Softwood cuttings are currently the preferred method of commercial propagation for blueberries in New Zealand. These cuttings are taken in November through to March with rooting normally occurring within 6-8 weeks. However, strike rates for highbush and rabbiteye cuttings are inconsistent from year to year, typically varying between 30 and 80%. Variable strike rates of cuttings between trays propagated at the same time are also observed. Health of mother-stock, growth stage of the stock material, and propagation environment all have an influence on successful establishment of young blueberry plants. This study aimed to review methodology used for propagation of blueberries, and to investigate tissue culture as an alternative to conventional propagation techniques. Factors that might limit production rates of young plants were identified and the relative merits of each propagation method are discussed..
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