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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #334963
Title: Fighting phytophthora in blueberries

Author
item YEO, JOHN - Oregon State University
item SULLIVAN, DAN - Oregon State University
item Bryla, David
item Weiland, Gerald - Jerry

Submitted to: American Fruit Grower
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/18/2016
Publication Date: 3/30/2016
Citation: Yeo, J., Sullivan, D., Bryla, D.R., Weiland, G.E. 2016. Fighting phytophthora in blueberries. American Fruit Grower. April 2016. http://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/berries/fighting-phytophthora-in-blueberries/.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands is a ubiquitous soilborne pathogen associated with root rot in many woody perennial plant species, including highbush blueberry (Vaccinium sp.). To identify genotypes with resistance to the pathogen, cultivars and advanced selections of highbush blueberry were grown in a greenhouse and either inoculated or not with propagules of P. cinnamomi. Two experiments were conducted, including one with 10 cultivars commonly used for commercial production, and another with seven newly-released cultivars, three common cultivars, and three advanced selections of highbush blueberry. Pathogen resistance was based on the shoot and root dry biomass of the inoculated plants relative to the non-inoculated plants within each genotype, as well as on the percentage of root infection among the genotypes. The most resistant genotypes included four common cultivars, ‘Legacy’, ‘Liberty’, ‘Aurora’, and ‘Reka’, two new cultivars, ‘Overtime’ and ‘Clockwork’, and two advanced selections, an early-season and a late-season type, which are both slated for release as new cultivars. The most susceptible genotypes included three common cultivars, ‘Duke’, ‘Draper’, and ‘Bluetta’, and five new cultivars, ‘Blue Ribbon’, ‘Top Shelf’, ‘Last Call’, ‘Cargo’, and ‘Ventura’. These latter cultivars are not recommended at sites with conditions conducive to root rot, such as those with clay soils and poor drainage.