In vitro Conservation Technique for Russian Citrus limon

Abstract

In vitro storage conditions of Citrus limon (L.) Burm. cv. Novoafonsky were developed in this study. Three explants were used: nodal regenerants, seedlings, and micrografted plants. The results obtained in present investigation confirmed that slow growth maintenance of lemon microplants on ½ MS medium allows to store micro-grafted plants and seedlings for 8 and 12 months, respectively, without subculturing. It was also noted that low temperature +10 ± 2 °C and light intensity of 1,000 lux maintain seedlings till 12 months and micrografted plants till 8 months on ½ MS medium. The decrease of chlorophyll and carotenoids in leaves was observed during the storage of microplants. It was observed that low temperature and low light intensity were better for the preservation of the photosynthetic apparatus and accumulation of photosynthates in the leaves of lemon regenerants, thereby maintaining a high level of their viability. Thus, the best treatment for in vitro conservation was micrografted plants on ½ MS media in temperature +10 ± 2 °C and light intensity of 1,000 lux.