Micropropagation of bilberry and lingonberry

• Published in: Acta horticulturae no. 574; pp. 401 - 403
• Main Authors: Jaakola, L, Tolvanen, A, Laine, K, Hohtola, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Society for Horticultural Science 01.01.2002
• Subjects: buds; cytokinins; micropropagation; rooting; shoots; Vaccinium vitis-idaea; zeatin
• ISSN: 0567-7572
• DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2002.574.59

The objective of this research project was to optimize the micropropagation method for natural-grown bilberry and lingonberry material. The emphasis was placed especially on the influence cytokinins and season have on the growth initiation phase and on rooting of microshoots. Buds and shoot tips were cultured on modified MS medium containing 2iP 9.8 - 78.4 μM. Also, zeatin and TDZ were used as growth regulators. Different rooting methods were tested for the microshoots obtained. All three tested cytokinins were effective for the intiation of new growth in both species. Optimal 2iP concentration at the growth initiation stage for bilberry and lingonberry was between 24 μM - 49 μM. Spring was a considerable better time for initiation of new growth in both species. Also, treating the microshoots with 2.07 mM KIBA-solution before planting, was shown to be beneficial for rooting both in bilberry and in lingonberry.