POTENTIAL OF THE EUROPEAN WILD BLUEBERRY (VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS) FOR CULTIVATION AND INDUSTRIAL EXPLOITATION IN NORWAY

Today there is no commercial exploitation of the Norwegian wild blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), in contradiction to the highly exploited lowbush blueberry of Canada.
Because V. myrtillus have a higher content of biological compounds important for human health than the lowbush blueberry, there is an increasing demand for this berry on the market.
In a new four year project (2008–2011) the potential for commercial production of V. myrtillus in Norway will be examined.
We will examine semi-cultivation practices on forestland, including clear-cutting of forest, periodic pruning, fertilization and water management and the effect of competition from other plants.
Methods of planting and cultivating plants on agricultural land will also be examined.
Goals include the selection of superior clones adapted to several regions in Norway and the development of effective propagation methods.
We will also study how blueberries react on climatic parameters using controlled experiments and data from meteorological stations in forest fields.
Different hand operated equipment for harvesting will be examined, and methods for transport to pilot receiving stations with subsequent rinsing and freezing will be developed.
This paper describes the background and goals of the project.

IX International Vaccinium Symposium

I. Martinussen, R. Nestby, A. Nes

breeding, cultivation, propagation, Vaccinium myrtillus

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.810.28