_ IOLOGICAL SOCIETY 188

Keithly, J.H. ,T.A. Taggart, and C.A Campbell. Journal of the American Pomological Society 61(4):188-195 2007
~OOO . Ecolyst: a new plant growth regulator for
'l:et orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.). Proc. Inil.
Soc. Citricult. 9:668-669.
Evergreen Production of Southern

~IcArtney, SJ. and S.H. Li. 1998. Selective inhi- ' , Highbush Blueberries in Hawai'i

KIM HUMMER!, FRANCIS ZEE 2, AMY STRAUSS 2, LISA KEJTH AND WAYNE NISHIJIMA 3
ition of flowering on 'Braebum' apple trees with 2

)bberellins. HortScience 33:699-700.

Oibo\ic, v., J.L. Jifon and J.M. Syvertsen. 2001.

Foliar-applied surfactants and urea temporarily ,
reduce carbon assimilation of grapefruit leaves. J.
.\mer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 126:486-490.
'ens, PJ.G. 1993. Organosilicone surfactants as
~uvants for agrochemicals. Pestic. Sci. 38:103­
1::-.
owski, W., 1. Soule, W. Grierson and G. West­
. 1995. Florida citrus quality tests. SP99.lnst.
Food and Agr. Sci., Univ. of Fla., Gainesville .
God. B.W. 1997. Impact of adjuvants on pecan
ii:J6age. HortTechnology 7: 182-186.
Abstract
Blueberry is not commercially grown in Hawai ' i, though it represents a potential high-value niche-market
crop. Many localities with equivalent low chilling environments, such as southern California, Mexico, Spain and
Portugat, have successfully begun growing blueberries, but little is known about the adaptability of this crop to
Hawai'i.ln mid-April 2004, blueberries were planted at the University ofHawai'i. Mealani Agricultural Research
Station in Waimea, a mid-elevation vegetable production area on the Island of Hawai'i. Ten plants each of six
southern highbush-blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) hybrid cultivars, 'Biloxi', 'Emerald', 'Jewel', 'Misty',
'Sapphire ', and' Sharpblue' were planted in blocks and evaluated from Oct. 2004 through Oct. 2006. The objectives
were to compare trends in the production season, potential yields, plant growth, and fruit quality of the cultivars .
First production occurred within 6 months of planting. Each of the plants grew and produced reasonable yields of
quality berries within two years. 'Biloxi', 'Emerald' , 'Sapphire', and ' Sharpblue' produced between 1.70 to 1.87
kg/plant/year during their second year after field establishment. Peak production times, when total berry harvest
exceeded 4 kg/we~k for the 60 plant plot, occurred between mid-Aug. to mid-Sept., and for two weeks in mid-Feb.;
individual cultivar harvest peaks were spread throughout the year. 'Jewel' plants were very vigorous and had low
annual yield. 'Emerald' had the largest average berry size, exceeding 4 g. Fruit from each of the cultivars of this
study had similar total soluble solids and acceptable flavor. Bird damage was prevented by enclosing the planting
in net-covered caging. Chinese rose beetle (Adore/us siniclls Bunneister) and thrips (Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis
Bouche) caused some foliar damage, but disease and pest problems were otherwise minimal. Southern highbush
blueberries are amenable for culture in Hawai'i.

In 1906, Elizabeth White and Fredrick Co­
ville began selecting and breeding high bush
blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) for
northern climates in North America (3). By
1930, 81 ha of commercial blueberries were
grown, which increased to more than 8094
ha by 1965 (6).
In 1975, the first complex crosses of high­
bush with low chilling species, such as V
darrowii Camp, were released by R. Sharpe
and W. Sherman in Florida (4). Plantings of
blueberries slowly developed in Florida, from
6 ha in 1978, to commercial export quantities
in 1982, and 971 ha in 2003 (6). Southern
blueberry production in Georgia-covered 2428
ha in 2003 (6). Recently, private companies
have expanded blueberry acreage in low chill­
ing environments of California, Mexico, and
in Europe and South America. While Mexico
had 38 ha in production in 2003, predictions
suggest an increase to more than 800 ha by
2013 (6) .
Production techniques in Mexico involve
periodic artificial defoliation to substitute for
winter dormancy and reduce foliar diseases
and pests (M. Hurst, Oregon berry grower,
personal comm.) In the Mexican climate,
where flowers and fruit occur simultaneously
on blueberry plants, this technique allows
plants to accumulate reserves for increased
production on specified dates (D. Brazelton,
Oregon nurseryman, personal comm.).
Sugarcane acreage and production in
Hawai'i has been declining for the past two
decades (7). Alternative and diversified niche
market cro(ls are being sought for available
land that previously produced sugar. Proper

