Development of a germination protocol for blueberry seeds (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz)

The blueberry is a plant with potential for national and international markets because its fruits have food and medicinal uses and it is an important source of sugars, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. We developed a germination protocol of blueberry seeds, morphologically characterized the seeds, and assessed germination in vitro in four culture media (MS 1/3, 1/8 y 1/16 and distilled water) and ground mulch for ex vitro germination, taking into account: light conditions, temperature, seed storage periods and fruit ripening stage. We also assessed the hardening of the seedlings germinated in vitro in substrates with and without ground mulch. Our results showed fruits with little seeds with 1.27±0.11 mm for length and 0.784±0.08 mm for width; and big seeds with 1.61±0.14 mm for length and 1.03±0.10 mm for width. The optimal conditions for seed germination were: in vitro culture using distilled water, continuous light and a temperature of 18±2°C, using stored seeds of a period less than one week from ripe fruits. The hardening and development of the seedlings was better using ground mulch.

Source photographic Figs. 1-3: Castro, C., Y. Olarte, L. Rache, and J. Pacheco.