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PNW 583-E • January 2006 Lingonberry Production Guide for the Pacifi c Northwest R. Penhallegon

Lingonberries are in the Vaccinium and are closely related to highbush ( L.) and (V. macrocarpum L.). Lingonberries are well suited to cooler climates and can be expected to do well in where blueberries and cranberries are productive. Figure 1. Dark green upper surfaces and light green lower leaf sur- Lingonberries are native to faces of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea). , , , the U.S., Canadian Pacifi c Northwest, and northeastern , but are shore , and Tytlebaer There are two general types of not widely cultivated. Known (Germany); berris and cowberry lingonberries: wild and European. commercial lingonberry acre- (England); Kokemomo (Japan); The wild lingonberry is Vaccinium age is only 71 acres worldwide. and linberry, lowbush cranberry, vitis-idaea Linnaeus var. minus Lingonberry production is a rela- red , red whortleberry, and (Lodd) Hulten. These tively new endeavor in the Pacifi c rock cranberry (Alaska). are short (less than 7 inches, Northwest. or 18 cm, tall) and have single Botanical blooms. The leaves are ovate, 0.4 to 1 inch (1 to 2.5 cm) long, names description alternate, leathery, and evergreen. The lingonberry is known The genus Vaccinium consists They have a dark green upper by many names throughout the of 450 species, including lingon- surface and a light green under- world: lingberry, lingen, ling- berry, , and cranberry. surface (Figure 1). onberry, lingon, and puolukka Lingonberry is a perennial, The European, or cultivated, (Finland); alpine cranberry, airelle woody, evergreen, acid- loving lingonberry is Vaccinium vitis- dʼIda, and airelle rouge (France); . It is low growing and idaea Linnaeus (Hulten). These mirtillo rosso (Italy); dry-ground spreads by below-ground stems plants are 2 to 16 inches (5 to cranberry, foxberry, fox berry, called . The are rel- 40 cm) tall and have white or graines rouges (); atively small (0.17 to 0.45 gram light pink bell-shaped fl owers cranberry, mountain cranberry, per fruit), bright red to dark red, (Figure 2, page 2). There are fi ve northern mountain cranberry, strong fl avored, and tart. They are to nine glossy evergreen leaves and partridgeberry (elsewhere nutritious and rich in antioxidants, per branch, and leaves can be in Canada); preiselbeern, , and fl avonoids.

R. Penhallegon, Extension horticulture faculty (Lane County), State University. either light or dark green. The one-quarter of the commercial branches are 1 to 2 inches (3 to 4 acreage worldwide. Other areas cm) long (Figure 3). of , such as Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos Wisconsin, Vermont, and Maine, uva-ursi) and lingonberries are also have very small areas in easily confused due to their production. similar leaf structure and berry size (Figure 4). Both plants are Climate native in the Pacifi c Northwest. Lingonberries are hardy plants Kinnikinnick has red , 5 to and can survive freezing tem- 8 mm, while lingonberry peratures. However, when freez- are bright red and 7 to 11 mm. ing temperatures or frost occur , another similar during fl owering or fruiting, berry plant, have blue-purple fruit, 8 to loss can be up to 50 percent. In 11 mm, while cranberries have Europe, plants with ripe fruit have bright red fruit, 8 to 12 mm. been noted to survive tempera- tures as low as 28°F (-2°C). Those Production areas with green fruit have survived at Wild lingonberries are found 27°F (-3°C). in more than 24 countries and are Plants perform well in mari- indigenous to the sandy, north- time climates, and in Oregon and ern, temperate, boreal forests of they have survived Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, temperatures as low as 2°F Sweden, Finland, and Russia. (-17°C). If there is no snow cover Currently, Oregon, Washington, and temperatures drop below Figure 2. Lingonberry fl owers and British have more 10°F (-12°C), protect plants with are bell shaped and white or light than 17 acres in commercial pro- straw mulch, overhead , pink in color. Fruit weigh from duction, which is approximately or fl oating row covers. 0.17 to 0.45 gram and are bright red to dark red.

Figure 3. European (cultivated) lingonberry plants Figure 4. Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and are 2 to 16 inches (5 to 40 cm) tall with fi ve to nine wild lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea). Lingonberry glossy, evergreen leaves per branch. Branches are leaves are notched at their tip and are slightly longer 1 to 2 inches (3 to 4 cm) long. than those of kinnikinnick. Both species are native in the Pacifi c Northwest, and they look very similar in the wild.

