#auxin

Blueberries are terrestrial shrubs and are economically important crop in many countries, however, increasing the production area of the fruit is limited by the availability of nursery quality. The multiplication of blueberries is mostly done through cuttings to preserve the genetic characteristics. This research aimed to find out the best level and application method of Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) to mini-cuttings of rabbit eye blueberry ‘Woodard’ (Vaccinium ashei). The experiment was carried out in two consecutive seasons, autumn from May 2015 to August 2015 and spring from October 2015 to January2016 using complete randomized design with 5 replications. The treatments included IBA application using quick dip method with concentrations 0; 1000; 2000 and 3000 mg.L-1 and IBA powder application method with the same concentrations. After 90 days, rooting parentage, cutting survival, number of roots per cutting, length of major roots per cutting, fresh and dry weight of roots per cutting was recorded. Major rooting parameters including rooting percentage, major roots per cutting, fresh and dry root weigh were recorded significantly higher in IBA treated mini-cutting at the level of 3000 mg. L-1. While among method of application for treating cuttings with IBA, powder application was recorded with significantly higher values among all the studied parameters. IBA at the rate of 3000 mg. L-1 is superior in terms of rooting response, while powder application can be more effective instead of liquid quick-dip method for rooting of this blueberry cultivar.