EFFECTS OF LIGHT INTENSITY ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH OF LINGONBERRIES

Lingonberries were grown in Fairbanks, Alaska for up to three growing seasons in containers under four treatments: 0, 44, 56 and 73% shade provided by various thicknesses of polypropylene shade cloth. Following three growing seasons, plants grown without shade produced the greatest number of stems and dry weight per plant. Leaf size and number of leaves per stem did not differ among treatments. Leafy rhizome branches were longer under 73% shade than under higher light intensities. Rhizomes were longer without shade than under lower light intensities. The results indicate that for maximum growth and dry matter accumulation lingonberries should be grown in full sunlight.