USE OF AN ANTITRANSPIRANT TO MINIMIZE WINTER INJURY ON NONFLOODED CRANBERRY BOGS

The benefit of applying an antitranspirant for protection of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) vines exposed to desiccating conditions was evaluated at four different sites, two sites per year, for a perio d of 1 year each. Overall, plots receiving one fall application of an antitranspirant produced more berries and greater total fruit mass the following year than did nontreated plots. Overall dry leaf mass was n ot significantly affected. At one site, treated plots had more floweri ng uprights and more flowers per upright per unit of ground area than the nontreated plots. For cranberry growers who cannot maintain a wint er flood, one fall application of pinolene (Vapor Card) may offer some protection against winter injury. Further research is needed to docum ent long-term yield effects as well as to clarify the role of the anti transpirant in protecting exposed vines and floral buds against advers e winter conditions. Chemical name used: di-1-p-menthene (pinolene).