Innovative Method of Stimulating Vegetative Propagation of Large Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) Using New...

Large-fruited cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) is a species known for its highly valued fruit and is typically propagated vegetatively through the rooting of stem cuttings. Studies on the rooting of stem cuttings of large-fruited cranberry have shown that the morphological traits of the root system are a key indicator of the effectiveness of this process. To support rooting, gel coatings based on polysaccharides and containing auxins, especially the indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) W4 variant, were developed and applied. These significantly influenced root length (increase of 44.6% compared to control W0), surface area (increase of 32.4% compared to W0), volume (increase of 26.7% compared to W0), and average thickness, which translated into better nutrient uptake and a higher degree of plant nourishment. The W4 coating, combining mineral components, polysaccharides, and IBA, reduced transpiration and maintained moisture, promoting effective rooting. The associated metabolic changes were confirmed by analyses of oxidative stress markers and chlorophyll fluorescence. The study demonstrated that enhanced root system development was closely linked with the increased accumulation of macro- and micronutrients in the aerial parts of the plants, directly contributing to improved growth and potential yield. These findings highlight that effective rooting-achieved through the targeted metabolic stabilisation of the rooting environment-is essential for the successful vegetative propagation of large-fruited cranberry.