**Abstract**

The present situation of blueberry industry in China was summarized. The six main blueberry cultivation areas in China were reviewed and practical suggestions were made. Reference and guidance for water management of rabbiteye blueberry in Yangtze river basin was provided, and water physiological characteristics and water requirement of blueberry were also clarified so as to provide scientific management of blueberry. Effects of vinegar residue on soil physical and chemical properties, enzymatic activities, growth of blueberry, nutrient uptake, and fruit quality were studied. The effect of vinegar residue on the growth of blueberry and the mechanism revealed from the perspective of soil amelioration were also discussed from the results.

**Keywords:** blueberry, China, cultivation, water management, vinegar residue

### **1. An overview of blueberry growing areas in China**

There are 91 species, 24 subspecies of *Vaccinium* L., which distributed all over the country. Among them, *V. uliginosum* L. and *V. vitis-idaea* L. are used as raw materials for making jam and juice in Northeast China for a long history. The young leaves of another species, *V. bracteatum* Thunb., distributed widely in southern China, has been used as raw material for making "black rice," a traditional healthcare food, since Han dynasty about 2000 years ago. The cultivated blueberry industry in China, mainly soil cultivation, was established on the basis of introduced cultivars from abroad.

#### **1.1 Current situation of blueberry cultivation in China**

Blueberry varieties were first introduced from Northern America and Europe by Jilin Agricultural University and Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences in the middle of the 1980s, respectively. The expansion of commercial growing has been conducted since the beginning of the twenty-first century, and the growing areas have been developed rapidly, reaching 40,000 hm2 so far. According to the characters of blueberry growing areas from north to south, six regions could be classified as follows (**Figure 1**):

1.Liaodong peninsula region, protected cultivation mainly

2.Shandong peninsula region, for fresh fruits mainly and processing as well

#### **Figure 1.**

*Main blueberry growing areas in China. W, wild blueberries mainly; 1, Liaodong peninsula region; 2, Shandong peninsula region; 3, Changjiang River basin region; 4, Guizhou and Sichuan region; 5, Yunnan region; 6, South China region.*


It seems that there has greater potential in the latter four southern regions, especially the Changjiang river basin region. Accordingly, because of the different ecological characteristics of every region, the appropriate varieties were different.

#### *1.1.1 Liaodong peninsula region, Liaoning province*

The climate of this region is temperate continental monsoon type, with many rainy days in summer, abundant sunshine, and frost free for 168–180 days. Slightly acidic and sandy loam is the main soil type, which is suitable for blueberry cultivation. The cultivation patterns include open field, cold shed, and greenhouse culture.

Varieties of open-field culture are "Blomidon," "Bluecrop," and "Duke." Harvest time is from early July to late August, which is the latest ripening time in China. Both freezing damage and drought are the main ecological limiting factors in winter and spring. Plants must be put down and covered by soil to prevent cold and drought in winter. This measurement is barely feasible for young trees, and it is quite hard for adult plants to maintain high and stable yields. Sometimes fruit quality could be reduced by the continuous rainy days during the harvesting period.

Protected culture cannot only overcome those shortcomings of open-field culture but could also be used for forcing culture. As lower temperature usually comes early in autumn and sunshine is abundant in spring, forcing culture is a strategic choice for early harvest. But there would also be series of problems of culture techniques, facilities, and high management cost needed to be solved. Early maturing southern highbush varieties, such as "Misty," are cultivated for pursuing high profit,

**83**

22.5 t per hm2

*The Developing Blueberry Industry in China DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88225*

and vegetables.

harvested in the mid-late March.

*1.1.3 Changjiang (Yangtze) river basin region*

*1.1.2 Shandong peninsula region, Shandong province*

which could be harvested in mid-late March of the next year as the temperature in greenhouse could warm up in mid-November of the previous year. However, due to the development of early ripening fresh fruit in Yunnan and blueberry facility cultivation in Shandong, blueberry industry in this area has great competitive pressure.

