Re. Gough, VEGETATIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MONTANA BLUE HUCKLEBERRY (VACCINIUM GLOBULARE RYDB.), Journal of horticultural science & biotechnology, 73(5), 1998, pp. 606-611
The Montana blue huckleberry (Vaccinium globulare Rydb.) is a popular
and highly sought wild fruit in the western United States. Because it
is becoming increasingly difficult to meet growing market demands from
wild harvests, growers and state officials are funding projects to in
vestigate cultivation of the fruit. This study investigates the vegeta
tive and reproductive growth patterns of this species as a prelude to
its cultivation. Such information is critical in properly scheduling f
ertilizing, pruning and other cultural practices. The species produces
fixed sympodial, non-episodic vegetative extension growth over a four
-week period each season, followed by apical abortion and the formatio
n of vegetative or mixed buds. Floret differentiation begins shortly a
fter cessation of shoot growth and all floral parts are differentiated
by late summer of the year prior to anthesis.