Reproduction of blueberry (vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) taxon by cuttings in di̇fferent growing areas

Propagation of Vaccinium taxa is more challenging compared to other fruit taxa, as it requires specific environmental conditions. A working model was developed using the cutting propagation technique, which is widely used in tea blueberry production, with the aim of improving the agricultural production of the Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. taxon, identifying its natural potential, and contributing it to the economy. In this context, semi-hardwood cuttings were collected in August from the Demirkapı Plateau region, located in the İkizdere District of Rize Province. Pruning shears and isolated containers were used during the collection of cuttings. Prior to collection, four different growth media were prepared in a greenhouse environment: 75% perlite + 25% brewed tea waste, 75% peat + 25% brewed tea waste, 100% perlite, and 100% peat. The semi-hardwood cuttings were planted in these media with the application of IBA hormone at specific concentrations (control, 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, and 2000 ppm). At the end of the 90-day plant growth period, the effects on the average number of leaf buds (units), average number of leaves (units), average flush shoot rate (%), average viable cutting rate (%), and average rooting rate (%) were examined. The highest average leaf bud development was observed in the 100% perlite rooting medium with 21 leaf buds under 500 ppm IBA treatment. The best leaf development was achieved in the 100% perlite medium control group, with an average of 16 leaves. The highest average flush shoot rate (new shoot formation) occurred in the 100% perlite medium control group, with a 35% flush rate. The highest average viable cutting rate was observed in the 100% perlite rooting medium control group, with an 82.5% viability rate. Although initially positive results were obtained in all media regarding the development of plant cuttings, by the end of the 90-day plant growth period, only the 100% perlite control medium yielded an average of 10% rooting success. Vaccinium arctostaphylos, which stands out with its aesthetic, functional, and ecological characteristics and possesses medicinal and aromatic value, has been identified as a suitable plant for use in planting design projects and as a landscape design plant for various purposes.