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Title: Recent Advances in the Biology and Genetics of Lowbush Blueberry

Author
item BELL, DANIEL - University Of Maine
item Rowland, Lisa
item SMAGULA, JOHN - University Of Maine
item DRUMMOND, FRANK - University Of Maine

Submitted to: Experiment Station Bulletins
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/22/2009
Publication Date: 10/5/2009
Citation: Bell, D.J., Rowland, L.J., Smagula, J.M., Drummond, F.A. 2009. Recent Advances in the Biology and Genetics of Lowbush Blueberry. Experiment Station Bulletins. MAFES Technical Bulletin 203:1-28

Interpretive Summary: .

Technical Abstract: The wild lowbush blueberry is one of the most important agricultural crops in Maine and comprises about one third of all blueberry production in the United States, the rest being from improved cultivars of highbush and rabbiteye blueberry. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the biology and genetics of lowbush blueberry with special emphasis on advances in increasing yield. lant management and cultural practices have resulted in a 4-fold increase in yield in the last decade. Molecular markers have recently been developed and have been used to study the spatial genetic structure of fields of lowbush blueberry and are being used to study the effect of genetic relationship on yield. hese topics are discussed in detail. Major headings of the review article include (1) Economic Importance to Maine and Nutritional Value, (2) Management/Cultural Practices, (3) Habitat, (4) Classical Taxonomy, (5) Genetic Composition, (6) Genomic DNA Markers, (7) Life History, (8) Self-fertility, (9) Pollinators, (10) Breeding, and (11) Propagation Methods. This chapter should be a very useful resource for scientists and growers looking for an up-to-date review of management practices, genetics, and molecular marker development in lowbush blueberry.