Substrates and IBA concentrations on rooting of herbaceous cuttings of blueberry ‘Woodard’

Abstract

Brazil offers great perspectives for the expansion of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) cultivation areas, mainly in family agriculture areas. Among the factors that limit the expansion of this culture is the difficulty to propagate some cultivars. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the use of different substrates and concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA) for blueberry cuttings cvs. Woodard rooting, to optimize seedlings production system. The experimental design was totally randomized in a 3X3 factorial scheme, with five replications of 10 cuttings, and included the following factors: types of substrate (carbonized rice husk, vermiculite medium granules and coconut fiber) and IBA concentrations (0, 1,000 and 2,000 mg L-1). After 150 days, survival percentage was superior for carbonized rice husk, with no influence of IBA concentration. In regards to rooting, the carbonized rice husk and coconut fiber provided better results, being IBA application favorable for this variable. It was concluded that 'Woodard' blueberry can be propagated by herbaceous cuttings, using preferentially carbonized rice husk and application of 1,000 mg L-1 IBA is recommended for rooting of softwood cuttings.