I USDA, ARS National Clonal Gennplasm Repository, 33447 Peproa Road, Corvallis, OR 97333-2521
2 USDNARS, Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Tropical Plant Genetic Resource Management Unit,
P.O. Box 4487, Hilo, HI 96720
' Univ. Hawai'i, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Honolulu, HI 96822
189 JOURNA L OF TIlE AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY
crop selection and targeted marketing of al­
ternative crops are key factors to the survival
and success of small farmers on the islands.
With the success of new blueberry plantings
in many low chill environments, we wondered
if these fruits could provjde a crop alternative
for Hawai'i .
This preliminary report presents informa­
tion on an initial trial planting of-southern
highbush blueberry cultivars at Waimea. The
planting was established with blocks of 10
plants for each cultivar. Replicates were not
randomized so only production trends will be
reported rather than significant differences in
cultivar production. Studies with replicated
variety trials are in progress. The objectives
of this study were to compare trends in the
production season and potential yields in this
environment, and to compare plant growth and
fruit quality of selected cultivars.
We wanted to determine if blueberries from
Waimea would produce yields suitable for
market, and when production would occur
during the year. We also wanted to observe
the types of problems, pests, and diseases en­
countered to guide regional farmers in cultural
management issues.
Materials and Methods
Six southern highbush blueberry cultivars
('Biloxi ,' ' Emerald,' 'Jewel,' 'Misty,' 'Sap­
phire,' and 'Sharpblue ' ) were chosen because
of their low chiUing requirements and high
quality fruit when produced in the southeast­
ern United States. These cultivars include
Northern highbush, Vaccinium corymbosum
(L.), and the Florida-native low growing Vac­
cinium darrowii (Camp.) in their pedigree.
'Biloxi' was released by Dr. Craighton Gup­
ton, USDA ARS geneticist from Poplarville,
Miss. , and the other five by Dr. Paul Lyrene,
Professor and genetici ~t from the University
of Florida at Gainesville.
The planting site at the University of
Hawai'i Mealani Agricultural Research Sta­
tion in Waimea is located at 853 m elevation.
It has a well drained silt loam soil belonging
to the Maile series (8). The average annual
maximum temperature ' at the station is 23
DC, average minimum temperature is 10 DC,
with a range from 28 DC high to 5.5 DC low.
The station receives up to 200 chilling hours
per annum. The annual rainfall averages 163
cm. Waimea, located in the major vegetable
production area on the Island of Hawai ' i, is
in close proximity (within 16 krn) to potential
markets at major hotels and resorts along the
Gold Coast from Kohala to Kona.
A 9.14 m x 36.5 m area was tilled one month
prior to planting. Peat (0.21 m 3), steer manure
(0.08 m 3 ), treble superphosphate (0-41-0,
7.71 kg), gypsum (5.4 kg), ammonium sulfate
(20.5-0-0-24S, 5.4 kg) and K-mag (0-0-22­
22S, 5.4 kg) were spread over each I x 9.14
m row and shallow tilled into the soil to lower
the pH in the area from pH 6.3 to the preferred
pH 4.5 to 5.5. The area was then completely
covered with weed mat (Weedbarrier®, West­
ern Landscape, Deriver, CO), which provided
excellent weed control and sanitation.
Ten plants each of the six cultivars were
received from Fall Creek Nursery in Lowell,
Ore. on 7 Apr. 2004, and were planted one
week later in blocks of ten plants by variety.
Plants were not randomized within the plant­
ing. Plant spacing was 1.2 m x 1.2m. Holes
0.6 m in diameter were cut into the weed mat
for each plant. Additional peat was mixed
into each hole at planting. Ridomil Gold ®
480 EC dilution was applied as a soil drench
at 0.061 mH"' of water for each planting hole
for Phytophthora root rot prevention.
The plants were irrigated and fertigated
through drip irrigation using 2 emitters per
plant at a rate of 1.91·hr' of water per emitter.
The plants were watered three times a week
for 45 min. each during the dry season (Nov.
to Jan.) and reduced to twice weekly for 45
min . during the wet season (Feb . to Apr.) .
The plants were fertigated once per month
using Miller 4-41-27 soluble fertilizer (452
g in 189 I) formulation for two consecutive
months. Cleancrop® 4.5% iron chelate (239
g in 189 I) was. added to the fertilizer mix in
¢e third monlh:
Soil pH was initially tested every three
months. When the soil pH was above 5.2,
we used ammonium sulfate, and when the
HIGHBUSH BlI
pH was below 5.2, we applied urea at raft
recommended by the Northwest berry all
grape information network (2007) . On 19 Ap
2005, the plants were top dressed with 142
of ammonium sulfate, and nitrogen applico
tions were increased from May 2005 . n
plants were fertigated with 21-7-7 fertili ZA
(452 g in 189 I) and the following week wi1
a foliar of4-41-27 (8 g in 38 I). This was dot
through June and July, equally one applicatic
per month.
Fruit evaluations began in Oct. 2004 all
continued through Oct. 2006 . Fruit wei
harvested, weighed, and recorded weekly Ii
each cultivar. Cultivars ripened at differo
dates. On 11 Oct. 2006, height, width, at]
shoot counts were recorded for each pial!
Shoots greater than 2.5 mm diameter We!
counted. Plants had been pruned prior to th
count to remove brushy twiggy growth aroUll
the base of each plant. Pruning was perfonnc
according to the plant structure but equitabl
between cultivars. Pruning was also perfonnc
to control insects and localized disease info
tion. At peak ripeness for each cultivar, fil
replicate berries were randomly selected fro!
five plants. Individual berries were weigbo
and the length and width were measum
Total soluble solids (TSS) was measured ~
placing a drop of juice from each fruit on
hand held refractometer (Misco, Clevelano
OH). One-way analysis of variance (Exct
Microsoft, Redmond, WA) was calculated fi
