Evaluation of different blueberry genotypes under mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Southern highbush blueberry genotypes, namely, Gulf Coast, Jewel, Misty, Sharpblue and two rabbiteye genotypes, viz., Alapaha and Austin were evaluated for growth, flowering and fruiting behavior under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh during 2014-16. The variability among genotypes was observed for their growth habit, foliar characteristics, flowering and fruit quality attributes. Genotype, Misty exhibited single stem trunk with spreading and upright growth habit, whereas, all other genotypes including rabbiteye exhibited multistem trunk. However, southern highbush genotype Jewel had more spreading growth habit with vigorous cane having wide crotch angle as compared with other genotypes. In Alapaha, the bush structure was more compact with upright branching having thin and week cane growth. The genotypes also exhibited great variation in leaf shape, colour and size. The variation in flowering and fruiting behavior was also observed among them, Gulf Coast and Misty were earliest to bloom, while Austin was last. Similarly, Gulf Coast and Misty were the earliest in berry maturity. First picking date in Gulf Coast and Misty was on April 25 and harvesting was continued upto first week of May, while Austin was last (last week of May to first week of June). There was also a great variation in the physico-chemical properties of berries among cultivars. The pooled data of three years showed maximum (1.83 g) berry weight in Jewel whereas; Austin produced smallest berries (0.98 g). Similarly, the total soluble solids and titratable acid contents also varied significantly. All genotypes including rabbiteye type had TSS content more than 10% which has been reported as minimum quality index in blueberries. Based on this study it can be concluded that all southern highbush blueberry genotypes as well as two rabiteye genotypes were found promisisg and thus can be grown in northern parts of India where soil is acidic and winter is cool enough to meet-out the chilling requirements.