Lowbush Blueberries

Lowbush Blueberries
The lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium an Vaccinium myrtilloides) seldom grow higher than 0.5 m (1.5 ft).

They are from native stands and are low growing shrubs that spread by underground stems (rhizomes).

Shoots develop form buds on the rhizomes, the roots develop adventitiously and form a dense mat.

The species are native to the northeastern US and Canada, and most of their fruit is harvested from managed, wild stands.

Most lowbush blueberry stands that are commercially harvested are under a 2 year of management where the fields are burned every second year to increased fruit production.

One year wood from rhizomes gives a greater yield than 1 year old wood from 2 year old wood because more buds are produced.

In a “wild” stand 40 to 60 shoots per square meter are desirable to give a yield of approximately 1.5 tons per acre.

Lowbush blueberries are insect pollinated. Because lowbush blueberries are highly self-sterile, it is estimate that pollen from one plant should be available to pollinate flowers of a different genotype.

Harvesting begins when 90% of the fruit is blue in color. The fruit is harvested by a specially designed rake that is combed through shrubs to separate out the fruit. Almost all the fruit is for processing purpose.
Lowbush Blueberries