MICROCLONAL PROPAGATION OF THE VARIETIES OF HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY Vaccinium corymbosum L

The aim of the work was to determine optimal conditions for clonal reproduction, growth and development of different varieties of Vaccinium corymbosum from the foreign selection. The objects of research were 5 varieties of highbush blueberry: Bluejay, of early ripening period; Bluecrop, Bluegold, Legacy, of average ripening; Aurora, of late ripening. Optimal conditions of explant surface sterilization have been selected depending on their type and effectiveness of used disinfectants. Maximum quantity of viable sterile regenerates was obtained using the mixture of sterilizing solutions of alcohol and bleach "Belizna" with Tween. Effectiveness of microclonal reproduction depending on the composition of nutrient agar medium with organic compounds on macro- and microsalt basis WPM (Woody Plant Medium) with addition of the growth-regulator of cytokinine action 6- , -Dimethylallylaminopurine (2iP) was evaluated according to regenerative activity of explants and shoots reproduction coefficient. The results of experiments showed that effectiveness of phytohormones action and their concentrations depended on genotype properties of every variety of V. corymbosum. It has been established that the growth activity and shoots multiplications changed depending on the concentration in nutrient medium 2iP. Maximum values of reproduction coefficient for Bluecrop and Bluegold varieties and shoots height were determined on the medium with 4 mg/l 2iP. For Aurora and Legacy the regenerative ability was the highest with concentration 8 mg/l 2iP and for Bluejay, 10 mg/l 2iP.