Conservation of Citrus Germplasm in Vitro

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the potential of in vitro techniques for genetic conservation of citrus. A tissue culture system was developed using explants of juvenile `Pineapple' sweet orange. It consisted of: a) establishment of primary cultures from nodal stem segments followed by the recovery of plants in vitro; and b) successive cycles of secondary cultures consisting of the culture of nodal stem segments from in vitro-grown plants, rooting of shoots obtained from nodal stem segments, and recovery of whole plantlets. Two parameters, K and K', based on the multiplication factors of the different stages of primary and secondary cultures are proposed to monitor the system as a potential tool for genetic conservation of citrus. The system also can be successfully used for the conservation of juvenile tissues of two sweet orange varieties [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.], trifoliate orange [Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.], Mexican lime [C. aurantifolia (Christm.) Swing.], and `Eureka' lemon [C. limon (L.) Burro. f.]. Chemical names used: 6-benzylaminopurine (BA); α- naphtbaleneacetic acid (NAA).