MASS. EXPERIMLNT STATION BULLETIN 358 



Figure 2. Iron Chlorosis of the Cultivated Blueberry. 

 A, Healthy shoot; B-D, increasingly severe stages of chlorosis. 



soil. Low meadows are often suitable if there is adequate air and water drainage. 

 Hillsides may be used if the soil conditions arc right and soil erosion is prevented. 

 If erosion is not prevented, serious gullying may occur (Fig. 3). Many abandoned 

 cranberry bogs in the southeastern part of the State probably would be satis- 

 factory. Land previously used fcr garden crops is usually unfit for blueberries 

 because it is not acid enough. It oiten may be made suitable by mixing with it 

 woodland turf, fallen leaves, or peat, using at least a bushel per plant. 



Preparation of Land 



If the land has not been under cultivation, it must be cleared of all trees, 

 stumps, and bushes. If it is low and wet, it must be drained so that the water 

 table will remain at least 14 inches below the surface. Low spots should be filled 

 in or drained so there will never be standing water during the growing season. 



After clearing and draining, the field should be plowed and harrowed to thor- 

 oughly mix and condition the soil. Thus prepared it should be kept fallow for 

 a year, especially if a sod harboring white grubs has been plowed in. Occasional 

 harrowing while the land is lying fallow will improve its condition and increase 

 the chances of 'success with the plants. 



Selection of Varieties 



Although the blueberry is new among cultivated fruits, desirable varieties are 

 already available. The bush of the ideal variety is able to produce a heavy crop 

 and abundant new growth annually. It is easy to propagate and prune, disease 

 resistant, especially to mummy berry and Phomopsis gall, and hard\ in winter. 

 An upright habit of growth makes picking easy and keeps the berries out of the 

 dirt. 



The berries of the ideal varict\- are large and uniform in si/c throughout their 



