertilization and irrigation of blueberries and results of the variety evaluation trial.

1. Blueberry Varieties Highlighted at “Red, White and Blueberry” Field Day
Mr. Mike Reeves, Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Mr. Arnold Caylor, Director, North Alabama Horticulture Research Center
Dr. Elina Coneva, Fruit Specialist, Auburn University
Mr. Tony Glover, Cullman County Coordinator, Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Abstract Taste Testing
Public Interest in blueberries continues to On-going harvest from the blueberry
increase due to the health benefits of the research planting allowed participants to
fruit. An ongoing blueberry variety trial at taste fresh fruit of each variety. Cullman
the North Alabama Horticulture Research County Master Gardener Volunteers
Center in Cullman, Alabama is generating conducted a taste evaluation of all of the
valuable information as to what varieties are blueberry varieties.
best adapted to the north Alabama area. The
"Red, White and Blueberry” Field Day was Taste Test Comparison Scale
held on July 7th, 2011, at the Research 200
180
Center, with a goal of educating commercial 160
producers and homeowners about blueberry 140
varieties and their culture and to showcase 120
the blueberry research done on the Center. 100
Master Gardeners provided a taste evaluation 80
of all blueberry varieties harvested from the Photo by 60
Mike Reeves
planting at the Research Center. Forty-nine 40
20
of the 150 participants, who attended the
0
event, indicated they are now planning on
growing blueberries. Ninety-eight percent
Presenters and Topics
said they gained more knowledge about
blueberries by attending the event. The best Mr. Arnold Caylor – Establishment and Pruning
tasting variety according the taste-test was Mr. Robert Boozer – Fertilization and Irrigation
‘Yadkin’ followed by ‘Alapaha’ and ‘Climax’. Dr. Elina Coneva – Variety Evaluation Results
The best tasting variety was ‘Yadkin’,
followed by ‘Alapaha’ and ‘Climax’.
Eight pre-test/post –test questions and an
evaluation indicated significant learning.
Percentage of “Blueberry Knowledge”
Test Questions Answered Correctly Dr. Elina Coneva, Mr. Arnold Caylor,
120%
Pre-test Extension Fruit Specialist NAHRC Director
Post-test
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Mr. Robert Boozer, Photo by
Extension Horticulturist Michael Henshaw