Seasonal Development of Highbush Blueberry Roots Under Sawdust Mulch

Abstract

Abstract Annual growth of white unsuberized roots from mature ‘Earliblue’, ‘Bluecrop’, and ‘Lateblue’ blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) plants relative to soil temperatures, shoot growth, and stage of development was studied for 3 years. The growth of roots continued throughout the year, but was much reduced at soil temperatures below 8°C. Two peaks in the growth of roots occurred, the first in early June and the 2nd, higher peak in September. Both peaks in root growth occurred with soil temperatures of 14° to 18°. The growth rate declined at soil temperatures outside this range. Growth of roots was concomitant with shoot growth.