ARS | Publication request: Response of Rabbiteye Blueberries to Chemical Thinning Agents

Submitted to: Mississippi Academy of Sciences Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 30, 2009
Publication Date: February 11, 2010
Citation: Matta, F., Cartagena, J., Spiers, J.M. 2010. Response of Rabbiteye Blueberries to Chemical Thinning Agents. Mississippi Academy of Sciences Proceedings. 55(1):32-33.

Technical Abstract: The thinning potential of various chemicals sprayed on 'Tifblue' rabbiteye blueberry was examined under field conditions for two years. Chemicals used were 7-benzylamino purine (BA), gibberellic acid (GA3), 2- naphaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 1-naphthyl N-methylcarbamate (carbaryl). BA at 75 mg/L and the combination of carbaryl at 400 mg/L and BA at 25 mg/L reduced fruit set both years. Combinations of carbaryl and GA3 reduced fruit set, but the response depended on GA3 concentration and varied from year to year. GA3, NAA, and carbaryl also reduced fruit set, but results were inconsistent. The first year, greater thinning occurred when treatments were sprayed 10 days after corolla drop (ACD). BA at 25 mg/L increased fruit diameter at first harvest the first year, and carbaryl at 400 mg/L increased fruit diameter both years. Fruit diameter was increased in the presence and absence of thinning, depending on year and application time. Yield and return bloom were not influenced by any of the treatments.