Investigation of the possibilities of using bioreactors in in vitro propagation of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

Blueberry, known for its powerful antioxidants, is increasingly valued due to its applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, as well as its recent use as an ornamental plant and in various other fields. This thesis aims to optimize the in vitro clonal propagation system of blueberries, specifically the O'Neal and Misty varieties, and to increase the multiplication rate and rooting percentage using a novel tissue culture technique known as Temporary Immersion System (TIS) bioreactors. The experiments began with traditional tissue culture techniques, and both multiplication and rooting stages were completed using the TIS bioreactor. In the initial multiplication phase, two varieties (O'Neal and Misty) were used with four basic nutrient media (MS, DKW, WPM, and AN), two types of BAP (Zeatin and 2-IP), and four pH levels (4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 5.7, and 6.0). Parameters such as the number of shoots per explant, shoot length, and number of nodes were recorded and analyzed. Additionally, in the classical method, a mixture of DKW and WPM nutrient media in equal proportions yielded high values for both varieties. Results from the TIS system, using 2 mg/L zeatin in DKW at pH 5.0, were compared with those from agar media. For the O'Neal variety, the number of shoots per explant was 1.72 in agar and 5.74 in TIS, while for the Misty variety, it was 0.87 in agar and 2.79 in TIS. In the rooting phase, the most effective result was obtained with TIS-propagated plants rooted in TIS using ½ DKW medium containing 0.8 mg/L IBA and 30 g/L sucrose at pH 5.0, which achieved a 74% rooting percentage. The study demonstrates that the novel bioreactor system provides more favorable results compared to agar media in terms of high propagation capacity and healthy shoot production in the in vitro multiplication of blueberries.