2 Bloom Lingonberries fl ower on 1--old growth (the previous yearʼs growth). They are known as branch tip bloomers. There are two bloom periods—March to April and July to August. The fruit ripens in mid-August and mid-October, respectively. Pollination Lingonberries need pollination from a pollinizer cultivar to pro- duce good-size berries. Pollinizer cultivars tend to be lower yield- ing, but they enable high-yielding Figure 5. Lingonberry fi eld in Washington. Dark-colored rows of cultivars to be very productive. plants are pollinizer cultivars, and light-colored rows are high- Pollinizer cultivars are needed for yielding cultivars. both spring and summer bloom periods. Plant 10 percent of the fi eld with pollinizer cultivars to leather, and dried fruit. They often Lingonberries also are very high achieve the best pollination and are added to mixes with raisins, in vitamin C. Leaves and stems highest yield (Figure 5). Red Pearl pickled, or added to chocolates, contain arbutin, which is used by and Sussi are two commonly used muffi ns, pies, pancakes, rolls, pharmaceutical companies for pollinizer cultivars. tarts, cookies, ice cream, and skin care products. Lingonberries Bees, fl ies, bumblebees, but- yogurt. Lingonberries are mixed also are used to make infusions terfl ies, and other fl ying insects with other berries, especially and herbal teas. are important pollinators. Fields cranberries. should be kept open and in full Food coloring. Lingonberries Cultivars sun for optimal fruit set. Wind have a relatively high Currently, there are 16 cultivars does little to pollinate lingonberry content. Anthocyanin is a source (14 high-yielding producers and fl owers, and high winds or heavy of the purple, blue, and red colors 2 pollinizers) and 5 numbered can hamper pollination. Frost in many horticultural crops. With selections planted in the Pacifi c during the blossom period can the reduced availability of arti- Northwest. damage fl owers and prevent pol- fi cial food colors, there is inter- • Ammerland. Vigorous and lination and fruit set, even with est in using water-soluble plant high-yielding. One of the oldest temperatures as mild as 28°F pigments such as anthocyanin for available cultivars, but very (-2°C). food colors. little commercial acreage has Medicinal. Many species of been planted with this cultivar. Common uses Vaccinium ( family), Plants grow 12 to 14 inches including lingonberry, , (30 to 36 cm) tall. Berries Food items/products. and blueberry, are being studied Lingonberries can be eaten fresh are medium-size to large for their rich fl avonoid con- (0.28 gram). Country of origin: but are more commonly processed tent (anthocyanins, fl avonols, into sweet food products such Holland. and proanthocyanidins). These • Erntedank. High-yielding; as jams, jellies, syrups, purées, compounds are being studied for sauces, fruit juices, and beverage produces a good summer and their possible anticarcinogenic fall crop. Moderate growth concentrates. Lingonberries are and antioxidant activities and used to make liqueurs, , fruit habit, and plants begin to other nutraceutical properties. spread in the third year. Plants

