MICROPROPAGATION OF SOME NEW PEACH ROOTSTOCKS

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted in 2011 and 2012 seasons on two newly introduced peach rootstocks, namely Garnem and Cadaman (which are widely used in Europe) in addition to the wellknown Nemaguard peach rootstock for comparison. The aim of this study is to optimize tissue culture protocol for propagation of the rootstocks under study. Results indicated that Nodal cuttings were better than shoot-tips in regard to aseptic culture (without contamination after 10 days) during establishment stage. However after one month, the three rootstocks gave rise to 100% survival percentage. Meanwhile number of leaves on Nemaguard rootstock was significantly the greatest. During proliferation stage, Garnem produced the highest shoot number, while Cadaman rootstock produced significantly the lowest shoot number. Regarding the effect of BA supplementation, it was found that BA at 2.0 ml/l resulted in the longest shoots. During rooting stage, 2.0 mg/l GA3 significantly gave the longest shoots. At root formation, there were no significant differences between the 3 rootstocks concerning root number , rooting percentage and root length. 0.1 mg/l IBA incorporated in half MS medium strength gave the highest significant values for the same traits. During acclimatization stage, Garnem rootstock achieved the highest significant survival ratio, while half strength Murashige and skoog (MS) medium resulted in better survival ratio, plant height and number of leaves. Sand + peat moss potting mixture achieved better survival ratio, plant height and number of leaves than Sand + Vermiculite. Protein banding patterns profile data proved the presence of band with molecular weight 20.094 k Da in Garnem rootstock, which may be responsible for high number of shoots and survival ratio. This band was absent in other rootstocks.