Effect of biotic and abiotic factors on the phenological development of hihgbush blueberry cultivars in conditions of Belarus

Abstract

According to the results of correlation analysis the onset and duration dates of seasonal development phases of highbush blueberry associated with the ambient temperature. During the vegetation period thermal dependence of the phenological development is manifested in different ways. The air temperature in the spring results in a significant acceleration of the seasonal development of the blueberry and, accordingly, reduce the duration of phenological phases. Fluctuations of the ambient temperature in summer has less impact on the phenological growth rate of blueberry cultivars.

A strong positive correlation have been set between yield and duration of period of fruit ripening for vast number of cultivars of blueberries, indicating that the higher yield lead to the longer period of ripening. At the same time early- and mid-season cultivars of blueberry have higher correlation than late cultivars.