Location: Commodity Protection and Quality Research
Project Number: 2034-43000-043-044-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jan 1, 2022
End Date: Dec 31, 2023
Objective:
The goal of this project is to retain and expand blueberry markets for all growing regions of the US by conducting postharvest research that proves key insects and plant pathogens can be removed from export trade channels.
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, phosphine fumigation, ozone fumigation, and sulfur dioxide fumigation. In general, the approach involves exploratory efficacy studies, confirmatory evaluation, validation, and commercial testing when relevant.
