ISHS Acta Horticulturae 446: VI International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture
RELATIONSHIPS OF POLLINATOR NUMBERS IN BLUEBERRY FIELDS TO FRUIT DEVELOPMENT AND YIELDS. |
| Authors: | L. J. Eaton, John E. Murray |
| Keywords: | Vaccinium angustifolium, fruit set, honeybees |
| Abstract:
Lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) require pollination by insects, either by native species or by managed pollinators. This study was initiated to assess relationships between pollinator numbers and growth, development and yield of blueberries. During the five years of the study, pollinator numbers varied greatly among fields and among years. Weather data collected from test plots during several years suggests that local weather conditions during bloom influence pollinator numbers. Honeybee hive and hive strength numbers also influenced fruit set, berries, and yields. Yields were significantly correlated with honeybee and total pollinator numbers in three of the five years, whereas correlations with groups of native pollinators were inconsistent. A significant correlation of yield to honeybee and total pollinator numbers was observed. These results suggest that managed pollinators are necessary supplements to native pollinators in most large fields in order to ensure adequate pollination and fruit set, but may not always be necessary in small, isolated fields surrounded by wooded areas. Honeybee hives placed in blueberry fields should be as strong as possible, and should be placed at densities of five or more hives per acre. | |
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