fruit weight, length, width and TSS . Fisher
Table 1. Mean' and standard deviation of pial'
southern highbush blueberry plants measured (
Cultivar Plant height (m)
Biloxi 1.17 ± 0.1 a
Jewel 1.13 ± 0.1 a
Sharpblue 1.04 ± 0.1 b
Emerald 0.99 ± 0.1 c
Misty 0.96 ± 0.1 c
Sapphire 0.90 ± 0.1 d
'Mean of 5 replicates. Means wilhin a column fol~ I
at P< 0,05.
 OCiICAL SOCIETY
erage minimum temperature is 10 DC,
range from 28 DC high to 5.5 DC low.
lion receives up to 200 chilling hours
um. The annual rainfaH averages 163
'aimea, located in the major vegetable
'on area on the Is l and~o(Hawai'i, is
- proximity (within 16 km) to potential
al major hotels and resorts along the
Coasl from Kohala to Kona.
.14 m x 36.5 m area was tilled one month
planting. Peat (0.21 m 3), steer manure
m ). treble superphosphate (0-41-0,
I. gypsum (5.4 kg), ammonium sulfate
5--O-0-14S, 5.4 kg) and K-mag (0-0-22­
.A kg) were spread over each 1 x 9.14
and shallow tilled into the soil to lower
in the area from pH 6.3 to the preferred
to 5.5. The area was then completely
with weed mat (Weedbarrier®, West­
Landscape, Denver, CO), which.provided
I weed control and sanitation.
plants each of the six cultivars were
moo from Fall Creek Nursery in Lowell,
~_ on Apr. 2004, and were planted one
later in blocks of ten plants by variety.
were not randomized within the plant­
. Plant spacing was 1.2 m x I.2m. Holes
in diameter were cut into the weed mat
h plant. Additional peat was mixed
I each hole at planting. Ridomil Gold ®
EC dilution was applied as a soil drench
1,061 mH' of water for each planting hole
P1r;-tophthora root rot prevention.
me plants were irrigated and fertigated
gh drip irrigation using 2 emitters per
alB rate of 1.91·hr' of water per emitter.
: plants were watered three times a week
45 min. each during the dry season (Nov.
:m.) and reduced to twice weekly for 45
L during the wet season (Feb. to Apr.).
~ plants were fertigated once per month
_ MiUer 4-41-27 soluble (ertilizer (452
1 I 9 I) formulation for two consecutive
. Cleancrop~) 4.5% iron chelate (239
1 9 I) was added to the fertilizer mix in
lbird month.
. iI p H was initially tested every three
oIhs. When the soil pH was above 5.2,
d ammonium sulfate, and when the
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRIES IN HAWAII
pH was below 5.2, we applied urea at rates
recommended by the Northwest berry and
grape information network (2007). On 19 Apr.
2005, the plants were top dressed with 142 g
of ammonium sulfate, and nitrogen applica­
tions were increased from May 2005. The
plants were fertigated with 21-7-7 fertilizer
(452 g in 189 I) and the following week with
a foliar of 4-41-27 (8 g in 381). This was done
through June and July, equally one application
per month.
Fruit evaluations began in Oct. 2004 and
continued through Oct. 2006. Fruit were
harvested, weighed, and recorded weekly for
each cultivar. Cultivars ripened at different
dates. On 11 Oct. 2006, height, width, and
shoot counts were recorded for each plant.
Shoots greater than 2.5 mm diameter were
counted. Plants had been pruned prior to this
count to remove brushy twiggy growth around
the base of each plant. Pruning was performed
according to the plant structure but equitably
between cultivars. Pruning was also performed
to control insects and localized disease infec­
tion. At peak ripeness for each cultivar, five
replicate berries were randomly selected from
five plants. Individual berries were weighed,
and the length and width were measured.
Total soluble solids (TSS) was measured by
placing a drop of juice from each fruit on a
hand held refractometer (Misco, Cleveland,
OH). One-way analysis of variance (Excel,
Microsoft, Redmond, WA) was calculated for
fruit weight, length, width and TSS. Fisher's
Table 1. Mean' and standard deviation of plant height, plant width and shoot count of two-year-old
southern high bush blueberry plants measured on 11 October 2006.
Cultivar Plant heigl'lt (m)
Biloxi 1.17 ± 0.1 a
Jewel 1.13 ± 0.1 a
Sharpblue 1.04 ± 0.1 b
Emerald 0.99 ± 0.1 c
Misty 0.96 ± 0.1 c
Sapphire' . 0.90 ±0.1 d
'Mean of 5 replicates. Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different by Fisher's LSD
at P< 0.05.
190
least significant difference (LSD) at P < 0.05
was applied for mean separation.
Results and Discussion
After two and a half years, blueberry plants
grew' well atthe Mealani Station, and their fruit
was ofhigh quality (10). Growing blueberries
in the tropics had challenges, but the project
gave promising results during this initial trial.
We did not follow the recommendation that
flowers and fruits should be removed for the
first two years after planting (6). Although the
plants were not vigorous during the first year,
they flowered and fruited profusely on short
vegetative stems. Sufficient berry production
for gathering occurred in Oct. 2004, six
months after field planting. Some plants did
not grow well initially due to the addition of
nitrate based fertilizer applied to the high pH
soil (pH 5.4 to 5.9). The vegetative growth
and yield if each of the plants improved after
ammonium fertilizer was added.
The low chilling hours for vegetative
dormancy did not seem to affect the
productivity of these southern highbush
genotypes. As the year progressed we
observed an increase of insect pests, such
as thrips, aphids and leafhoppers, without
the winter minimum temperatures found
in temperate climates to reduce their
populations.
Cultivar yields. Each of the cultivars
became established, grew, and produced
reasonable yields of quality berries (Fig. I
Plant width (m) Shoot count
1.35 ± 0.1 b 17.0 ± 4.1 ab
1.66 ± 0.1 a 11.4±3.7d
1.35 ± 0.1 b 15.6 ± 3.9 bc
1.56 ± 0.1 a 14.0 ± 3.7 c
1.21 ± 0.1 b 18.6 ± 4.3 a
1.01 ± 0.1 c 11.0 ±3.3 d
191 JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY HIGHBUSH Bl
Table 2. Berry weight, berry width, and total soluble solids (TSS) for southern highbush blueberries 6000

