No short-term benefits of inoculation with ericoid mycorrhizal fungi for highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum: Ericaceae) cultivated under controlled conditions in rhizotrons

Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (ErMF) enhance nutrient uptake in highbush blueberry (Vaccinium sp.); however, it is unclear whether inoculating plants with ErMF is actually beneficial. A 40-day rhizotron trial evaluated the effects of two ErMF isolates (Hyaloscypha hepaticicola and Oidiodendron maius), individually and combined, on growth and root develop­ment of the ‘Duke’ and ‘Legacy’ varieties of highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum s. l. Fungal inoculation increased leaf nitrogen concentration in the ‘Duke’ cultivar plants; a decrease in root biomass was also recorded for the ‘Legacy’ cultivar plants compared to the uninoculated plants. The total root length in the ‘Duke’ cultivar was lower with O. maius or combined inoculum, and leaf potassium concentration in the ‘Legacy’ cultivar decreased with H. hepaticicola or combined inoculum. These findings suggest no short-term benefits of ErMF inoculation for highbush blueberry under the tested conditions. Further research is needed to evaluate potential long-term effects and optimize inoculation strategies.