In vitro propagation of cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus)

The purpose of this study was to establish conditions for micropropagation of cloudberry ( Rubus chamaemorus L.). Cultures were initiated from meristem cultures. When cultures were subcultured from clusters of 3 - 5 shoots, approximately 70 and 50 shoots were produced per cluster within 6 weeks at 8.9 mu M BAP for the female cv. Fjellgull and the male cv. Apollen, respectively. Addition of 5.5 mu M GA(3) reduced the number of shoots. Auxins ( IBA, NAA) promoted root development in vitro, but inhibited formation of new shoots. However, as much as 85% of shoots rooted without auxin treatment when planted in a peat: sand ( 80: 20 v/ v) mixture. Some of the male plants regenerated from shoot tip cultures flowered in the greenhouse within a year after transfer to soil.