ABSTRACT
Blueberry production has been increasing steadily in Oregon and Washington with approximately 80 to 120 ha (200 to 300 acres) being planted per year, on average, over the last ten years. Growers have been following recommendations (Pritts and Hancock, 1992; Strik et al., 1993) in removing blossom buds the first two years after planting. This standard procedure is thought to be necessary to promote good root and vegetative growth. However, preliminary findings in Vaccimium corymbosum L. ‘Bluecrop’ showed that cropping plants the first two years, actually increased production in years three through eight 18% compared to plants that were not cropped early (Strik, unpublished). It is not known how other cultivars would respond to early cropping. If growers were able to crop plants early (in years one and two), then they would not only derive some income from the fruit, but would save an estimated $125-$250/ha ($50-$100/acre) in not having to prune off the blossom buds.
