Effect of genotype and environment on vegetative and reproductive characteristics of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis‐idaea L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out using cuttings and seedlings from 11 selected clones of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis‐idaea L.) planted at Balsgård, Sweden, in 1982. Daughter plants from two different clones and their corresponding seedling progenies were transferred to a Biothron at Alnarp, Sweden, in 1988. These two clones and their respective seedling populations were cultivated under conditions of controlled temperature and humidity, but in distinct environments with direct light and shade. Data on vegetative and reproductive growth were recorded. A small additional experiment to verify the effects of light on development was performed in frames at Alnarp. The results suggest that the genotype of wild lingonberry accessions controls their spreading ability (i.e. number of rhizomes), influences its growth, thereby affecting plant height, and determines the number of vegetative shoots, total number of shoots and berry set. Furthermore, light influences plant height, vegetative shoots and number of fertile shoots. The propagule system affects the number of both vegetative and fertile shoots. Plants derived from cuttings are superior to their corresponding seedling offspring, especially under shadow.