ECO-PHYSIOLOGICAL AND HORTICULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TWO KOREAN WILD VACCINIUMS

Since early 2002 in Korea, there has been significant growth in the production of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) nationwide.
This growth was largely influenced by increased consumer awareness of the fruits’ health benefits, particularly its high antioxidative activity.
This study compares the ecological habitats and physiological characteristics of two Korean native wild Vacciniums (V. oldhamii, V. bracteatum) with a commercial blueberry cultivar (V. corymbosum) and discusses their future potential. V. oldhamii grows widely from coastal areas to mountainous valleys but V. bracteatum is mainly found in coastal areas.
These Vacciniums had quite different flowering and maturing properties, but their habitats were similar, being well adapted to poor soil conditions.
Both species had phenotypes with smaller leaves, floral organs and fruits compared to commercial blueberries.
Higher contents of polyphenols, anthocyanins and β-carotene and antioxidant activity were found in Korean wild blueberries compared to a northern highbush blueberry (V. corymbosum). These Vaccinium may have some potential as rootstocks for commercial blueberry production in Korean soils, utilization of native fruit, and varietal improvement through inter-specific hybridization.

XXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010): International Symposium on Berries: From Genomics to Sustainable Production, Quality and Health

Hye-Sung Cho , Youn-Sup Cho, Jeong-An Cho

V. oldhamii, V. bracteatum, V. corymbosum, antioxidant activity

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2012.926.21