ISHS Acta Horticulturae 346: V International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture
BLUEBERRY PRODUCTION STRATEGIES |
| Author: | C.M. Mainland |
| Keywords: | Mechanical harvesting, mechanical topping, delay of blossoming |
| Abstract:
Mechanized harvesting advances since the last International Vaccinium Symposium in 1988 have included new detachment techniques, smaller machines for young bushes and provisions for on-machine sorting. The number of manufacturers offering harvesters for cultivated blueberries has increased from one in 1988 to at least five in 1992. Mechanical topping has reduced the labor requirement and improved the fruit quality of 'O'Neal' highbush blueberries. Blossom and fruit losses to freezes in late winter, spring and summer exceeded 1,000,000 mt in the U.S. in 1992. These losses have stimulated increased interest in protection techniques such as sprinkler irrigation, wind machines and growth regulators to delay blossoming. | |
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