**Blueberry Cultivation and Production:**
– Blueberries are grown in various states in the U.S., with Oregon being a top producer.
– Maine is known for wild blueberry cultivation.
– Canada, particularly British Columbia and New Brunswick, is a significant blueberry producer.
– Wild blueberries are an official emblem of Nova Scotia.
– Blueberries are also cultivated in countries like Zimbabwe, Brazil, Australia, and Argentina.
**Blueberry Varieties and Cultivation Techniques:**
– Different blueberry varieties exist, each with unique characteristics.
– Cultivation techniques include soil pH adjustment with sulfur and proper fertilization.
– Cornell University offers a berry diagnostic tool for blueberry growers.
– Wild blueberry production guides promote sustainable development.
– Researches are conducted on blueberry diseases like root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi.
**Blueberry Industry and Trade:**
– The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council provides information on blueberry cultivation.
– Blueberry projects are undertaken in countries like Zimbabwe.
– Brazil focuses on efficient blueberry propagation.
– The Australian Blueberry Growers Association supports blueberry cultivation.
– Reports highlight the production of blueberries in countries like Argentina.
**Blueberry Nutrition and Health Benefits:**
– Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and antioxidants.
– They have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.
– Blueberries are low in calories and high in fiber.
– Regular consumption of blueberries may improve cognitive function.
– Studies suggest that blueberries may help lower blood pressure.
**Global Blueberry Cultivation:**
– Highbush blueberries were introduced to Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands in the 1930s.
– V. corymbosum cultivation increased rapidly in Romania.
– Blueberry production in Argentina has grown significantly.
– Blueberries were first introduced to Australia in the 1950s.
– In Brazil, blueberries are produced in several states.
– Blueberries are commercially grown in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and other countries.
– Argentine blueberry production has increased by 400% in recent years.
– Blueberries were first introduced to Australia in the 1950s.
– Blueberry production in Uruguay, New Zealand, and South Africa.
– In the Southern Hemisphere, blueberries are grown in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Peru.
Blueberry is a widely distributed and widespread group of perennial flowering plant with blue or purple berries. They are classified in the section Cyanococcus within the genus Vaccinium. Vaccinium also includes cranberries, bilberries, huckleberries and Madeira blueberries. Commercial blueberries—both wild (lowbush) and cultivated (highbush)—are all native to North America. The highbush varieties were introduced into Europe during the 1930s.
| Blueberry | |
|---|---|
| |
| Vaccinium caesariense | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Vaccinium |
| Section: | Vaccinium sect. Cyanococcus Rydb. |
| Species | |
|
See text | |
Blueberries are usually prostrate shrubs that can vary in size from 10 centimeters (4 inches) to 4 meters (13 feet) in height. In commercial production of blueberries, the species with small, pea-size berries growing on low-level bushes are known as "lowbush blueberries" (synonymous with "wild"), while the species with larger berries growing on taller, cultivated bushes are known as "highbush blueberries". Canada is the leading producer of lowbush blueberries, while the United States produces some 40% of the world supply of highbush blueberries.