scholarly journals Evaluation of Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars for Production in Southwestern Arkansas

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Manjula Carter ◽  
John R. Clark ◽  
R. Keith Striegler
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Cold Hardiness ◽  
Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽  
Highbush Blueberry ◽  
Chilling Requirement ◽  
Production Potential ◽  
Vaccinium Ashei ◽  
Early Ripening ◽  
Quality And Reliability ◽  
Southern Highbush

Southern highbush blueberry, a hybrid of northern highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum) and southern-adapted Vaccinium species, has the potential to meet the need for an early-ripening blueberry in the southern U.S. southern highbush cultivars can ripen up to one month earlier than the earliest rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei) cultivars currently grown in the southern U.S. However, chilling requirement and cold-hardiness are cultivar-dependent for southern highbush and cultivar testing has been necessary to determine the cultivars best adapted to specific hardiness zones. In a 4-year study at Hope, Ark. (hardiness zone 7b), several southern highbush cultivars were evaluated for productivity, fruit quality and reliability of cropping. Yields were based on 1089 plants/acre (2690 plants/ha) for southern highbush cultivars and 605 plants/acre (1494 plants/ha) for rabbiteye cultivars. `Ozarkblue' and `Legacy' showed the most adaptability at this location, yielding on average 11,013 lb/acre (12,309 kg·ha-1) and 10,328 lb/acre (11,543 kg·ha-1) respectively, compared to 4882 lb/acre (5456 kg·ha-1) for `Premier' (rabbiteye) over 4 years. `Ozarkblue' and `Legacy' also rated well for plant vigor and fruit quality. We would recommend `Ozarkblue' and `Legacy' for commercial planting in southwest Arkansas and believe these cultivars have production potential for other areas of the southern U.S. that have similar hardiness zones and soil type to southwest Arkansas.

scholarly journals Ethephon and Methyl Jasmonate Affect Fruit Detachment in Rabbiteye and Southern Highbush Blueberry

HortScience ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (12) ◽  
pp. 1745-1749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anish Malladi ◽  
Tripti Vashisth ◽  
Lisa Klima Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Methyl Jasmonate ◽  
Linear Trend ◽  
Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽  
Ethylene Biosynthesis ◽  
Highbush Blueberry ◽  
Vaccinium Ashei ◽  
Fruit Drop ◽  
Leaf Yellowing ◽  
Vaccinium Darrowi ◽  
Southern Highbush

Two abscission agents, ethephon and methyl jasmonate, were investigated in five studies to determine their potential for increasing fruit detachment during harvest in rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei Reade) and southern highbush (hybrids based largely on Vaccinium corymbosum L. and Vaccinium darrowi Camp.) blueberry. In the first study with a rabbiteye blueberry genotype, T-451, ethephon applications up to 1000 mg·L−1 did not affect fruit drop but reduced fruit detachment force (FDF) by up to 21%. In the second study with two southern highbush blueberry genotypes, ethephon (up to 1500 mg·L−1) and methyl jasmonate (MeJa; up to 10 mm) applications resulted in significant fruit drop in ‘Star’ but neither of the growth regulators affected the fruit detachment characteristics of ‘Farthing’. In a third study with rabbiteye blueberry genotypes, MeJa applications of 10, 20, and 30 mm displayed an increasing linear trend in fruit drop in ‘Climax’ and linear and quadratic trends in fruit drop in ‘Powderblue’. In a fourth study with ‘Powderblue’, MeJa (20 mm) and ethephon (1000 mg·L−1) applications resulted in rapid and significant fruit drop. The fruit drop induced by MeJa in this study was attenuated by the coapplication of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), an ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor, suggesting that MeJa induced fruit detachment partly through its effects on ethylene biosynthesis. In another study with the southern highbush blueberry genotype, O’Neal, MeJa applications (20 mm) induced significant fruit drop but ethephon (1000 mg·L−1) applications did not affect fruit detachment. Overall, MeJa applications (20 mm or greater) generally induced rapid and extensive fruit abscission, often within 1 day after treatment. Applications of MeJa resulted in leaf yellowing and necrosis of leaf tips and margins, especially at high rates of application (20 mm or greater). Ethephon applications resulted in the abscission of mature and immature berries. Both ethephon and MeJa applications resulted in the detachment of the pedicel along with the fruit. Together, these data suggest that although ethephon and MeJa have the potential to be used as harvest aids in blueberry, the rates of application require further optimization to minimize potential phytotoxicity. Additionally, effective de-stemming of the berries may be essential if these compounds are to be used as harvest aids.

