FIELD PERFORMANCE OF IN VITRO-PROPAGATED 'NORTHBLUE' BLUEBERRIES

Propagation method exerted significant influence upon both propagability and field performance of 'Northblue' half-high hybrid blueberries. Tissue culture propagated stock plants produced longer shoots that rooted better when compared to shoots taken from stock plant propagated by leaf-bud cuttings. Fruit yields from in vitro-propagated plants were significantly higher than from cutting-derived plants and this trend continued through three years of harvest. Plants propagated via tissue culture had a bushier growth habit, resulting in a greater number of flower buds and hence better yield. Fruit size and quality was not affected by propagation method.