THE EFFECT OF FROST UPON SEED NUMBER AND BERRY SIZE IN THE CRANBERRY

Aims: This study aimed at assessing the functional linkage among seed traits (including seed number, seed weight), berry growth and berry sugar and acid concentration by adapting a mathematical growth function with parameters having biological importance.Methods and results: The evolution of berry diameter of Cabernet- Sauvignon was satisfactorily fitted to a bi-phasic growth function with six parameters. Correlations between the parameters and berry characteristics, including time of skin color change, seed number, seed weight, final berry size and chemical composition, were analyzed. Results showed that berry growth within a bunch deviated according to seed number, which positively related to parameters describing diameter increment (D1) and initial growth rate (GRini) during the first rapid growth phase, but not related to any parameters involved in the second growth phase. The time of skin color change was negatively associated with mean seed weight, and coincided with growth parameter DABmax that denotes the time when growth rate is maximum during the second rapid growth phase. Sugar concentration was negatively correlated to final berry fresh weight (BFW), seed fresh weight (SFW), GRini and diameter increment during the second rapid growth phase (D2). Path analysis further revealed that the negative effects of SFW and D2 were indirectly mediated via BFW and GRini.Conclusions: We thus conclude that seed affects berry growth and exerts its influence only during the first growth phase via modifying the parameters D1 and GRini. The time of colour change is also affected by seed, and might not be a good indicator of growth restoration after the lag phase. Sugar concentration is linked to final berry size, specific berry growth parameters and seed weight, for the last mainly in an indirect manner.Significance of the study: This study, integrating the analysis of berry growth and composition with a mathematical growth function, provides a valuable approach for deeper understanding of the functional associations among seed traits, berry growth and berry sugar and acid concentration at the berry level.

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Honey Bee Activity in Northern Highbush Blueberry Differs across Growing Regions in Washington State

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci10934-16 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 51 (10) ◽

pp. 1228-1232

Author(s):

Lisa W. DeVetter ◽

Sean Watkinson ◽

Ramesh Sagili ◽

Timothy Lawrence

Keyword(s):

Honey Bee ◽

Washington State ◽

Highbush Blueberry ◽

Seed Number ◽

Bee Colony ◽

Visitation Rates ◽

Berry Size ◽

Northern Highbush Blueberry ◽

Western Washington ◽

Eastern Washington

Commercial production of northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is dependent upon rented colonies of honey bees (Apis mellifera) for meeting pollination requirements. Despite the prevalent use of honey bees, growers in Washington State and the greater Pacific Northwest (PNW), particularly those located in the western regions, claim pollination is limited and yield potential is subsequently reduced due to pollination deficits. However, there have been no studies or surveys that document this occurrence for this economically important region of blueberry production. The objective of this study was to survey honey bee activity in commercial plantings of ‘Duke’ highbush blueberry in western and eastern Washington and to assess the relationship between honey bee activity, growing region, and select yield components. Honey bee colony strength was also assessed to evaluate this variable’s relationship to honey bee activity and measured yield components. Sixteen and 18 commercial ‘Duke’ blueberry fields across Washington State were surveyed in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Average number of honey bee visitations per plant and honey bee colony strength were determined to evaluate overall honey bee activity. Estimated yield, berry number per plant, berry size (mass), and seed number per berry were also determined and analyzed to determine their relationship to honey bee activity through regression analysis. Honey bee visitation rates differed between western and eastern Washington, with western Washington sites consistently below recommended honey bee densities. Colony strength was also below recommended levels, but was lower for western Washington relative to eastern Washington. Estimated yield and berry number differed across sites and years, but were not related to honey bee visitation rates. Regression analysis revealed few significant relationships, although honey bee visitation rates were positively related to seed number per berry and seed number was positively related to berry size (R2 = 0.25 and 0.16, respectively). Berry size was also positively related to colony strength (R2 = 0.63). This study demonstrates that honey bee activity is limited in Washington blueberry production, particularly in western Washington, when compared with recommendations for optimal honey bee activity in blueberry. However, yields were unaffected between the compared regions. The lack of a relationship between honey bee visitation rates and yields suggests that pollination is sufficient for ‘Duke’ blueberry in Washington State and pollination deficits do not limit yield for this cultivar under the conditions of the study.