This region is typical of the warm monsoon climate with slightly acidic to neutral sandy loam soil. Light source is rich and there is large temperature difference between day and night. Shandong is a well-known horticultural province in China, with the unique ecological conditions which are suitable for many fruit trees

The annual rainfall in this area is 650–850 mm, 60% of which is concentrated in summer with rainstorm occurring sometimes, while the average annual evaporation is 1000–1200 mm, so the annual rainfall is insufficient for blueberry growing. Therefore, as for open-field blueberry cultivation, groundwater is the main water resource for irrigation. Both groundwater quality and supply are not desirable, and the air humidity is often so low; water shortage is the main limiting factor for open-field blueberry growing in this region. In addition, besides a few sites located in the coastal areas, blueberry production in this region is often threatened by hot and dry winds in late spring, as well as by freezing in winter and early spring. Therefore, culture model of greenhouse and cold shed cultivation become more popular, although open-field cultivation still exists in this area. The varieties cultivated in greenhouse have also changed from the original northern highbush varieties to much earlier maturing southern highbush varieties, which could be

The range of this region is from the limitation of soil pH < 6.0 from north bank of Yangtze river to roughly along about 20°C annual isothermal line on the southern bank of Changjiang river. Annual rainfall is generally >1000 mm, and summer temperature is usually high. Strong acidic red soil and yellow soil (pH 4.5–5.5) are the main acidic soil types, that is, clay, poor fertility, low organic matter, and low total nitrogen content. Therefore, corresponding measures should be taken to improve soil permeability and increase soil organic matter content. How to use local resources to increase soil organic matter in Changjiang river basin is a long-term research topic. It is suggested that the laying of drainage pipeline under the planting

site could be an effective measure to prevent the soil from being too wet.

relatively strong wild traits could give high and stable yield.

The most adverse environmental factor in this region is high temperature in summer, and the extreme maximum temperature may reach above 40°C. The number of days with the highest daily temperature greater than or equal to 35°C in this region is also increasing with the tendency of global warming and reaching 20 days in most places and even up to 30 days in some sites. This region has not only heavy rain but also drought in summer and autumn due to monsoon climate. Therefore, soil moisture regulated by drainage and irrigation is one of the key measures of blueberry culture in this region. In addition, the harvest time of some varieties in this region coincides with the plum rain season, so rain shelter should be adopted to avoid this problem. Typhoon damage should also be prevented in offshore areas. With appropriate cultural practice, most rabbiteye varieties were adaptable to high temperature in summer, and the yield of "Brightwell" could reach more than

. As for southern highbush blueberries, only a few varieties with

*Modern Fruit Industry*

**Figure 1.**

*region; 6, South China region.*

3.Changjiang (Yangtze) river basin region, for both processing and fresh fruits

4.Guizhou and Sichuan region, for processing mainly and fresh fruits also

*Main blueberry growing areas in China. W, wild blueberries mainly; 1, Liaodong peninsula region; 2, Shandong peninsula region; 3, Changjiang River basin region; 4, Guizhou and Sichuan region; 5, Yunnan* 

It seems that there has greater potential in the latter four southern regions, especially the Changjiang river basin region. Accordingly, because of the different ecological characteristics of every region, the appropriate varieties were different.

The climate of this region is temperate continental monsoon type, with many rainy days in summer, abundant sunshine, and frost free for 168–180 days. Slightly acidic and sandy loam is the main soil type, which is suitable for blueberry cultivation. The cultivation patterns include open field, cold shed, and greenhouse culture. Varieties of open-field culture are "Blomidon," "Bluecrop," and "Duke." Harvest time is from early July to late August, which is the latest ripening time in China. Both freezing damage and drought are the main ecological limiting factors in winter and spring. Plants must be put down and covered by soil to prevent cold and drought in winter. This measurement is barely feasible for young trees, and it is quite hard for adult plants to maintain high and stable yields. Sometimes fruit quality could be reduced by the continuous rainy days during the harvesting period. Protected culture cannot only overcome those shortcomings of open-field culture but could also be used for forcing culture. As lower temperature usually comes early in autumn and sunshine is abundant in spring, forcing culture is a strategic choice for early harvest. But there would also be series of problems of culture techniques, facilities, and high management cost needed to be solved. Early maturing southern highbush varieties, such as "Misty," are cultivated for pursuing high profit,

5.Yunnan region, for extremely early market and dual purpose fruits

6.South China region, the newly forming region for fresh fruits

*1.1.1 Liaodong peninsula region, Liaoning province*

**82**

which could be harvested in mid-late March of the next year as the temperature in greenhouse could warm up in mid-November of the previous year. However, due to the development of early ripening fresh fruit in Yunnan and blueberry facility cultivation in Shandong, blueberry industry in this area has great competitive pressure.

