Fruit Set in Half-High Blueberry Genotypes Following Self and Cross Pollination

Abstract

Recently introduced half-high blueberry ( Vacciniumspp.) cultivars were derived from hybridization between the usually self-unfruitful lowbush blueberry ( V. angustifoliumAit.) and self-fruited cultivars of the highbush blueberry ( V. corymbosumL.). In this study, 10 half-high cultivars and advanced breeding selections were self and cross pollinated to determine their degree of self fruitfulness. Fruit set following self pollination varied among the genotypes from none to equal to that following cross pollination. Berries from self pollination were considerably lower in weight for all genotypes except ‘Northblue,’ ‘Northcountry’ and MN 359. Fruits from self pollination had fewer developed seeds/berry for all genotypes. Assuming these results are indicative of field performance, single-cultivar plantations will be feasible for only the specific genotypes which exhibited high fruit set and no reduction in average berry weight following self pollination.