3 are 14 to 16 inches (36 to mid-November, the berries are • Regal. A low-yielding plant 41 cm) tall with dark green overripe. Country of origin: used mainly as an ornamental. leaves. Berries are small to Sweden. Moderate vigor and some frost medium-size (0.17 gram) and • Koralle. Moderate to high- resistance. Average plant height bright red. Fruit is produced yielding but slow spread- is 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm), on the branch tip. Country of ing. A popular, vigorous, with very dark green foliage. origin: Germany. bushy plant with an upright Berries are small (0.18 gram) • Erntekrone. High- yielding, growth habit that is very easy and dull red. One of the oldest with good summer and fall to harvest. Plants are 12 to plants used in the , yields. Upright, vigorous 14 inches (31 to 36 cm) tall, Regal was developed by Elden growth. Medium-tall, 8 to and leaves are light green. Stang from Finnish material. 12 inches (20 to 31 cm) in Berries are medium-size to Country of origin: U.S. height. Leaves are dark green large (0.23 gram) and pale to • Sanna (Patent Number and more rounded than the medium red. The berries grow VF 829.940525). Plants pro- characteristic oval shape found on the branch tips and have a duce a good summer crop but in other cultivars. Berries tangy fl avor. Country of origin: a poor fall crop. An upright, are medium-size to large Holland. compact plant, ranging in (0.32 gram) and bright red. • Koralle/German. Moderate height from 6 to 9 inches (15 to An older cultivar, developed yields in both summer and 23 cm) and slow to spread. The in 1981. Country of origin: fall. Plants are 12 to 15 inches foliage is dark green. The ber- Germany. (31 to 38 cm) tall with medium ries are medium-size to large • Erntesegen. High-yielding, green leaves. Berries are very (0.26 gram), dark red, and uni- with vigorous, upright growth. bright red, uniform in color, form in ripening. They gener- Plants grow 12 to 15 inches and large (0.32 gram). Fruit ally are overripe by November. (31 to 38 cm) tall, and leaves are produced high on the bush. Country of origin: Sweden. are dark green. Berries are German-developed cultivar • Scarlet. A moderate-yielding very large (0.41 gram) and are of Koralle. Country of origin: but vigorous plant. An older a bright dark red. The berries Germany. cultivar that produces lots of grow on the branch tips. This • Linnae. Pronounced Ly-nay-ah. pollen and commonly is used variety is doing very well in tri- A new cultivar with insuf- in ornamental gardening. The als in Oregon and Washington. fi cient time in production for plants are 4 to 8 inches (10 to Country of origin: Germany. yield evaluations. Plants are 20 cm) tall with medium green • European Red. Low to moder- 5 to 9 inches (13 to 23 cm) leaves. The berries are medium ate yields and spreads quickly. tall, and the leaves are light in size (0.27 gram), light red, One of the original cultivars green. Berries are medium- and grow on the branch tip. developed in 1981 and widely size (0.24 gram) and very dark Country of origin: Norway. planted in commercial produc- red. Very ripe by November. • Splendor. Plants yield moder- tion. Plants are 5 to 8 inches Country of origin: Sweden ately after the second year and (13 to 20 cm) tall. Leaves are (Balsgard Institute). heavily after the third year. A light green and oval. Berries are • Masovia. A high-yielding precocious, moderately vigor- small (0.19 gram) and light red. cultivar. Vigorous and medium- ous cultivar that has some- A very nice ornamental plant. high plant, 8 to 12 inches what frost-tolerant fl owers Country of origin: U.S. (20 to 31 cm) tall. Foliage is and fruit buds. Average plant • Ida. Pronounced Eeda. High- dark green, and plants spread height is 6 to 10 inches (15 to yielding and blooms very vig- quickly through new 25 cm), and foliage is medium orously after the fi rst 2 . growth. Berries are medium- green. The berries are small Plants are 5 to 7 inches (13 to size (0.26 gram), bright red, (0.24 gram) and grow on the 18 cm) tall, and leaves are dark and grow on the branch tip. Not branch tip. High in anthocya- green. Berries are very large much acreage has been planted. nins. Country of origin: U.S. (0.45 gram) and dark red. By Country of origin: .

4 Pollinizer cultivars uniform. Berries are small to Yield Pollinizer cultivars tend to medium-size (0.26 gram) and A healthy lingonberry planting have moderate yields and average grow on the branch tip. A nice can be expected to be productive fruit quality. Fields generally are ornamental plant with some for 20 years or more. Yields from planted to include 10 percent of a resistance to Phytophthora root commercial fi elds (5- to 8-year- pollinizer variety to ensure good rot. Country of origin: Sweden. old plants) in the U.S. range from pollination for the higher yielding Numbered cultivars 2 to 15 tons per acre (Table 1). varieties. Five numbered cultivars were These yields are greater than in • Red Pearl. Low-yielding developed in Balsgard, Sweden, Germany (0.5 to 6 tons per acre) but heavily planted due to and planted in test plots in or Sweden (1 to 3.6 tons per acre). its suitability as a pollinizer. Oregon in 2002. Average berry In cultivar trials in Fall Creek, Plants have an upright, vigor- weights for these cultivars are: Oregon, the average cultivar yield ous growth habit, are 13 to 8726-8 (0.31 gram), 8739-8 was 6.6 tons per acre, and yields 15 inches (33 to 38 cm) tall, (0.24 gram), 87102-3 (0.22 gram), ranged from 2 tons per acre for spread nicely, and have dark 8723-10 (0.34 gram), and Red Pearl to 15 tons per acre for green foliage. Berries are small 8724-49 (0.25 gram). Country of Erntesegen (Figure 6). With good to medium-size (0.18 gram), origin: Sweden. bright red, and grow on the branch tip. Introduced to the U.S. by Elden Stang in 1983. Table 1. Yield of lingonberries produced in Europe and of origin: Holland. (U.S. tons per acre and tons per hectare). • Sussi (Patent Number Country U.S. tons/acre Tons/hectare VF 846.941220). Moderate yielding in mid-October. A Germany (range) 0.5–6.0 1.2–14.8 vigorous plant with a spread- Sweden (range) 1.0–3.6 2.5–8.9 ing habit. Plants are of medium United States height, 7 to 10 inches (18 to Low yield 2.3 5.8 25 cm), with dark green Medium 6.6 16.4 foliage. Fruit ripening is High 15 35.7 Source: R. Penhallegon, ISVC 2004.

