36 | The Blueberry News FloridaBlueberryGrowers.org
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CONNOR McJUNKIN, Editor
[email protected]Inaugural FBGA Hall of Fame Inductees
S
ince the beginning of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association, and throughout
the history of Florida blueberries, there have been various individuals who have
been instrumental in laying the foundation of success for the state’s blueberries
and blueberry growers. These contributions haven’t gone unnoticed, and this fall at the
FBGA meeting, five individuals will be recognized as the first inductees to the FBGA Hall
of Fame.
The individuals are Dr. Paul Lyrene, Dr. Alto Straughn, professor Ralph Sharpe, Ken
Patterson, and Jimmy Miller.
Dr. Paul Lyrene headed-up the UF blueberry breeding program in 1977. During
his 32-year tenure as the UF blueberry breeder, Dr. Lyrene developed and patented 31
blueberry cultivars, many of which are still widely grown in Florida and around the world.
Dr. Alto Straughn was hired by the University of Florida in 1963, and by 1971 he
was the director of Program Evaluation and Organizational Development at UF were
he pioneered the use of computers to enhance Extension’s response to client needs. Dr.
Straughn was also the first to demonstrate that southern highbush blueberries could be
grown profitably on a large commercial scale in Florida.
Professor Ralph Sharpe developed the first so-called “southern highbush” cultivars
which permitted early-season production in Florida and other areas too warm toproduce northern highbush. Professor Sharpe was a visionary and his work represented a
breakthrough for future cultivar development which has fueled a new industry based on
low-chill, early ripening, blueberry cultivars grown in Florida and other warm climates
worldwide.
Ken Patterson has been around blueberries his whole life. Patterson began working
closely with the UF blueberry breeding program early in his career to help accelerate the
release of new cultivars. Some of his other collaborations with the University of Florida
included providing sites for research projects, hosting Extension/FBGA field days, and
providing tours for UF and blueberry industry groups. Mr. Patterson has served in many
different capacities on various boards, both locally and nationally, including being the
Florida Blueberry Growers’ Association president from 1995-1999.
Jimmy Miller began commercially producing blueberries in 1979. Over his career, he
has developed and shared with other growers and with the university much information
on the art of freeze protection, the use of hydrogen cyanamide, the importance of cross
pollination, and the strengths and weaknesses of new varieties after they were released.
More information will be coming out in the coming months about the fall meeting
and the ceremony. Be sure to visit floridablueberrygrowers.org to stay up to date on all
upcoming dates and events..For over 39 years, Miller Blueberry Farm and Plant Nursery
has been evaluating blueberry plant varieties to match a
wide range of growing conditions for warmer climates.
Our emphasis is on plants that will provide the highest
and earliest yield to maximize returns to the grower.
Call Jack at:863-397-9471 • http://www.berrycare.info
A Service Blueberry Farm Consultant- Pine Bark Mulch Sales
- Blueberry Container Sales
- Farm Planning
- Farm Management
- Plant Sales
- Consulting
A Full Service Blueberry Farm ConsultantA Full Service Blueberry Farm ConsultantFarm ManagementMEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
To join or renew your membership in the Florida Blueberry Growers
Association, mail a check payable to:FLORIDA BLUEBERRY GROWERS ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 940545
Maitland, FL 32794-0545- Regular Florida Member: $100.00
- Out-of-State Member: $50.00
- Associate Member: $125.00 (equipment and chemical companies, etc.)
- Educational & Research Member: $10.00
(University and USDA members who do not grow blueberries commercially)