This project compared tissue culture and softwood cuttings as methods to fast-track the propagation of a new blackcurrant selection for commercial use.

Summary of key outcomes

• Tissue culture is feasible for blackcurrants, but requires special skills
• Softwood cuttings require less skill, are cheaper to produce, and give a better multiplication rate in the first 18 months than tissue culture
• The successful TC methodology was developed and will be held in confidence, should the industry require tissue cultured blackcurrants in the future
• The softwood cutting schedule and procedure is available for use by any commercial propagator
• Through the project, 200 Dobson parent plants have been produced and are available as motherstock

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