Morphological Characteristics of Blueberry Buds of Some Varieties Introduced in Belarus

Abstract

The article indicates morphological features of vegetative and generative buds of 20 varieties of highbush and 3 varieties of halfhighbush blueberry. Generative buds are laid in the upper part of branching shoots, less often on replacement shoots. Flower buds are much larger than vegetative buds, ovoid, from 3.9 (Jersey) to 6.5 mm (Hardyblue) long, from 2.0 (Herbert, Patriot) to 2.7 mm in diameter (Reka). Depending on the varietal specificity, on average, from 1.3 (Carolinablue) to 6.3 (Rubel) generative buds are formed on one shoot of highbush blueberry branching. The peak number of fruit buds can reach 11 pcs/shoot (Rubel). Vegetative buds are cone-shaped, from 1.8 (Bluecrop, Darrow, Herbert) to 2.8 mm (Jersey) long, from 1.1 (Blueray, Darrow, Jersey, Northblue, Rubel, Weymouth) up to 1.5 mm (Bluetta, Coville) wide. Depending on the variety, on average, from 4.8 (Nelson) to 8.4 (Weymouth) growth buds are laid on the branching shoot. The ratio of vegetative to generative buds on one run varies on average from 1.0 (Rubel) to 6.7 (Bluetta). The linear parameters of the kidneys increase from the base of the shoot to its top.