Articles
EXPERIMENTAL AND RESEARCH WORK ON FRUIT SPECIES OF THE GENUS VACCINIUM IN GERMANY
The initial purpose was breeding improvement of domestic wild blueberries, Vaccinium myrtillus L. This work was however soon extended to include the domestic American species Vaccinium corymbosum L., and Vaccinium lamarckii Camp. among others.
In the mid-thirties, the first profit-making highbush blueberry plantations originated in the Lüneburger Heide.
The experimental work, especially variety tests, were carried on intensively after the war.
In the last twenty to thirty years, the highbush blueberry has become widely distributed in Germany and has found many admirers.
In 1962, work was begun with the cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.
In this case, as well, the testing of numerous American varieties was of primary importance.
Since the middle European climatic conditions were found to be suitable for the cultivation of cranberries, cultivation for profit making purposes is to be recommended.
The first lay-outs have already been set forth.
Since 1973 work on the domestic cowberry, Vaccinium vitis idaea L., has also been started.
The aim is to answer all questions in conjunction with profit making cultivation of the cowberry in fields.
The efforts concerning breeding improvement of the cranberry, respectively the cowberry, by crossing both these species with one another, are mentioned in short.
In closing, there is a reference to the documentation of the Vaccinium literature at the TU Munich’s Institute for Fruit-Growing at Weihenstephan.