The Wild Blueberry Industry—Past

Abstract

SUMMARY This paper, presented as part of a symposium at the 9th North American Blueberry Research and Extension Workers Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, August 18-21, 2002, traces the early history of the wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium, Aiton, and Vaccinium myrtilloides, Michaux) in eastern North America. Wild blueberry production is traced from consumption of native blueberries by animals and native North Americans, through early commercial production in Canada and the United States, up to the present time. Different management methods adopted as the scientific knowledge increased are described. Early management consisted of burning fields one spring and harvesting the fruit in August of the following year. Over the last century, several new practices have been introduced to increase blueberry yields. These include the oil burner, the flail mower, the mechanical harvester, increased use of selective herbicides, increased use of managed pollinators, and extensive land leveling.