Seasonal rhythm of growth and development of new cultivars of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) introduced into the Belarusian Polesie

Abstract

Based on the data of seven-year observations of the rhythms of seasonal growth and development, the features of the passage of the phases of phenological development of 15 cultivars of highbush blueberry and 1 cultivar of lowbush blueberry have been presented in the article. The rhythmic plasticity of the blueberry cultivars introduced in Belarus appeared in the ability to change phenorhythmics by the reason of different weather conditions during the years of observation. It was reflected in the variation of dates of the main phenological phases onset. At the same time, inter-branch differences in the early phases of development (vegetative) were insignificant, they became much more pronounced in terms of the passage of the phenological phases associated with the development of the generative sphere of the highbush blueberry. The investigated blueberry cultivars under the conditions of the introduction point retain their inherent order of fruit ripening, characteristic of their homeland.The climatic conditions of the Belarusian Polesie ensure the passage of a full cycle of seasonal development by the investigated highbush blueberry of the entire spectrum of ripening of the crop. At the same time, inter-branch differences in the duration of the growing season are insignificant. The obtained results testify to the prospects of the investigated blueberry cultivars of different maturation periods for homestead and industrial gardening in the Belarusian Polesie and determine the expediency of carrying out further introductory research.