Investigation of a Possible Sexual Function Specialization in the Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifoliumAiton. Ericaceae)

SUMMARY Commercial lowbush blueberry fields contain several clonal plants; of these Vaccinium angustifolium (Aiton) is frequently the dominant. The V. angustifolium component is typified by a mosaic of distinct genotypes, commonly called clones, which tend to vary dramatically in fruit production from one to another. The objective of this study was to examine the seed and berry production of forty-three select clones of V. angustifolium which exhibit a wide range of berry yield. For each clone, seed set and pollen viability were measured. A significant positive relationship was found between berry weight and the number of large plump seeds per berry. However, a significant negative relationship was found between the production of large plump seeds and viable pollen tetrads. The results of this study suggest that these select clones of V. angustifolium may be separating female floral function from male floral function.