scholarly journals Comparing the Efficacy of Postharvest Cooling Methods to Enhance Fruit Quality and Reduce Salmonella in Artificially Inoculated Southern Highbush Blueberry

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaysankar De ◽  
Aswathy Sreedharan ◽  
You Li ◽  
Alan Gutierrez ◽  
Jeffrey K. Brecht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽  
Temperature Management ◽  
Air Cooling ◽  
Highbush Blueberry ◽  
Fresh Market ◽  
Southern Highbush

Cooling procedures used by blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) growers often may include delays up to 24 hours that can damage the fruit through rough handling and adverse temperatures, thereby potentially compromising quality and, subsequently, safety. The objectives of this experiment were to compare forced-air cooling (FAC) compared to hydrocooling without sanitizer (HW) and hydrocooling with sanitizer (HS) regarding the quality and shelf life of southern highbush blueberry [SHB (Vaccinium corymbosum)] and to determine the efficacy of these treatments for reducing Salmonella in SHB. Freshly harvested SHB that were inoculated with a five-serovar cocktail of rifampin-resistant Salmonella were rapidly chilled by FAC or hydrocooling (HW and HS) using a laboratory model system. FAC did not show any significant reduction (P > 0.05) in Salmonella or in the effects on the microbiological quality of blueberries. HW and HS reduced Salmonella by ≈2 and >4 log cfu/g SHB, respectively, on day 0. These postharvest treatments were also evaluated for their ability to help maintain fruit quality throughout a storage period of 21 days at 1 °C. Hydrocooling (both HS and HW) provided more rapid cooling than FAC. Hydrocooled blueberries showed significant weight gain (P < 0.05), whereas FAC resulted in a slight, but insignificant (P > 0.05), reduction in final weight. The results of hydrocooling, both HS and HW, shown in this study could help to extend the shelf life while maintaining or increasing the microbiological quality of fresh market blueberries. Information obtained by this study can be used for developing the best temperature management practices to maintain the postharvest safety and quality of blueberries.

scholarly journals Optimizing Nitrogen Fertigation Rates for Young Southern Highbush Blueberry

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 389
Author(s):  
Yang Fang ◽  
Jeffrey Williamson ◽  
Rebecca Darnell ◽  
Yuncong Li ◽  
Guodong Liu
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Highbush Blueberry ◽  
Soil Nitrate ◽  
Southern Highbush ◽  
N Rates

The commercial blueberry industry in Florida has expanded significantly in both acreage and value in the past several years. The southern highbush blueberry (SHB, Vaccinium corymbosum L. interspecific hybrid) is the major blueberry type grown in Florida. The nitrogen (N) demand of young SHB differs from the northern highbush blueberry (NHB, V. corymbosum L.) and from mature blueberry plants. The objective of this study was to optimize fertigated N rates for the growth and yield of young SHB plants. One-year-old ‘Emerald’ and ‘Farthing’ plants were fertilized with 32N-0P-0K through drip irrigation at annual rates of 0, 42, 84, 168, and 336 kg N ha−1. Soil nitrate levels at multiple depths were measured along with leaf nutrient concentration, percent canopy ground cover, fruit yield and fruit quality. The results indicated that N rates had no significant effect on leaf nutrient concentrations. Greater N rates advanced bloom and harvest, increased percentage of ground cover (an indicator of canopy size), fruit yield and berry numbers per plant, but decreased mean berry diameter and weight. The soil nitrate results from both ‘Emerald’ and ‘Farthing’ revealed that the 336 kg N ha−1 treatment had a significantly greater risk for nitrate leaching than the lower N treatments in spring. The effect of N rates on fruit quality varied with cultivar and harvest season. The linear plateau regression of fruit yield and N rates indicated that the maximum yield reached at the annual N fertigation rate of 222 kg ha−1 for ‘Emerald’ and 206 kg ha−1 for ‘Farthing’.

