Field performance of backcross (BC1)blueberry hybrids of vaccinium padifolium (section hemimyrtillus) with v. corymbosum/v. angustifolium

Authors: Ehlenfeldt, Mark

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/23/2020
Publication Date: 10/5/2020
Citation: Ehlenfeldt, M.K. 2020. Field performance of backcross (BC1)blueberry hybrids of vaccinium padifolium (section hemimyrtillus) with v. corymbosum/v. angustifolium. HortScience. 55:1788-1793. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI15279-20.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI15279-20

Interpretive Summary: There is ongoing interest in transferring new characters for crop improvement into commercial blueberry. Vaccinium padifolium, a species native to the Portuguese islands of Madeira, is distantly related to commercial blueberries, but has traits of notable value to conventional blueberry development. Among these traits are: upright structure, strong growth, abundant flowering and fruiting, superior fertility, suitability for mechanical harvesting, and repeat flowering. We previously produced hybrids of V. padifolium with commercial blueberry. These hybrids were used in further crosses to a variety of conventional blueberry selections. Progeny from these crosses were evaluated under field conditions to determine their performance. Many plants bore evidence of V. padifolium plant structure, but none showed indications thus far of repeat flowering. The best selections from these families have been saved and will be utilized for breeding improved cultivars. This information will be of interest to blueberry breeders, blueberry taxonomists, and blueberry molecular biologists working to develop improved blueberry cultivars.

Technical Abstract: There is ongoing interest in transferring new characters into commercial blueberry from other blueberry species. Vaccinium padifolium, a species native to the Portuguese islands of Madeira, is distantly related to commercial blueberries, but has traits of notable value to conventional blueberry development. Among these traits are: upright structure, strong growth, abundant flowering and fruiting, superior self-fertility, fruit-cluster structure suited to mechanical harvesting, and repeat flowering. We previously produced hybrids of V. padifolium with commercial blueberry. These hybrids were used in further crosses to a variety of conventional blueberry selections to generate backcross families. The 13 backcross families were evaluated under field conditions to determine their performance and to guide further use of this germplasm. The offspring varied considerably, but most families produced several offspring of acceptable commercial quality. Recovery of V. padifolium characteristics varied. Many plants bore evidence of V. padifolium plant structure, but none showed indications thus far of repeat flowering. The best selections from these families have been saved and will be intermated to generate the next cycle of this material. These clones will also be crossed to mixed hybrids of V. arctostaphylos and V. cylindraceum to further diversify and recombine this germplasm.