ISHS Acta Horticulturae 715: VIII International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture
INTRODUCTION OF LOWBUSH BLUEBERRY AND HYBRIDS IN SWEDEN |
| Author: | I. Hjalmarsson |
| Keywords: | Vaccinium angustifolium, breeding, cultivars, berry quality, hardiness |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2006.715.20 |
| Abstract:
The poster provides a review of American lowbush blueberry in Sweden. Swedish research and breeding work with American lowbush blueberry started in 1974. Initially 15 000 lowbush seedlings were evaluated at four locations spread all over the country. The seeds were obtained from Canada and Minnesota. The seedlings showed a vast variation in growth and fruit characters. From the four original test fields some 300 clones with superior qualities were selected. The material, which consisted of Vaccinium angustifolium and hybrids between V. angustifolium and V. corymbosum, was planted at Balsgård (southern Sweden) in 1982. Data collected in the observation and breeding field 1983-1986 is presented. During the years of the test the plants did not receive any form of cutting or burning. In general plants started to flower at the end of May. Harvest was performed in the middle of August, when 90-100 % of the berries were fully ripe. The best harvest was recorded in 1984, when the average yield of 30 selected clones reached 406 g per plant. The following years the corresponding results were 300 g. In 1985 the best lowbush plant produced 420 g and the best hybrid produced 1000 g. The average berry weight throughout the years was 0.8 g. Unusual plants had berry weights between 1.0 and 1.3 g per berry. Berry shape, colour and taste were variable characters. Based on the field observations the first Swedish lowbush blueberry variety ‘Putte’ was selected. ‘Putte’ was chosen due to hardiness, attractive growth habit, high yield, large cluster size and superior berry qualities. The berries mature evenly in the clusters and have aromatic flavour. The poster provides a detailed description of ‘Putte’ and its success up until now. In addition it gives an overview of today’s situation concerning lowbush blueberry varieties on the Swedish market and cultivation of these berries in Sweden. | |
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