The comparative morpho-anatomical study of new cultivars and some species of blackberry

Abstract

Abstract. The morphological and anatomical characteristics of sp. Rubus fruticosus L., R. laciniatus and new cultivars of blackberry (Thornless Evergreen, Thornfree, Arapaho, Chester), multiplied by in vitro micro-technologies in the Laboratory of Embryology and Biotechnology of the Botanical Garden (I) of Academy of Sciences of Moldova, planted in the greenhouse and in the field, were studied. The morpho-technological analysis was performed based on characteristics like: stem position and viability; period of maturation and fruit firmness; plant productivity and adaptability. The study was carried out on a complex of anatomical indices: cuticle type, size, degree of packing of cells, types of trichomes and their distribution, the presence and the way of distribution of calcium oxalate druses, the correlation index of thickness of the upper/lower epidermis, epidermis/mesophyll, leaf/mesophyll. The screening of results has highlighted the morphological and anatomical characteristics of the studied taxa and of those with adaptive characteristics that are suitable to the soil and the climate of the Republic of Moldova, which may provide support for the development of strategies of management of blackberry plantations in our country on more extensive areas.