Splitting Severity Among Rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei Reade) Blueberry Cultivars in Mississippi and Louisiana

Abstract

A survey of blueberry growers determined the extent of rain-related splitting fruit on blueberry production in Mississippi and Louisiana. Growers were asked to approximate (1) the number of acres or plants of each cultivar on their farm (2) the severity rating (1 = No splitting-5 = Severe splitting) of each cultivar, and (3) the percent of berries lost to rain-related splitting. Among the 3 most widely planted cultivars, ‘Premier’ exhibited the least splitting (1.2 rating) followed by ‘Climax’ (2.2) and ‘Tifblue’ (3.1) had the most split fruit.

Key Words:

• Rabbiteye blueberry
• Vaccinium ashei Reade
• rain-induced splitting