Yield and fruit quality of the blueberry cultivars Biloxi and Sharpblue in Guasca, Colombia

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the crop yield and some quality-related aspects of the blueberry cultivars Biloxi and Sharpblue in a commercial crop located in Guasca (Colombia). This research was conducted between June and December of 2014, observing two lots with different plant ages at the start of the study: 20 months and 36 months. For 28 weeks, mature fruits were manually harvested and the accumulated yield per plant, the number of fruits, the diameter, the firmness and the total soluble solids (TSS) were determined. The yield of both cultivars was similar in the 20-month-old plants. The 'Sharpblue' 36-month-old plants had an accumulated yield that was 60% higher than that of the 'Biloxi' cultivar due to the fact that they produced a higher number of fruits. In addition, the Sharpblue fruits tended to present higher TSS values. Although both cultivars were similar in terms of firmness, 'Biloxi' stood out more than 'Sharpblue' in the 20-month-old plants. The individual weight and diameter of the fruits were similar for both cultivars.