Accumulation and dynamics of manganese content in bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)

In a specific area of the Krušné Hory Mts. (Ore Mountains), Czech Republic, branches and leaves of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) were collected during the growing seasons in 2010-2016 on the low-pH soil (2.77-3.62) with a high total content of manganese (490-6277 mg kg^-1 dwt.). Mn content in leaves occurred in a wide range (274-11,159 mg kg^-1) and was markedly increased during the growing season with the exception of year 2015, when the leaves dried out early due to the precipitation deficit. New leaves exhibited the Mn content corresponding to the beginning of the growing season. Mn content in branches was comparable both in the years of collection (including 2015) and in the respective growing seasons (2062-3885 mg kg^-1). The content of manganese in bilberry leaves was dependent on the cumulated amount of precipitation (p < 10^-6; r² = 0.4962) and on the cumulated amount of water in the soil captured in lysimeters (p = 0.00003; r² = 0.4520).Hyperaccumulation of manganese in bilberry was confirmed as well as its continuous increase during the vegetation seasons. The manganese content in leaves of bilberry showed positive correlation with soil moisture. For the assessment of bilberry condition (nutrition), the collection of samples should be made towards the end of the growing season, closely before the onset of senescence.