Enhancing plant establishment in commercial blueberries using symbiotic fungi

There is a need to develop a greater understanding of factors affecting the speed and proficiency of

blueberry plant establishment and thereafter maintenance of yield. Bushes do not become fully

productive until they are between five and seven years old requiring a significant financial layout from

growers before any expected return to profit. A significant knowledge gap exists regarding the inter-

relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plant establishment of naturally occurring and commercially

grown Vaccinium species. This project aims to identify species- specific fungal communities to assess

their ability to colonise a range of highbush blueberry cultivars and their affect on establishment and

plant productivity. This project is the first step in developing a commercial product based on symbiotic

fungal isolates for the propagation industry and growers, which would enhance establishment and

growth of blueberry plants.