grown at the Mealani Agricultural Research Station in Waimea, Hawai'i.

Cultivar Harvest date Berry weight (g) Berry width (cm) TSS(%) 5000

Biloxi 10 August 2006 • . 2.2 ± 0.6 b 1.7±0.2b 12.3 ± 1.3 ab

4000

Misty 16 Rlbruary 2006 2.2 ± 0.6 b 1.6 ± 0.2 b 13.3 ± 0.7 ab

Sharpblue 16 February 2006 2.2 ± 0.5 b 1.6 ± 0.1 b 13.2 ± 0.9 ab ~ 3000
Sapphire 21 September 2006
., 2.1 ± 0.4 b 1.6 ± 0.1 b 12.1 ± 1.3 b ~ 2000

Jewel 9 February 2006 2.5±0.7b 1.8 ± 0.2 b 12.2 ± 1.1 ab

Emerald 31 August 2006 4.1±0.7a 2.1±0.1a 12.3 ± 0.7 ab
1000

'Mean of 5 randomly selected berries from 5 plants per cultivar. Means within a column fOllowed by the same letter
are not significantly different by Fisher's LSD at P< 0.05. 0
LO LO LO

>. 9:>c 'i'

0
'3
and 2). 'Emerald,' 'Sapphire,' 'Sharpblue,' minor peaks through the year (Fig. 2). The ro -,
~ 7 .;,
and 'Biloxi' had high yields, ranging from major peak production times, when total .;, LO

1.70 to 1.87 kg/plantJyear (Fig. I). 'Misty' berry harvest exceeded 4 kg/week for the
Figure 2. Total weekly harvest of 60 plants (teo
and 'Jewel' had low production (Fig. I), 60 plant plot, occurred from mid-August 5 May 2005 and 5 Oct. 2006, at the Mealani Sta
although their second year yield was better to mid-September and for two weeks in
than the first year. Eck (4) stated that yields mid-February (Fig. 2). Minor production
of' Sharpblue ' in Gainesville, Florida, ranged peaks, when total berry harvest was about In our study, 'Sapphire', 'Sharpblue ',
from 1.8 to 2.7 kg/plantJyear for 6-year-old 2 kg/week or more, occurred in late May­ ' Biloxi ' had production peaks on the maj
bushes. Baptista et al. (2) looked at southern early June and late Nov.-early Dec. (Fig. cycle, i.e., in mid-August to mid-Septem
highbush production in Portugal and reported 2). Individual genotype differences spread and in mid-February. 'Sharpblue' has gro ,
yields for' 'Cape Fear' and 'Georgia Gem ' harvest peaks to about every 3 months well in climates with practically no chilli
of 0.81 and 1.22 kg/plantJyear for 5-year­ throughout the year (Fig. 2). In very mild hours although originally it was describa
old plants. The yields in Hawai'i were good climates, like those of this study, 'Sharpblue' as needing 500 chilling hours prior to tb
considering the younger age of the plants. flowers and fruits throughout the year; in onset of flowering (I). Care must be tak
temperate climates, a larger commercial crop to harvest frequently during hot weather II
Production cycle. Time of production
occurs in spring, with a smaller crop in fall. maintain high quality (I) . 'Misty', 'Jewel"
appeared to be cyclical with major and
and ' Emerald' tended to have lower pe
and more sustained production through
3.5 the year (data not shown). In Florida, ' Jeyoel
tends to ripen before 'Sharpblue' (I). .lJ
3 Hawai'i most peak harvest dates were simila
~ 2.5 for the two cultivars although 'Jewel' had ;
cu peak harvest in June 2006 prior to that 0
Q)
2 ' Sharpblue' in August 2006.
~
-c.
Cl
.II::
1.5 Cultivar differences. Each variety beha 0
very differently in plant vigor, growth habit
harvest peak , and pest susceptibility. 'Biloxi
0.5 and 'Jewel' plants were the most vigoroo
of the six cultivars (Table 1), while ' Biloxi
0 produced the second largest total yield (Fig
Emerald Sharpblue Sapphire Biloxi Misty Jewel I), ' Jewel' was the least productive (Fig. I
'Emerald' and 'Jewel' had large berries tlui
Figure 1. Average annual yield (kg per plant per year), of six southern highbush blueb'erries (V CO(­
ymbosum L. hybrid cullivars) grown in Waimea , Hawai'i. Black area represents total from Oct. 2004 exceeded 2.5 g. (Table 2).
through Sept. 2005; striped region represents Oct. 2005 through Sept. 2006. Each value is the mean Biloxi. Under Hawai'ian conditions, 'Biloxi
of 10 replicates. has upright growth with vigorous shoots m
 OGICAL SOCIETY HIGH BUSH BLUEBERRJES IN HAWAII 192

(TSS) for southern high bush blueberries 6000

Hawai'i.

