Effect of a double phase culture system and activated charcoal on in vitro propagation of Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill.

Abstract

The effectiveness of a double phase (solid/liquid) culture system (DPS) in comparison to a conventional (solid) system (CS) as well as, the role of various concentrations of activated charcoal in both systems on the enhancement of micropropagation of Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill. were investigated. In this study, lateral shoots were used as primary explants and a comparison for shoots regeneration and rooting abilities was assessed between DPS and CS micropropagation systems. Also, the effect of activated charcoal concentration (0, 250, 500, 1000 mg l-­1) during rooting stage was evaluated for both micropropagation systems. All assessed biometric parameters were higher in the DPS propagation system. The addition of activated charcoal induced effectively rhizogenesis in both systems, whereas the highest value of roots length (13.16 cm) was in the DPS system supplemented with activated charcoal at 500 mg l-­1. The DPS culture system represents a promising low-­cost and time­-saving technique which may improve micropropagation efficiency in producing a large quantity of homogenous wild apple plants.