Location: Commodity Protection and Quality Research
Project Number: 2034-43000-043-002-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2016
End Date: Mar 15, 2021
Objective:
The goal of this project is to retain and expand blueberry markets for all growing regions of the U.S. by conducting postharvest research that proves key insects can be removed from trade channels. Blueberry maggot (BBM), Rhagoletis mendax, is of economic concern to eastern U.S. blueberry producers and shippers, while spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is of economic concern to all U.S. blueberry producers and shippers.
Approach:
Utilize a cooperative effort between USDA-ARS, USDA-APHIS, California industry, and foreign counterparts to address pest-related barriers to export. Particular attention will be paid to the expansion and retention of export markets. Pests will be targeted with novel postharvest techniques including, but not limited to methyl bromide fumigation. In general the approach involves exploratory efficacy studies, confirmatory evaluation, validation, and commercial testing when relevant.