35,000

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

Yield (lb/acre) Yield 10,000

5,000

0

Ida Sussi Linnea Sanna Regal E Segen E Krone 8726-8 Scarlett E Dank Koralle Masovia 8724-49 8739-8 87102-3 Koralle-G 8723-10 Splendor Red Pearl Ammerland Cultivar European Red Figure 6. Summer and fall fruit yield of 21 lingonberry cultivars grown in preliminary trials in Fall Creek, Oregon, from 1999 to 2003. Source: R. Penhallegon, ISVC 2004.

5 management, lingonberry yields cultivars produce larger berries Cultural in the Pacifi c Northwest should be in the fall than in the summer comparable to or better than many (Figure 8). Erntesegen, Koralle, management small fruit yields. In comparison, Linnea, and Sanna are excep- Soil type blueberries average 4.5 to 6 tons tions; they produced larger Lingonberries prefer a light, per acre, straw berries 3.5 to berries in the summer than in well-drained soil such as a sandy 4.5 tons per acre, and cranberries the fall. Brix, a measure of the loam, a well-drained loam, or a 7 to 8 tons per acre. amount of soluble sugars in the silty loam. Determine the type of Weights of individual berries fruit, was highest for the cultivar soil in your fi eld by referring to range from 0.17 to 0.45 gram Erntesegen (13.9 °Brix) and low- the county soil survey or send a for varieties grown in Fall est for Erntekrone (10.2 °Brix) sample to a soil lab for analysis. Creek, Oregon (Figure 7). Most (Figure 9).

0.5 0.45 0.4 0.35 0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1

Berry weight (gram) Berry weight 0.05 0

Ida Sussi Sanna Linnea Regal E Segen 8723-10 E Krone 8726-8 Scarlett Masovia 8724-49 8739-8 Koralle 87102-3 E Dank Koralle-G Splendor Red Pearl Ammerland Cultivar European Red Figure 7. Weights of individual berries of cultivars grown in Fall Creek, Oregon, from 1999 to 2003. Weights range from 0.17 gram (Erntedank) to 0.45 gram (Ida). Source: R. Penhallegon, ISVC 2004.

0.6 Summer Fall 0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2 Berry weight (gram) Berry weight 0.1

0

Ida Sussi Sanna Linnea Regal E Segen 8723-10 E Krone 8726-8 Scarlett Masovia 8724-49 8739-8 Koralle 87102-3 E Dank Koralle-G Splendor Red Pearl Ammerland Cultivar European Red Figure 8. Average weights of individual berries of cultivars grown in the summer (light blue) and fall (dark red) in Fall Creek, Oregon, from 1999 to 2003. Source: R. Penhallegon, ISVC 2004.

6 14

12

10

8

Brix 6

4

2

0 Ida Sussi Linnea Sanna Regal E Segen Masovia 87102-3 E Dank 8723-10 Koralle Scarlett 8739-8 8726-8 8724-49 E Krone Splendor Red Pearl Koralle-G Ammerland European Red Cultivar Figure 9. Average summer and fall soluble solids of lingonberries harvested in trials in Fall Creek, Oregon, from 1999 to 2003 (measured by Brix meter). Source: R. Penhallegon, ISVC 2004.

