2014 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
The objective of the colloquium is to bring together leaders in the field of berry crop nutrition to discuss recent research on the topic and provide guidance for future investigations required to address new industry challenges, such as expanding production into non-traditional growing regions and to increase protection of water sheds and natural resources.

Many advances in research have been made recently on plant and soil nutrition of berry crops. The information is essential for developing new or improved nutrient management practices for these crops and plays a vital role in enhancing fruit production and quality, protecting soil and water resources, reducing fertilizer usage, and maintaining or improving competitiveness of the small fruit industry in the marketplace. Speakers specializing in nutrition of blueberry, blackberry, cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry will present their recent research findings, offer advice on nutrient management, and provide new ideas for future research. The covered topics will include dynamics of soil nutrient supply and loss; uptake, assimilation, and partitioning of plant nutrients; soil and plant tissue standards for accurate assessment of nutrient requirements; new and efficient methods of fertilizer application; and soil amendments to enhance crop nutrition. The colloquium will offer attendees an opportunity to learn more about the physiology and management of nutrients in these important horticultural crops and a chance to participate at the end of the presentations in a panel discussion on directions and plans for new research. The outcomes should be particularly useful to new faculty and students interested in research and consulting work in crop nutrition.