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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #352174
Title: Stomatal functioning and its influence on calcium accumulation during fruit development in northern highbush blueberry

Author
item YANG, FAN-HSUAN - Oregon State University
item DEVETTER, LISA - Washington State University
item STRIK, BERNADINE - Oregon State University
item Bryla, David

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/7/2018
Publication Date: 1/15/2019
Citation: Yang, F., Devetter, L.W., Strik, B.C., Bryla, D.R. 2019. Stomatal functioning and its influence on calcium accumulation during fruit development in northern highbush blueberry. HortScience. 53(9):S50-S51.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Accumulation of calcium (Ca) in fruit is largely driven by transpiration and varies depending on the concentration of Ca in the xylem fluid. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between fruit stomatal functioning and Ca accumulation during different stages of development in northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). Stomata were scarce on the berries and were concentrated primarily on the distal end near the calyx. Density of the stomata was greatest at petal fall, averaging 5–108 stomata/mm2 from the proximal (pedicel end) to the distal end of the berries. As the berries expanded during the initial period of rapid growth (stage I), most of the stomata remained near the distal segment of the berries, and by the late green stage, almost none were found in the middle and proximal segments. The majority of these stomata were completely covered with wax once the berries began to change color and ripen. Stomatal conductance of the berries averaged 45 mmol/m2/s at petal fall and rapidly declined as the fruit developed. By the fruit coloring stage, conductance was low and remained < 15 mmol/m2/s throughout the ripening period. Dry matter accumulated in the berries in a typical double-sigmoid pattern, with an initial period of rapid growth (Stage I) from petal fall to fruit coloring, followed by a short lag period of growth (Stage II) during fruit coloring, and finally a second period of rapid growth (Stage III) during fruit ripening and prior to harvest. Calcium likewise accumulated rapidly during the initial stage of berry development, but in this case, accumulation slowed considerably between the late green and fruit coloring stages, and stopped completely during fruit ripening. In general, Ca accumulation appeared to end sooner in early- and mid-season cultivars (Duke and Bluecrop) than in late-season cultivars (Aurora and Elliott). Although stomatal conductance is low in developing blueberries, it appears to be an important mechanism by which Ca is delivered to the berries.