Science Spotlight with Dr. Gary Gao
July is National Blueberry Month, the perfect time to spotlight one of the summer’s most nutritious and beloved fruits. Packed with nutrients and full of flavor, blueberries offer health benefits that align with FFH’s mission to connect food and health through research and outreach. To learn more about blueberry nutrition, local production, and practical growing tips, we turned to Dr. Gary Gao, a small fruit expert with Ohio State University Extension.
What drew you to study small fruits like blueberries and what excites you the most about this work?
I used to visit a local park with my grandmother when I was a child. There were a few apple trees there, and I was fascinated by how these trees could produce so much fruit. When it came time to choose a college major, I thought pomology would be an exciting field to study—and it turned out to be just that.
My interest in blueberries began during my time as an Extension Educator in southern Ohio, from 1994 to 2006. Later, as a small fruit specialist at OSU South Centers, I had the opportunity to work with blueberries and other high-value crops. Blueberries are a particularly exciting crop—they're delicious, but also quite challenging to grow.
There are about 400 acres of blueberries in Ohio, and I have the privilege of working with many of the growers across the state. I’m passionate about conducting research on best management practices for blueberry production and sharing that knowledge through farm visits, presentations, workshops, publications, and social media.
What makes blueberries a healthy choice and how do they support overall wellness?
Blueberries are considered a superfood, packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, reduce cellular damage, and slow the aging process. Regular consumption of blueberries can support both brain and heart health, and they also contain compounds with potential anticancer properties. Rich in fiber, blueberries aid in digestion and contribute to overall gut health. They’re incredibly versatile—you can enjoy them in smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, or salads, or bake them into muffins, pancakes, and other healthy desserts. Blueberries can be eaten fresh, frozen, or dried, making them a convenient and delicious addition to any diet. No wonder so many people love blueberries!
Blueberries are studied from many angles—nutrition, agriculture, food science, and beyond. Why is interdisciplinary research important in your work, and who are some of the collaborators you partner with to advance blueberry research and outreach?
Interdisciplinary research in blueberries is essential—it truly takes a village. My focus is primarily on the production side, where I collaborate with experts in entomology, plant pathology, weed science, and substrate management.
I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Rufus Isaacs, a world-renowned entomologist at Michigan State University, on a USDA-funded project. For a project on container blueberry production, I consulted Drs. James Altland and Jim Owen of the USDA in Wooster. Additionally, I collaborated with Dr. Monica Giusti from the Department of Food Science and Technology on research involving anthocyanins in blueberries.
In terms of outreach, I’ve partnered with the Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and OSU Extension professionals to support growers and promote best practices.
Do you have advice for home gardeners who want to grow blueberries in their own backyards?
Growing blueberries can be challenging, as they require well-drained soil with a pH of around 4.5 and a high organic matter content. Consistent watering with high-quality, low-alkalinity water is also essential for healthy growth.
For more detailed information, gardeners can refer to my Blueberry Fact Sheet available at ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-1422 or consult the Midwest Blueberry Production Guide at publications.ca.uky.edu/files/ID210.pdf.
Recommended blueberry cultivars include Blue Ray, Chandler, Legacy, Nelson, and Sweetheart.
Blueberries can also be successfully grown in containers. I am currently conducting a project focused on growing potted blueberries in raised beds, with the goal of reducing the establishment period from seven years to five. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting research.
How is your research and outreach helping to improve blueberry production and awareness in Ohio and beyond?
Over the past 15 years, my research has focused on solving practical challenges faced by growers, such as soil acidification, fertilization, insect management, irrigation, bird depredation, and container production. I have actively shared the insights and solutions from my work through presentations, farm visits, workshops, social media, and videos to help growers enhance their practices.
The practical solutions developed through our research have enabled growers to improve the yield, quality, and profitability of their blueberry operations. In the end, everyone benefits!
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