ISHS Acta Horticulturae 574: VII International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture
DEVELOPMENT OF A CROP ESTIMATION TECHNIQUE FOR WILD BLUEBERRIES |
| Author: | D.E. Yarborough |
| Keywords: | Vaccinium angustifolium, V. myrtilloides |
| Abstract:
Wild blueberries (principally Vaccinium angustifolium with minor populations of V. myrtilloides) are grown in Maine, the Maritime Provinces of Canada and Quebec. Unlike cultivated blueberries (V. corymbosum), wild blueberries have been developed from natural stands containing clones that are highly variable in productivity. In addition, field cover is also variable within and among fields, which results in highly variable samples. Sampling of experimental plots in wild blueberries entails using long narrow strips and increased replications to overcome variability. Cranberry (V. macrocarpon) researchers have used meter square plots for yield estimations with good results. Yields were compared from 36 m by 0.4 m or 72 m by 0.4 m long strips and meter square plots to determine which method would provide the most accurate assessment of wild blueberry yield. The meter square plots provided the best yield estimation, but estimates needed to be corrected with an estimation of field cover to provide a precise estimation of yield. This method is used by the United States Department of Agriculture Federal Crop Insurance program for calculating crop losses. | |
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