Pre- and post-vernalization ramet removal reduces flowering of red sorrel (Rumex acetosellaL.) in wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifoliumAit.)

Abstract

White, S. N., Boyd, N. S., Van Acker, R. C. and Swanton, C. J. 2015. Pre- and post-vernalization ramet removal reduces flowering of red sorrel (Rumex acetosella L.) in wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 549–556. Red sorrel is a common, ramet-producing herbaceous creeping perennial species in wild blueberry fields. Flowering and seed production occur primarily in overwintering ramets in Nova Scotia, Canada, and growers may therefore be able to adopt fairly simple management strategies to reduce or prevent flowering and seed production in this species. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of pre- and post-vernalization ramet removal on red sorrel flowering ramet density under both controlled and field conditions. Under controlled conditions in a growth facility, ramet populations were subject to pre- and post-vernalization clipping treatments to simulate late autumn and early spring ramet removal. Under field conditions, pre- and post-vernalization ra...