February 14, 2008 (In response to an information request from Europe) I suggest you visit my website at www.ag.uidaho.edu/sandpoint. We have a great deal of information on the different huckleberry and bilberry species, including how to grow them. The names huckleberry, bilberry, whortleberry, and blueberry are interchangeable and it is not unusual for a single […]
July 17, 2006 There is an incredible demand for bilberries worldwide and our area is in a position to take the lead in producing these crops in managed production. … As part of Cooperative Extension, I also have an obligation to help citizens throughout the country. I have thirteen selections I want to send out […]
January 5, 2005 My contact with the Wisconsin researcher was less than satisfactory. He is, apparently, completing some research and plans to publish it on in vitro propagation of western Vaccinium species. Understandably, he did not want to share any of his results and declined an invitation to collaborate on joint projects. For his information, […]
May 4, 2004 The conferences have generated more than enough interest and there is no shortage of volunteers to work as cooperating growers. Most I believe will obtain sufficient information from newsletters, websites, and annual conferences to manage their plots. I plan to select perhaps 20 growers and forest land managers in the region to […]
Following is an older post from 2005, but still has some interesting information: Wild huckleberry nearly tamed Not everyone thrilled about efforts to domesticate Idaho state fruit Betsy Z. Russell Idaho Spokesman-Review July 7, 2005 After a century without success, researchers say they are now within three to five years of domesticating the wild huckleberry […]
Article in the Capital Press, Wednesday April 29 Huckleberries may be next hot berry Research centers on taming wild berries so they’re easier to cultivate Matthew Weaver Capital Press New and improved huckleberry varieties will go to cooperating growers, researchers and nurseries next spring. “We have the plants out in our nursery. They need another […]