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Pollination Requirements of Three Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) Cultivars

Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science ◽

10.21273/jashs.122.6.891 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 122 (6) ◽

pp. 891-896 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Kenna E. MacKenzie

Keyword(s):

Seed Coat ◽

Fruit Set ◽

Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽

Harvest Date ◽

Highbush Blueberry ◽

Seed Number ◽

Berry Size ◽

Low Levels ◽

Viable Seeds ◽

Total Seed

The effects of pollination treatments on fruit set and five berry characteristics [mass, diameter, number of apparently viable seeds (well-developed, plump with dark seed coat), total seed number (includes apparently viable and partially developed seeds), and harvest date] were examined on three highbush blueberry cultivars. Pollination treatments included unpollinated, open pollinated, emasculated, and three hand pollinations that used pollen from the same flower, from the same cultivar, or from a different cultivar. Berries matured earliest and were smallest with the most apparently viable seeds in `Northland', `Patriot' had the greatest fruit set and smallest seed number, and `Bluecrop' matured the latest. Fruit set was greater, berry size larger, seed number smaller, and maturation later in 1990 than 1991. For all three cultivars, berries were generally smallest, latest maturing, and had the fewest seeds when pollination was prevented and were largest with the most seeds and earliest maturing in open visitation. Emasculation resulted in berries similar to those from unpollinated flowers. For berry characteristics, cross-pollination was of benefit for `Patriot' and possibly `Northland' but not `Bluecrop'. Thus, commercial highbush blueberry planting designs must be based on the pollination requirements of the particular cultivar. `Northland' berries almost always had seeds, while `Patriot' showed high levels and `Bluecrop' low levels of parthenocarpy.

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Blueberry Floral Attributes and Their Effect on the Pollination Efficiency of an Oligolectic Bee, Osmia ribifloris Cockerell (Megachilidae: Apoidea)

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.48.2.136 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 48 (2) ◽

pp. 136-142 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Blair J. Sampson ◽

Stephen J. Stringer ◽

Donna A. Marshall

Keyword(s):

Fruit Set ◽

Fruit Production ◽

Flower Size ◽

Floral Traits ◽

Solitary Bee ◽

Pollination Efficiency ◽

Seed Number ◽

Cross Pollination ◽

Berry Size ◽

Fruit Abortion

We evaluated relationships between floral traits of 23 genotypes of southern blueberries and indices of pollination efficiency (fruit set, fruit abortion, seed number, and berry size) for Osmia ribifloris Cockerell, a manageable solitary bee. Flower size in Vaccinium and presumably ovary size were proportional to berry size, except for the tiny blooms of one V. tenellum clone (NC7808), which produce large commercial-sized berries of ≈2 g. Longer-styled blueberry flowers visited by O. ribifloris produced the heaviest berries with the most seeds. Osmia ribifloris reliably pollinated ‘Climax’ and ‘Tifblue’ rabbiteye blueberries. However, the peculiarly misshapen blooms of ‘Premier’ rabbiteye blueberry receive less pollination from O. ribifloris and yield berries containing 25% fewer seeds. Fruit set for these misshapen ‘Premier’ flowers was equivalent to that of intact flowers indicating that this floral polymorphism would not greatly alter cultivar performance. For seven Vaccinium species, wild and cultivated alike, 80% to 100% of a plant’s fruit production depends on efficient cross-pollination by bees such as O. ribifloris.

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Increasing Honey Bee Hive Densities Promotes Pollination and Yield Components of Highbush Blueberry in Western Washington

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci12644-17 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 53 (2) ◽

pp. 191-194

Author(s):

Matthew Arrington ◽

Lisa Wasko DeVetter

Keyword(s):

Honey Bee ◽

Honey Bees ◽

Yield Components ◽

Fruit Set ◽

Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽

Highbush Blueberry ◽

Seed Number ◽

Berry Weight ◽

Berry Size ◽

Western Washington

Yield components including fruit set and berry size in northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) can be limited in key production regions like western Washington. Climactic conditions influence the activity levels of blueberry’s primary commercial pollinator, honey bee (Apis mellifera). Cool springs with frequent rainfall, which are common during the spring bloom period in western Washington, can reduce honey bee activity, pollination efficiency, and subsequent fruit set and yields. Increasing honey bee hive density may be a simple technique that growers can employ to increase the number of honey bees foraging during periods of good weather, interspersed with the poor weather, and therefore, increase fruit set and related yield components. The objective of this study was to evaluate if increased honey bee hive densities improve pollination and subsequent yield components in western Washington blueberry. Three field sites with mature ‘Duke’ plants were stocked with 10 hives/ha of honey bees (control), and three other field sites (also ‘Duke’) were stocked with 20 hives/ha (high hive density). Honey bee visitation and yield components, including fruit set and berry weight, were measured. Estimated yield, seed number/berry, and fruit firmness were also monitored. There were no significant differences in fruit set regardless of honey bee hive density. However, honey bee visitation and estimated yield increased with increased honey bee hive density. Berry weight and seed number per berry were also increased with increased honey bee hive density, although firmness was unaffected. Results indicate that increasing honey bee hive densities can help blueberry growers improve berry size and overall yields, suggesting this is a practice growers can implement if their production is constrained by insufficient pollination.

