SUITABLE REGIONS FOR BLUEBERRY GROWING IN CHINA

The native species of Vaccinium are distributed in both northeast and south of China but more species are in the South. Ecologically, there is a vast territory in the South with acidic soils and plenty of precipitation and warm weather. On the other hand in the northeast regions temperature in winter is usually a problem for cultivated blueberries and protection from freezing is necessary for young plantations. Based on the result of introduction of cultivars, including rabbiteye, southern highbush and lowbush blueberries, in both northern and southern parts in China during the last 2 decades authors suggested that the most prospective regions for blueberry growing could be mostly in south of China. In the between of the two regions the natural ecological conditions are not appropriate for blueberry growing but plantations under plastic film appeared relatively vigorous. 12 rabbiteye blueberry cultivars have been tested in the south and the performance of growth and fruiting are good. It is expected that the average of yield could reach about 15 t·ha –1 . The quality of fruits is similar to that of the natives in North America. Up to now there are less insects and diseases damages. It seems that the regions in the south of Changjiang (Yangtze) River provide good conditions for blueberry commercial growing.