Oregon and Washington grow- chloride (Cl). High levels of started by rhizome division can ers have planted lingonberries calcium (Ca) also can have a toxic spread pathogens, and seedlings on raised beds to improve water effect on the plants. may not be true to parent stock. drainage and decrease the risk of Two- to 3-year-old lingonberry root rot. Raised beds should be Propagation plants (propagated by one of the 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) high. Lingonberries are most com- methods described above) also If necessary, install fi eld tiles or monly propagated by micro- can be purchased. These older rip the soil to improve drainage propagation (also known as tissue plants cost more, but can reduce prior to planting. For heavier soils culture) and stem cuttings. As total plant establishment costs and such as deep clay, incorporate production needs increase, rhi- the time between planting and organic matter such as compost zome divisions and seedlings also fi rst harvest. The cost of rooted, or a cover crop prior to planting are becoming more available for fi eld-ready 1- to 2-year-old plants to help improve drainage and commercial planting. Stem cut- is $1 to $3 per plant, and the cost to increase the organic matter tings and rhizome divisions can of 2- to 3-year-old plants is $3 to content. be rooted during the spring or late $7 per plant. Lingonberries are most produc- summer and transplanted into the tive in soil with an organic matter fi eld the following spring or fall. Planting level of 2 to 6 percent in the top Seeds can be sown in a green- Plant lingonberries in the 3 to 6 inches and with a soil pH house. Transplant 1- or 2-year-old spring or fall. Plant roots 2 to of 4.3 to 5.5. If the soil pH is seedlings to the fi eld in the spring 3 inches deep. If planting seed- too high, use elemental sulfur or fall. lings, set the plant root system to lower it. (See Acidifying Soil Each of these techniques has just below the top of the soil for Crop Production West of the limitations. For example, plants surface. Cascade Mountains, EM 8857-E). started from stem cuttings may Set plants in a single row down Lingonberries are very sensi- not develop vigorous rhizome the center of the raised bed. Space tive to high salt concentrations, growth and may have limited bed centers 24 to 36 inches (61 to especially sodium (Na) and plant spread and yield. Plants 91 cm) apart and space plants

7 8 to 18 inches (20 to 46 cm) chipped yard debris, compos- Fertility apart within the row (Figure 10). ted or fresh grass seed straw, Do not apply high rates Plants spread through rhizome leaf or bark mulch, wood chips, of fertilizer to lingonberries. growth and will cover the bed by manure, mint compost, and pine Overapplying fertilizers reduces the fourth or fi fth year. At plant- forest duff (Figures 11 and 12). yield and can cause plant die- ing, populations are 5,800 to Add about 10 tons (4 inches) of back. Plant dieback symptoms are 10,900 plants per acre, and the organic material per acre to be similar to those caused by fungal average recommended planting incorporated into the soil as a soil disease (Phytophthora cinnamomi density is 8,700 plants per acre. amendment before planting. After or root rot); the leaves turn brown Mulches planting, add an additional 4 to or black. Use only chloride- 6 inches of organic-based mulch free fertilizers, as chloride salts Various organic mulches around the base of the plants. severely damage plants. can be used with lingonberries, Replenish the mulch every 3 to Use nitrogen in the ammo- including sawdust, compost, 6 years or as needed. nium form such as urea (less acidifying) or ammonium sulfate (acidifying). In years 1 to 5, apply 20 to 40 pounds (10 to 20 kg) of nitrogen per acre each year. After the fi fth year, apply 40 pounds (20 kg) of nitrogen per acre each year. Nitrogen rates above 60 pounds (27 kg) per acre can cause excess vegetative growth and reduce fl owering and yield. Varieties seem to differ in sen- sitivity to fertilizer applications. Koralle and Red Pearl were more sensitive to high fertilizer applica- Figure 10. Plant and row spacing, Figure 11. Compost mulching, tion rates than other varieties. Sweden. Sweden. Irrigation Overhead sprinklers or drip (trickle) irrigation can be used in lingonberry production. Drip irrigation is the preferred method. Bury drip lines in the raised beds before planting. Apply irriga- tion throughout the fi rst summer to improve plant establishment and reduce sunburn. Test irriga- tion water for pH, chloride (Cl), sodium (Na), and calcium (Ca). Lingonberries are sensitive to chloride and sodium. Irrigate plants at a rate of about 0.5 to 0.75 inch (1 to 2 cm) of water every week. Plants thrive Figure 12. Heavy sawdust mulching of lingonberries, Estonia. when irrigation practices are correctly targeted to the soil

