ISHS Acta Horticulturae 715: VIII International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture
BLUEBERRY FRUIT QUALITY AND YIELD AS AFFECTED BY FERTILIZATION |
| Author: | G.C. Paylis |
| Keywords: | Vaccinium corymbosum, fertilizer timing, fertigation |
| Abstract:
The effects of timing of fertilizer applications on fruit quality and yield of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivar ‘Duke’ were evaluated during the summers of 2000 - 2003. Treatments included a split application of 10-10-10 when uptake is more efficient, i.e. early petal fall and pre-harvest and were compared to the control, a split application of 10-10-10 at bud swell and post-bloom. Additionally, fertilizer applications were made via trickle irrigation (fertigation) from early petal fall through pre-harvest and compared to the standard 10-10-10 application at bud swell and post-bloom. Fruit size, fruit firmness, leaf nutrient levels, and yield were analyzed utilizing a randomized complete block design. Fruit was harvested once a week. The 2002 data showed that yield was significantly increased with both the petal fall/pre-harvest and the fertigation treatments when compared to the control. In addition, there were significant differences in fruit firmness between treatments. Leaf nutrient levels indicate a greater efficiency of uptake with the treatments initiated later than the control. Additionally, berries that were fertigated were 14% firmer than control berries. These results, coupled with fertilizer recommendations based on leaf analysis and a greater awareness of the role of the proper soil pH have changed the way highbush blueberries are fertilized in New Jersey. | |
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