Effects of leaf/fruit ratio and pollen density on highbush blueberry [Vaccinium corymbosum] fruit quality and maturation

The effect of the leaf/fruit ratio and the density of artificial pollination on the berry maturation and qualities in highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cv. "Bluecrop" and "Northland", pot-grown in a greenhouse, were studied. the results obtained in this study were as follows: 1) The berries on shoots with a leaf/fruit ratio of approximately 5:1 were heavier, had higher soluble solid content and an optimum titratable acidity than had fruits on shoots with ratios of 2:1 and 1:1; the berries also matured earlier. 2) The berries pollinated at a day after full bloom (FB) with an applicator had more seeds and were heavier than those pollinated at FB; berries pollinated ten times with an applicator had much more brown seeds compared with berries pollinated three times at anthesis. Hence, pollen density affects berry development. 3) Data on fruit development and maturation show that berry weight correlated highly with the number of seeds, flowering and harvest dates, and the length of the growth period. Moreover, it was found that shortening of the flowering period also shortened the harvest period