Summary
This paper examines how selected mineral elements affect blueberry growth in non-standard soil conditions and surveys genetic variation within Vaccinium species that might support improved performance in adverse environments. Calcifuges including blueberry, cranberry, rhododendron and azalea require acidic soils (pH 5.5 or below) and minimal nutrition, with overfertilisation causing foliar injury particularly in young plants. The work contributes to understanding mineral nutrition and potential breeding opportunities for acid-loving horticultural crops grown outside their typical edaphic niches.
Regional applicability
Findings are applicable to United Kingdom horticulture, where blueberry and other calcifuge production has grown in recent decades. The emphasis on genetic variation and soil management practices may inform UK horticultural breeding programmes and cultivation advice, though specific UK field validation would be needed.
Key measures
Blueberry growth responses to Mn, Al, Fe, Ca, and N under varying soil conditions; intraspecific variation in Vaccinium tolerance to atypical soil environments
Outcomes reported
The study examined the role of selected elements (manganese, aluminium, iron, calcium, and nitrogen) on blueberry growth in atypical soil/site environments and explored potential variation within Vaccinium species that may be beneficial for genetic selection under non-optimal conditions.
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