In this work, gellan gum microspheres (G–MPs) were developed as delivery systems for blueberry extract (Vaccinium myrtillus) (BEX), a source of natural antioxidants rich in anthocyanins (ATCs) and phenolic compounds (PHCs). Gellan gum, an anionic polysaccharide produced via fermentation by Sphingomonas elodea, was selected for its biocompatibility and gelling properties. BEX was obtained using a mild citric acid–based extraction method to preserve antioxidant capacity and was characterized for its total polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content before loading. The extract was loaded into gellan gum microspheres via absorption (G–MPs–BEX). The resulting microspheres exhibited a spherical and porous morphology that favoured both encapsulation and controlled release. FT–IR analysis confirmed the absorption of the extract within the polymer network and revealed hydrogen bonding interactions between the matrix and active compounds. Despite these interactions, microspheres retained a high swelling capacity and enabled rapid release, with maximum release of polyphenols and anthocyanins within 30 min at pH 5.5. The antioxidant activity of BEX, assessed via DPPH assay, remained stable during storage (up to 60 days) and after incorporation into the microspheres. Overall, this study demonstrates that G–MPs can efficiently absorb, stabilize, and release natural antioxidant compounds, supporting their potential use in biomedical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications.

In response to the growing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable yet functional technical textiles, this research developed a spun-bonded nonwoven from the biodegradable thermoplastic starch-based biopolymer BIOPLAST®, incorporating fruit extracts as natural sources of polyphenolic compounds and surface-active additives. Extracts from Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Sambucus nigra L. were applied onto a nonwoven’s surface via aerographic spraying using a water/ethanol system. The resulting materials were characterized in terms of morphology, physicochemical and mechanical behavior, surface characteristics, and stability under accelerated ageing and hydrolytic conditions. Treatment with the extracts increased the tensile strength by roughly 38% and elongation at break by about 50%, and it changed the surface from hydrophobic (contact angle of 115°) to hydrophilic, with contact angles of 83° for the blueberry-modified nonwoven and 55° for the elderberry-modified nonwoven. The modified nonwovens also showed sustained release of polyphenolic compounds over 72 h, which is beneficial for biomedical, healthcare, and cosmetic applications, where short-term use, controlled release of active compounds, and bioactivity are more important than long-term durability. Overall, the results indicate that BIOPLAST®-based spun-bonded nonwovens can serve as fully bio-based carriers for fruit extracts in MedTech-related technical textiles, offering a straightforward way to introduce additional functionality into biodegradable nonwovens.

Berry crops such as strawberry Fragaria × ananassa (Weston), raspberry Rubus idaeus L., blackberry Rubus ulmifolius Schott, 1818, and blueberry Vaccinium myrtillus L. are economically and nutritionally valuable worldwide. However, the intensive use of synthetic pesticides for pest management in these crops has led to ecological imbalance, pest resistance, and negative effects on non-target organisms and human health. The integration of biological control agents into sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) systems represents an alternative. This review compiles and evaluates current advances in the application of baculoviruses (BVs), entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs), nematodes (EPNs), predatory mites (PMs), and parasitoid wasps (PWs) for pest suppression in berry crops. Emphasis was placed on their ecological interactions, host specificity, and compatibility within IPM frameworks. The combined use of micro- and macrobiological control agents effectively reduces key pest populations. However, field efficacy remains influenced by abiotic stressors such as UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and chemical incompatibility. The integration of native micro- and macrobiological control agents of through conservation biological control (CBC) strategies can enhance sustainability in berry production systems. Future efforts should focus on formulation improvements, adaptive management under field conditions, and synergistic interactions among microbial and arthropod natural enemies.

