2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Small fruit crops including the species in genera Vaccinium (blueberry, cranberry and lingonberry; Ericaceae), Fragaria (strawberry; Rosaceae), and Rubus (brambles: raspberry and blackberry; Rosaceae) are healthy fruits that have anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-ulcer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Although substantial improvement in small fruit micropropagation has been achieved in temporary immersion and stationary bioreactor systems, somaclonal variation (genetic and epigenetic) are an important concern in commercial production. Both bioreactor systems are efficient in small fruit micropropagation, although the use of Growtek bioreactors are more cost effective. This presentation deals with in depth discussion of various bioreactor micropropagation systems, molecular markers to verify clonal fidelity, and morphological, biochemical, and genetic/epigenetic variations in small fruit micropropagules. The possible role of epigenetic variation in small fruit crop production has also been described.