Developmental dynamics of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) on different substrates

The blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), also known as blueberry, is a fruit that grows on a perennial shrub of the Ericaceae family. It has a wide distribution worldwide. Its fruit is characterized by its flavor and nutritional properties. In recent years, the demand and production of this fruit has increased. In Mexico, the main producing states are Jalisco, Michoacán, and Sinaloa. Although Mexico is among the leading producers of blueberries, there are still problems associated with the use of substrates for the plants. The objective of the present work was to analyze the dynamics of blueberry plants in different substrates. A completely randomized experimental design was applied in which four treatments with five replications were included. The substrates included in the experiment were crushed pumice, perlite, peat moss, peat, vermiculite, tezontle, bovine excreta and agricultural soil. The variables number of shoots, quantity and quality of fruits were analyzed. The results show that there is a significant difference between the treatments and variables analyzed, of which treatment one (T1), which includes peat, tezontle and vermiculite, stands out. The characteristics shown by T1 favor nutrient absorption, moisture retention and root respiration.