Shrubs of the genus Vaccinium serve as foundation species in boreal ecosystems as they define much of the structure of the ground vegetation and play key roles in many ecosystem services and processes. For example, Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) and Vaccinium vitis-idaea (cowberry) constitute staple foods for several species of large herbivores (Cervidae, deer) in Northern Europe. However, changes to the tree layer from forestry practices have resulted in declines in habitat suitability and the abundance of these shrubs over recent decades. Here, we assess whether related changes to tree basal area and species composition also affect the macronutrient composition of these shrubs, and if so, how such alterations may influence food selection by moose (Alces alces). We sampled bilberry and cowberry twigs during wintertime in five study areas dispersed latitudinally in Sweden, using 65 forest stands dominated by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) or Norway spruce (Picea abies) that varied in age and site fertility, while also taking into account soil C:N, pH, and moisture. We found that the macronutrient composition of bilberry and cowberry forage was significantly altered by forest density and tree species composition. In denser and more spruce-dominated forests (i.e., lower understory light), forage contained less nonstructural carbohydrates, but more protein and lignin, compared to shrubs growing in more open and pine-dominated forests. We also found that the forage available in such shaded environments was closer to the presumed nutritional target balance of moose. Our results illustrate that management decisions influence the macronutrient composition of understory shrubs in a way that may be important for herbivore foraging choices. We suggest that a larger variation in forest structure, both within and among stands across the landscape, will provide cervids with greater variation in forage qualities, since even small differences in forest structure can increase the nutritional variation of the forage. We discuss our results in the context of plant resource allocation, herbivore nutritional balancing and game and forest management.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Peel-Enriched Pomace as Natural Anticancer Agents: Preclinical Evidence from Breast Carcinoma Models Supporting Preventive and Personalized Treatment Strategies.

Vaccinium species are characterised by high nutritional value and rich phytochemical composition of their fruits and are therefore used as food and in folk medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of fruits and leaves of the Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. and Vaccinium myrtillus L. for use as cosmeceuticals and against hyperpigmentation-related skin diseases. The antityrosinase and melanogenesis effects were determined by inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase enzyme, inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme in α-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone)-induced B16F10 cells and melanin inhibition. The ethyl acetate sub-extract from the fruits of V. arctostaphylos showed very strong tyrosinase enzyme inhibition (median inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 9.71 μg mL-1), which was approximately as high as that of the standard compound, and also showed significant melanin inhibition and antityrosinase effect compared to kojic acid. The ethyl acetate extracts from the fruits and leaves of V. arctostaphylos showed antioxidant effect as strong as the standard compounds gallic acid and Trolox. The phytochemical contents of fruit and leaf extracts were analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) profiles of the compounds were predicted and their likeness to drug candidates were analysed. Finally, molecular docking analysis was performed with the crystal structures of different targets determined for compounds (rutin, protocatechuic acid, gentisic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, taxifolin, salicylic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, luteolin-7-glycoside, quercetin). The fruit extracts of V. arctostaphylos in particular appear to be a potential and promising source for the cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical industry due to their content of active ingredients and strong biological effect. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Abstract This study examines the impact of extreme weather events driven by global warming on the growth and distribution limits of high-elevation vegetation by analysing the effects of frost following an exceptionally early onset of spring phenological phases. Climate data from the Skalnaté Pleso Observatory in the High Tatras indicate that the winter of 2023/24 was unusually warm, with January–April temperatures exceeding the 1961–1990 climate normal by 3.8 K for average temperature and 4.4 K for maximum. Despite increased winter precipitation, snowmelt in 2024 occurred significantly earlier and more rapidly than in previous years. Consequently, bud development in Pinus cembra and Vaccinium myrtillus , as well as leafing in Calluna vulgaris , began unusually early. This early onset of phenophases was interrupted by an 11-day cold spell, with minimum temperatures reaching as low as −8.3 °C and an average daily air temperature of −2.0 °C. This episode led to the frost damage of buds during the sensitive development stages, indicating a so-called false spring. V. myrtillus buds were visibly damaged immediately. In P. cembra , needle yellowing and defoliation appeared in the next weeks, while reproductive organs damage became evident later during flowering when male flowers were undeveloped and did not pollinate. Frost damage to high-elevation vegetation can disrupt plant growth, competition, and food chains, especially when phenological advances outpace the retreat of late spring frosts.

This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of selected heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in two moss species (Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt and Polytrichum formosum (Hedw.)) and European blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) in a mountainous area of southern Poland, including the Sądecki Beskids, near the border with Slovakia. A cable car runs to the summit of Jaworzyna Krynicka (1,114 m), a health resort and a popular tourist and skiing region in Poland. The study also assessed the ability of three plant species to reflect heavy metal deposition. The obtained values provide both an initial reference for the region and an assessment of potential anthropogenic contamination. Comparative analysis with published soil data from the same region indicates that the levels of all tested metals, except cadmium and lead, largely reflect the natural geochemical background, while elevated concentrations of lead and cadmium may indicate anthropogenic sources of these metals in the Jaworzyna Krynicka area. All of the plant species studied accumulated major amounts of zinc in the region of highest altitude (1,100 m above sea level), expressed in µg/g: 77.4 for Pleurozium schreberi; 67.5 for Polytrichum formosum and 53.6 for Vaccinium myrtillus), while cadmium [µg/g] was the lowest (0.99; 0.91 and 0.34, respectively). These findings broaden the perspective compared to previous studies as they include mountainous areas and plants that are rarely selected for study. The results of the study prescribe measures to monitor heavy metal concentrations in plants and soils of environmentally valuable areas.

