ARS | Publication request: Bottle biology: Making cranberry cutting tubbe necklaces

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 12, 2012
Publication Date: July 7, 2012
Citation: Zalapa, J.E., Gustin, E.S., Steffan, S.A., Harbut, R., Bryan, T., Fajardo, D., Williams, P., Trumble, H. 2012. Bottle biology: Making cranberry cutting tubbe necklaces [abstract]. Botany 2012 - The Next Generation. Paper No. 1059.

Technical Abstract: The American cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait., is an evergreen groundcover plant native to North America and a member of the Ericaceae family. Along with the lowbush blueberry and grape, cranberry is among the only American native fruit species. The delicious tangy cranberry is associated with health benefits due to its abundant phytochemicals, including vitamin C, manganese, and anti-oxidants. Cranberries are a major cash crop for the state of Wisconsin with $350 million in crop value for 2009. In the same year, Wisconsin produced 47% of the total U.S. cranberry production. Cranberries plants have two main above ground vegetative components, runners also called rhizomes and uprights. Runners trail the ground and help the plant spread up to a meter every year. Uprights are born on the runners in the second and third year and bear the flowers and fruit. The root systems of cranberries are adapted to acidic soils and able to withstand long periods under water, which makes cranberries a perfect wetland species. The root systems of cranberries depend on mycorrhizal associations to absorb nutrients. This hands-on activity helps students see, touch, smell, and taste cranberries while learning about their growth habit and how to grow this iconic American plant species.