Winter vs. Summer Half-Hedging of ‘Tifblue’ Rabbiteye Blueberry Plants

A field study was initiated in mid-July, 1988, to investigate the effects of removing growth taller than one meter on half from one side each within 2 years (half-hedging) in summer and winter on total yield, marketable yield, and fruit size of mature rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) cv. Tifblue. Each plant was fully hedged in 2 years. In 1990, yields on summer-hedged plants were reduced 75% and on winter-hedged plants about 92% when compared with nonhedged plants. Fruit size increased 13% and 26% for summer- and winter-hedged plants in 1990, respectively. Total yields did not differ among treatments during 1991-1993 harvest. However, yields were lower in 1991 and 1992 than in 1989 and 1993. These lower yields were attributed to adverse weather conditions during vegetative bud break, growth, and flowering. Hedged plants did not yield more than nonhedged plants over the 5-year experimental period. However, winter hedging significantly decreased total yield. Although no significant diffe...