In this episode we are joined by Dr. Tom Kon, associate professor and extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at North Carolina State University. Tom serves the southeastern apple industry across three states, NC, SC, and GA and has an integrated research and extension program which addresses the technological needs of apple production. Tom also conducts physiological research on blackberry. We brought Tom on the podcast to discuss his research in trying to improve blackberry plant productivity, manage its growth more efficiently, and ultimately find ways to reduce labor inputs. We discussed use of plant growth regulators (PGRs), reflective ground covers, novel training methods, as well as a little time talking about his work in Apples.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Sara Villani, Plant Pathologist and Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University who focuses on apples, blackberries, and woody ornamental plants. Sara’s research and extension program aims to incorporate basic and applied research methods to develop novel and improved disease management practices for several commodities including blackberry. We brought Sara on the podcast to discuss an emerging disease of blackberry that was recently found in North Carolina and Arkansas, Fusarium Wilt. We discussed the biology of the pathogen, signs and symptoms of the disease, and best management practices to help limit its spread and impact. We also discussed some of Sara’s research on the genetics of fusarium across the country and work looking at cane dieback issues in Ponca.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Penny Perkins-Veazie, professor of postharvest physiology and technology at North Carolina State University and the Plants for Human Health institute. Penny’s research focuses on storage methods to extend shelf life of fruit crops, and studies to determine the role fruit and vegetables have in human health. Penny also evaluates food safety, quality, and consumer-appeal characteristics of fruit crops such as flavor, color, antioxidants, and texture to make sure growers will have better quality produce for high-value markets. She came on the podcast today to discuss work she has done in blackberry and other small fruit crops and specifically her work in maximizing the quality of fruit and minimizing post-harvest losses by employing different harvest timing, cooling, and handling strategies for small fruits.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Jonathan Oliver, Assistant Professor and Fruit Pathologist at the University of Georgia. Jonathan’s research and extension program focuses on pathogen biology and disease management in fruit crops including small fruit crops such as blueberries and blackberries. We brought Jonathan on the podcast to discuss one of the most damaging caneberry diseases in Georgia and other parts of the Southeast, cane blight. We talked about the biology of the pathogen, signs and symptoms of this disease, and best management practices to avoid issues across the Southeast. We also discussed orange cane blotch and potential resistance issues with leaf spot diseases.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Margaret Worthington, Associate Professor in Fruit Breeding and Genetics at the University of Arkansas. Margaret directs the applied peach and muscadine grape cultivar development programs at the University of Arkansas, and is soon to take over the blackberry breeding program. Margaret came on the podcast to discuss the value of muscadines and how they can compliment other small fruit crops on diversified farms. We also discussed cultivar selection for both processing and fresh markets, seedless muscadines, and  research and breeding efforts that aim to take muscadines to the next level. 

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Doug Pfeiffer, Professor and Fruit Entomologist from the Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech. Doug’s focus is primarily with fruit IPM and ecological interactions in vineyard, orchard, and small fruit systems. His research has focused on several invasive fruit insect pests, as well as mating disruption of lepidopteran pests such as grape root borer. Doug joined us on the podcast to discuss alternative pest management strategies to the recently banned insecticide, Chlorpyrifos. This episode includes a breakdown of everything involved with mating disruption and is a must-listen for growers or agents looking for ways to sustainably manage grape root borer or peachtree borer. We also discussed other alternatives to chlorpyrifos and even delved into spotted lanternfly and its potential to harm Southeastern vineyards.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Renee Threlfall and Amanda Fleming from the University of Arkansas. Renee is a Research Scientist in the Food Science Department at the University of Arkansas, and Amanda is a former winemaker at Post Winery and current graduate student working with Renee. Renee has been working with Arkansas grape growers and winemakers in Arkansas for over 25 years and is currently the director of the Arkansas Quality Wine Program. Renee and Amanda provide excellent insight into commercial wine production in Arkansas, commercial wine grape production in Arkansas, and discuss their newly launched program, the Arkansas Quality Wine Program. Tune in to learn about the goals of this program, how wines were judged, and how they hope to elevate the value of locally produced wine through this endeavor!

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Jayesh Samtani, Assistant Professor and Small Fruit Extension Specialist in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, at Virginia Tech. Jayesh conducts research and extension outreach on strawberries and other small fruit crops and joined us to talk a bit about his research relating to strawberries. Topics covered in this episode include pre-plant nitrogen rates, using the SAS fungicide scheduling system in a new growing region, alternatives to fumigants for strawberry producers, and an ongoing survey relating to fertility practices in blackberry.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Hannah Burrack, Professor of Entomology and Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University. Hannah’s research for the last 15 years at NC State has focused on understanding the ecology of arthropod pests in a variety of specialty crops including small fruit, which has helped shape many of the pest management approaches that we recommend across the Southeast today. Hannah came on the podcast to give use the low-down on spotted wing drosophila, and discuss other arthropod pests in a variety of small fruit crops. Specifically, Hannah provided wonderful insight into the last 10 years of spotted wing drosophila research and did an excellent job telling us what that research means for people trying to manage this pest.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Emran Ali, plant pathologist at the University of Georgia. Emran is currently the director of the Plant Molecular Diagnostic Lab at UGA. Emran came on the podcast to talk about how fungicide resistance comes about, what farmers can do to prevent or slow down the formation of resistance, and why it is important to know whether you are dealing with fungicide resistance on a farm level. Emran also discussed fungicide resistance testing that the Plant Molecular Diagnostic lab has to offer for strawberries, how to send in samples to assure you get good results, and limited funding for free tests provided by the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium.

