South Middlesex Times

Rutgers researchers are nearing the conclusion of a decade-long project to develop a new blueberry variety that promises sweeter, firmer fruit for New Jersey growers. The research at Rutgers' Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension in Chatsworth is entering its final phase this summer. Gina Sideli, who directs the center’s breeding program, stated that only three or four samples out of thousands will be selected to proceed.

The goal is to introduce a new cultivar within five years, potentially boosting New Jersey's annual production of 35 to 45 million pounds of blueberries. “Of course the growers want it yesterday,” said Sideli, noting the absence of new cultivars in the market for about three decades. She highlighted the significant investment and risk involved for farmers when experimenting with new varieties.

Brandon Raso, a fourth-generation farmer and part-owner of Variety Farms in Hammonton, grows 750 acres of blueberries including older varieties like Duke and Blue Crop. He emphasized Rutgers’ role in reducing uncertainties associated with adopting new varietals. “An acre of blueberries costs about $12,000 to $15,000 planted," he explained. "We do trials of 10 acres, so that’s upwards of $120,000."

Sideli pointed out that consumer preferences have shifted towards sweeter berries with longer shelf lives. This demand is particularly pressing for Raso as consumers now expect high-quality berries similar to those imported from South America and Mexico.

Newer entrants from these regions benefit from targeted research aimed at producing durable fruits suitable for long-distance travel. “Because the focus has been on creating the ultimate berry for those guys... North American guys... are left with some of the older varieties,” Raso noted.

A more resilient blueberry plant could also facilitate a shift from hand harvesting to machine harvesting among local growers—a cost-effective solution amid labor shortages. “Fifteen years ago we would employ 1,000 seasonal laborers; now we’re lucky to get 350,” said Raso.

Raso hopes that Rutgers’ trial will yield a sturdy plant conducive to mechanical harvesting while maintaining fruit quality.

Sideli concluded by stating that whether or not Rutgers produces the next successful cultivar, their aim is to provide valuable information through trials conducted at their center: “We are still trying to make the next best available to New Jersey growers – whether it’s Rutgers or not.”