Growth and Yield Response of Highbush Blueberry ‘Duke’ to Hydroponic Cultivation

Abstract

The hydroponic culture for growing 'Duke' blueberry was evaluated in a protective greenhouse provided with similar environmental conditions to the conventional blueberry cultivations. One year old 'Duke' blueberry bushes planted in 180 L containers filled with 130 L peat moss and 40 L pearlite (v/v) were selected for the experiment. A nutrient solution consisted with NO 3 -N 4.6, NH 4 -N 3.4, PO 4 -P 3.3, K 3, Ca 4.6, and Mg 2.2 mmol -1 was supplied to the plants, comparing non-hydroponic treatment (provided with only underground water). Hydroponic culture increased number of shoot per bush by 18% and total shoot length by 24% compared with non-hydroponic culture. Total dry weight of a bush increased in the hydroponic with vigorous root growth 1.4-fold more than the non-hydroponic. Higher concentrations of inorganic elements and organic compounds were found in the hydroponic, indicating active nutrient absorption of the bush. The hydroponic produced high yield similar to adult bush from 4 years old age, maintaining the yield until 8 years old age. The findings of this study indicated that hydroponic cultivation systems will be useful for growing blueberry crop.