When Patricio Muñoz developed the newest variety for UF / IFAS, he wanted to name the fruit after Alto Straughn, a longtime supporter of UF's blueberry improvement program. So Muñoz, assistant professor of horticultural sciences at UF / IFAS, called the new cultivar the 'Sentinel'.

“A sentinel is a watchman or guardian,” Muñoz said. “It is symbolic. We named him Stop Blueberry because he watched over and protected the blueberry breeding program for many years."

Agricultural experience

For years, Straughn, an alumnus of the UF / IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and a former UF / IFAS extension manager, owned blueberry farms near Waldo, FL, northeast of UF's main campus. in Gainesville. Now in his 80s, Straughn still meets regularly with blueberry breeder UF / IFAS.

“Since I came to the program, Alto and I have talked a lot about blueberries: cultivars, production, packaging, marketing and more,” Muñoz said. “Alto has seen the industry from the beginning and I'm glad he shared all of that information with me and the blueberry breeding program team.”

The blueberry market

The scientists first tested the new UF / IFAS variety at Straughn's farm in Waldo, and then in fields that stretch south to Arcadia, FL. "We have determined that the best area for its production is central and northern Florida," said Muñoz.

Blueberries are an industry of around $ 60 million a year in Florida. Florida blueberry farmers produce between 10 and 12 million tons a year in Florida, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The 'Sentinel' blueberry increases the yield of farmers in central and north Florida. It is a low-temperature Southern Highbush variety. UF / IFAS produces southern Highbush blueberries, which are synonymous with low cold and can be grown in the south, Muñoz said.

It is a higher quality fruit than previous UF/IFAS cultivars. It also gives the grower fruit in the best window on the market, Muñoz said. The variety was also tested on multiple taste panels at UF, and 'Sentinel' was rated “high” for flavor, Munoz said.

"Some good things are still happening, including a new blueberry that farmers and consumers alike will enjoy," Muñoz said.