Oregon State’s Blueberry AI Assistant Program
Oregon State University (OSU) researchers recently unveiled a series of innovative projects during a meeting of the Oregon Blueberry Commission. Among these initiatives is the development of a blueberry artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, designed to provide vital research and strategies to support Pacific Northwest growers and packers facing production-related challenges.
According to Wei Yang, an expert in blueberries at OSU, the AI assistant will function similarly to a dedicated ChatGPT channel focused on blueberries. He emphasized that the program will evolve over time as new information and insights are discovered. This initiative is being developed in collaboration with the Roots IT Support group within OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Arizona State University, with the backing of Amazon Web Services.
Wally Lierman, chairman of the Oregon Blueberry Commission, highlighted the potential benefits of a mobile application for this AI assistant, noting that while the current version works effectively on traditional computers, a phone interface would enhance its accessibility for users. This feedback reflects a significant consideration for digital tools in agriculture, as mobile applications can greatly optimize user engagement and field operations.
In addition to the AI assistant, OSU berry researcher Scott Lukas introduced an exciting new project: an edible spray coating that may act as a sunscreen for blueberries. This innovative coating aims to provide a low-cost solution to mitigate heat damage that growers frequently encounter. Lukas noted that typical measures, such as overhead irrigation and shade protection, come at a considerable expense. The spray coating could be deployed proactively based on weather forecasts to protect crops from heat events, provided it performs as expected in field trials set to commence next summer at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center in Aurora, Oregon.
Moreover, OSU is delving into low-input pruning methods to optimize blueberry production. Plans include mechanized pruning techniques, applying hormones to young blueberry bushes to control flower sets, and experimenting with Calypso bushes planted amid agrivoltaic systems. The university has also resubmitted a grant proposal for $7 million to explore automated practices encompassing machine harvesting, trimming, and sorting operations—further demonstrating a commitment to advancing agricultural technology.
Recent upgrades at OSU’s North Willamette Research and Extension Center have also enhanced the facility’s capabilities. A new building for processing fresh fruit has been established, which includes facilities for individual quick freezing. This change is particularly beneficial as it allows for more authentic processing conditions, aligning closely with operational practices used by growers who are also packers.
To support ongoing research into heat mitigation and technological advancements, OSU has planted a 0.75-acre plot of Duke and Calypso blueberries at the North Willamette facility. While Lukas acknowledged that this plot is minuscule in comparison to the vast acreage managed by local growers, he emphasized the importance of establishing research plots ahead of acquiring funding to ensure that projects can be promptly initiated. These plots will also serve as buffers with local cultivars, providing insights into growth efficiencies and fruit production, further enriching the research program.
The Oregon Blueberry Commission has scheduled its next meeting for January 5 from 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Roth’s in West Salem, where experts from OSU, the USDA, and the Northwest Berry Foundation will present updates on their research initiatives.