Berry width (cm) TSS(%) 5000

1.7±0.2b 12.3 ± 1.3 ab

4000

1.6 ± 0.2 b .~ 13.3±0.7ab

1.6 ± 0.1 b 13.2 ± 0.9 ab ~ 3000
1.6 ± 0.1 b 12.1 ± 1.3 b ~ 2000

1.B ± 0.2 b 12.2 ± 1.1 abo' I

2.1 ± 0.1 a 12.3 ± 0.7 ab

1000

within a column followed by the same letter

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0 '? 0 0 '? '? 0
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peaks through the year (Fig. 2). The

>- C 'S 0, 6. t> >- c 'S
a. >- ::> 0, 6. t>
peak production times, when total
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harvest exceeded 4 kg/week for the
plot, occurred from mid-August
. September and for two weeks in
-February (Fig. 2). Minor production
- when total berry harvest was about
_ eek or more, occurred in late May­
June and late Nov.-early Dec. (Fig.
""idual genotype differences spread
peaks to ' about every 3 months
_ out the year (Fig. 2). In very mild
, like those of this study, ' Sharpblue'
and fruits throughout the year; in
te climates, a larger commercial crop
in spring, with a smaller crop in fall.
Biloxi Misty Jewel
rJf soc southern highbush blueberries (V cor­
• Black area represents total from Oct. 2004
IIvough Sept. 2006. Each value is the mean
0
Figure 2. Total weekly harvest of 60 plants (ten replicates of six southern highbush cultivars) between
5 May 2005 and 5 Oct. 2006 , at the Mealani Station, Waimea, Hawai'i.
In our study, 'Sapphire' , 'Sharpblue ', and
'Biloxi ' had production peaks on the major
cycle, i.e., in mid-August to mid-September
and in mid-February. ' Sharpblue' has grown
well in climates with practically no chilling
hours although originally it was described
as needing 500 chilling hours prior to the
onset of flowering (I). Care must be taken
to harvest frequently during hot weather to
maintain high quality (I). 'Misty', 'Jewel',
and 'Emerald' tended to have lower peaks
and more sustained production throughout
the year (data not shown). In Florida, 'Jewel'
tends to ripen before 'Sharpblue' (I). In
Hawai'i most peak harvest dates were similar
for the two cultivars although' Jewel' had a
peak harvest in June 2006 prior to that of
'Sharpblue' in August 2006.
Cultivar differences. Each variety behaved
very differently in plant vigor, growth habit,
harvest peak, and pest susceptibility. 'Biloxi'
and 'Jewel' plants were the most vigorous
of the six cultivars (Table i), while 'Biloxi'
produced the second largest total yield (Fig.
1), 'Jewel' was the least productive (Fig. 1).
'Emerald' and 'Jewel' had l!lrge berries that
exceeded 2.5 g. (Table 2).
Biloxi. Under Hawai'ian conditions, 'Biloxi'
has upright growth with vigorous shoots and
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,;,
7
ll)
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good fruit set. 'Biloxi' had fewer incidences
of thrips, aphids, and rose beetle (Adoretus
sinicus Burmeister) damage than did other
cultivars in this study (Table 3). Fruit has an
average TSS of 12.3 % with consistent size
and quality (Table 2).
Misty. 'Misty ' had an upright growth habit,
and the highest shoot count (Table I). The dark
evergreen foliage was especially susceptible
to thrips damage and turned rusty brown when
infested. 'Misty ' showed high quality. Prun­
ing stimulated new shoot growth. In Florida,
'Misty' can be partially to completely ever­
green, and tends to produce excessive flower
buds . We did not see this tendency during
the duration of this study but expect that it
will apply in Hawai'i . Winter pruning was
recommended to reduce number of flowering
shoots (I).
Sharpblue. ' Sharpblue' had an upright
growth habit, with vigorous, dense canopy. It
was susceptible to thrips infestation. Periodic
thinning ofthe shoots and spray with approved
insecticide was needed to control thrips. Fruit
varied in size (1.3 to 3.5 g), color (blackish
blue to blue), and quality. TSS averaged 13.2%
(Table 2) .
Sa12phire. 'Sapphire' was reported to be less
vigorous than 'Sharpblue' (1) and it seemed
193 JOURNAL OF THE AMERlCAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY
to be true in our study (Table I). In Hawai'i
'Sapphire' had an upright growth with sparse
canopy. This cultivar was highly s~sceptible
to rose beetle and thrips. ' Sapphire' could hot
support a heavy fruit load and needed periodic
pruning to maintain ~Iant vigor. The TSS av­
eraged 12.1 % (Table 2). Th~ berry qualities
were high but gradually declined at the end of
the season. In this study, 'Sapphire' had fewer
shoots, and plants were significantly-sborter
and narrower than other cultivars (Table I).
'Sapphire' had less vegetative growth (Table
1) a high total yield (Fig. I). Fruit thinning
may be required as a quality management
strategy for this cultivar.
Jewel. 'Jewel' had a vigorous spreading
canopy. Shoot growth was consistent and
strong. It was resistant to rose beetle feed­
ing. 'Jewel' had the lowest yield among the
six varieties (Fig. I), and appeared to enter
a natural vegetative donnancy and a distinct
fruiting season during the trial. This was pos­
sibly related to lack of chilling. Berries were
