Uptake and Assimilation of Nitrate and Iron in Two Vaccinium Species as Affected by External Nitrate Concentration

Summary

This hydroponic study demonstrated that Vaccinium arboreum, a wild blueberry species, exhibits significantly higher rates of nitrate and iron uptake, and greater associated enzyme activities (nitrate reductase and ferric chelate reductase), compared to the cultivated southern highbush hybrid V. corymbosum. The enhanced nutrient acquisition efficiency in V. arboreum correlated with increased plant biomass, suggesting that superior nutrient uptake capacity may underpin this wild species' tolerance of wider soil pH ranges and nitrate-dominant nitrogen regimes.

Regional applicability

This study addresses fundamental physiological mechanisms in Vaccinium species grown hydroponically under controlled conditions. The findings may inform blueberry breeding and rootstock selection in UK horticulture, though direct field applicability would depend on whether hydroponic-derived differences in nutrient use efficiency translate to soil-based production systems common in the UK.

Key measures

Nitrate uptake rate (whole-plant and fresh-weight basis), iron uptake rate (fresh-weight basis), nitrate reductase activity, ferric chelate reductase activity, organ dry weight, whole-plant dry weight

Outcomes reported

The study compared nitrate and iron uptake rates, and the activities of nitrate reductase and ferric chelate reductase enzymes, between wild (V. arboreum) and cultivated (V. corymbosum) blueberry species grown under two nitrate concentration regimes. Differences in nutrient acquisition efficiency were correlated with differences in plant biomass accumulation.

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