Soil Preparation, Running Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) Plantation and Biological Properties of Fruits

Abstract

Due to the pro-health properties of highbush blueberry fruit, the interest in cultivation of this species has been growing significantly, which is evidenced by the current increase in world fruit production. Therefore, the aim of our review study is to present the impact of soil and climatic conditions and cultivation methods of Vaccinium corymbosum L. on fruit yield and quality in Central and Eastern Europe. In this region, one of the most important abiotic factors determining the yield level is the minimum temperature of the winter period and short-term increases in temperature, which are conducive to the damage to flower buds. Another factor determining the success of cultivation is soil. In addition, highbush blueberry has specific soil requirements, which result from its characteristic root structure. The adverse impact of soil factors can be mitigated to a certain extent by the use of mycorrhizal fungi. In this chapter, besides the cultivation conditions of V. corymbosum, the pro-health properties of fruits resulting from the presence of bioactive compounds such as polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, especially anthocyanins, will be presented. Besides, factors, such as environmental conditions, degree of ripeness and variety, affect the content of bioactive substances.

Evaluation of the yield of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivars and their economic efficiency on commodity plantations in Poland in the years 2020–2022

“…It is confirmed in their considerations by Mystkowska et al [2017], who state that the basis for obtaining a high yield is the proper cultivation and protection and the right selection of prolific varieties that give fully stable yields. Zydlik et al [2019] add that, from the producer's point of view, selecting varieties with desirable biological properties and economic characteristics is essential 5 . They are critical from the point of view of both production effects and production profitability or farm competitiveness.…”

“…Biological characteristics consist of bush longevity, soil and climatic requirements, time of the start and end of vegetation, time of the start of berry fruiting, disease, and pest resistance as well as berry prolificacy and ripeness. On the other hand, the 'evenness' of the fruit (size and number of berries in clusters) and its taste and handling qualities, the resistance of the fruit to transport, and shelf life in the commodity market are economic characteristics[Zydlik et al 2019]. 6 Highbush blueberry varieties are grouped based on ripening period, distinguishing early, mid-ripening, and late-ripening varieties[Pliszka 2010].…”

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Properties of Field-Grown and In Vitro Leaves, and Calluses in Blackberry and Blueberry

“…In the group of semi-erect thornless blackberry cultivars, this cultivar reaches about 10% of the total world production. Although not widely grown in Serbia, 'Toro' belongs to the most common mid-season highbush blueberry cultivars in Central and Eastern European countries [33] and represents a self-fertile and heavy producer with large, juicy, sweet, and never tart berries. In addition to berries, the leaves of both cultivars appear to be good sources of antioxidants and have strong antibacterial activity [4,5].…”

Targeted Anthocyanin Profiling of Fruits from Three Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars Propagated in Colombia

“…The Ericaceae family houses the blueberry within the Vaccinium genus, comprising around 450 species found worldwide, primarily concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere [7]. A known representative is Vaccinium corymbosum, which typically forms a crown and grows up to 3 m in height, characterized by two to five stems originating from a single hole and possessing deep-fibrous roots that don't penetrate dense soils, rendering it sensitive to drought [8,9]. Its fruits, usually juicy, sweet, and spherical in a blue-black hue, measure around 7 to 10 mm in diameter and contain small seeds [10,11].…”

“…Covered by a specific waxy epidermis, this plant underwent domestication in 1906, with a rapid development period when grown in field conditions (ca. 90 days), leading to improved fruit quality [9,12].…”