8 environment. In heavier soils, To control weeds between lycopodina (Hohn.) Carris, or avoid over-watering, which rows, plant a grass sod between black rot, has been found on the increases the risk of Phytophthora the rows, and mow periodically cultivars Erntesegen, Erntekrone, (root rot) or Pythium (damp- to prevent grasses from seed- and Koralle. Phomopsis colum- ing off). In new fi eld plantings ing. Within the row, apply 4 to naris, or upright dieback, has in Oregon, the variety Koralle 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) of mulch been found on Koralle and can showed moderate to severe to help prevent weed growth. result in plant death. Coleophoma dieback due to root rot when it Lingonberries produce an alle- empetri (Rostrip) Petrik, or ripe was planted in heavy soils and lopathic compound that helps rot, has been found on Red Pearl. irrigated at high rates, while in reduce germination of annual Rhizoctonia sp. has been found on other fi elds this variety died dur- weeds in the rows. Currently, Koralle. Phytophthora citricola ing the fi rst 2 years due to lack of there are only a few herbicides Sawara, or root rots, also have irrigation. labeled for use in lingonberries. been found in lingonberries. Do not allow the soil to dry out In 2000, lingonberry twig die- completely between . Insects back Phomopsis columnaris (also Dry soil increases the salt con- Few major pests have been known as lingonberry twig blight) centration in the soil water, and observed in lingonberry fi elds. was identifi ed as a new disease lingonberries are very sensitive to In Oregon and Washington, in Oregon (Farr et al., 2000). The even modest salt concentrations. the Western spotted cucumber symptoms of this fungal pathogen beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunc- include soft, light brown rot or Pruning tata Fabr.), the Western striped “sunburned” berries and prema- No pruning is recommended cucumber beetle (Diabrotica ture fruit drop. in the fi rst 4 or 5 years after trivittala Mann.), and the oblique- Because several pathogens fi eld planting. After the plants banded leafroller (Choristoneura affect lingonberries, and because are 5 years or older, you can rosaceana Harris.) have been their symptoms are somewhat mow alternate rows to a height found feeding lightly on lingon- similar, laboratory analysis is nec- of 2 inches (5 cm). Mow alter- berry leaves after grass seed fi elds essary to confi rm which pathogen nate rows every 3 to 6 years were harvested. The obscure is present. Due to susceptibility to increase shoot density and root weevil (Sciopithes obscurus of lingonberries to fungal infec- stimulate vigorous, unbranched, Horn.), a very common pest that tion, it is important to start with 1-year-old growth, which will feeds on blueberry leaves, has disease-free plants in the fi eld. increase the number of fruiting not been seen in any lingonberry See the Pacifi c Northwest Plant stems. There is no information at fi elds. In , lingon- Disease Management Handbook present on the best way to prune berry fruitworm (Grapholita for information on disease lingonberries. libertina Heinrich.) burrows into control. the lingonberry fruit, but the Sudden oak death Pests and pest larvae are not observed until the (Phytophthora ramorum, or SOD) management fruit is processed. See the Pacifi c has been tested on lingonberries Northwest Insect Management and was positive. However, no Weeds Handbook for information on SOD has been found in any lingon- Weed control is critical dur- insect control. berry plant materials in growersʼ ing the fi rst 3 years of fi eld Diseases fi elds. establishment. Weed control Lingonberries are very suscep- methods include hand weed- Additional potential tible to several diseases, includ- problems ing and mechanical cultivation. ing various pathogenic fungi that Lingonberries are closely Lingonberries form roots very have been found in association related to blueberries and cranber- near the soil surface and therefore with leaf spots and twig blights ries, and there is some concern are susceptible to damage from in Oregon. Allantophomopsis deep cultivation. that pests in these two common

