Optimizing nitrogen ratios for blueberry cultivated under saline medium

Authors

  • Luis E. Espinoza-Orozco Doctorado en Ciencias en Agricultura Protegida-Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro-Departamento de Horticultura. Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Saltillo, Coahuila, México. CP. 25315
  • Rocío M. Peralta-Manjarrez Postdoctorante SECITHI-Departamento de Horticultura-Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro. Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Saltillo, Coahuila, México. CP. 25315
  • Marcelino Cabrera-De la Fuente Departamento de Horticultura-Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro. Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Saltillo, Coahuila, México. CP. 25315
  • Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza Departamento de Horticultura-Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro. Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Saltillo, Coahuila, México. CP. 25315
  • Alberto Sandoval-Rangel Departamento de Horticultura-Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro. Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Saltillo, Coahuila, México. CP. 25315
  • Emilio Olivares-Sáenz Facultad de Agronomía-Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. Francisco I. Madero S/N, Hacienda el Canadá, General Escobedo, Nuevo León, México. CP. 66050

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v16i8.4138

Keywords:

Vaccinium corymbosum L., ammonium, nitrate, stress, quality, yield

Abstract

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) production in Mexico is expanding rapidly, yet nitrogen management and salinity stress remain major challenges. This study evaluated the effects of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) fertilization, with or without sodium chloride (NaCl, 30 mM), on growth, yield, and fruit quality of ‘Biloxi’ blueberry grown in coconut fiber substrate. A completely randomized 3x3 factorial design plus control was applied, varying nitrogen source, concentration (75% and 100%), and salinity. NH4+ significantly increased biomass (121.2%), flower production (316%), fruit number (231%) and yield (162.7%) compared with NO3-. A 100% N rate enhanced shoots (19.5%) and fruit count (43.4%) but reduced fruit size. Salinity reduced fruit number (-70.3%) and yield (-53.1%) without affecting vegetative growth. Significant interactions among nitrogen source, concentration and salinity influenced flowering, quality and agronomic traits. Results indicate NH4+ based fertilization improves blueberry productivity under saline conditions, supporting more efficient nitrogen management strategies.

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Published

2025-12-14

How to Cite

Espinoza-Orozco, Luis E., Rocío M. Peralta-Manjarrez, Marcelino Cabrera-De la Fuente, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza, Alberto Sandoval-Rangel, and Emilio Olivares-Sáenz. 2025. “Optimizing Nitrogen Ratios for Blueberry Cultivated under Saline Medium”. Revista Mexicana De Ciencias Agrícolas 16 (8). México, ME:e4138. https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v16i8.4138.

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Vol. 16 No. 8 (2025)

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