Comparison of Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) under Ridge and Pot Production
Tina Smrke, Robert Veberič, M. Hudina, Domen Štamic, Jerneja Jakopič
Abstract
Due to the specific requirements for low soil pH, new production methods are being introduced for highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). Planting in pots has gained popularity in recent years due to the easier control of the substrate pH. This study was carried out on 2-year-old ‘Duke’, ‘Aurora’ and ‘Brigitta’ cultivar blueberry plants that were planted along a ridge or in pots. The substrate temperature reached higher values for the pots, while the substrate water content was higher for the ridge. In the ‘Duke’ and ‘Aurora’ plants, significantly higher sugar/organic acid ratios were obtained for fruit from the ridge. However, significantly higher fruit total phenolics content, greater plant volumes and lower yields per plant were obtained for ‘Aurora’ as potted plants compared to the ridge. The ‘Brigitta’ fruit harvested from potted plants had significantly higher total organic acid content; however, no significant difference was seen for the sugar/organic acid ratio between the conditions. This study is the first to compare the responses of different highbush blueberry cultivars in terms of production on a ridge and in pots, and the impact on the substrate microclimatic conditions, plant volume and fruit yield and primary and secondary metabolites content.