The University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc. (UGA Research Foundation) was awarded a $299,941 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program to examine the effectiveness of horticultural recovery practices and the application of humic substances in enhancing the root growth of blueberry plants following hurricane damage. The project will employ rigorous plant physiological measurements and advanced digital agriculture tools to evaluate the recovery of blueberry plants impacted by Hurricane Helene, with the goal of accelerating the recovery process, improving soil conditions, optimizing blueberry yields, and offering a model for resilient agricultural practices in hurricane-affected areas. The outcomes of this one-year project will inform blueberry growers on the damage that strong gusts can cause to blueberry plants, particularly the root systems, and provide education on management practices that can accelerate plant recovery. The project is scheduled for completion by January 14, 2026.
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