Evaluation of ecological adaptability of blueberry cultivars introduced in Belarus

Abstract

Based on the results of a 13-year study of the yield of 20 cultivars of highbush blueberry and 3 cultivars of half-highbush blueberry, introduced in Belarus from different geographical regions of the world, various indicators of adaptability were calculated. It has been established that tall blueberry cultivars are characterized by significant yield variability. The prevailing contribution to the overall yield variability of blueberry cultivars (45.9 %) was made by the interaction of factors “cultivar × year”. High-yielding and yielding cultivars of blueberries are characterized by greater genetic and ecological plasticity, but weak stress resistance and low stability. According to the set of adaptability indicators, the assessed blueberry cultivars are classified into 3 groups: 1) high-yielding and yielding cultivars, plastic, but unstable fruiting; 2) medium-yielding cultivars, stably fruiting, characterized by low and medium plasticity; 3) low-yielding cultivars unsuitable for industrial cultivation in Belarus.