Abstract

This study investigates the synergistic relationship between ericoid mycorrhizae and growth-promoting microbes on blueberry growth and resilience. Ericoid mycorrhizae are symbiotic fungi known to form associations with plants, particularly in acidic and nutrient-poor soils. Additionally, certain microbial species have been identified for their beneficial effects on plant development and stress tolerance. Through a series of experiments, we examined the combined effects of ericoid mycorrhizae and growth-promoting microbes on blueberry plants. Our results indicate that the presence of both ericoid mycorrhizae and specific microbial strains significantly enhances blueberry growth parameters, including shoot and root biomass, as well as nutrient uptake efficiency. Moreover, plants treated with this microbial consortium exhibit improved resilience to various abiotic stresses such as drought and nutrient deficiency. These findings highlight the potential of harnessing microbial interactions to enhance blueberry cultivation practices, ultimately leading to increased yield and sustainability in blueberry production systems. Further research into the mechanisms underlying these associations is warranted to fully exploit their benefits for agricultural applications.