To continue providing the public with research-based information that keeps them safe, healthy and informed, Virginia Cooperative Extension is turning to digital methods for public outreach. Virginia Cooperative Extension is managed through the commonwealth’s two land-grant universities, Virginia State University and Virginia Tech,
VSU Extension faculty are offering their first on-line-only public program Thursday, March 26, at 4 p.m. through Facebook Live. The annual Blueberry Field Walk will be conducted by specialty crop extension specialist Dr. Reza Rafie. Facebook Live was selected as the digital platform to conduct this program because it is accessible to anyone with a smartphone or a computer; participants do not need to have a Facebook account; the public can ask questions in real-time by typing them into the session; and the live program can be recorded, close-captioned and posted on the VSU Cooperative Extension website (ext.vsu.edu) with additional resources on the subject.
During the Facebook Live event, Rafie will walk through VSU’s Randolph Farm blueberry fields and high tunnel, where a collection of 39 different cultivars are under study. All are different in terms of productivity, time of maturity, plant structure, fruit size, bush size and vigor. This program provides an excellent opportunity to learn about these cultivars and ask questions in real time to help growers decide which ones may be best for their needs.
Blueberries are the fastest growing berry crop in many states including North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Market demand for blueberries continues to grow, and profit potential for growing locally grown blueberries is considerable. One major issue for blueberry growers is the planting of the new blueberry varieties) that are becoming available with superior fruit size, taste, color, and pest and disease tolerance.
To gather more information, gain access to assistive devices, services or other accommodations or to participate in the Blueberry Field Walk in real time, contact Mark Klingman from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (804) 524-5493 / TDD (800) 828-1120 or mjklingman@vsu.edu before the start of the program. A recorded version of the program with close captioning will be available on Rafie’s webpage (https://www.ext.vsu.edu/horticulture) by the end of the following week.