The production of blackberry, a valuable fruit crop, is primarily limited to USDA Zones 5 and higher. However, wild species such as Rubus allegheniensis, R. alumnus, and R. rosa are widespread from Zones 5 through Zone 3a in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Native species are a valuable, untapped genetic resource, which could provide both hardiness for production in colder areas with short growing seasons and resilience to pests, diseases, and climate change for warmer areas. The use of native species for breeding has been limited as little research has been conducted to date. To access the utility of this germplasm, propagation protocols developed for them will need to be established. Because sexual and vegetative propagation requirements for the genus Rubus vary widely depending on taxa and genotype, this research aims to evaluate protocols specific to these species. Canes were collected from 24 northern locations to test rooting of softwood cuttings with either IBA and NAAm auxin treatments in early spring and again in summer. Additional canes were collected from one location to test the rooting of dormant cuttings using IBA and bottom heat to stimulate root growth. Results indicate that the suitability of softwood cuttings for propagation is dependent on the section of the genus, with samples over 30% of samples from section Procumbentes (dewberries) rooting, while sections Arguti, Canadenses, Rubus (highbush blackberries), Setosi (bristleberries), or Ideaobatus (raspberries) all had under 10% rooting rates. In addition, seeds were collected from 5 locations to test germination protocols. Seeds were divided between two stratification treatments(20°C control and a six-month at 4°C). Within those, seeds received either no scarification, physical scarification, 30 minute acid scarification, or 3 hour acid scarification treatments. The 30 minute acid scarified seeds were also divided between a control and aqueous smoke solution treatment. Results from germination tests indicated that long acidic scarification treatments do not result in increased germination at six months.
