Highbush blueberry production and research in Norway

In 1990, a research project was initiated at the Agricultural University of Norway with the aim of testing blueberry cultivars under Norwegian growing conditions. The following cultivars were selected for trial:'Bluecrop', 'Blueray', 'Bluetta', 'Collins', 'Earliblue', 'Patriot' and '13-16-A'. These cultivars were also planted by many interested growers at several locations in southern Norway. The results show that all these cultivars can be harvested by the end of August, but in some years harvesting has continued until about September 15. This means that cultivars ripening later than 'Bluecrop' probably cannot be used in Norway, with the relatively short growing season at about 60 degrees northern latitude. In general winter damage has been moderate, mostly confined to slight freezing of the previous seasons last growth. Best results have been obtained from planting on raised beds with drip irrigation. 'Bluecrop' and 'Patriot' have proved to be the best cultivars, all factors considered. Yields have been satisfactory, berry size among the best, and fruit quality very good. The highest yielding cultivar,'13-16-A' also has many good properties, but berry size is too small. The possibilities for commercial growing of highbush blueberries at the better locations in southern Norway seem promising. Research efforts in this field will therefore be continued.