Scientists go to work on Scottish blueberries
Holyrood backs fruit plan
CASH is to be pumped into research to create blueberries which will thrive in the Scottish climate.
The James Hutton Institute in Dundee have been given funding by the Scottish Government to develop plant breeding technology for the fruit.
Scientists believe that blueberries, hailed as a superfood, can help in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes – which affects 300,000 people in Scotland.
Blueberry production in Scotland grew by 10 per cent in 2016 and the research could boose further growth.
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Blueberries are widely considered to have health benefits and count as one of the five a day for fruit and veg.
“Traditionally, they are imported but the research we are funding is using new technology to develop plants more suitable for the Scottish soil and climate.”
The institute’s Julie Graham said: “Developing new blueberry cultivars should result in an increase in the homegrown blueberry crop.”