Bill Cline
Researcher & Extension Specialist
Extension Horticulturalist, Blueberry
65% extension, 30% research, and 5% service
Horticultural Crops Research Station
Bio
Bill currently serves as a senior editor for all regional small fruit integrated management guides and as a steering committee member for the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium (www.smallfruits.org). He is also a U. S. Highbush Blueberry Council board member and an advisor to the North Carolina Blueberry Council.
Education
BS Gardner-Webb University 1982
MS North Carolina State University 1986
Area(s) of Expertise
RESEARCH AREAS (Plant Pathology)
Diseases of small fruit crops – blueberry, muscadine grape, strawberry, blackberry. Interests: (i) Applied field work and discovery, cultural practices, fungicide trials and screening of cultivars/selections for disease resistance; (ii) multi-year projects focused on epidemiology and management of diseases; and (iii) development of clean, disease-resistant, true-to-type plant sources.
EXTENSION AND OUTREACH (Plant Pathology and Horticulture)
In-state and regional agent training, publications and web-based content. Assist growers and agents via phone, text and email (500+ per year), field visits (70+ per year), and workshops (12-15 per year). Organize annual statewide blueberry conference and trade show; edit and publish proceedings. Organize blueberry field days. Diagnosis of small fruit diseases via the NCSU Plant Disease and Insect Clinic. Primary contact for blueberry inquiries in NC.