Abstract Although rarely assessed, small‐scale heterogeneity in soil nutrient availability is suggested to be an important factor determining intraspecific variation in below‐ground plant resource acquisition strategies. We tested how increased resource availability and its small‐scale (0.25 m 2 ) spatial heterogeneity affect the nutrient acquisition strategy of Vaccinium myrtillus , a dominant ericoid shrub species in the forest understorey, by quantifying intraspecific root trait variation in an extensive set of root traits associated with nutrient acquisition. We hypothesized that increased nutrient availability would constrain the expression of traits that enhance nutrient acquisition, whereas spatial nutrient heterogeneity would promote a diversity of root trait values. Over 3 years, we applied spatially homogeneous and heterogeneous fertilization treatments (subplots of 6.25 m 2 in 10 sites of 1 ha) in a temperate forest in the Southern Black Forest (Germany). After 3 years, rooting units of Vaccinium myrtillus were sampled, and nine traits representing complementary aspects of nutrient uptake strategies were quantified, including aspects of root morphology, architecture and mycorrhizal association. Increased nutrient availability induced intraspecific trait adjustments: specific root length and mycorrhizal colonization were reduced, whereas root diameter, tissue density and branching intensity increased, suggesting a shift in plant investment strategies for nutrient acquisition. Heterogeneous nutrient availability did not increase trait variability, except for root phosphatase activity, indicating a more variable investment in phosphate extraction from organic matter. Overall, intraspecific trait variation was structured along the two main axes proposed by the interspecific root economics space. However, when additional traits tightly linked to nutrient acquisition were included, these formed independent axes of variation, suggesting that the root economics space only partially represents intraspecific adjustments relevant to soil resource acquisition. Synthesis . This study shows that intraspecific root traits respond to small‐scale changes in nutrient availability and are constrained along similar axes as global interspecific variation, extending the validity of the root economics space to the intraspecific level. However, in support to recent claims at the interspecific level, traits strongly conceptually tied to resource acquisition deviate from the root economics space, emphasizing the need to further explore the multiple ecological dimensions of plant nutrient acquisition.

ABSTRACT The phyllosphere microbiome plays a crucial role in plant adaptation to environmental conditions, yet little is known about its variation across climate extremes. We profiled leaf-associated (epiphytic + endophytic) microbial communities of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) from temperate (Jena, Germany) and Arctic (Tromsø, Norway) sites using shotgun metagenomics. Taxonomic and functional profiles revealed region-associated differences alongside a shared core microbiome. While alpha diversity did not differ significantly, ordination suggested a trend toward trend-associated compositional differences. Trait summaries indicated that taxa enriched in Tromsø commonly carried features linked to cold and oxidative-stress resilience, whereas Jena-enriched taxa tended toward faster growth and facultative metabolism. Despite the limited sample size and one site per region, these patterns are consistent with environment-associated filtering of phyllosphere communities. Our findings provide a descriptive baseline for targeted, hypothesis-driven tests of microbial functions relevant to plant resilience under shifting climates and suggest that V. myrtillus has potential as a model for studying climate-microbiome interactions in perennial plants.

Introduction. In the pharmaceutical practice we may use not only pharmacopoeial plant material as source of biological active compounds, but also plant material from closely related species. Fruits of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L., endemic of North Caucasus, may be used as source of substances for preventive therapy of glaucoma and diabetes with Vaccinium myrtillus L. fruits. Primary and additional source of plant biological active compounds must be subject to authentication assessment. At the same time, the regulatory document indicates the distinctive and similar external and microscopic characteristics of the types of raw materials acceptable for collection. The aim of investigation. Description of the main diagnostic external and microscopic characteristics of Vaccinium arctostaphylos fruits compared to Vaccinium myrtillus fruits, which should be find during authentication assessment. Material and methods. We investigated air-dried fruits of two blueberries species, which were collected during fruiting. We used light microscopy. Results. The main external characteristics of V. arctostaphylos fruits unlike V. myrtillus fruits are larger sizes, elongated berries, there are remains of the calyx in the form of a protruding ring rim. Specific microscopic characteristics are not detected except in addition to more calcium oxalate drusen, as well as cells with calcium oxalate sand along the vascular bundles. Conclusion. We investigated external and microscopic characteristics of V. arctostaphylos and V. myrtillus fruits. These results may be included in the regulatory document “Vaccinium myrtillus and V. arctostaphylos fruits” after comparative phytochemical analysis.

