Juneberry (Amelanchier Alnifolia) Micropropagation and Cultivar Evaluation in North Dakota

Abstract

A growth chamber experiment was carried out for ten weeks to reduce post-rooting dormancy in juneberry micropropagation. An RCBD with a split plot arrangement and three replicates were used. Plantlets subjected to 750 mg/L GA, 100 mg/L BA, and 250 mg/L GA + 100 mg/L BA recorded the greatest leaf number. Pre-rooted ‘Thiessen’ plantlets recorded the greatest biomass (fresh and dry weight) and root volume.

In a second study, a cultivar evaluation was conducted in Absaraka, ND, where ten juneberry cultivars and a native biotype planted were evaluated for plant and fruit characteristics. An RCBD with four replicates was used. The high yielding cultivars for total yield were ‘Thiessen’, ‘Martin’, ‘Parkhill’, ‘Pembina’, ‘Regent’ and Native. ‘Thiessen’, ‘Martin’, and ‘Parkhill’ maintained a significant higher marketable yield. ‘Thiessen’, ‘Regent’, ‘Martin’, ‘Parkhill’ and ‘Northline’ had the largest fruits, while ‘Thiessen’ and ‘Martin’ fruit had the greatest mass.