Effects of two different substrates on vegetative and flowering traits of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivars

Blueberry is a sensitive berry to alkaline soil, water deficit and logging related to root ventilation, affected via growth characteristics. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different culture media on two cultivars, ‘Jewel’ and ‘Emerald’ blueberry in the southern region of the Caspian Sea, Iran, due to lack of suitable soil. Same size and age blueberry cultivars (‘Emerald’ and ‘Jewel’) were prepared and repotted in peat moss and BluePeat substrates with five combination ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100) in 15-L pots based on completely randomized design. Phenotypical characterization of the treated plants was carried out. Results showed that the BluePeat substrate produced a higher number of flowers, number of leaves, leaf size, crown diameter and number of spring sprouts than peat moss.