Lingyuan Blueberries

Lingyuan Blueberries

Lingyuan blueberries are a Geographical Indication Protected Product.

　　Lingyuan blueberries are a specialty of Lingyuan City, Chaoyang, Liaoning Province. The Hongda Yue’niu Agricultural Science and Technology Eco-Park in Lingyuan has become the largest off-season blueberry production base in China. Lingyuan blueberries have been granted the status of a Geographical Indication Protected Product.

　　According to the Lingyuan County Annals, during the Qianlong era, there was a history of wild blueberries growing on Huangjinchuan Mountain in Wafangdian Township, Tazigou (now Lingyuan City). Local people also referred to this fruit as “blue plum.” Because it originated in Lingyuan, it became commonly known as “Lingyuan blueberries.”

　　 In 2011, with the advancement of reform and opening-up and the establishment of a market economy, Lingyuan City vigorously promoted the “company + base + farmer” industrial model during the process of agricultural industrialization. Funded by the Chaoyang Hongda Enterprise Group and led by its subsidiary, Liaoning Hongda Yue’niu Agricultural Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd., an expert team was formed through technical cooperation with five domestic agricultural science and technology colleges. After screening a type of wild small shrub blueberry found in Tazigou (now Lingyuan City), and using tissue culture — a technology known for fast propagation, ability to maintain variety characteristics, and virus-free effects — high-quality premium fruit “Lingyuan blueberries” were cultivated in Wafangdian, Lingyuan, the hometown of the world-renowned “Hongshan Culture.” A Lingyuan blueberry industrial park covering over 1,000 acres was established, increasing the total agricultural output value by 100 million yuan and farmers’ income by 60 million yuan.

　　Quality and Technical Requirements for Lingyuan Blueberries

　　I. Varieties

　　“Vaccinium vitis-idaea,” “Northland,” and “Patriot.”

　　II. Growing Conditions

　　The altitude of the production area ranges from 450m to 1,150m, with soil type being sandy loam, soil layer thickness ≥30cm, organic matter content ≥1.2%, and soil pH value between 4.0 and 6.5.

　　III. Cultivation Management

　　1. Seedling cultivation: cutting and tissue culture.

　　2. Planting: open field from early April to early May; greenhouse from early February to late March or mid-November to late December.

　　3. Fertilization and management: application of ≥5,000 kg/667㎡ (per mu) of well-rotted organic fertilizer per year.

　　4. Pruning and shaping: bush-type tree form, combining winter and summer pruning.

　　5. Maintenance: timely pruning of wild Vaccinium shrubs, and regular coppicing of old trees for renewal.

　　6. Environmental and safety requirements: use of pesticides, fertilizers, etc., must comply with national regulations, and must not cause environmental pollution.

　　IV. Harvesting

　　Harvest from mid-March to early July when the fruit is fully blue and the pedicel shows no red or green color.

　　V. Quality Characteristics

　　1. Sensory characteristics: thick skin, abundant white bloom, fine flesh, rich fruit aroma. Single fruit weight ≥3g.

　　Lingyuan Blueberries

　　 The current administrative region under the jurisdiction of Lingyuan City, Liaoning Province

　　 Lingyuan Municipal People’s Government Letter on the Name and Regional Scope Division of the Geographical Indication Product “Lingyuan Blueberries,” Lingzheng Han [2013] No. 21

　　 Liaoning Hongda Yue’niu Agricultural Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. Enterprise Standard: Q/LHYN01~2-2013 “Lingyuan Blueberries”