Impact of rootstocks on water stress in blueberries

Global climate change is expected to increase the number of rain-free days in the southeastern US. This precipitation shift will affect a large agroecological corridor where fruit crops are produced.
Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) is a major crop that could be severely affected.
Shallow roots predispose blueberry to water deficit stress and yield reductions.
The use of sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum M.) as a rootstock for blueberry production has potential to improve climate resilience.
This greenhouse study investigates the impact of sparkleberry rootstock on the water deficit stress tolerance and overall water status of grafted and own-rooted blueberry plants.
Results suggest that grafted plants develop a deeper root system than own-rooted ones, effectively accessing water from deeper soil layers and enhancing their resilience to drought conditions.
This adaptation could play a crucial role in maintaining blueberry yield and quality in the face of droughts.
Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and practical applications of grafting blueberries onto sparkleberry rootstock in field conditions.

XIII International Vaccinium Symposium

C.R. Heller, J.G. Williamson, G.H. Nunez

drought, grafting, root depth, sparkleberry, Vaccinium arboreum

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1440.49