In vitro propagation of important rootstocks of apple for rapid cloning and improvement

Abstract

Micropropagation of apple rootstocks has played an indispensable role in cloning and multiplication of cultivars possessing desired characters such as early maturity, shortened height, etc. It has further added to a dimension of research in apple by providing season-independent multiplication of disease-free rootstocks. Subsequently many studies were conducted to optimize in vitro propagation of selected apple rootstocks with the aim of rapid cloning of disease-free planting material for grafting and also to undertake trait-specific modifications of selected rootstocks to enhance their potential. Work has also been conducted for development of regeneration protocol through shoot organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. Some studies on development of genetic transformation protocols of selected rootstocks and modification of some important traits has also been reviewed in this article.