Articles
Restoration of bare spots in wild blueberry fields
Article number
1440_37
Pages
265 – 272
Language
English
Abstract
Several techniques used in developing wild blueberry fields have created many bare spots where, over time, Vaccinium angustifolium, exposed in addition to fertilizers and pesticides, has never succeeded in growing.
Bare spots have resulted in a growing concern as they impact crop yield and selling value of fields.
This study aimed to test greenhouse propagation and planting wild blueberry seeds in fields as an interesting alternative to deal with bare spots.
Germination trials were conducted under controlled conditions in New Brunswick, using different growth substrates and Vaccinium angustifolium seed growth biostimulants.
Then, seedlings were later transplanted in fields for evaluation.
The results showed a significant influence of mainly sphagnum and peat moss substrates on increasing germination rate in greenhouse and seedlings survival rate in field.
Twelve months after transplantation, bare spots have been completely recovered with vigorous wild blueberry plants.
Bare spots have resulted in a growing concern as they impact crop yield and selling value of fields.
This study aimed to test greenhouse propagation and planting wild blueberry seeds in fields as an interesting alternative to deal with bare spots.
Germination trials were conducted under controlled conditions in New Brunswick, using different growth substrates and Vaccinium angustifolium seed growth biostimulants.
Then, seedlings were later transplanted in fields for evaluation.
The results showed a significant influence of mainly sphagnum and peat moss substrates on increasing germination rate in greenhouse and seedlings survival rate in field.
Twelve months after transplantation, bare spots have been completely recovered with vigorous wild blueberry plants.
Publication
Authors
M. Tetegan, N. Simon
Keywords
Vaccinium angustifolium, B. pumilus, S. flavicomans, S. rubellum, soil recovery, New Brunswick
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