Influence of winter temperatures on the yielding ability of highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivars in Belarus

Abstract

Temperature conditions during the winter determine the cold injury suffered by the reproductive organs of the highbush blueberry and, thus, it's yielding ability. Alternation of thawing and freezing periods can reduce the winter hardiness of blueberries. When atmospheric temperatures are reduced gradually after winter thawing periods, blueberry plants are able to regain hardiness. The majority of blueberry cultivars possess ecological adaption that allows them to adapt to adverse winter temperatures and most demonstrate a potential yield capacity of about 2 kg/plant under Belarus conditions. 'Bluecrop', 'Blueray', 'Elizabeth', 'Northland', 'Rancocas', and 'Weymouth' appear to be the best adapted and most productive among the blueberry cultivars studied. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.