scholarly journals Vegetative and Reproductive Traits of Two Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars Grafted onto Vaccinium arboreum Rootstocks

HortScience ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (7) ◽  
pp. 880-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Casamali ◽  
Rebecca L. Darnell ◽  
Alisson P. Kovaleski ◽  
James W. Olmstead ◽  
Jeffrey G. Williamson
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Highbush Blueberry ◽  
Canopy Volume ◽  
Southern Highbush ◽  
Vaccinium Arboreum ◽  
Amended Soil

Vaccinium arboreum Marsh is a wild species adapted to high pH (above 6.0) and low organic matter soils (below 2.0%). The use of V. arboreum rootstocks may be a viable option to increase soil adaptation of southern highbush blueberry (SHB) (Vaccinium corymbosum interspecific hybrid) under marginal soil conditions. The objective of this research was to evaluate the vegetative and reproductive traits of ‘Farthing’ and ‘Meadowlark’ SHB own-rooted or grafted onto V. arboreum and grown in pine bark–amended or nonamended soil. The study was conducted from 2012 through 2014 at a research center in Citra, FL, and a grower’s farm in Archer, FL. Vaccinium arboreum rootstock generally induced the same effects in both cultivars. Grafted plants in both soil treatments had reduced canopy growth in the first year after field planting compared with own-rooted plants in amended soil. However, canopy volume of grafted plants was greater than own-rooted plants in nonamended soil and similar to own-rooted plants in amended soil 2 years after field planting for ‘Meadowlark’ and 3 years after planting for ‘Farthing’. Fruit yield was lower in grafted plants compared with own-rooted plants in the first fruiting year (2 years after field planting). By the second fruiting year, yields of grafted plants were similar to or greater than yields of own-rooted plants when grown in nonamended soil, whereas in amended soil, yields of grafted plants were similar to yields of own-rooted plants. Grafted plants had greater mean berry weight, but lower berry firmness; however, the firmness values were still considered acceptable (greater than 160 g⋅mm−1). Internal fruit quality [total soluble solids (TSS) and total titratable acidity (TTA)] was not consistently affected by the rootstock or soil treatments. These results suggest that grafting SHB onto V. arboreum does not increase yield in the establishment years compared with own-rooted SHB when grown in amended soils, but may have the ability to increase yield with no negative effects on fruit quality when grown in nonamended soils.

scholarly journals Development and Evaluation of a Portable, Handheld Mechanical Shaker to Study Fruit Detachment in Blueberry

HortScience ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 394-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anish Malladi ◽  
Tripti Vashisth ◽  
Scott NeSmith
Keyword(s):  
Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Highbush Blueberry ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Vaccinium Ashei ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Southern Highbush ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Mechanical Shaker ◽  
Selection Of

A portable, handheld, mechanical shaking device was developed and its effects on fruit detachment in rabbiteye bluebbery (Vaccinium ashei Reade) and southern highbush blueberry (hybrids of mostly Vaccinium corymbosum L. and Vaccinium darrowi Camp.) were evaluated. The instrument facilitated effective detachment of fruit within a branch, especially in rabbiteye blueberry (greater than 75%). Approximately 3 to 4 seconds of shaking was sufficient to detach the majority of the fruit. Differences in the extent of fruit detachment were observed across the genotypes, especially among southern highbush blueberry genotypes. The majority of fruit detachment in rabbiteye blueberry and most of the southern highbush blueberry genotypes occurred at the point of attachment of the pedicel to the berry, although a significant portion detached with the stem intact, resulting in stemmy fruit. Although only a small proportion of the detached fruit was immature in the rabbiteye blueberry genotypes, up to 23% of the detached fruit was immature in the southern highbush blueberry genotypes. Application of the abscission agents methyl jasmonate (MeJa; 20 mm) and ethephon (1000 mg·L−1) reduced the time required for fruit detachment on mechanical shaking by up to 5-fold. Together, these data indicate that the mechanical shaking device developed here is an effective tool for studying fruit detachment in blueberry. This instrument has potential applications in blueberry research programs evaluating fruit production. It can be used in breeding programs to aid in the selection of genotypes with fruit detachment characteristics that are potentially better suited for mechanical harvesting, and also in programs involving the screening and evaluation of abscission agents in blueberry.

