Effects of Salt Deposition from Salt Water Spray on Lowbush Blueberry Shoots

摘要

Many commercial lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ail.) fields border the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Qualitative producer observations in these areas indicate that salt spray from the marine environment during winter months reduces yield of the lowbush blueberry. To quantitatively examine the effects of ocean spray on the lowbush blueberry, the amount of salt deposited on stems of this species was assessed at several commercial sites in the Canadian provinces of Prince EdwardIsland and Nova Scotia between 1998 and 2000. Randomly selected areas of commercial fields were protected with 1.8 m X 0.45 m (5.9 ft X 1.48 ft) shelters covered with 4 mil plastic film. Data on growth, yield, and salt deposition on shoots were recordedfrom both protected and exposed plants. Results varied according to location, weather conditions, and snow cover. Tree line wind protection and snow cover appeared to reduce the severity of salt spray-induced damage to the lowbush blueberry. In general,the exposed plants exhibited more salt deposition (mg g~(-1) dry weight of stems), more dead buds, fewer blossoms and lower yields in comparison to covered specimens.