In vitro production and propagation of Fragaria vesca x Potentilla fruticosa hybrids

Abstract

Intergeneric Fragaria vesca x Potentilla fruticosa hybrids were produced using in vitro culture. Hybrid plants were not obtained by direct embryo rescue, but were regenerated from cotyledon-derived callus. Experiments with F. vesca indicated that using cotyledon halves was not more productive than using entire cotyledons. A polarity was observed in cotyledons and in cotyledon halves, with callus and regenerated shoots produced more frequently from proximal ends. Cotyledons from 17% of hybrid embryos produced callus and regenerated mature plants. The technique enabled rapid multiplication of some embryos, with the production of more than one hybrid plant. In some cases more than 100 shoots were obtained from one embryo, demonstrating the potential usefulness of this technique for the production of intergeneric hybrids.