Fruit quality of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) in boreal forests: Effects of forest stand, understorey, and soil characteristics

Recent progress in understanding the regulation of fruit ripening in bilberry ( <i>Vaccinium myrtillus</i> )

This study aims to investigate the long-term effects of multiple concussions on physical function and oxidative stress, as well as the potential protective effects of a novel phytoceutical product (CONKA1) on ageing and brain health of Drosophila melanogaster. Adult female D. melanogaster flies were exposed to repeated concussive events using a high-impact trauma (HIT) device. The effects of these impacts were assessed on lifespan, motor activity, and levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in both the brain and body. The flies were administered a multicomponent supplement (CONKA1), comprising Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, Melissa officinalis, Rhodiola rosea, and Vaccinium myrtillus, and outcomes were compared to untreated controls. CONKA1 improved the lifespan and motor activity and reduced oxidative stress in ageing flies. Repetitive concussion hits significantly increased long-term mobility deficits, shortened lifespan, and exacerbated oxidative stress in both the brain and body, above and beyond normal ageing. CONKA1 demonstrated mitigation of extra motor deficits, reduced lifespan, and exacerbated oxidative stress in both the brain and body of the flies. The findings validate that D. melanogaster is a suitable system to mimic the effects of repetitive concussions and evaluate the effects of novel health products.

Abstract Climate change is expected to lead to faster development times in herbivorous insects, but precise predictions are challenging because excessive dry weather may offset benefits and host plants may respond in different ways. Conflicting evidence from many laboratory studies suggest that water stress may enhance or lower plant nutritional quality and palatability, but few studies expose both trophic levels to stressful conditions. We investigated the egg‐laying preferences and larval performance of the green hairstreak butterfly ( Callophrys rubi ) at two elevations of a boreal forest in Western Norway during an unusually warm and dry spring, and under artificially warmed conditions. Observations of egg‐laying in field cages suggested that adults initially preferred to oviposit on the early flowering bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus ) and switched to lingonberry ( V. vitis‐idaea ) when it began to flower later in the season. However, larvae restricted to plant species by mesh bags performed poorly on the early season host bilberry, particularly under the most stressful conditions at the lowest elevation during a moderate drought. Conversely, larvae performed consistently better on the later host lingonberry throughout the season and at both elevations. Under artificially elevated temperatures, larvae performed poorly at the low elevation site generally, suggesting that the benefits of warming to herbivores are limited under moderate drought conditions. These results suggest that an adult preference for bilberry early in the season may result in high mortality and poor fitness in warm and dry years, but host‐switching behaviour later in the season is likely to enable persistence. We discuss the implications of these findings for future warming conditions and suggest that more frequent drought conditions may select for later emergence and a preference for lingonberry.

A combined plant sociological and vegetation historical investigation of a semi-natural coastal heathland in the mid-north boreal transition zone of northern Norway is presented. The site is at the northern limit of the EU-protected anthropogenic Atlantic coastal heath complex. This study documents woodland clearing and grazing as the main regulating anthropogenic impact, forming the vegetation of the heathland and confirms the status as a semi-natural ecosystem. Detailed survey of flora and soil parameters in permanent plots was performed in 1993 and 1994, following a stratified random sampling design. Analysis of grazed and ungrazed parallels after enclosure from sheep grazing in 1991, did not render significant results related to grazing impact. The results from this study may thus be a base for future monitoring of the heathland. The heathland is classified as a Vaccinium myrtillus / Empetrum nigrum -heath with two main units; Alchemilla alpina / Anthoxanthum odoratum - and Calluna vulgaris / Cladonia arbuscula -type. A central minerotrophic mire under ombrotrophy development is classified in a Tricophorum - and a Carex rostrata -type with hummocks containing dwarf shrubs and shrubs. Pollen analysis of this mire reveals an incipient possibly anthropogenic, opening of the local birch woodland from c. 2500 cal. BP. Clearing of birch woodland and intensified grazing 1500–1400 cal. BP imposed erosion and a hydrological change in the mire. The heathland has remained open until modern time, with a period of regrowth c. 750–350 cal. BP, in the aftermath of the Black Death. The anthropogenic influence is compliant with other archaeological and palaeoecological studies from the region.