In this episode we take a trip to Louisiana to learn more about their small fruit production. We are joined on the podcast by Mary Helen Ferguson, Associate Extension Agent for Horticulture at LSU, and Kiki Fontenot, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at LSU. Mary Helen and Kiki gave us the low-down on strawberry and blueberry production in the state. They provided excellent insight into their production practices, how they may differ from other growing regions in the Southeast, and talked about many of the challenges that Louisianan producers face. We filmed this episode during a snow/ice storm, so please forgive us for the quality of the audio!

We are joined by Ekko Barnhill from Barnhill Orchards in Lonoke, AR. Ekko helps to manage a diversified farm just north of Little Rock, AR with her brother and parents. The farm grows fruits and vegetables with sales all 12 months of the year to farmers markets, restaurants and through their farm store. Ekko is the powerhouse behind their marketing and came on the podcast to share her insights into the subject. We specifically discussed considerations for marketing small fruit, how small fruit can help boost the sales of other commodities, and unique ways to bring products into the marketplace.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Ryan Dickson, a Horticulture professor at the University of Arkansas. Ryan is an expert in the area of greenhouse and protected agriculture production of both floriculture and food crops, and currently is doing groundbreaking work in the areas of substrate production of small fruit crops in the Southeast. Ryan gives us an excellent explanation of substrate production, as well as pros and cons of this type of production system vs. production in field soil. We also cover the feasibility of soil-less substrate production systems for small fruit crops in the Southeast and why Southeastern growers would look to adopt such a system.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Eric Stafne, extension and research professor in fruit crops at Mississippi State University. Eric leads a diverse program where he works in several crops including muscadine, blueberry, blackberry, pecan, and more. The main topics of this episode revolve around Eric’s work in blueberry planting rejuvenation and white drupelet disorder in blackberry, where Eric provided excellent insight into his most recent findings and offered some recommendations for Southeastern growers. We also talked at length about the small fruit industry in Mississippi, his efforts in passionfruit breeding, and what fruits he thinks could be grown more in the Southeast.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Guido Schnabel, a plant pathologist at Clemson University with over 25 years of experience working with pathogens of fruit crops. Guido has a wealth of experience in strawberry disease management and provides excellent insight that is highly relevant for Southeast growers. Topics discussed include fungicide selection, common resistance issues, dip applications before planting, when to use soil applied fungicides, options for fumigation, and much more. Also discussed is the MyIPM app, which was developed by Guido and is a great source of information for both growers and agents.  

In this episode we are joined by Randy Arnold, owner of Arnold Farms in Alma, AR. Randy and his family have operated a highly diverse farm for over 20 years and are well known in the area for their “strawberry patch” which is an integral part of the community. The Arnolds market their berries through their roadside farm market, to u-pick customers and through sales to local schools in farm-to-school programs. They also hold a yearly on-farm festival called “fun on the farm” that hosts 1,000 students from area schools who visit the farm and learn about agriculture.

In this episode we are joined by Ervin Lineberger, owner of Kildeer Farms in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Ervin has been farming since the 1980s in western North Carolina, between Charlotte and Asheville, where he has grown muscadines, blackberries, peaches, strawberries and vegetables. Currently Ervin grows muscadines and blackberries for wholesale markets. Ervin shares with us his experience with blackberries and muscadines, provides insight in to the future of muscadines as a commodity, and offers advice for growers who are looking to tap into the small fruit market.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Gina Fernandez, Professor of Horticulture and strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry breeder at North Carolina State University. Gina came on the podcast to discuss how her new strawberry releases, Rocco and Liz, fit in with the current popular southeastern commercial cultivars. She also discussed her breeding efforts towards anthracnose resistance in strawberry, heat tolerance in raspberry, nutrient management in primocane fruiting blackberry, and NC State’s new blackberry cultivar, Von.

Dr. Phillip Brannen, extension fruit disease specialist at the University of Georgia, joins us to discuss factors influencing disease management in Southeast vineyards. Phil provides excellent insight in to problems plaguing Southeast grape and muscadine production, and discusses a variety of solutions that Southeast growers can take advantage of to maximize their success and profitability.

Hosts Amanda McWhirt and Aaron Cato provide an update on production and pest management for small fruit crops in the Southeast with reports from several specialists across the region. Dr. John Clark, University of Arkansas fruit breeder and distinguished professor, stops by to discuss commercial blackberry production and breeding efforts in the Southeast.