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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Poplarville, Mississippi » Southern Horticultural Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #250654
Title: Response of Rabbiteye Blueberries to Chemical Thinning Agents

Author
item MATTA, FRANK - Mississippi State University
item CARTAGENA, JOSE - Mississippi State University
item Spiers, James

Submitted to: Mississippi Academy of Sciences Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/30/2009
Publication Date: 2/11/2010
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.

Interpretive Summary:

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.