Influence of Mycorrhizal Fungi on the Rooting of Stem and Stolon Cuttings of the Colombian Blueberry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz)

Abstract

The Colombian blueberry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) is a promissory crop for the Andean Region of South America, and the absence of a suitable propagation protocol presents a difficulty introducing it into commercial production. This research was undertaken in order to evaluate the effect of mycorrhizal fungi on rhizogenesis of stem and stolon cuttings of the Colombian blueberry. The highest rooting percentages (up to 73.3%) were observed at day 60 on stem cuttings treated with 200 mg −1 4-indole-3yl-butyric acid or napthtalene-acetic acid in mycorrhiza-free substrate. The presence of mycorrhizas in substrate increased cutting viability up to 95%, but reduced percentage rooting, root number, and root length on stem cuttings of the Colombian blueberry. Treating stem cuttings with 200–400 mg −1 4-indole-3yl-butyric acid or napthtalene-acetic acid diminished the effects of fungi on root formation. The use of stolon cuttings for vegetative propagation of the Colombian blueberry had low practical applicability. The results of the study might further serve to establish the optimal substrate conditions and cutting source for vegetative propagation of the Colombian blueberry in commercial culture.