Enhancing plant establishment in commercial blueberries using symbiotic fungi
Lead Participant:
JAMES HUTTON LIMITED
Abstract
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.
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.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
---|---|---|
JAMES HUTTON LIMITED | £28,176 | £ 12,679 |
  | ||
Participant |
||
THOMAS THOMSON (BLAIRGOWRIE) LIMITED | £35,639 | £ 19,601 |
MAGNA PARVA LIMITED | ||
INNOVATE UK | ||
THE JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE | £57,456 | £ 57,456 |
People |
ORCID iD |
David Somerville (Project Manager) |