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Abstract
Georgia is a top US blueberry producer. Climate change contributes to damaging temperature fluctuations during spring floral and fruit development, and rainfall variations during fruit maturation. Both contribute to major crop damage annually. Spring freezes can cause total crop loss. Rainfall fluctuations can create fruit cracking causing unmarketability. New methods for freeze protection and fruit cracking prevention are needed. The effects of nanocellulose freeze protection treatments and Parka® for fruit cracking protection on fruit quality were examined. Southern highbush blueberry cultivar ‘Star’ and rabbiteye cultivar ‘Brightwell’ were evaluated using various nanocellulose compounds and application methods. Overall, results were inconsistent, but higher protection was observed in early bud stages. Rabbiteye cultivars ‘Powderblue’ and ‘Brightwell’ Parka® treated fruit were examined for physiochemical fruit quality. Results suggest that Parka® significantly increases sugar content and fruit size, increasing overall fruit quality. Both nanocellulose and Parka® prevention treatments show promise to protect Georgia’s blueberry crop.