### *1.1.2 Shandong peninsula region, Shandong province*

This region is typical of the warm monsoon climate with slightly acidic to neutral sandy loam soil. Light source is rich and there is large temperature difference between day and night. Shandong is a well-known horticultural province in China, with the unique ecological conditions which are suitable for many fruit trees and vegetables.

The annual rainfall in this area is 650–850 mm, 60% of which is concentrated in summer with rainstorm occurring sometimes, while the average annual evaporation is 1000–1200 mm, so the annual rainfall is insufficient for blueberry growing. Therefore, as for open-field blueberry cultivation, groundwater is the main water resource for irrigation. Both groundwater quality and supply are not desirable, and the air humidity is often so low; water shortage is the main limiting factor for open-field blueberry growing in this region. In addition, besides a few sites located in the coastal areas, blueberry production in this region is often threatened by hot and dry winds in late spring, as well as by freezing in winter and early spring. Therefore, culture model of greenhouse and cold shed cultivation become more popular, although open-field cultivation still exists in this area. The varieties cultivated in greenhouse have also changed from the original northern highbush varieties to much earlier maturing southern highbush varieties, which could be harvested in the mid-late March.

#### *1.1.3 Changjiang (Yangtze) river basin region*

The range of this region is from the limitation of soil pH < 6.0 from north bank of Yangtze river to roughly along about 20°C annual isothermal line on the southern bank of Changjiang river. Annual rainfall is generally >1000 mm, and summer temperature is usually high. Strong acidic red soil and yellow soil (pH 4.5–5.5) are the main acidic soil types, that is, clay, poor fertility, low organic matter, and low total nitrogen content. Therefore, corresponding measures should be taken to improve soil permeability and increase soil organic matter content. How to use local resources to increase soil organic matter in Changjiang river basin is a long-term research topic. It is suggested that the laying of drainage pipeline under the planting site could be an effective measure to prevent the soil from being too wet.

The most adverse environmental factor in this region is high temperature in summer, and the extreme maximum temperature may reach above 40°C. The number of days with the highest daily temperature greater than or equal to 35°C in this region is also increasing with the tendency of global warming and reaching 20 days in most places and even up to 30 days in some sites. This region has not only heavy rain but also drought in summer and autumn due to monsoon climate. Therefore, soil moisture regulated by drainage and irrigation is one of the key measures of blueberry culture in this region. In addition, the harvest time of some varieties in this region coincides with the plum rain season, so rain shelter should be adopted to avoid this problem. Typhoon damage should also be prevented in offshore areas.

With appropriate cultural practice, most rabbiteye varieties were adaptable to high temperature in summer, and the yield of "Brightwell" could reach more than 22.5 t per hm2 . As for southern highbush blueberries, only a few varieties with relatively strong wild traits could give high and stable yield.

#### *1.1.4 Guizhou and Sichuan regions*

The landform of Guizhou and Sichuan is complex, and blueberry is mainly planted in the low mountains and hills. The climate of Guizhou is warm and humid, belonging to the subtropical humid monsoon climate, relatively cooler in summer, and no severe cold in winter. Acid red soil is the main soil type. So, rainy weather and acid soil provide favorable environment for blueberry growing. It is practically proven that the yield of some rabbiteye varieties could reach 5–8 kg per plant. However, some weather factors, such as cloudy, foggy, and unstable spring temperature in plateau area, are the negative factors affecting the quality and yield.

