No abstract

To evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) and irrigation coupling on the soil N distribution, plant N utilization, and fruit yield of rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium virgatum), a field experiment was designed using two factors (water and fertilizer application) with four levels of irrigation and three levels of fertilization, and a control. Under the different water and fertilizer combinations, N primarily accumulated in the leaves. Irrigation and N application within appropriate ranges (pure N ≤ 29 g/plant and irrigation volume ≤ 2.5 L/plant) significantly improved the blueberry fruit yield. Increases in water and N within these ranges promoted the effective accumulation of N in various organs and the absorption and utilization of N in the plants, which ultimately promoted blueberry yield. With increased N application rate, the nitrate N content of the 0-20 cm and 20-50 cm soil layers increased. With increased irrigation volume, the nitrate N content of the 0-20 cm soil layer decreased, while the nitrate content in the 20-50 cm soil layer increased. Low N and moderate water treatments resulted in high fruit yields and reduced nitrate N retention in the soil. Under these conditions, the economic input-output ratio was high and the soil N accumulation was low, and thus the economic and ecological benefits were maximized.

No abstract

The F3′5′H gene family plays an important role in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis, abiotic stress, and hormone signaling. In this study, 14 F3′5′H genes were identified from the blueberry genome. The chromosomal distribution, physicochemical properties, F3′5′H domain, conserved motifs, cis-acting elements, and intron/exon compositions were analyzed. The functional prediction analysis of these VcF3′5′Hs indicated that their biological functions included light response and other secondary metabolites. The results of qRT-PCR showed that VcF3′5′Hs (especially VcF3′5′H4) were highly expressed at the ripening stage. Subcellular localization revealed that VcF3′5′H4 may be located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Co-expression analysis showed that the VcF3′5′H gene family was related to anthocyanin. This research provides an overview of the blueberry F3′5′H family and helps verify the role of these genes in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis.