Articles
Canopy light interception during the ripening period of southern highbush blueberry
Article number
1440_33
Pages
237 – 340
Language
English
Abstract
The amount of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) received by a blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) plant directly influences its carbon assimilation, which is essential for maximizing fruit yield and quality.
Plant architecture and other canopy attributes impact light interception.
Previous studies indicate that light interception sharply declines within the canopy during flower bud formation.
However, little is known about canopy light interception during the fruiting season.
In this study, we aimed to describe southern highbush blueberry (SHB) PAR interception during the blueberry production season (February-May) in Florida.
PAR intensity was assessed during 2023 and 2024 using ‘Optimus’ and ‘Farthing’ SHB plants established in 2019. Measurements were taken monthly from February through May of each evaluation year.
We found no differences in PAR interception between years of evaluation, but light distribution varied significantly within the plant canopy (P≤0.001). Approximately, 50% more PAR was available to leaves located 1.2 m from the base of the plant than at 0.6 m.
Additionally, ‘Optimus’ SHB plants showed more variability in PAR interception over the months of data collection compared to ‘Farthing’ SHB, likely due to differences in plant architecture.
Our results suggest that photosynthesis in the lower part of the SHB canopy is limited by PAR scarcity.
Light interception differences could also impact other traits of interest like fruit ripening, quality, and yield.
Plant architecture and other canopy attributes impact light interception.
Previous studies indicate that light interception sharply declines within the canopy during flower bud formation.
However, little is known about canopy light interception during the fruiting season.
In this study, we aimed to describe southern highbush blueberry (SHB) PAR interception during the blueberry production season (February-May) in Florida.
PAR intensity was assessed during 2023 and 2024 using ‘Optimus’ and ‘Farthing’ SHB plants established in 2019. Measurements were taken monthly from February through May of each evaluation year.
We found no differences in PAR interception between years of evaluation, but light distribution varied significantly within the plant canopy (P≤0.001). Approximately, 50% more PAR was available to leaves located 1.2 m from the base of the plant than at 0.6 m.
Additionally, ‘Optimus’ SHB plants showed more variability in PAR interception over the months of data collection compared to ‘Farthing’ SHB, likely due to differences in plant architecture.
Our results suggest that photosynthesis in the lower part of the SHB canopy is limited by PAR scarcity.
Light interception differences could also impact other traits of interest like fruit ripening, quality, and yield.
Publication
Authors
J.M. Zapien-Macias, P. Munoz, G.H. Nunez
Keywords
photosynthetically active radiation, plant architecture, light distribution, weather, photosynthetic efficiency
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