9 crops also may appear in ling- more information and current the Maine Blueberry Equipment onberries. Such potential prob- techniques for controlling verte- Company has developed a low- lems include blueberry scorch brate pests. bush blueberry mechanical and shock. These pests have not harvester. been found on lingon berries, but Harvesting For fresh-pack markets, the growers are advised to watch for Berries can be harvested stem must be removed from symptoms and send potentially when they are light red to dark the lingonberry. Stems can infected plants to a laboratory for red. If berries are harvested too be removed with a blueberry disease diagnosis. early, when they are still some- stemmer. Vertebrate pests what green, they can be bitter. Moles are attracted to worms However, lingonberries ripen to a Postharvest feeding in high organic matter dark red color after being stored Lingonberries contain high lev- soil. Moles do not damage plants for several weeks under refrig- els of benzoic acid, which natu- directly, but tunneling beneath and eration. Research is underway rally provides a long shelf life. around plants causes roots to dry to use soluble solids as a way to Picked and cleaned berries for out and dislodges plants. Traps determine the best time to harvest the fresh market can be kept up are the most effective method of lingonberries. to 3 to 5 weeks prior to shipping. controlling moles. Gophers also Summer-crop berries will fall Store fresh berries under refrig- can be a problem in lingonberry off the plant by the fall harvest eration at temperatures of 32 to fi elds if gopher and weed popula- period. If harvested in the fall, 45°F (0 to 7°C). Refrigeration will tions are high. Voles (fi eld mice) they will be overripe and will not maintain the “fresh” quality of the commonly are found in the grass store well. berries as long as the berries were area between beds. Regular mow- Frost just prior to lingonberry not overly ripe when they entered ing between beds will suppress harvest does not harm fruit on storage. Overripe berries do not vole populations. the plants, but a prolonged period store well and should be marketed At harvest time, mice feed on of freezing temperatures prior to or processed immediately. ripe berries, causing fruit losses. harvest will cause crop loss. Birds, especially robins and Lingonberries are most com- fi nches, can also be a nuisance as monly harvested by hand with they feed on ripening berries. Bird berry rakes, similar to those damage occurs more frequently used for lowbush blueberries or in the fall crop than in the sum- dryland cranberries (Figure 13). mer crop. In the summer, birds Mechanical harvesters used have a larger selection of food for lowbush blueberries and sources than in the fall, including cranberries can be converted ripe blackberries, blueberries, and into lingonberry harvesters. A raspberries. To discourage birds, mechanical harvesting device was use netting, “bird-eye” balloons, developed by C. von Zabeltitz, scare and distress recordings, and at the Institute of Horticulture mylar fl ash tape. Engineering at the University Deer, bear, and moose brows- in Hannover, Germany. In ing can substantially dam- Minnesota, mechanical dryland age new plantings and reduce cranberry pickers are avail- plant establishment. Fencing able through the Furford Picker Company. In , Figure 13. A hand rake commonly will help prevent animals from used to harvest lowbush blue- entering the fi eld. Contact Douglas Briggs developed a lowbush blueberry picker, and berries and dryland cranberries your local Extension offi ce for can be used for lingonberries.

10 Berries can be stored in For more Other publications a freezer for many months. L. Burt and R. Penhallegon. Individually quick frozen information Lingonberries: Exploring (IQF) berries commonly are Enterprise Opportunities. used in value-added products Staff Papers in Agricultural such as jams, jellies, and juice Extension publications Acidifying Soil for Crop and Resource Economics, concentrates. Production West of the Cascade Staff Paper No. AREC 03-101 Mountains (Western Oregon (Department of Agricultural Marketing and Washington), EM 8857-E and Resource Economics, Fresh berries packed in baskets (March 2004), 11 pages. Oregon State University, sell on the retail market at a price Economic Evaluation of Corvallis, OR, March 2003). of $2.50 to $7.00 per pound. In Lingonberry Production in 36 pages. 2002, berries for jam sold for Oregon, EM 8847 (December Farr, D.F., L.A. Castlebeury, $0.77 to $1.25 per pound ($0.35 2003), 24 pages. A.Y. Rossman, and M.L. to $0.57 per kg) in Poland, Russia, Pacifi c Northwest Plant Disease Putnam, 2000. “A new species and Finland, and $2.00 per pound Management Handbook of Phomposis causing twig die- ($0.91 per kg) in Oregon. (revised annually). back on Vaccinium vitis-idaea Worldwide, 10 percent of the Pacifi c Northwest Weed [Lingonberry].” Mycological crop is sold for juice concentrate. Management Handbook Research 106:745–752. Lingonberries contain about (revised annually). Nursery list: For a list of current 30 percent less water than cran- lingonberry nurseries, con- berries and therefore produce a tact Ross Penhallegon, OSU more concentrated juice. This Many OSU Extension Service Extension Service, 950 West characteristic makes lingonberries publications may be viewed 13 Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402. very attractive to processors. or downloaded from the Web. Phone: 541-682-4243. Email: Currently, lingonberries Visit the online Publications and ross.penhallegon@oregonstate. are imported into the U.S. Videos catalog at http://extension. edu (146,827 pounds in 2003), dem- oregonstate.edu or http://oregon- onstrating the demand for this state.edu/extension/lane fruit and the market potential.

11 © 2006 Oregon State University. This publication was produced and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of , and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educa- tional programs, activities, and materials—without regard to race, color, , sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Published January 2006.