The blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Read) pruning system currently used is based on studies performed at edaphoclimatic conditions different of our reality. Thus, it was assessed the effects of different fructification pruning intensities on production and fruit quality of two blueberry genotypes. The trial was performed in a commercial orchard in Pelotas - RS. The experimental design was a complete randomized block, in a factorial design (2x4) with four replications. Seven year old plant of Rabbiteye group, cultivars 'Briteblue' e 'Woodard', were undergone to the pruning intensities light, moderate drastic and no pruning (control) during the winter of 2010 and 2011 (first two weeks of august). The parameters assessed were average plant yield, estimated yield per area, fruit fresh weight, fruit diameter, soluble solids, pH and titratable acidity. According to the results, pruning intensity affects harvest anticipation. As the pruning intensity increased, there was a trend of increased fruit size. The productivity of Briteblue blueberries decreases as pruning intensity increases. Briteblue are more productive and show greater fresh fruit weight than Woodard blueberries.
Vaccinium ashei; blueberry; winter prunning.