large, light blue, with an average TSS of 12.2
% (Table 2).
Emerald. 'Emerald' had a vigorous, low,
spreading, bushy growth habit (Table I), and
the plant supported a reasonable fruit load
(Fig. I). The foliage was evergreen and resis­
tant to rose beetle and thrips . Fruit was of high
quality. Berry color was light to medium blue
and had the fewest blemishes. The fruit TSS
averaged about 12.3% (Table 2). The fruit had
the largest average weight and diameter of the
blueberry cultivars in this study.
Fruit quality. Most berries harvested
during this trial had dark blue and shiny skin,
not the sky blue skin color with waxy bloom,
as shown in blueberry nursery catalogues.
The windy environment at the Mealani
Station may have removed the waxy bloom
by physically moving the berries against the
leaves and stems (D.' Brazelton, personal
comm.). Some additional fonn of wind
protection may be needed if lighter sky blue
fruit color is preferred for the market.
The southern highbush blueberry cultivars
in this trial had similar TSS (Table 2). The
flavor of each cultivar was acceptable in
infonnal taste tests . Both 'Emerald' and
'Misty' had large fruit throughout the study.
'Emerald' had significantly heavier and
wider fruit than did any other cuitivar in this
trial (Table 2), which is in accordance with
published descriptions (1).
Problems and p ests. Birds were the most
serious problem encountered during the
two years of growing blueberries at the
Mealani Station. Turkeys and pheasants fed
on young plants immediately after planting,
cardinals and Japanese white eyes (Zosterope
japoniclIs) fed on fruits . The larger birds were
kept out by enclosing the planting under bird
netting on a metal pipe frame . However, the
small Japanese white eye was able to enter
through the eye ofthe netting and continue to
cause fruit damage. Mylar ribbons and plastic
owl scarecrows were totally ineffective.
Finer mesh bird netting was highly effective
in excluding the Japanese white eye from the
planting.
The Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis
capitata Wiedemann), oriental fruit fly
(Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel), melon fly (B.
cucurbitae Coquillett), and Malaysian fruit fly
(B. latifrons Hendel, are major pests of fruits
and vegetables in Hawai'i. Fruit flies were not
a problem for the Mealani blueberries during
our field trials because fanners in Waimea
had adopted the Hawai'i Area-Wide Fruit
Fly Integrated Pest Management Program
(HAW-FLYPM), a cooperative project by
the U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research
Center (USDA, ARS) and the University of
Hawai'i (9). Our laboratory studies, however,
showed that blueberry can be infested by both
Mediterranean and oriental fruit flies . Fruit
flies will be a serious pest for blueberry
production in Hawai'i ifno control measures
are taken. Therefore, blueberry growers in
areas with abundant wild fruit, such as guava
(Psidillm guajava L.), should consider using
management strategies to mInImIZe
infestation and crop Ioss caused by fruit
flies (1. Annsirong, Research Entomologist,
Hilo, personal comm.). Occasionally, aphids
were observed on new shoots, but were not
a serious problem. The introduction and
HIGHBUSH Bu
Table 3. Disease symptoms observed on south
brids) at the Mealani Agricultural Research Stab
Pathogen Affected organ S~
Lasiodip/odia sp. leaves, stem
(anamorph of Ie
Botryosphaeria) nc
s.
Botrytis sp. leaves, stem In
1i
Phytophthora sp. roots, stem RI
[)j
sf!
Pesta/otiopsis sp. leaves l.!
planting of certified virus- or pathogetl
negative blueberry planting stock fror
reputable nurseries is highly recommend
Virus-negative plants would not provide a
inoculum source for local aphids.
Chinese rose beetle caused seriou
foliage damage, especially during fiel
establishment. Physical barriers, such as I.
m-tall wire cages with 20 % mesh shade clot
can protect new plants from flying beetle!
The cages can be removed and re-used one
plants are established.
Two fungi were isolated from leaves an
stems of ' Jewel' and 'Emerald'. Lasiodip!lJ
dia sp. (the anamorph of BotryosphaeritJ
caused stem blight, and Pestalotiopsis Sf
was associated with leaf spots and a sporadi
postharvest rot (Table 3). Pestalotiopsis Sf:
was characterized by black, inky spore masse
with a creamy white mycelium. Botrylis Sf
was found on all six of the varieties. Th
diseases were not severe, and did not reduc
yield during the study. Symptoms ranged frOll
I to 2 small lesions per leaf to about 20% 0
the entire leaf showing symptoms. Botn,tu
infected leaf samples had brown lesion's
the tips ; fungal structures were visible bv d'
secting microscope. The other fungi tended Il
affect leaves on lateral branches. Most oflb
pathogens tend to attack weakened tissucs. 51
optimum plant health is very important. Froi
 O(jleAl SOCIETY
taste tests. Both 'Emerald' and
. . had large fruit throughout the study.
d' bad significantly heavier and
~ fiuit than did any other cultivar in this
iTabLe 2), which is in accordance with
