Can I use my clones?

[Alaskan1]

I have/had a Bluberry plant that I'm afraid has a very bad case of root rot and we are unable to save it. I took clones from it a week ago before it was completely sick and dying. Will I still be able to use these clones?

 

[nibec]

yes, the issue lies in the old plants roots. cloning would be almost the only wat to save the plant, as long as they are strong enough to root

 

[Alaskan1]

thanks for the reply. I have heard yes and no and there doesn't seem to be a very definitive answer. The clones have been going for a week now and still look really healthy. no roots popping out yet though from the blocks which is normal.

 

[nibec]

they were taken from the mother before they were damaged... so as long as they root. you have success.

 

[Alaskan1]

no, the roots on the plant were damaged when we took the clones. Plant just hadn't gotten around to giving up at that point.

 

[nibec]

i understand this... but the clones have nothing to do with the mothers roots... the clones will make their own.

 

[Alaskan1]

glad to hear this and thank you for the help.

 

[Faultline]

I agree that taking a cutting from a plant that has root rot can be cloned successfully. Keep in mind that the clone will have the same genetics as its mother. So if the mother is genetically susceptible to root rot, so will the clone.

 

[nibec]

Indeed. But if the root rot was your mistake.. Then the clones shouldnt be an issue

 

[Alaskan1]

I'm so new at this it's hard to tell who's at fault. Me or the plant. I know my other 3 plants have very healthy looking root systems. But, they are different strains.
Again, I appreciate all your help.

 

[nibec]

well, if you are in soil, try to let the soil dry up a bit more before watering, and if you are in hydro, try to lower your res temps, and or get a little more areation into your water. and you should be fine.

 

[Alaskan1]

we started out with bubbler buckets but have upgraded to a ebb and flow system. we are going to start our new clones in the ebb system soon and put the blueberry clones in the bubbler buckets with some preventive additives to help with stopping the rot before it starts.