Microbial contamination is one of the main reasons for the quality deterioration of postharvest blueberries during storage. In this study, we investigated the surface microbiota of blueberry fruits stored at different temperatures via high-throughput sequencing of the 16S and ITS rRNA genes. The results indicated that the α-diversity of the microbial communities in samples stored at 4 °C was much higher than that in samples stored at 25 °C. The composition of the bacterial and fungal communities on the surface of the blueberry fruits varied at different storage temperatures. Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Anthophyta, Chlorophyta, Proteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria were the most abundant phyla in the bacterial community. Furthermore, five preservation quality indices were measured, and the influence on the α-diversity of the bacterial community was found to be significantly weaker than that of the fungal community. Based on the prediction of the bacterial flora function, the change in blueberry quality during storage was closely related to its surface microbial effect. This study provides a theoretical basis for an understanding of the microbiota on the surface of blueberry fruits to cause fruit spoilage, and the development of a targeted inhibition technology to preserve blueberry fruits under different storage and transportation environments.

Blackberries are an emerging third-generation fruit that are popular in Europe, and specific nitrogen (N) supply is an important factor affecting their growth and development. To study the optimal N fertilizer for blackberry seedlings, no N (CK), nitrate (NO₃⁻)–N, ammonium (NH₄⁺)–N and urea were applied to one-year-old ‘Ningzhi 4’ blackberry plants at a key growth period (from May to August) to explore the effects of different N forms on the physiological characteristics. Correlation and principal component analysis were used to determine the relationships between various indexes. Ammonium (NH₄⁺) or urea-fed plants had a better growth state, showed a greater plant height, biomass, SPAD values and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and photosynthesis. In addition, NH₄⁺ was beneficial to the accumulation of sugars and amino acids in leaves and roots, and promoted the transport of auxin and cytokinin to leaves. NO₃⁻ significantly inhibited root growth and increased the contents of active oxygen, malondialdehyde and antioxidants in roots. Correlation and principal component analysis showed that growth and dry matter accumulation were closely related to the antioxidant system, photosynthetic characteristics, amino acids and hormone content. Our study provides a new idea for N regulation mechanism of blackberry and proposes a scientific fertilization strategy.

The rhizosphere is a complex microecosystem where soil, roots, and microbes interact to maintain soil ecological functions. Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), an economically important fruit, has a shallow, fibrous root system with few root hairs, limiting its nutrient absorption. It thrives in acidic, high-organic matter soils, restricting its cultivation in many soil types worldwide. Enhancing blueberry productivity and adaptation by leveraging beneficial rhizosphere microbial communities offers a sustainable solution. This review summarizes the composition of blueberry rhizosphere microbial community across different microenvironments and the blueberry rhizosphere core microbiome. We detail the functional roles of beneficial microorganisms in stimulating nutrient bioavailability and secreting phytohormones. Furthermore, factors influencing microbiome assembly, including cultivars, planting age, and metabolites, are evaluated alongside agricultural management practices. Despite extensive taxonomic characterization, a critical gap remains in understanding the functional synergism between blueberry and its rhizosphere microbiome, particularly the ecological mechanisms underlying host adaptation to acidic and nutrient-limited environments. Overall, future research should focus on developing targeted agricultural practices and synthetic microbial communities to reshape the rhizosphere microbiome, thereby establishing productive, resilient rhizosphere-based microbial systems that support eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural ecosystems.

The blueberry root-associated microbiome plays an essential role in its adaptation to acidic soils and in limiting the uptake of soil nutrients by its poor root system. Studies on the interactions of the root-associated microbiome in the various root niches may deepen our understanding of the beneficial effects in this particular habitat.