In Vitro Shoot Induction of Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

The highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) fruits has experienced a substantial rise, largely due to their nutritional and medicinal qualities. Propagation through in vitro culture has been considered the most effective method for a rapid increase of disease-free propagules on a year-round basis. This study was focused on the establishment of a high-efficiency in vitro tissue culture and rapid propagation technology system by using blueberry leaves and nodal segment. The experiment included a comparative analysis of WPM (Woody Plant Medium) with different growth hormones. For callus induction, leaf explants were cultured on WPM enriched with different combinations of BAP(0.0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/l) and/or 2,4-D (1.0, 1,5 and 2,0 mg/l), as well as WPM with Zeatin (ZT) (0.1 to 0.5 mg/l. ) alone. The comparative analysis for callus induction was ranged from 50 to 100 per cent. The formulation of WPM with 0.5 mg/L BAP and 1 mg/L 2,4-D achieved a full callus formation (100 %). For shoot induction, these Calli were transferred to a shoot induction medium provided with BAP (0.0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/l) and/or 2,4-D (1.0, 1,5 and 2,0 mg/l), as well as WPM with Zeatin (ZT) (0.1 to 0.5 mg/l) separately. The nodal explants were also used for the shoot induction by culturing them on WPM provided with ZT (0.1 to 0.5 mg/l). Successful shoot formation (93.3 %) was observed on WPM with ZT at 0.5 mg/l.