North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[nottke <nottke1@earthlink.net>]

Here in central NC we are at the peak of blueberry harvest, which is about
a week late due to all the rain we have had.  Also, the berries are larger
and less sweet than usual.
About 10 days ago I found one of my Rabbiteye bushes missing all of its
foliage on the west half the bush due to a large colony of hairy yellow
caterpillars that had brown stripes along the top and sides.  After
relocating the caterpillars, I wondered what would happen to all the green
berries on that part of the bush.  Now I know.  They are ripening faster
and are the same size, but much sweeter, than the ripe berries from the
other half of the bush.
Is this a known phenomenon?  Are they sweeter due to more sun exposure?
Thanks.

Jim Nottke
Pfafftown, NC 27040
Hardiness Zone 7A