The effect of sodium nitroprusside on the vegetative development of Aronia melanocarpa [Michx.] Elliot under in vitro conditions

Abstract

Aronia is a berry fruit that has a significant amount of antioxidants. Both sexual and vegetative methods of propagation are available for aronia. Genetic diversity is present in the process of seed propagation. Therefore, clonal propagation techniques such as cuttings, basal shoots, and tissue culture are preferred. Plant tissue culture is a process that offers a high multiplication rate and the ability to produce clean plant material. This study aimed to stimulate the growth of plantlets by introducing several growth-promoting agents into the culture media. Specifically, the effects of a nitric oxide donor SNP (sodium nitroprusside) on the vegetative development of the plants were examined under in vitro conditions. Four distinct concentrations of SNP (0, 100, 200, and 300 µM) were administered to promote vegetative development. The survival rate (%), rooting rate (%), root number (per plantlet), root length (cm), leaf number (per plantlet), shoot length (cm), plant fresh weight (g), and plant dry weight (g) of the plantlets were estimated on the 60th day of growth in the nutrient medium under in vitro conditions. The survival rate was 100% for the applications of SNP at concentrations of 100 µM and 200 µM. The 0 µM treatment had the highest root number, the 100 µM treatment had the longest root, and the 200 µM treatment had the highest values for shoot length. The 0 µM treatment provided the highest values for plant fresh weight, while the 0 and 100 µM applications resulted in the highest plant dry weight values. The study suggested that an increased concentration of SNP causes a toxic effect.