LEAF REMOVAL AND TERMINAL BUD SIZE AFFECT THE FRUITING HABITS OF CRANBERRY

Percentage of fruiting uprights, fruit set, number of fruit per uprigh t, and flower bud formation of 'McFarlin' and 'Stevens' cranberries (V accinium macrocarpon Ait.) were reduced by removal of old leaves, new leaves, or both on the upright. Results varied slightly, based on whic h leaves were removed, time of removal, cultivar, year, and bog site. Percentage of fruiting uprights, flowers and fruit per upright, and fr uit set were higher on uprights with a terminal bud size >1 mm in diam eter in September than for those <1 mm in diameter. Effects were culti var and site dependent. Terminal bud size of 'McFarlin' was negatively related to the subtending number of fruit and positively related to l eaf fresh weight of the upright.