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Quantitative analysis of the berry size in grapevine cultivar ‘Italia’ •

Progress in Agricultural Engineering Sciences ◽

10.1556/446.2021.30007 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (S1) ◽

pp. 53-60

Author(s):

E. Somogyi ◽

Á. Kun ◽

J. Lázár ◽

P. Bodor-Pesti ◽

D. Á. Nyitrainé Sárdy

Keyword(s):

Morphological Traits ◽

Seed Number ◽

Fruit Traits ◽

Noticeable Effect ◽

Size And Shape ◽

Horticultural Crops ◽

Grapevine Cultivar ◽

Berry Size ◽

Sampling Locations ◽

Cultivation Technology

AbstractQuantitative evaluation of the horticultural crops has high importance to identify cultivars, describe the effect of the growing location and cultivation technology or define consumer's preference regarding the size and shape. Fruit traits of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) are mainly described by the bunch and berry morphology notably bunch and berry size, weight and shape. Ampelographers particularly evaluate the berry based on the seed number as it influences size and consumers' decision. In this study, berry morphological traits of the grapevine cultivar ‘Italia’ was investigated based on digital image analysis. Samples were collected from two vineyards in Hungary with different ecological and cultivation circumstances. Altogether 12 traits were investigated: weight, seed number, size and shape attributes. Results showed that berry morphological traits – except from the shape attributes – are not differing between the two sampling locations. In accordance with previous studies, seed number – ranging from 0 to 4 – had noticeable effect on the size attributes.

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Shiraz berry size in relation to seed number and implications for juice and wine composition

Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research ◽

10.1111/j.1755-0238.2005.tb00273.x ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 2-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

ROB R. WALKER ◽

DEIDRE H. BLACKMORE ◽

PETER R. CLINGELEFFER ◽

GEORGE H. KERRIDGE ◽

ERNST H. RÜHL ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seed Number ◽

Berry Size ◽

Wine Composition

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Interaction Between CPPU and NAA on Fruit Thinning and Fruit Development in Selected Apple Cultivars

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.33.3.513c ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 513c-513 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Martin J. Bukovac ◽

Jerome Hull ◽

John C. Neilsen ◽

Michael Schroeder ◽

Georg Noga

Keyword(s):

Total Yield ◽

Fruit Size ◽

Frost Damage ◽

Fruit Growth ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Seed Number ◽

Crop Load ◽

Fruit Thinning ◽

Carpel Development ◽

Return Bloom

NAA is used extensively for fruit thinning of apples to increase fruit size and to promote return bloom. In some cultivars, even if thinning is achieved, fruit size at harvest may be less than expected based on crop load. CPPU, N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N.-phenylurea, has been shown to increase fruit growth in apples, grapes, and kiwi. We evaluated combinations of NAA and CPPU on thinning, fruit growth and return bloom in Redchief `Delicious', `Elstar', and `Gloster'. CPPU was applied at 5 mgμL–1 (based on 0 to 10 mgμL–1 response curve) in combination with 15 mgμL–1 NAA as high-volume sprays at 7 to 10 mm KFD. Yield and fruit size distribution (on total yield) were used as index of response. In `Delicious', CPPU (3-year study) increased % large (70 mm+) fruit, but in the presence of NAA % large fruit was reduced 2 of the 3 years. CPPU did not induce significant thinning. There were no significant effects on color or soluble solids; firmness was increased slightly and seed number reduced. The L/D ratio was increased and uneven lobe and carpel development was common. CPPU had no significant effect on return bloom in presence or absence of NAA, but NAA increased bloom in both the presence and absence of CPPU. With `Elstar' (2-year study) there was no significant thinning with either chemical, but CPPU increased mean fruit size and % large (70–80 mm) fruit over nonthinned, but not significantly greater than NAA alone. There were no significant differences in firmness, color, soluble solids or seed number. NAA + CPPU did not inhibit fruit growth or cause excessive uneven carpel development. Frost damage reduced crop load in `Gloster' where results were similar to `Elstar' except seed number was reduced by the NAA + CPPU combination.

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