Effects of conventional and organic nitrogen fertilizers on soil microbial activity, mycorrhizal colonization, leaf antioxidant content, and Fusarium wilt in highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

R. Montalba^1*, C. Arriagada², M. Alvear³ and G. E. Zúñiga⁴

Abstract
A study was conducted in the greenhouse to determine the effects of conventional and organic nitrogen (N) fertilizer on Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium solani, in northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. ‘Legacy’). Root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi, soil microbial activity, and leaf antioxidants content was also measured the treatments.

Plants grown with organic N fertilizer exhibited a lower incidence of Fusarium wilt than those grown with conventional N fertilizer (5% and 30% by the end of the experiment, respectively). Organic fertilizer also increased the soil biota activity, mycorrhizal colonization, and leaf antioxidant content relative to conventional N source.

The results suggest that organic N fertilizer may improve the tolerance of blueberry to soil pathogens, such as F. solani.


Source
Scientia Horticulturae (2010) 125: 775-778
DOI:  10.1016/j.scienta.2010.04.046 


Author Locations and Affiliations
(1) Instituto del Medioambiente, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54 D, Temuco, Chile
(2) Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54 D, Temuco, Chile
(3) Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54 D, Temuco, Chile
(4) Departamento de Ciencias Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Casilla 307 Correo 2, Santiago, Chile
* Corresponding author, E-mail mrene@ufro.cl


Posted July 2010