descriptions (I). .'
lems and pests. Birds were the most
problem encountered during the
of growing blueberries at the. ,
i Station. Turkeys and pheasants fed
g plants immediately after planting,
and Japanese white eyes (Zosterope
) fed on fruits . The larger birds were
by enclosing the planting under bird
_ on a metal pipe frame. However, the
Japanese white eye was able to enter
_ the eye of the netting and continue to
6uit damage. Mylar ribbons and plastic
5CDttrows were totally ineffective.
bird netting was highly effective
uding the Japanese white eye from the
-: ~editerranean fruit fly (Ceratitis
Wiedemann), oriental fruit fly
a dorsalis Hendel), melon fly (B.
ilae Coquillett), and Malaysian fruit fly
j/rons Hendel, are major pests of fruits
~ bles in Hawai'i . Fruit flies were not
em for the Mealani blueberries during
W trials because farmers in Waimea
adopted the Hawai'i Area-Wide Fruit
grated Pest Management Program
:"'-FLVPM), a cooperative project by
_So Pacific Basin Agricultural Research
USDA, ARS) and the University of
" j (9). Our laboratory studies, however,
eel that blueberry can be infested by both
erranean and oriental fruit flies. Fruit
wiU be a serious pest for blueberry
'on in Hawai'i ifno control measures
~ . Therefore, blueberry growers in
'm abundant wild fruit, such as guava
guajava L.), should co·nsider using
!re'I11ent strategies to minimize
'on and crop loss caused by fruit
0, Armstrong, Research Entomologist,
personal comm.). Occasionally, aphids
~ observed on new shoots, but were not
, s problem. The introduction and
HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRIES IN HAWAll 194
Table 3, Disease symptoms observed on southern highbush cullivars (Vaccinium corymbosum L. hy·
brids) at the Mealani Agricultural Research Station in Waimea, Hawai'i, October 2004·2006 .
Pathogen Affected organ Symptoms Cultivar
Lasiodip/odia sp. leaves, stem Wilting and reddening of Sharpblue,
(anamorph of leaves. Dead limbs that do Jewel, Emerald
Botryosphaeria) not drop their leaves. Internal
stem is light brown.
Botrytis sp. leaves, stem Irregular, brown lesions. All cultivars in test
Tip dieback
Phytophthora sp . roots, stem Reddening of leaves. Jewel, Emerald
Discoloration of roots and
stem
Pesta/otiopsis sp. leaves Leaf spots Emerald
planting of certified virus- or pathogen­ that is set is generally resistant to infection
negative blueberry planting stock from by these fungi . We recommend eliminating
reputable nurseries is highly recommended. potential inoculum sources by removing dead
Virus-negative plants would not provide an leaves and providing good air circulation in
inoculum source for local aphids. the canopy. Should these diseases build up,
Chinese rose beetle caused serious annual defoliation may be needed to invigo­
foliage damage, especially during field rate plants.
establishment. Physical barriers, such as 1.2 Conclusions. Southern highbush blueberries
m-tall wire cages with 20 % mesh shade cloth showed potential as a new high value crop
can protect new plants from flying beetles. for Hawai' ian farmers. Pests and diseases
The cages can be removed and re-used once seemed manageable. Fruit production could
plants are established. be managed to occur throughout the year
Two fungi were isolated from leaves and through appropriate cultivar choices . The
stems of 'Jewel' and 'Emerald' , Lasiodiplo­ peak production for ' Sapphire' , ' Sharpblue '
dia sp . (the anamorph of Botryosphaeria) and 'Biloxi ' occurred in August-September
caused stem blight, and Pestalotiopsis sp. and mid-February; and for 'Jewel', 'Emerald ',
was associated with leaf spots and a sporadic and 'Misty' in February and June. In this study,
postharvest rot (Table 3). Pestalotiopsis sp. 'Sapphire' 'Biloxi' and 'Sharpblue' had high
was characterized by black, inky spore masses production and 'Emerald' produced the larg·
with a creamy white mycelium. Botrytis sp. est berries . Each of the cultivars produced
was found on all six of the varieties. These acceptable fruit with multiple peak production
diseases were not severe, and did not reduce times. The growth and production of the low
yield during the study. Symptoms ranged from chilling blueberry cultivars in Hawai ' i for the
1 to 2 small lesions per leaf.to about 20% of first two years was equivalent to, or better than,
the entire leaf showing symptoms. Botrytis­ in Florida or Portugal. We suggest that blue­
infected leaf samples had brown lesions on berries be considered by growers and home
the tips; fungal structures were visible by dis­ gardeners for production for local markets and
secting micr6scope: The other fungi tended to value-added products.
affect leaves on lateral branches. Most of these We add a note of caution concerning pro­
pathogens tend to attack weakened tissues, so duction of blueberries relative to native flora.
optimum plant health is very important. Fruit Southern highbush blueberries are hexaploids
195 JOURNAL OF THE AMER1CAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY
(2n = 6x = 72), while the native Hawai'ian