Soil of the eastern Sichuan basin is mainly slightly acidic purple soil and paddy soil, which is relatively sticky and difficult to ameliorate. Other areas suitable for blueberry cultivation are mainly hilly gentle slopes, of which the soil is acid yellow brown soil and also heavy. Considering the poor local transportation, processing variety with more suitable adaptability should be adopted for the culture.

#### *1.1.5 Yunnan region*

As Yunnan is located in the low latitude plateau, the temperature varies greatly due to the influence of altitude and latitude. Except for a few places, the continuous growth season in most places lasts for more than 300 days every year. Blueberry has been introduced to Yunnan since 2004, and this region has become an early fresh blueberry producing region with a special reputation in China. Under applicable facilities, such as canopy and integration of water and fertilizer, supply of fresh fruit might last from January to August. With the cooler summer, large difference between day-night temperatures, and abundant sunshine, blueberry culture in this region could achieve high and stable yield, with qualified fruits of high sugar content; good coloring; solid, thick peel; and fragrance.

For open-field cultivation, sometimes yields would be affected by late frost in later spring and hail in spring and summer. What is more, fruit quality and harvesting of medium-maturity variety would be affected by rainy season from May to October.

#### *1.1.6 South China region*

This growing region has just been forming, including low mountains, hills, and river plains in Guangdong, Fujian and, Guangxi provinces, with the lowest latitude in all production regions in China. Annual average temperature is a little higher, and most acid soil is red soil with sticky texture and low content of soil organic matter. Considering the higher annual average temperature, some southern highbush varieties are suitable for this region; and planting areas would develop mainly around large or medium-sized cities so as to face the local consumer groups directly.

#### **1.2 Prospects**

In China, blueberry industry is a new, rising, and prospective business, but it could not be successful easily. Struggling hard and implementing hard are both needed seriously, and, among all, the key points are scientific research and practice for development.

### *1.2.1 Strengthening the basic construction of orchards, implementing fine cultural practice, and insuring high and stable yield with good quality*

In an overall view, although the growing areas increased rapidly and qualified orchards had emerged with good yields, such as 22.5 t/hm2 , approaching the

**85**

*The Developing Blueberry Industry in China DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88225*

Chinese breeding system in various regions.

*quality*

more than 15 t/hm<sup>2</sup>

**water regimes**

revised according to local condition.

international high level, production on most plantations was low, usually only 3–4 t/ ha, so the integrated level of blueberry industry was obviously lagging behind. There appeared a serious imbalance among different regions and orchards. Problems occurred

At the beginning of commercial development stage, especially affected by the fever of making profit by selling seedlings, a number of orchards were failed by a wrong selection on cultivars, e.g., in southern China, where the soil was very heavy, people were particularly interested in southern highbush cultivars but not rabbiteye cultivars, since most southern highbush cultivars were not adapted to the ecological conditions in southern China and orchards were falling down totally in a few years. Learning from practice experience, now, most orchards have known that "cultivars with good adoption to environment is the basic principle of a good cultivar." Otherwise, no matter how nice it is, it is not a reasonable one. Even more, it has been realized that the most suitable cultivars in China should be eventually bred by

during the early blind development stage, such as poor selection of orchard site, orchard infrastructure construction being not in place, and extensive management. It is helpful to be taught by all these historical experiences and to eliminate all these problems in order to improve orchard conditions to get successful and bright future.

*1.2.2 Paying attention seriously to using suitable cultivars in various regions*

*1.2.3 Emphasizing harvesting, storing, and shipping in order to promote fruit* 

As cooling line is, so far, not perfectly used in Chinese blueberry industry, there is a big room to promote the quality by fully using these techniques. Furthermore, processing to increase economic value is a preferable way to gain profit by enterprises of blueberry industry. Accordingly, it is important to have varieties especially for processing. Recently, a favorable selection "LM-1" was released, and it possesses better adaptability to clay soil and hot summer and bears smaller fruit of approximately 1 g per berry with rich nutrition and wild fruit flavor. Its yield could reach