Wild blueberry fruit is well known for its various benefits for human health. Inter alia, blueberries are rich in various macro- and micro-elements. In this work is a multi-elemental analysis of wild blueberry fruit samples that originate from Gorski Kotar region in the Republic of Croatia. Twenty-six elements (metals, metalloids and non-metals) were quantified by means of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after microwave-assisted acidic digestion of the fruit samples. The results reveal that blueberry fruits from Gorski Kotar are generally safe for normal daily (100g per day) human consumption in terms of toxic element contents. In terms of macro-nutrients (Ca, K, Mg, P and S), the investigated blueberry fruit can be a valuable source of them. With regard to content of Na, it should be noted that this element was present in low mass fractions in the tested fruit that can be considered a positive characteristic due to general excessive exposure of humans to Na, which is known to pose risks to cardio-vascular health. Also, the samples of the soil where the fruits were harvested have been tested, too. The results show that most of the samples are not overload with toxic metal(loid)s. A few exceptions have been found in the sampling points that are exposed to human activities, such as traffic.

ABSTRACTAimIntraindividual trait variability (iITV), which is the variability among repeated architectural units within an individual, may represent a crucial dimension of functional diversity in plant eco‐evolutionary dynamics. Although inter‐ and intraspecific trait variability have been widely studied, the extent of iITV remains largely overlooked. Since iITV might be especially relevant in long‐lived clonal plants, we investigated sources of trait variability (species, site, clone, ramet, leaf) in tundra clonal dwarf shrubs, particularly focusing on iITV and its potential drivers.LocationEurope.Time PeriodJuly 2019 to September 2020.Major Taxa StudiedClonal dwarf shrubs.MethodsWe sampled four widespread boreo‐alpine clonal dwarf shrub species (Dryas octopetala, Empetrum hermaphroditum, Vaccinium myrtillus and Vaccinium uliginosum) along elevation gradients in the Pyrenees and along a latitude gradient in Europe. At each site, we selected four clones per species and sampled five ramets per clone. We measured size‐architectural traits in each ramet and leaf traits in five leaves per ramet. We quantified interspecific, intraspecific and iITV, investigated the relationship between iITV and both climate and clone structural variables, and compared sampling protocols either accounting for or ignoring iITV.ResultsAlthough interspecific trait variability was substantial, we found large proportions of iITV within species. Size‐architectural traits showed larger iITV (up to 100% of ITV), but leaf traits also showed remarkable values (up to 77%). Our results showed that iITV increased with mean annual temperature for specific leaf area. However, climate and clone structural variables were not predictive for iITV for any other trait.ConclusionsOur quantification of iITV in clonal dwarf shrubs evidences the importance of this source of variability and its potential ecological implications and emphasises the need to integrate it in sampling protocols, both to avoid bias in comparative studies and improve the predictive capacity of trait‐based approaches in population and community ecology.

Optimizing ultrasound-assisted extraction for enhanced yield of bioactive compounds from Vaccinum myrtillus and Rubus idaeus bioresidues

Vaccinium uliginosum (bog bilberry) is widely consumed in North America and Asia but has been historically avoided in many parts of Europe due to its alleged poisonous effects. We aimed to address this discrepancy in a systematic way with a combined phytochemical and ethnopharmacological approach, using UHPLC and UHPSFC for the chemical analysis, model organisms Caenorhabditis elegans and human liver cells GFP-Huh-7 for the bioactivity and toxicity testing, as well as fermentation experiments. Phytochemical analysis revealed minimal differences in the metabolite pattern between European and North American samples, with no evidence of toxic alkaloids or harmful secondary metabolites. Extracts exhibited no strongly toxic effects in the tested concentrations, neither in vitro (cell viability) nor in vivo (C. elegans). Berries infected by Monilinia megalospora showed altered flavonoid and anthocyanin contents but no increased toxicity. Notably, bog bilberries demonstrated a fermentation potential superior to Vaccinium myrtillus, resulting in an alcohol content of 4.8–5.8% ABV in unsweetened juices, thus potentially explaining historical accounts of inebriation. In conclusion, direct toxicity derived from these fruits is unlikely, but the alcohol content due to fruit fermentation is a plausible explanation for the folklore names (“drunk, inebriating berry”). However, additional factors such as human error, individual intolerance, or endophytic activity need to be considered.