"Ohelo" berries (V. relicu/alum Sm. and V. x
paha/ae Skottsb.) are diploid (2n = 2x = 24),
and will not easily hybridize in nature. Smith­
ern highbush blueberry, however, is relished
by birds, and has the 'potential to escape into
the Hawai'ian environment.
Hawai'i's climate has an advantage for
blueberry production throughout they~ar. Our
study demonstrated that this can be achieved
through growing a mix of southern highbush
cultivars. Further investigation will examine
the cultural management of southern high bush
blueberry by pruning techniques to achieve
consistent berry production and reduce pest
and disease pressure.
Acknowledgement
Support for this research was provided
by CRIS 5358-2l000-033-00D and CRIS
5320-21 00-009-00D. The authors thank Dave
Brazelton, Owner Fall Creek Fann & Nursery,
Inc, Lowell, Oregon, for donating the plants
and providing valuable technical advice; Rus­
sell Kai, Carol M. Riley, Kert Hamamoto,
Jason Okamoto, Milton Yamasaki, and Randy
Hamasaki for their excellent technical assis­
tance. This is a collaborative effort between
the USDA, ARS National Clonal Gennplasm
Repository at Corvallis, the USDA, ARS,
Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center
(PBARC), the Tropical Plant Genetic Re­
source Management Unit, and the University
of Hawai'i, College of Tropical Agriculture
and Human Resources (CTAHR).
Literature Cited
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fruit and nut varieties (Third edition), ASHS Press,
Alexandria, VA.
2. Baptista, M. c., P. B. Oliveira, I. Lopes-da-Fonseca,
and C. M. Oliveira. 2006. Early ripening of southern
highbush bluberries under mild winter conditions.
Acta Hort. 715:191-195.
3. Coville, F. V. 1937. Improving the wild blueberry.
Pp. 559-574. ill: Yearbook of agriculture, U. S.
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4. Eck, P. 1988. Blueberry science. Rutgers University
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University, University of Idaho, Washington State
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oregonstate.edulfruitgrowinglberrycropslblueberry.
htm Accessed 1 September 2007.
6. Strik, B. 2005. Blueberry production trends in North
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duction. 30 August 2006. http://www.nass.usda.
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2006
8. USDA SCS. 1973. Soil survey ofIsland of Hawaii,
State of Hawaii. USDA Soil Conservation Service
in Cooperation with University of Hawaii Agri­
cultural Experiment Station. U.S. Gov't Printing
Office, Washington, D.C.
9. Vargas, R. I., E. Jang and L. M. KJungness. 2003.
Area-wide pest management offruit flies in Hawaiian
fruits and vegetables. Pp. 37-46. In: Recent trends
on sterile insect technique and area-wide integrated
pest management. Research Institute for Subtropics,
Okinawa, Japan.
10. Zee, F., K. Hummer, W. Nishijima, R. Kai, A.
Strauss, M. Yamasaki and R. Hamasaki. 2006. Pre­
liminary yields of southern highbush blueberry in
Waimea, Hawaii. University ofHawai'i at Manoa.
Cooperative Extension Service. Fruits & Nuts 12.
Journal of the American Pomological SOcietJ
Performance of P
'Stanley', 'Valor', anc
in the 1990 NC-14C
1. MASABNll, R. ANDERSEN, A. Az.o\J
P. HIRST, B. MCCLUSKEY. R
AI
In 1990, a multi-site replicated plum (Prunus '*mIo
Regional Pome and Stone Fruit Project (NC-1401.
compared vigorous and semi-vigorous peach and La
performance for the various production areas in the [;,
generally had the best survival, highest cumulati\ e ]
greatest trunk cross-sectional areas and highest numi
site was the most productive with 100% tree suni\"al
highest cumulative yields and some of the largest fruit
putative dwarfing or semi-dwarfing stocks, Citation. P
Citation rootstock had the lowest tree sw"Vival, tnm1.: i:
USA. St. Julien A and Pixy rootstocks followed closd
In contrast at Oregon, Citation had high survival and 1
significant differences were observed between 'Val
larger fruit size than 'Stanley' regardless of the r
with the desired characteristics.
European plums (Prunus domeslica L.
are primarily grown commercially along t.bI
west coast and in the Great Lakes region 0
the USA. However, they are widely adapt
and can be grown in nearly all locations il
the USA. Plums offer the potential for man_
fruit producers to diversify their operations
but poor rootstock adaptability, especially Ie
the poorly drained clay soils found in mam
regions of the United States, has limited p~
duction in these areas.
Myrobalan 29C is the predominant plUD
rootstock used in the eastern USA while Man
anna 2624 is the predominant stock in Califor
nia (14). Myrobalan 29C is vigorous and no
adaptable to high density plantings (7,12). An­
other important problem with this rootstock V.
brown line decline caused by tomato ringspo
virus (5, 6). Plum tree losses due to this disease
have been highest with Myrobalan and peact
rootstocks (5). Several important scions sod
I To whom all correspondence should be addressed. DI
and Education Center, Princeton, KY 42445 CSA. E