In vitro propagation of HS314 rootstock (Prunus amygdalus × P. persica)

Abstract

A micropropagation protocol was developed for the HS314 rootstock, a hybridbetween almond and peach that could be used as an alternative rootstock instead ofGF677. Surface-sterilized nodal segments were cultured in a modified DKW mediumcontaining 3% sucrose, 100 mg·L-1 of Phloroglucinol, 0.7% plant agar, and 0.5 mg·L-1benzyl amino purine (BAP). Explants were transferred to the same culture mediasupplemented with 0.5, 1, or 2 mg·L-1 BAP and 0, 0.1, or 0.5 mg·L-1 indole butyric acid(IBA) for further shoot proliferation. The maximum number of shoots produced ona medium containing 2 mg·L-1 BAP. Microshoots were transferred to the DKW mediumsupplemented with 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 mg·L-1 IBA or naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for rootinduction. The highest root number and the greatest root length were gained on amedium containing 2 mg·L-1 IBA. Rooting percentage was improved from 66% to morethan 85% by reducing the concentration of DKW salts to half strength. Finally, rootedplantlets were successfully acclimatized and transferred in vivo conditions.