scholarly journals Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars from the University of Florida

EDIS ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffery G. Williamson ◽  
Douglas A. Phillips ◽  
Paul Lyrene ◽  
Patricio R. Munoz
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Highbush Blueberry ◽  
Chilling Requirement ◽  
University Of Florida ◽  
Major Revision ◽  
Highbush Blueberries ◽  
Southern Highbush ◽  
The University

Southern highbush blueberries combine the fruit quality and productivity of highbush blueberries with the low chilling requirement necessary to produce a crop in the Florida climate. Written by J. G. Williamson, D. A. Phillips, P. M. Lyrene, and P. R. Munoz and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, this 13-page major revision describes current and historical southern highbush blueberry cultivars released by the University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1245

scholarly journals Inflorescence Bud Initiation, Development, and Bloom in Two Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars

2015 ◽  
Vol 140 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisson P. Kovaleski ◽  
Jeffrey G. Williamson ◽  
James W. Olmstead ◽  
Rebecca L. Darnell
Keyword(s):  
Interspecific Hybrids ◽  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽  
Highbush Blueberry ◽  
Bud Development ◽  
Late Fall ◽  
Southern Highbush ◽  
Bud Initiation ◽  
The Relationship

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) production is increasing worldwide, particularly in subtropical growing regions, but information on timing and extent of inflorescence bud development during summer and fall and effects on bloom the next season are limited. The objectives of this study were to determine time of inflorescence bud initiation, describe internal inflorescence bud development, and determine the relationship between internal inflorescence bud development and bloom period the next spring in two southern highbush blueberry [SHB (Vaccinium corymbosum interspecific hybrids)] cultivars. ‘Emerald’ and ‘Jewel’ SHB buds were collected beginning in late summer until shoot growth cessation in late fall for dissection and identification of organ development. Inflorescence bud frequency and number, vegetative and inflorescence bud length and width throughout development, and bloom were also assessed. Inflorescence bud initiation occurred earlier in ‘Emerald’ compared with ‘Jewel’. Five stages of internal inflorescence bud development were defined throughout fall in both cultivars, ranging from a vegetative meristem to early expansion of the inflorescence bud in late fall. ‘Emerald’ inflorescence buds were larger and bloomed earlier, reflecting the earlier inflorescence bud initiation and development. Although inflorescence bud initiation occurred earlier in ‘Emerald’ compared with ‘Jewel’, the pattern of development was not different. Timing of inflorescence bud initiation influenced timing of bloom with earlier initiation resulting in earlier bloom.

scholarly journals Phenotypic Evaluation of a Hybrid Diploid Blueberry Population for Plant Development and Fruit Quality Traits

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1067
Author(s):  
Lisa J. Rowland ◽  
Elizabeth L. Ogden ◽  
Bryan T. Vinyard
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Plant Development ◽  
Cold Hardiness ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Chilling Requirement ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
Flower Bud ◽  
Phenotypic Data ◽  
Fruit Quality Traits ◽  
Highly Correlated

A diploid blueberry mapping population, used previously to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for chilling requirement and cold hardiness, was evaluated for several plant development and fruit quality traits. Specifically, the population was phenotyped in a greenhouse for timing of various stages of flower bud, leaf bud and fruit development and for fruit quality traits including weight, diameter, color, scar, firmness, flavor and soluble solids. Phenotypic data was analyzed statistically by analysis of variance, correlation tests, to examine associations of traits, and heritability. Results indicated that the traits were segregating and most were distributed normally in the population. Many of the development traits were correlated, and timing of shoot expansion, early bloom and full bloom was also correlated with the previously evaluated trait of chilling requirement. Some correlations were found among the fruit quality traits as well. For example, weight was highly correlated with diameter, and subjectively measured firmness was moderately correlated with one of the objectively measured firmness traits. In addition, most of the traits showed significant variation across genotypes and across years, and most had moderate to high heritability. Therefore, we conclude that the diploid population should be useful for identifying QTL for many of these traits.

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