**2. Some ecophysiological response of blueberry grown under different** 

Blueberries (*Vaccinium* spp.) usually prefer well-drained, moist, acidic sandy loam soils with high organic content. It can tolerate moderate drought but is sensitive to soil waterlogging [1]. Inadequate or excessive soil water supply attenuates the growth and development of blueberry and makes a negative effect on both yield and fruit quality. Among the myriad of management measures for blueberry culture, scientific and reasonable water management is particularly critical [2]. Clarifying the water physiological characteristics and water requirement of blueberry is a precondition for development of water-saving and efficient irrigation schedule. Therefore, water physiology and water requirement of different types of blueberry at different growth stages under different soil and climatic conditions have been extensively studied [3–7]. Results from previous studies showed blueberry water requirements vary with plant age and cultivar, weather and soil conditions, and cultural practices [8–14]. Consequently, water demand of blueberry under different climate and soil conditions should be appropriately adjusted and

. It is one of the new representative varieties found in China.

#### *The Developing Blueberry Industry in China DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88225*

*Modern Fruit Industry*

*1.1.5 Yunnan region*

*1.1.6 South China region*

**1.2 Prospects**

for development.

*1.1.4 Guizhou and Sichuan regions*

The landform of Guizhou and Sichuan is complex, and blueberry is mainly planted in the low mountains and hills. The climate of Guizhou is warm and humid, belonging to the subtropical humid monsoon climate, relatively cooler in summer, and no severe cold in winter. Acid red soil is the main soil type. So, rainy weather and acid soil provide favorable environment for blueberry growing. It is practically proven that the yield of some rabbiteye varieties could reach 5–8 kg per plant. However, some weather factors, such as cloudy, foggy, and unstable spring temperature in plateau area, are the negative factors affecting the quality and yield. Soil of the eastern Sichuan basin is mainly slightly acidic purple soil and paddy soil, which is relatively sticky and difficult to ameliorate. Other areas suitable for blueberry cultivation are mainly hilly gentle slopes, of which the soil is acid yellow brown soil and also heavy. Considering the poor local transportation, processing

variety with more suitable adaptability should be adopted for the culture.

content; good coloring; solid, thick peel; and fragrance.

As Yunnan is located in the low latitude plateau, the temperature varies greatly due to the influence of altitude and latitude. Except for a few places, the continuous growth season in most places lasts for more than 300 days every year. Blueberry has been introduced to Yunnan since 2004, and this region has become an early fresh blueberry producing region with a special reputation in China. Under applicable facilities, such as canopy and integration of water and fertilizer, supply of fresh fruit might last from January to August. With the cooler summer, large difference between day-night temperatures, and abundant sunshine, blueberry culture in this region could achieve high and stable yield, with qualified fruits of high sugar

For open-field cultivation, sometimes yields would be affected by late frost in later spring and hail in spring and summer. What is more, fruit quality and harvesting of medium-maturity variety would be affected by rainy season from May to October.

This growing region has just been forming, including low mountains, hills, and river plains in Guangdong, Fujian and, Guangxi provinces, with the lowest latitude in all production regions in China. Annual average temperature is a little higher, and most acid soil is red soil with sticky texture and low content of soil organic matter. Considering the higher annual average temperature, some southern highbush varieties are suitable for this region; and planting areas would develop mainly around large or medium-sized cities so as to face the local consumer groups directly.

In China, blueberry industry is a new, rising, and prospective business, but it could not be successful easily. Struggling hard and implementing hard are both needed seriously, and, among all, the key points are scientific research and practice

*1.2.1 Strengthening the basic construction of orchards, implementing fine cultural* 

In an overall view, although the growing areas increased rapidly and quali-

, approaching the

*practice, and insuring high and stable yield with good quality*

fied orchards had emerged with good yields, such as 22.5 t/hm2

**84**

international high level, production on most plantations was low, usually only 3–4 t/ ha, so the integrated level of blueberry industry was obviously lagging behind. There appeared a serious imbalance among different regions and orchards. Problems occurred during the early blind development stage, such as poor selection of orchard site, orchard infrastructure construction being not in place, and extensive management. It is helpful to be taught by all these historical experiences and to eliminate all these problems in order to improve orchard conditions to get successful and bright future.
