Yield Component Analysis in the Cranberry1

Abstract

Yield component analysis was used to study the components of yield diversity in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.). The proportion of uprights flowering and fruit-set were identified as important contributors to yield diversity. Numbers of uprights, flowers per flowering upright, and fruit-size were less important. Isolated yield components were largely influenced by uncontrolled variation. However, component compensation effects were identified. Fruit-set compensated for uprights/dm2 in several areas. Fruit-size compensated for uprights/dm2 and fruit-set for flower number in only one area. Fruit-set and fruit-size were positively correlated in two cases. The numerical techniques employed have positively identified promising areas for further research.

Economic Analysis of Nitrogen Rate on Vine Production and Fruit Yield of Pruned Cranberry Beds

“…Because the percentage of reproductive uprights has been shown to be an important yield determinant (Baumann and Eaton, 1986;Eaton and Kyte, 1978), the decrease in reproductive uprights (along with the increase in runners and vegetative uprights) with increasing nitrogen rates can help to explain the yield decrease associated with increased nitrogen rates noted below. Total plant weight per unit area collected during the summer sampling (postpruning) decreased linearly with increasing pruning severity (P = 0.022) yielding the following mean (N = 96) values for the 4-year period: none = 0.93 ± 0.039 kgÁm -2 , low = 0.86 ± 0.034 kgÁm -2 , medium = 0.88 ± 0.037 kgÁm -2 , and heavy = 0.80 ± 0.032 kgÁm -2 .…”