In forests surrounding many Northern and Indigenous communities, a valuable food source lies hidden among the trees—wild blueberries. These berries have been integral to local diets and traditions for generations, but harvesting them comes with some unique challenges.
Wild blueberry plants produce a relatively small amount of fruit. And with sparse and widely scattered plant stands, the industry is competitive only in very local markets. Harvesting wild blueberries has not only significant labour requirements, which come at a high cost, but also a narrow window that lasts only a few weeks each fall. Taken together, these factors make it difficult to meet market demand locally, let alone being able to consistently supply a broader market throughout the year.
In some areas of Canada, progress has been made to enhance the production capacity of wild blueberries through efforts such as selectively breeding plants. Northern Saskatchewan, however, is one area that has not benefitted from this type of research. That is, until now.
Experts from the National Research Council of Canada's (NRC) Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre are working with the Indigenous community of Kineepik Metis Local #9 in Saskatchewan and a student from the University of Alberta to study wild blueberry characterization. The team hopes to demonstrate how improving the productivity of wild blueberries could provide sustainable economic growth opportunities for Northern communities.
A study in productivity
Credit: Justin Schaeffer, University of Saskatchewan
Exploring the local landscape in search of wild blueberry bushes.
In recent years, tissue culture technology has emerged as an increasingly attractive propagation method for both plant sellers and berry producers. This process involves growing plants from small blueberry tissue samples in controlled environments, allowing for faster, disease-free propagation of high-quality plants on a large scale.
The integration of tissue culture technology into blueberry production promises to enhance the availability of superior cultivars and open up new avenues for economic growth. With the ability to propagate a large number of plants efficiently, plant sellers and berry producers would be able to meet the increasing demand for high-quality blueberries, both locally and in broader markets.
Credit: Justin Schaeffer, University of Saskatchewan
Collective samples are grown in the plant growth facility in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
"Our research, which involves combining tissue culture with genetic evaluation, focuses on assessing the genetics of collected blueberries to identify plants with improved growth traits and higher yields," says Pankaj Bhowmik, team lead at the NRC's Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre. "Through the development of tissue culture protocols and the selection of improved plant characteristics, our project will pave the way for establishing more productive blueberry strands."
A learning opportunity
The University of Alberta's I-STEAM Pathways Environmental Education and Research Program provides opportunities for Indigenous students to complete environmental research internships. University of Alberta student Hanna Hunter joined Bhowmik's team as an I-STEAM intern to contribute to the wild blueberry project by collecting samples of blueberries for lab testing and incorporating valuable Indigenous perspectives.
Hanna is learning how to analyze the phenolic content of the samples she collects and freeze dries to compare it with the phenolic content of commercial varieties of berries purchased from the store. Phenolic compounds have antioxidant properties that contribute to the taste, colour and health benefits of foods.
The team is also learning from Hanna. "Having an Indigenous student involved in this research is incredibly rewarding and enriching. Hanna brings valuable Indigenous perspectives to the work, helping us foster deeper connections with the communities we're working with," says Bhowmik.
A sustainable solution
In addition to using wild blueberries for their fruit, these plants can also serve as an effective firebreak to slow or stop the spread of forest fires thanks to their low fuel load, fire-resistance properties and ability to be managed through controlled burns and pruning. Cultivating blueberry bushes in firebreak areas ensures these important spaces are protected and maintained, enhancing community safety and transforming firebreaks into valuable, productive areas.
Credit: Phyllis Smith, Kineepik Metis Local #9
A wild blueberry bush being cultivated in Saskatchewan.
This multidisciplinary team brings researchers from universities and government together with Indigenous community members, who share their traditional knowledge about the diverse low-bush wild blueberry varieties found on their lands. The team hopes this collaboration will result in a better understanding of how these unique blueberries can boost the local economy and help reduce fire risks, all while honouring and integrating the wisdom and practices of the people who have cared for these lands for generations.