Micropropagation of Juvenile and Adult Flowering Ash

Abstract

A protocol for in vitro propagation in flowering ash (Fraxinus ornus L.) has been developed. Shoot apices or nodal segments from aseptically grown seedings or shoot apices from adult trees were used as initial explants. Highest shoot multiplication rates were obtained when the explants were cultured for 30 days in liquid Rugini induction medium supplemented with BA followed by 30 days on solidified Rugini multiplication medium without growth regulators. Regenerated shoots were rooted on Heller medium containing auxins alone or in combination with BA. Rooting percentages up to 71% (juvenile material) or 50% (adult material) were obtained in the presence of NAA and BA, and were not improved by treating the basal end of the shoots with concentrated NAA solutions. Following conventional procedures, regenerated plants were transferred to soil with more than 80% success. Chemical names used: N-(phenylmethyl)-1H-purin-6-amine (BA); 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).