This word aimed to evaluate the acclimatization and growth of micropropagated blueberry plants (Vaccinium ashei) cv. Climax according substrate and plastic covering, from April to December 2008. Three substrates (carbonized rice hull + Húmus Fértil®, Plantmax® + vermiculite and soil + young saw of Pinus) and two covering systems (with or without plastic covering on plants) were used. Plants were put into plastic bags with the respective substrates and covering systems and then located in greenhouse at controlled temperature during 30 days. Following this, they were located in non-controlled environmental for 60 days, so then transferred to a nethouse. After 30 days, it was measured the surviving percentage and the increment of plant height. At the experiment conclusion fresh and dry weigth of aerial part and root of the plants were measured. The surviving percentage of blueberry plants in Plantmax® + vermiculite did not show difference when comparing the use or non-use of plastic covering. The use of plastic covering was not efficient to increase plant height when using the substrates Plantmax® + vermiculite and soil + young saw. Higher dry weigth of aerial part was obtained by using Plantmax® + vermiculite without plastic covering on plants. Plantmax® + vermiculite with or without plastic covering promoted more dry weight of root than other substrates independent covering; however, Plantmax® + vermiculite without plastic covering is superior to Plantmax® + vermiculite with no covering. According results, the best substrate and covering system to the acclimatization and growth of blueberry plants 'Climax' are Plantmax® + vermiculite without plastic covering.
Greenhouse; tissue culture; plastic covering; micropropagation; Vaccinium ashei
